Small shake/wobble machine

[lars]

Hi, I'm collecting Hoptimists (small bouncing figures if you tap them). Because they come into their own best when they wobble, I wanted to make some kind of electic shaker. My first thought was to use servos that move a little bit back and forth but I'm afraid that the noises disturb too much and I have to make the whole shelf to wobble
My second idea was small vibration motors that I can put below every figure. So I bought some of this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CC4LXNMZ/
But it doesn't work. I think the unbalance must be larger and the speed much lower to make the right effect. Is there anything ready to use for this or is it possible to control the vibration motor to make it work?

 

[chad]

Interesting challenge! I like it!

My first thought would be to use a stepper motor to shake or vibrate a surface. I have a few reasons for this approach...
1. A stepper motor, controller and microcontroller are fairly cheap (maybe $30-35 for all of the electronics.)
2. You could program it to do a number of functions from slow movements to vibration.
3. It can be powerful enough to operate rather large surface.

How big would the platform be? What skills are you proficient in?... i can help supplement areas you may be lacking

 

[David Windestål]

Is there space inside the head on these figures? Would be cool to fit a coin cell and a small haptic motor, perhaps a simple circuit that would make it spin a bit more random

 

[lars]

@chad that sounds good. I like the idea of having functions to produce different shake effects. As platform I want to use a picture shelf like this: https://www.ikea.com/de/en/p/melloesa-picture-ledge-transparent-60446239/ It is lightweight and robust. Maybe the „shaking machine“ can be sit behind or below this shelf in a self made box.

My skills are solid. I am a software developer and have a little bit experience with micro controllers (following tutorials and soldering small circuits) and programming raspberry pi’s.

@David Windestål yes, the heads are all hollow. It should be possible to attach a small motor inside. But I think hiding the cables will be difficult. But also a good idea, I will try it