Arduino + Android POV Display

POV Display is a funny and interesting way to display text in space. This is my first Instructables tutorial so IF you have any questions don't hesitate to write them in the comment section below.

Step 1: What You Will Need

To make the POV Display I used :

- An Arduino UNO + Arduino IDE (which you can download from Here ).

- Processing Program : which you can download form Here (If using a computer for the serial communication ).

- An Android Device (If using the Android App for serial communication).

- A Bluetooth Module (almost anyone will do great just check the wiring, mine is "BTBEE PRO HC-05").

- 8 x LEDS with the color of your choice.

- 8 x 220 Ohms resistors.

- 9V DC motor .

- 9V Battery .

All

Step 2: Circuit Diagram

Step 3: Upload Arduino Sketch

The arduino Sketch allows you to control everything from your android device. Just Upload the sketch to the arduino and control everything from your android App.

Step 4: Processing App (Computer Serial Communication)

For everyone that don't know what Processing is:

Processing is a programming language, development environment, and online community.. Since 2001, Processing has promoted software literacy within the visual arts and visual literacy within technology. Initially created to serve as a software sketchbook and to teach computer programming fundamentals within a visual context, Processing evolved into a development tool for professionals. Today, there are tens of thousands of students, artists, designers, researchers, and hobbyists who use Processing for learning, prototyping, and production.

I often use Processing to create applications that allow me to interface whith the Arduino through Serial Communication.

The Processing App allows you to draw any shape of your choice by clicking on the white cases and you will see it appear instantly on your POV Display Even when it is rotating at a HIGH speed.

To use the Processing App you will need to setup bluetooth on your computer.If your bluetooth is already set up you can skip this step. But you will need to change the COM Port in your Processing Sketch to the corresponding port of your bluetooth adapter.

Otherwise , If your computer doesn't have bluetooth integrated within it you will have to buy a bluetooth module or a bluetooth dongle (make sure it is compatible with your Operating System).

Then you will have to pair with the bluetooth module wired with the Arduino by entering the Bluetooth Manager on your computer and clicking on "Add a connection" or something like that then clicking on the corresponding Device.

After you complete the Pairing Step you will have to get the COM Port that is used by the Arduino Bluetooth module when connected to your computer then you open "POV_processing" and under the "Void setup()" function you replace "COM40" with your corresponding COM Port that you already got.

Step 5: Android App (Android Device Serial Communication)

To control the POV Display I programmed an Android application using the Android Studio Development Kit. Although this app can run on almost all Android Devices (Smartphones, Tablets) but cannot run correctly on devices that have under android 4.0 installed.

This app shares the basics with the Processing App but It is more developped and has way more features.

The App allows you to control everything from your device.

I would really appreciate if you rate the App and write your feedback.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ola.user.finalo

Step 6: Thanks for Following !!

Thank you guys for following my project and I wish you click on the Follow Button fot more arduino projects. Also let me know in the comment section below if you have any troubles or questions you would like me to answer them.

Share a picture of your POV Display and let us know if you have some ideas to improve this Project ! ! !