Slinky Machine
I've wanted to build an automatic slinky machine for years, but the custom width/length belt left me stumped--until now. You can make your own custom belt using cardboard and tape; it really works!
Supplies
Cardboard
1" wide Gorilla tape (any sticky, strong duct tape)
Glue
30" Velcro
Misc. 3mm screws
1/2" plywood--12" x 15"
Servo motor (without end stops)
Slinky
3d printed parts
(8) 1/2" wood screws
DC power supply variable (5 volt to 10 volt, 1/2 amp)
Let's start with the belt. Cut (22) 4" x 1" pieces of cardboard. Place them in a straight line, space between each piece, so that the total equals 30".
Add tape on one side, then the other. Create a "belt" by taping the inside together, then the outside. I used about 6" of tape to overlap the joined spot.
Print the 3d pieces. The cylinders take about 8 hours each, so this portion is not fast.
For a metal gear drive motor, easy to attach via servo horn, I modified a "no stop" servo motor.
Start by removing the four screws in the bottom of the case.
Next, cut the two wires from the circuit board that go to the motor.
Cut the three wires from the circuit board to the potentiometer. Remove the circuit board.
Take the two wires from the motor and solder extender leads.
Push the solder connection joints into the cavity of the servo motor housing.
Screw the bottom cover back into place. Set this aside for the moment.
On one of the pulleys, apply tape to match the tape position on the belt you made earlier. This provides a bit more friction for the drive pulley (the 3d printed pulley is somewhat slippery).
Secure an axle to one end of the driven (no tape) pulley.
Add the other axle using 3mm screws.
Press snowmobile bearings in the bearing holders.
Press a bearing in the tall bearing holder.
Secure the motor to the motor bracket using 3mm screws.
Attach an axle to the drive pulley.
Secure the servo horn to the motor axle using 3mm screws.
Attach the servo motor to the motor axle using the servo screw (there is a hole in the axle so that a screwdriver will fit).
Attach the motor axle to the drive pulley using 3mm screws.
Paint the plywood (if desired) and attach the bearing and motor holders using wood screws. Be certain that the belt is reasonably tight (depress less than 1/2 " midway between pulleys).
Add velcro to the belt--it's just a bit too slippery for the slinky without the help.
Make two side supports. The lower piece of cardboard is about 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". The upright piece is 3 1/2" x 7". Glue together at a 90 degree angle--I used 1" x 2" wood scraps to firm up the angle.
Glue 4" x 13" cardboard (at an angle) to the upright cardboard supports. These side walls must not touch anything that moves.
In an ideal world, the pulley will rise 13 units for 33 units of horizontal length. I didn't get this correct, so my 1" Gorilla tape under the foot of the system makes this work.
I turn the motor on (about 8 volts in my example--around 200 mA) and set the slinky on the bottom of the belt. As the slinky moves toward the top, I lift the upper part of the slinky and pull it downward. Two or three tries and you'll get the hang of it.
Usually it will run a minute or so until it runs off the bottom or top (feedback and stable acrylic walls might enhance the run time).
Enjoy :)