Introduction

In a dazzling blend of creativity and engineering, Circuit Sculptor and Particle Hardware Engineer, Mohit Bhoite, has unveiled an upgraded masterpiece titled the Photon 2 Lander, adding another feather to his cap as 2024 draws to a close. This functional Internet of Things (IoT) sculpture not only showcases his unique design flair but also harnesses advanced technology, making it a standout piece of interactive art.

Construction and Design

The Photon 2 Lander is constructed using a fascinating combination of brass wire and cutting-edge components, including a Particle Photon 2 microcontroller and an IPS TFT display—both sourced from reliable platforms, including Adafruit. Bhoite's signature style is evident in the intricately formed brass wires which serve both as the structure of the sculpture and the pathways for electrical connections. Notably, the piece is powered by a compact 14250 (350 mAh) Li-Ion battery, which ingeniously integrates into the overall design, with a single wire for positive connection and a unique attachment method for the negative connection.

Technological Features

Central to the functionality of the Photon 2 Lander is the Photon 2 development board, featuring a high-performance Realtek RTL8721DM System on Chip (SoC). This sophisticated piece of technology is equipped with an Arm Cortex-M33 microcontroller, clocked at 200 MHz, supported by 2 MB of RAM and an equivalent amount of application storage and flash memory. Such specifications make it a potent machine capable of driving the sculpture's interactive features.

User Interface

The user interface of the Photon 2 Lander has been meticulously designed to align with the artistic essence of the sculpture. After retrieving real-time data via Wi-Fi, it elegantly displays essential information like the current time, weather conditions, and battery status—creating an immersive experience that keeps viewers engaged. It is widely believed that the data integration utilizes Particle's robust IoT platform.

Interactive Features

In enhancing the functionality of this lunar-themed sculpture, Bhoite has added several captivating features. A blinking 0805 surface-mount LED mimics an antenna, a piezo speaker provides auditory feedback, and a recently integrated PDM microphone hints at the future possibility of voice command capabilities. Interestingly, while the microphone is currently non-functional, it opens doors to a plethora of interactive options that may be introduced in future iterations.

Animated Display

In yet another intriguing twist, the Photon 2 Lander is capable of showcasing animated GIFs! One of the striking examples shared on Bhoite's Instagram portrays a Lunar Rover traversing the moon's surface. The inclusion of a microSD card socket on the Adafruit display allows for expanded possibilities in GIF selection, mesmerizing viewers with various demonstrations, including a recreation of the iconic HAL9000 and the addictive Pong Clock.

Conclusion

This breathtaking intersection of art, technology, and interactivity ensures the Photon 2 Lander is not just a sculpture—it is a glimpse into the future of IoT devices, where aesthetics meet functionality in profound ways. Don't miss the chance to witness this groundbreaking innovation that is set to inspire countless creators and tech enthusiasts alike!