thundercloud

:cloud: Thundercloud :cloud:

This is a guide to create a beautiful arduino based thundercloud with an external sound source to trigger lightning.

Breadboard and schematic

BOM - Bill of material

This setup uses a 12v power supply to power a 12v led stipe!
If you want to use a 5v neopixel you can remove the step up converter of the shopping list. 

• 1x micro controller 5v-12v
  • Arduino Nano or something similar like the Kuman Mini Nano
• 1x led stripe (ca. 75 led pixels)
  • Adafruit NeoPixel 60/m (5V!) or a cheaper alternative like the BTF-LIGHTING WS2811 (12V!)
• 1x microphone module
  • Electret Microphone Amplifier
• 1x bluetooth speaker
  • JBL GO
• 1x usb power supply
  • With two usb slots
• 1x extension cable
• 1x usb 5v to 12 v step up converter
• 1x dc adapter
• 1x 1000uf capacitor
• 1x 1000 ohms resistor
• 1x 470 ohms resistor
• breadboard
• solder board
• enough jumper and cables
• soldering equipment

building materials

• wood
• chicken wire
• polyester batting
• fiberfill
• needle and thread

Assembly

1. Gather all materials and parts.

2. Create the circuit on a breadboard.

   It’s the best way to figure out circuit problems and sort out broken parts. Trust me you don’t want to fix these problems when everything is assembled…

   Here is a sample breadboard (without the cloud mode switch)

3. Solder everything on a solder board

4. Build a robust structure on a solid base

   

5. Build a mounting and wrap the chicken wire around the structure

   It’s important to think about a maintenance opening to turn on the speaker and fiddle around inside. Don’t get too much into detail, the structure of the chicken wire only defines the finished cloud a little bit.

   

6. Sew the polyester batting around the cage and mount the wool

7. Bring the wool into shape

   

8. Enjoy :)

   

Helpful links

• Arduino Nano Pinout
• Adafruit NeoPixel uberguide
• Measuring sould levels

A big shout out to Richard Clarkson for his inspiring work!