“This project was inspired by one of my friends, who is an avid juggler. He was looking for glow in the dark juggling balls and I wanted to try my hand in building it. As I worked through the design I realised that it would be much easier to build knives instead of juggling balls and I moved forward with that. With my knowledge of the 4017 IC, I decided to add a bit of flourish to the lights, which are now in the form of LEDs, and that is how I ultimately ended up with this project.
A set of juggling knives that can be also used in the dark for better visuals.
The LEDs are lit in a sequence, just like a led chaser. This is done by a 555 timer circuit in Astable mode combined with a 4017IC. The housing is relatively simple, and it was 3D printed.
This is a relatively challenging project to build with a lot of components required.
Supplies:Note: The following supply list covers the making of 3 juggling knives, as all juggling knives usually come in sets of three. If you want to build only 1, you can divide the quantity by 3.
Circuitry BOM:
1) 3 x NE555 IC + 8 pin IC holder
2) 6 x IN4007 Diodes
3) 3 x 4.7k Ohm resistor
4) 3 x 3.3k Ohm resistor
5) 3 x 4.7uF 10V electrolytic capacitor
6) 3 x 40mm by 50mm Perf Board. (Any size bigger than this is fine. You can trim it down later)
7) 2 x Male to Male Jumper Cable 40pcs.
8) 3 x 4017 IC + 16 pin IC holder
9) 3 x 10k Ohm resistor
10) 25 x 5mm LEDs in Red colour (5 are extra just in case)
11) 25 x 5mm LEDs in Blue colour (5 are extra just in case)
12) 25 x 5mm LEDs in Yellow colour (5 are extra just in case)
13) 3 x 9V Battery + connecting clips
14) 12 x 3mm Dia 20mm long bolts
15) 3 x 3mm Dia 6mm long bolts
16) 3 x Tactile latch switch
Tools and Equipment:
1) Soldering Iron + Soldering wire
2) Desoldering pump
3) Pliers
4) Wire cutters + Wire Strippers
5) 3D printer or access to a 3D printing service provider”