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  • 2 years ago
creating a functional metal detector using CD, a mouse, and a selfie stick is a creative DIY project. However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of this homemade metal detector might be limited compared to commercially available metal detectors. Nevertheless, let's proceed with the steps:

Materials you'll need:

A CD or DVD
An old optical computer mouse
A selfie stick (or any other long, lightweight rod)
Connecting wires
Soldering iron and solder
Battery (9V) and battery connector
A small speaker or headphones (optional, for audio feedback)
Basic tools like a hot glue gun, electrical tape, wire stripper, etc.
Here's a general outline of the process:

Step 1: Disassemble the optical mouse
Carefully open the optical mouse using a screwdriver. Locate and extract the image sensor and the left/right-click switches.

Step 2: Prepare the CD and selfie stick
Cut the CD into a circular coil shape (search online for templates). This will be your search coil. Attach the coil to the end of the selfie stick securely.

Step 3: Connect the CD coil to the mouse circuitry
Use connecting wires to solder the CD coil to the image sensor's output on the mouse's circuit board. The coil will act as the search coil, and the mouse circuitry will serve as the detector's processing unit.

Step 4: Power the metal detector
Connect a 9V battery to the mouse circuitry to provide power. You can use a battery connector for this purpose. Make sure all connections are secure and insulated with electrical tape.

Step 5: Optional - Add audio feedback
If you want to have audio feedback, you can connect a small speaker or headphones to the mouse circuitry. This will help you hear when the metal detector detects something.

Step 6: Assemble and test
Put everything together, securing the components onto the selfie stick using hot glue or any other suitable adhesive. Ensure that the search coil is facing downward. Turn on the metal detector and test it by passing it over known metal objects (e.g., coins) to see if it registers the presence of metal.

Keep in mind that this DIY metal detector might not be as sensitive or accurate as professional ones, but it can still be a fun and educational project. The performance of the detector will largely depend on the quality of the components and the precision of your assembly. Experimenting and making adjustments may be necessary to optimize its functionality.
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