Wall Artistry Machine: Device Designed for Creating Wall Murals
Ready to transform that big, bare wall into a masterpiece? Let's dive into creating a DIY wall drawing plotter, similar to what Nik Ivanov built with his Mural creation.
This project is all about combining hardware components, such as NEMA 17 stepper motors, NodeMCU ESP32, TMC2209 stepper motor drivers, MG90s servo, and washable markers (or any drawing tool of your choice). The ESP32 will serve as the brain of the device, linking every component seamlessly.
Here's a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Design and Planning: Start by sketching out a blueprint of your plotter. Note the size, components, and type of artwork you desire. Then, gather essential components such as the NEMA 17 stepper motors, NodeMCU ESP32, TMC2209 stepper drivers, MG90s servo, power supply, and wires.
- Mechanical Assembly: Build the frame using wood or aluminum to support the moving parts of your plotter. Next, set up the stepper motors to move in both the X and Y axes. Install a belt system to link the motors to the plotter head for precise movement. Integrate the MG90s servo to control the pen lifter.
- Electronic Assembly: Set up the NodeMCU ESP32 and connect it to the power source. Install necessary libraries like WiFi. Connect the TMC2209 drivers to the ESP32 and the stepper motors. Ensure the servo can be controlled via code. Organize the connections using a breadboard.
- Software Development: Use a development environment like Arduino IDE or MicroPython to write code for the ESP32. Write code to control the movement of the stepper motors and the servo. Implement G-code or create a Python script to generate drawing commands. Add WiFi or Bluetooth capabilities for remote control.
- Testing and Calibration: Perform initial tests to ensure that both axes are working correctly. Calibrate the plotter for accurate drawing, adjusting the belt tension and motor speeds as needed. Calibrate the servo to lift and lower the pen at the correct height. Test the device with simple drawings.
- Final Touches: Consider adding an enclosure to protect the electronics and improve aesthetics. Ensure a reliable power supply, and implement safety features like automatic shutdown in case of malfunction.
By following these steps, you can create a functional DIY wall drawing plotter capable of producing intricate artworks. Happy creating!
Remember to ensure proper grounding and power supply to avoid component damage. Use thermal paste if you're using a heatsink for the stepper drivers. Regularly update your software to ensure compatibility with new hardware updates.
Here's a simple example of how you might control the stepper motors and servo using MicroPython on the ESP32:
```pythonimport machineimport time
servo_pin = machine.Pin(12)servo = machine.PWM(servo_pin, freq=50)
def step(axis, direction): # Simulate a step action; actual implementation depends on your driver library print(f"Stepping {axis} in direction {direction}")
def draw_line(x_steps, y_steps): for _ in range(x_steps): step("X", "forward") for _ in range(y_steps): step("Y", "forward")
def lift_pen(): servo.duty(100) # Adjust this value based on your servo's range time.sleep(0.5)
def lower_pen(): servo.duty(50) # Adjust this value based on your servo's range time.sleep(0.5)
lift_pen()draw_line(100, 100)lower_pen()draw_line(200, 0)```
This example provides a basic structure but requires adaptation to your specific setup and library implementations. Good luck, and enjoy the artistic journey!
This DIY wall drawing plotter project allows for open source customization, merging hardware components such as NEMA 17 stepper motors and NodeMCU ESP32 with the lifestyle of home-and-garden enthusiasts and technology enthusiasts alike. By following the given steps from design and planning to final touches, you can create a gadget capable of producing intricate artworks on your wall. With the added features of WiFi control and open-source software development, you'll be able to modify and improve your plotter in accordance with your preferences.
