If you are interested in both CNC and Etch-a-Sketches, Youtuber <i>This Old Tony</i> has a great introduction to CNC hardware and software where he build a computer controlled E-a-S with pro-grade hardware and software (Mach 4). It is very entry level, 60 minutes in two parts.<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0XfRPi_h2M" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0XfRPi_h2M</a> (part 1)<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLdlV3-JaH8" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLdlV3-JaH8</a> (part 2)
Some additional documentation here: <a href="https://vha3.github.io/Pico/Steppers/Lorenz.html" rel="nofollow">https://vha3.github.io/Pico/Steppers/Lorenz.html</a><p>I've been experimenting with the PIO (Programmable I/O) system on the new microcontroller from Raspberry Pi. These are coprocessors for which the user can write code in a bespoke assembly language (PIOassm) to drive the GPIO ports. You can do really interesting stuff with these, like implement high-speed communication protocols (e.g. VGA) or offload tasks like driving stepper motors.<p>I've also been really interested in fractals and chaotic systems. For me, they're a nice bridge between interests in engineering and art. That's why this is drawing the Lorenz system in particular.
Thanks for sharing this, this is really cool! I saw you posted a lot of details on the software, but could you expand on the hardware? Do you have any reference on the stepper motor setup/components used to control the two dials?
This makes me curious about the possibilities of using an Etch-a-Sketch screen as a low-end sort of e-ink display. How well could one of those screens be utilized? Sounds like a fun weekend project.