Reciprocating Rack and Pinion
Learn how to create an automated geared mechanism with hypnotic motion. Use the Adafruit CRICKIT and Circuit Playground Express to make it dance! This is a mechanism for converting rotary motion to linear oscillating motion. The gear appears to bounce back and forth as it continuously rotates. As the wheel spins, the gear turns and oscillates between two tracks. It emits clacks and sloshes sound while in motion creating the sense of white noise. The teeth engage the lower track as it rotates. When it has travels the length of the slot, the teeth clears the end of the track and catches the teeth in the upper part of the track.
Make Robot Friend
Use Microsoft MakeCode to program the motor and use the on-board sensors from the Circuit Playground Express to make an interactive robot. This project was inspired by Ron Walters Reciprocating Rack and Pinion mechanism build.
Hardware
You'll need some extra hardware like machine screws, nuts and threaded inserts to assemble this project. They're linked below, but feel free to source them from your favorite supplier.
Prerequisite Guides
There's resources in these guides that go beyond what's covered in this tutorial. MakeCode guide is all about setting up your Circuit Playground Express board. TheCircuit Playground Express introduction guide walks you through all of the pinouts, sensors and everything you need to know.
Page last edited March 08, 2024
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