This is excellent. Looking into using plasma balls as props for an escape room. I'd considered using them in a puzzle as they give off a charge when touching them/near them, not considered the inverse of measuring the power draw!
Great idea! Is there a way to make it so that the plasma balls are only activated/light up after they are triggered by a metal or magnet? (for example, they have to solve a puzzle first and obtain an object which needs to be placed in a certain spot before this puzzle activates)
Yes, you could certainly do that by using a 5V relay triggered by an Arduino to switch the power supply to the plasma ball. Then adjust the code to only start monitoring the power usage of the ball once it's been activated.
Is it a problem that the linear actuator is always contracting (when all of the plasma globes are not touched)? Should there be some code to detect when it is fully contracted and stop powering the actuator at that point?
Hi Jeff, every linear actuator I've ever used (including the cheap one used in this video) have internal limit switches that cut power to the motor once fully extended/contracted.
![VENEZUELA vs. ARGENTINA [1-1] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 9](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/SJfoPdeOPCQ/mqdefault.jpg)
That is an extremely clever way to use that sensor.
This is excellent. Looking into using plasma balls as props for an escape room. I'd considered using them in a puzzle as they give off a charge when touching them/near them, not considered the inverse of measuring the power draw!
Very smart idea! May I ask where did you buy the ball, it looks nicer than many other I found!
Thank you for sharing
Finally something useful for Arduino. 🤔
Probably the reading will be the same but.. just to make sure, will the current be the same no matter how many fingers will you put on the orb?
Good vids, thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great idea! Is there a way to make it so that the plasma balls are only activated/light up after they are triggered by a metal or magnet? (for example, they have to solve a puzzle first and obtain an object which needs to be placed in a certain spot before this puzzle activates)
Yes, you could certainly do that by using a 5V relay triggered by an Arduino to switch the power supply to the plasma ball. Then adjust the code to only start monitoring the power usage of the ball once it's been activated.
Its Magic
Is it a problem that the linear actuator is always contracting (when all of the plasma globes are not touched)? Should there be some code to detect when it is fully contracted and stop powering the actuator at that point?
Hi Jeff, every linear actuator I've ever used (including the cheap one used in this video) have internal limit switches that cut power to the motor once fully extended/contracted.
NSFW!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣