The world is mine, the world is yours, the world is ours!

With this project I wanted to embrace the world and illuminate it with many colors

I bought a world map, put it in a frame and made all the major cities of every continent using fiber optics.

Each fiber is controlled independently and transmits the light coming from an RGB LED.

How did I do?

I created a system that I called OpticalShow which consists of a 3D printed plastic mask that interfaces with an 8x8 RGB matrix, with a small hole of 0.75 mm in diameter near each single LED.

The 0.75 optical fiber is inserted into the hole, which transmits the LED light.

I connected n.8 8x8 led matrices.

With the first four I lit up the 256 cities of the world that I chose.

With the remaining four I created an 8x32 display in the lower part of the map, where you can view fixed and scrolling texts.

The animation of the LEDs of the matrixes is performed with a Wemos Mini microcontroller that I programmed using the Arduino IDE application.

While I was making the project, my imagination flew, I dreamed of traveling and visiting all the cities that I lit up one by one.

I dreamed of a world without poverty, without suffering, without war: let's build a world of peace together!

“All we are saying is give peace a chance”

John Lennon

Supplies

Materials.

n.1 World Map. For example: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B000W9VKL2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

n.1 Frame 61 x 91. For example https://www.ikea.com/it/it/p/ribba-cornice-bianco-30301624/

mt.200 Optical fiber diameter 0,75mm: For example: https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B01MQVKDL6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

n.1 Power supply output: 5Vdc 10A. For example: https://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B083QNN7Z7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

n.8 WS2812B 8x8 RGB Led flexible matrix. Suggested:https://it.aliexpress.com/item/1005004868796557.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.4c4e3696EDiMK3&gatewayAdapt=glo2ita

n.8 OpticalShow mask:
You can 3D print yourself (see attached Optical show_00_00.stl)
Or you can buy here: https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/OpticalShow_mask_225f24a0.html

n.1 OpticalShow card composed by:
n.1 PCB: you can download gerber or buy the PCB here: https://www.pcbway.com/project/shareproject/OpticalShow_card_PCB_6144c0a7.html

n.1 Wemos mini board (example) https://www.amazon.it/dp/B08BTYHJM1/ref=twister_B08BTLP517?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
n.fuse holder for 5x20 fuse https://www.digikey.it/it/products/detail/w%C3%BCrth-elektronik/696101000002/7244554
5x20 fuse 0,5 A
n.4 PCB connector 2P 5mm https://www.digikey.it/it/products/detail/on-shore-technology-inc/OSTTC020162/614549
n.1 PCB connector 3p 5mm https://www.digikey.it/it/products/detail/on-shore-technology-inc/OSTTC030162/614550
n.1 push button example https://www.digikey.it/it/products/detail/e-switch/PV5S64011/2116201

n.1 fuse 10A

Cables and terminal for connections

Tools.

Hot glue gun
Vinyl glue
Small Driller (I used a Dremel)
0.75 drill bit
nippers, pliers, screwdrivers, etc

Optical show_00_00.stl
Download View in 3D

Step 1: Remove Frame Transparent Plexiglass

After fixing the map to the frame, remove the transparent plexiglass from the frame.

Step 2: Drill All Cities

Using a small driller with a 0.75mm bit, drill through all 256 cities on the map

Step 3: Drill the 8x32 Matrix Display

In the lower and central part of the map (Ocean over Antarctica) is the 8x32 display which will show scrolling text.

Drill all the pixels of the display, with a 0.5cm pitch between one hole and another.

It is suggested to use a plastic stencyl to mark the points to be drilled (as in the photo)

Step 4: Define OpticalShow Tiles Position

Define the position of the 8 tiles and based on the holes that will illuminate, measure the length of the optical fibers to be applied to the tile.

For the correspondence between the pixels of the card and the relative city of the world to be illuminated, use the files attached to this step.

Step 5: Insert the Pieces of Fiber Into the Holes of the Masks

Insert each single optical fiber into the hole in the card.

Fix with PVA glue.

Leave to dry for 24 hours

Do not use hot glue because it melts the fiber!

Step 6: Insert the Led Matrices Inside the Masks

Insert the 8 matrices in the respective mask

Step 7: Insert All Fibers Into the Holes in the Map

Fix the tiles one at a time in their position with hot glue.

Insert each single optical fiber into the hole of the corresponding city.

Fix all the fibers with PVA glue. Leave to dry for 24 hours.

Step 8: Cut All Fibers at Map Level

Using wire cutters, cut all fibers to the level of the map

Step 9: Reinstall the Frame Plexiglass

Put the plexiglass back on, removing the protective film from both sides

Step 10: Solder the Components to the OpticalShow Board

Solder the components to the OpticalShow PCB.

For the Wemos Mini it is advisable to solder the female dip connectors to the board, in order to be able to extract the Wemos Mini in case of replacement.