We are always surprised by things that are suspended. Why can these small foam be suspended? What makes them so anti gravity? How many can be suspended? Can it remain suspended indefinitely? Even our children playing with this show a look of surprise and excitement, with sparkling eyes.
You can use this ultrasonic suspension soldering project kit to practice welding techniques and understand its suspension principle. After completing the project, you can also have a pleasant playtime.
OverviewThe VIGURTIME 12V DC Ultrasonic Suspension DIY Soldering Kit is very easy to solder, and you will have fun with it after it is assembled. The circuit uses a microcontroller (STC15F104W) to generate a 40 kHz PWM waveform. The waveform is delivered to two ultrasonic transducers after passing through the MOS tube driver chip (TC4427).
During operation, emitted and reflected waves from the two ultrasonic transmitters continuously overlap to form a standing wave. The acoustic force applied on an object at the standing wave node overcomes the effect of gravity, ultimately achieving the suspension effect.
This device is capable of capturing light objects with a diameter of 2 – 3 mm, such as the included foam balls. Thin paper scraps can also be used.
The components included in this kit only require DIP plug-in soldering (through-hole soldering) and do not require any SMD soldering. The 3 SMD devices have been soldered at the factory, greatly reducing the difficulty and improving the success rate of this project. We hope you enjoy the experience!
ParametersWorking Voltage: 12 Volts
Working Current: 0.5 – 1 Amps
Diameter of Suspension Solids: 2 – 3 mm
Working Humidity: 0% ~ 95% RH
Finished Size: 1.73” x 2.6”
Required ToolsA soldering iron (recommended 25 – 40 watts (solder time 1 – 2 seconds).
Solder wire (we recommend lead-free solder with flux, diameter: 0.5 mm – 0.8 mm).
Phillips screwdriver (M2).
Diagonal pliers.
Rosin/sponge pad (optional).
Soldering iron tip cleaner (optional).
Soldering and Installation StepsPlease note that the IC STC15F104W, TC4427COA and AMS1117 surface mount devices (SMD) have been soldered on the circuit board before leaving the factory. So, we can just skip the difficult SMD soldering job and get right to the fun and easy soldering work. :)
First, let us identify the PCB boards. As shown below, (a) is the base board where most of the components will be installed, (b) and (c) are the boards where the ultrasonic sensors will go.
We recommend that you start by installing the smaller, lower profile components first, and then add the larger, taller components as you go.
For best results, solder joints should be independent of each other and full like a small hill. Do not skip, pseudo-solder, or short solder any solder joints. Please, BE CAREFUL when handling the iron, do not burn yourself or overheat any of the components or boards.
1. Solder the 1 k resistor (R1) and 100 nF ceramic capacitor (C3) on the base board (a). These components do not have polarity and can be oriented in either direction. Soldering should be done on the back of the base board with the components on the front/printed side (see below).
2. Solder the red LED (LED1), power indicator. LEDs have polarity. The long pin is ‘positive’ and must go into the rectangular hole with the plus-sign ‘+’ identifier, and the short pin is ‘negative’ which must go into the corresponding round hole.
1. Solder the two electrolytic capacitors (C1, C2) on the base board (a). These capacitors have polarity. The long pin is ‘positive’ and must go into the rectangular hole with the plus-sign ‘+’ identifier, and the short pin is ‘negative’ which must go into the corresponding round hole.
1. Solder the DC socket. You may need to add a little more tin at the solder joints for stability.
1. Install one ultrasonic transmitter at the spot marked ‘T’ on board [b] and one at the spot marked ‘T’ on board [c]. Note: The positive pin has a larger black marking on the bottom and needs to be connected to the "+" pad. It is not recommended to cut off excess metal pins. Doing so could damage the transmitter.
1. Install the three boards together by using the screws and copper pillars to complete the ultrasonic suspension kit.
1.1. Use all four of the 5 mm double-pass, copper pillars (“legs”), two of the 12 mm single-pass copper pillars and two of the round-head screws to mount the “legs” to the base board [a]. The two screws are paired with two opposing 5 mm copper pillars, and the two 12 mm copper pillars are paired with the remaining two opposing 5 mm copper pillars. As shown in the figure below.
1.1. Create two 46 mm (1.8 inch) copper pillar support rods by combining a 12 mm copper pillar, a 17 mm copper pillar, and another 17 mm copper pillar, in that order, from top to bottom.
1.2. Attach one of the ultrasonic boards above the base board. Secure the ultrasonic board with the two long copper pillars from the previous step and ensure the ultrasonic sensor is facing upward.
6.4. Attach the other ultrasonic board with its T-mark on the same side and facing the corresponding T-mark of the previous ultrasonic board. Secure it with the remaining 2 round-head screws.
1. All soldering and assembly have been completed.
2. Power up the device by connecting the 12V DC Adaptor, the red LED should light up at this time indicating power and that your circuit is connected properly. If you do not see a red light, double check your solder joints and make sure you have properly oriented any components that have polarity.
3. Use the little yellow tweezers to clip a small foam sphere and place it lightly in the middle of the two ultrasonic probes. Feel the exciting moment when the ball levitates! Float multiple objects with your friends and family!
We hope you liked our Ultrasonic Suspension DIY Soldering Kit! If you enjoyed the experience, please consider leaving us a review!
If you have any questions, concerns, or issues with your kit, please contact us at vogurtime-support@foxmail.com – we are always happy to help :-)
Comments