Post 10: Progress on Lil’ Storm Lamp

Here’s an update on the happenings around Lil’ Storm Lamp: 

What I’ve Done: 

Ordered LED lights: I’ve sourced LED lights from Amazon that will interact with sound from the bluetooth speaker to create dynamic lighting effects. 

Ordered a sound controller for LED and sound integration: This component is crucial as it will help synchronize the lighting effects with the ambient sound (thunder and other storm-related sounds), making the lamp responsive to its environment. 

Built the first working iteration: I’ve put together the initial version of the lamp, which is a significant milestone as it allows me to see the concept in action and refine the design. 

Power source considerations: Initially, I found that I needed a power source with an output equivalent to or greater than a 110v wall outlet. For the time being, I’ve used a wall socket and cable to power the vase. 

Ordered a suitable power bank: To make the vase more portable and self-contained, I’ve ordered a power bank that meets the power output requirements. It also allows the LEDs to shine as bright as is needed to effectively convey lightning strikes. 

Tested and verified functionality: I’ve tested the setup with the new power bank and confirmed that it works effectively, which is a great relief. 

Addressing overheating issues: After observing that the interior of the lamp gets hot with all the electronics and lights running, I realized that using an LED strip with fewer lights might help reduce the internal temperature. This is important to prevent damage to the electronics. 

Sensor sensitivity issues: I discovered that the sensor was too sensitive to sounds originating from inside the lamp. Initially, I used an external audio source to test and adjust the sensor’s responsiveness. 

Next Steps: 

Adjust the LED setup: To tackle the overheating, I plan to replace the current LED strip with one that has fewer lights. This should help manage the internal temperature more effectively. 

Sound isolation for the sensor: The sensitivity of the sensor to internal sounds suggests a need for better isolation. I’m considering using sound-deadening materials around the sensor to prevent it from picking up unintended noises, ensuring it only reacts to sound above a certain threshold, as intended. 

This project has been a mix of technical challenges and creative problem-solving. Each step brings me closer to realizing my vision for a vase that not only serves as a beautiful piece of decor but also interacts with its surroundings in a meaningful way.