Scribbling Machines Instructions

Although we have a similar project in place at Sci-Port, I used the following document for a resource as well (click here)

Objective
Using ordinary materials and simple motors, create a machine that draws a picture on its own.

Materials
Markers (thin or thick)
Brads (i.e., paper fasteners)
Produce Basket
DC Motor (from Radio Shack)
Wires
Wire strippers
Hot Glue Guns
Hot glue sticks
Masking Tape
Etc.

Procedure
1. Using a combination of glue/tape, I attached 3 markers to the basket and made sure it would stand on its own.
2. Attached wires to the leads of the motor and mounted the motor on top of the basket.
3. Attached the ends of the wires to the battery for a test run.
4. Placed brads on the device to make a switch
a. One wire leads from motor lead to one side of the battery
b. One wire goes from other motor lead to a brad.
c. One wire goes from other brad to battery.
d. Connect brads with a third wire. This third wire acts as a switch.
5. Placed a glue stick on the axle of the motor. Once the motor ran, it would spin the glue stick which caused the device to jitter/wobble/shake.
6. Uncap the markers, and let the device draw!

Adjustments
- Originally used tape to mount each component. Then, we came back and used hot glue. However, there are a few things to watch out for with hot glue.
a. You cannot put the tip of the hot glue gun against the battery. This may cause the battery to short out.
b. Sometimes attaching the wires to the hot glue didn't work as well because when drying, the wire would lift up and prevent a secure connection.
- Had to move parts around to keep balance.
- When making the complex scribbling machine, one had to account for the structure of the object. It helped out if one drew out a preliminary design, which I did, but unfortunately can't seem to locate presently.

Ways in which to improve/Insight
- Don't put glue on the axle of the motor!
- Have to be delicate with attaching wires to the motor leads.

Personal thoughts (KEEP IT CLEAN!!!!)
Blah, blah, blah...