Create vector video artwork with an Arduino

Until you’re very younger, then you definately most likely keep in mind watching a CRT (cathode-ray tube) tv. These work by directing an electron beam in a short time alongside row after row whereas pulsing energy to create raster photos. However additionally it is potential to create vector photos by directing the electron beam alongside paths as an alternative of scanning, which you would possibly discover is what an oscilloscope does. Trevor mixed these two concepts and made a video explaining how one can create vector video artwork with an Arduino, a handful of resistors, and an oscilloscope.

A standard analog oscilloscope incorporates a CRT identical to an previous tube TV. However as an alternative of sweeping the electron beam to scan line by line, they direct the beam based on the voltage of the enter indicators. One sign pushes the beam up and down within the Y axis, whereas the second sign pushes the beam left and proper within the X axis. That’s helpful for visualizing electrical indicators for evaluation, nevertheless it additionally implies that controlling the place of the electron beam is so simple as adjusting the voltage of the oscilloscope’s enter indicators.

Not all oscilloscopes give customers the power to regulate the energy of the electron beam, and even to show it off. For that purpose, Trevor’s tutorial depends on timing to regulate depth. If the beam stays in a location for a very long time, it’ll produce a brighter spot. If it jumps shortly from one location to a different, it’ll produce nearly no mild alongside the trail.

On the {hardware} facet, an Arduino Nano board outputs the X and Y indicators to the oscilloscope by resistor ladders (every related to a number of pins) that act as DACs (digital-to-analog converters). The DACs are crucial as a result of digital indicators solely output as HIGH (5V) or LOW (0V) and wouldn’t be capable to direct the electron beam wherever in-between. Trevor’s code contains capabilities to assist customers draw utilizing these outputs, with some very spectacular outcomes.