Concept
If I can’t visit Disneyland, I want to bring a little Disney-inspired magic to my bookshelf. This haunted book nook uses a Pepper’s Ghost illusion to bring the haunt to any home. Using a Timmkoo MP4 player and some bits and bobs, a tiny ghost will beckon you to your doom.
For more information on the Timmkoo player, check out my review!
I really love dioramas and book nooks are no exception. While the inspiration was one of our favorite rides at Disneyland, this book nook is an homage and doesn’t represent and specific part of the ride. The wallpaper and decor is in the spirit of (no pun) and was an opportunity to pick up and improve some skills with Shapr3D and Illustrator. Let’s take a quick look at the project!
Construction
Birch plywood was used for the overall construction and walnut veneer covered the exterior. The interior is mostly made from thin sheets of balsa plywood and balsa trim covered with printed wallpaper.
There are two effects in this project. The first, and easiest, is the use of an angled mirror at the back of the scene to create the illusion of the hall extending beyond the back of the box. The second is the the use of a Pepper’s Ghost illusion to reflect a looping ghost video on an angled polycarbonate panel. In both cases, I discovered that the thickness of the material is critical. It was important to find the thinnest possible mirror and clear polycarbonate to avoid the appearance of gaps in the reflection and a double image in the ghost illusion.
Interior furnishings and details were printed using an Elegoo Mars SLA printer. With the exception of the doors, all files where downloaded from Thingiverse and I have included a link to a collection of the objects at the end of the post.
Lighting comes from eight NeoPixel LEDs controlled by an Arduino Nano. The use of NeoPixels allows for complete control over the lighting effects and includes both flickering lighting and colored “mood lights”. I am a huge fan of NeoPixels. They are extremely easy to use and simplify wiring while giving you complete control over the color and intensity of the LEDs.
Code
#include <Adafruit_NeoPixel.h>
#ifdef __AVR__
#include <avr/power.h>
#endif
// NeoPixel data pin
#define PIN 5
// brightness 0-255
int brightness = 100;
// Parameter 1 = number of pixels in strip
// Parameter 2 = Arduino pin number (most are valid)
// Parameter 3 = pixel type flags, add together as needed:
// NEO_KHZ800 800 KHz bitstream (most NeoPixel products w/WS2812 LEDs)
// NEO_KHZ400 400 KHz (classic 'v1' (not v2) FLORA pixels, WS2811 drivers)
// NEO_GRB Pixels are wired for GRB bitstream (most NeoPixel products)
// NEO_RGB Pixels are wired for RGB bitstream (v1 FLORA pixels, not v2)
Adafruit_NeoPixel strip01 = Adafruit_NeoPixel(8, 6, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
// IMPORTANT: To reduce NeoPixel burnout risk, add 1000 uF capacitor across
// pixel power leads, add 300 - 500 Ohm resistor on first pixel's data input
// and minimize distance between Arduino and first pixel. Avoid connecting
// on a live circuit...if you must, connect GND first.
// For the ultimate NeoPixel guide, check out:
// https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-neopixel-uberguide/overview
// define color of flicker effect
// c = color being randomize
// r = random range - the smaller the number the less variation
int myFlickerColor(int c, int r) {
int flicker = random(0, r);
c = c - flicker;
if (c < 0) c = 0;
return c;
}
void setup() {
strip01.begin();
strip01.setBrightness(brightness);
strip01.show();
}
void loop() {
// rear room
// set solid colors
strip01.setPixelColor(0, 5, 20, 0);
strip01.setPixelColor(3, 5, 10, 15);
// set flame colors
int r = myFlickerColor(30, 10);
int g = myFlickerColor(10, 10);
int b = myFlickerColor(0, 10);
strip01.setPixelColor(1, r, g, b);
r = myFlickerColor(40, 10);
g = myFlickerColor(15, 10);
b = myFlickerColor(0, 10);
strip01.setPixelColor(2, r, g, b);
// front room
strip01.setPixelColor(5, 40, 0, 80);
strip01.setPixelColor(7, 55, 80, 0);
//set flame colors
r = myFlickerColor(80, 15);
g = myFlickerColor(25, 15);
b = myFlickerColor(0, 15);
strip01.setPixelColor(4, r, g, b);
r = myFlickerColor(120, 20);
g = myFlickerColor(45, 20);
b = myFlickerColor(0, 20);
strip01.setPixelColor(6, r, g, b);
strip01.show();
delay(random(10, 100));
}
Resources
Affiliate links
- TIMMKOO MP3 player – A compact video and audio player with looping function
- Arduino Nano – There are a lot of clones out there but I’ve had pretty good luck with Elegoo
- Amber flame LEDs – A nice candle or torch effect in amber
- Resistor kit – You can never be too rich or have too many resistors
- Electrolytic capacitor – Nice to have to for power smoothing
- Terminal block, large – Easy wire connections
- Terminal block, small – Same as above but smaller
- Breadboard – Just about any will do
- Perma Proto Board – Half size for soldering the final project
- Power supply – 5 volts and enough amps for the project… this is 2 amp
- Power jack – A plug for the power
- Wire – Silicone insulation doesn’t melt
- Soldering iron – I have several of varying quality and cost
Non-affiliate links
- NeoPixels – There are a LOT of variations out there—RGBW is needed to provide true white light
- Ghost video – Great videos for your scary rear projection needs
- Thingiverse collection – Here’s a collection of bits and pieces I found for this project
- Door file – The door STL file
