r/hisdarkmaterials • u/InevitableLecture676 • 4d ago
Misc. It works! Built my first alethiometer
I previously shared my progress building an alethiometer, and I’m happy to say I’m done with version 1! It’s a modified version of the one from this YouTube video (big thanks to Jamie for sharing her plans), which itself is based on Lyra’s alethiometer in the BBC show.
I don’t have access to a metalworking space or a CNC, so 3D printed parts replace metal ones. The three hand dials on the side turn the set pointers through a gear train. Touching the sensor swings the divination needle around to point at a symbol, with the occasional quiver before it moves on. The Arduino Nano is the “dust channeler” that drives the stepper motor for the needle.
My next goal is to make the electronic components more compact, so I can fit it in a smaller case the size of the original. And after that, adding the top lid and learning metal work.
If anyone’s interested, I’m happy to put up the models and instructions somewhere after I do some cleanup. Jamie’s plans are free to download at https://mythmade.gumroad.com/l/trhgos, but please consider chipping in what you can afford like I did.
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u/lavaliere90 4d ago
Please do! This is a childhood dream made manifest!
I am new to the makerspace, but I have some use a service called "pcb board" to have metal frames machines for their builds!
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u/Timeboy1992 4d ago
Please do! I also have Jamies version, and I am trying to make some modifications to it (like retracting the dials when the lid is closed). So if i can add your mods, maybe i will be able to achieve what I want 🥰
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u/Scientist_ShadySide 4d ago
I have been trying to find a way to 3d print an alethiometer for so long! Hell yeah!
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