Author: NeXTSTORM
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I had the inspiration to create this prototype while I was building the 2091 AD project (after the 31st second of the 2091 AD video, you'll see a mechanism consisted of red and white rotating bars). So, the idea was to create something similar but much bigger. With the time, this idea has changed many shapes and forms, concluding to what Im presenting here. The "Space Molecules" (with the alternative title "A Magnetized Dance") is my attempt to approach the interactive kinetic art concept. I'm not really sure if I even touched this, but at least I'm happy with the result. Be sure to visit my personal website (web.me.com/NeXTSTORM) for more pictures of this creation. You'll also find the demo program of the Space Molecules that has been used for this video. Special thanks to my friend Chris (musikConomy) for the special music theme. More at http://www.youtube.com/user/musikConomy .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. Some technical details: -The project is equipped with two NXT bricks that communicate each other via Bluetooth. -The core structure with the "space molecules" is powered by four NXT Servo Motors. The Master NXT is connected with the three that move the outer shells. The Slave NXT is also connected with three NXT Servo Motors (One motor for the center of the core structure and two for controlling the Linear Actuators). The same NXT motors that power the Linear Actuators are also used to rotate two medium Power Functions motors, that in our case act as electro-generators. These are connected with six Power Functions Light Pairs (three pairs each). No PF battery is attached. (Unfortunately due to lighting and background the PF lights are not so visible. You may be able to notice something flashing at 01:23 of this video). -The demo program (NXT-G) demonstrates four differed moving patterns of the space molecules (but of course it can be programmed for as many as you wish ...or almost "as many"). The whole programming of this project was quite easy. -The only non-standard SW block needed is the one for the HiTechnic Compass Sensor (www.hitechnic.com). In summary, the "Space Molecules" project is consisted of: 2 x Intelligent NXT Bricks 6 x NXT Servo Motors 1 x NXT Compass Sensor (HiTechnic) 2 x Power Functions M-Motors 2 x Power Functions Linear Actuators 3 x Power Functions Extension Wires 84 x Technic Knob Wheels (No 32072) 168 x 6.6L Umbrella Stands with Stop Ring (No 4095) 4 x Magnet Bricks with Sealed Base (No 74188) .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. .:. Backstage Incident: while programming and testing the Space Molecules I wasnt so careful as all my bank cards were damaged when I placed the triggering mechanism on top of my wallet (and it is almost xmas time).   Thank you ALL for watching and stay tuned (...or even better subscribe now) for more LEGO creations! Visit http://web.me.com/NeXTSTORM for more projects & pictures.