Arduino-Powered XY Sand Plotter Kit: Draw Fibonacci Spirals & Parametric Art
Arduino-Powered XY Sand Plotter Kit: Draw Fibonacci Spirals & Parametric Art
Every part needed, pre-tested for compatibility, with an AI build companion trained on this exact project. Shipped from Bengaluru in 3-5 days.
Transform a sand tray into a living canvas with this XY plotter kit. Stream G-code patterns over serial from any computer, and watch a steel ball trace mesmerizing Fibonacci spirals and intricate parametric designs in the sand. Perfect for makers, artists, and engineers exploring computer-controlled kinetic art.
What You'll Build
A self-contained sand table plotter driven by two NEMA17 stepper motors and an Arduino Uno. The steel ball glides on linear rails via GT2 belts, creating precise, repeatable patterns that evolve over time. Use it as a meditative desk sculpture, a gallery installation, or a demonstrator for generative art algorithms.
What You'll Learn
- Stream G-code commands from any serial terminal to control a dual-axis motion system
- Calibrate stepper motor drivers (A4988) and fine-tune micro-stepping for smooth sand drawing
- Design and generate parametric patterns using mathematical functions (Fibonacci spirals, Lissajous curves)
- Assemble a rigid linear rail and timing belt drive-train for accurate positioning
Kit Contents
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arduino Uno R3 | 1 |
| NEMA 17 Stepper | 2 |
| A4988 Driver | 2 |
| CNC Shield V3 | 1 |
| GT2 Belt 1m | 2 |
| GT2 Pulley | 2 |
| Linear Rail 400mm | 2 |
| 12V 3A PSU | 1 |
| 100nF Caps | 10 |
| M3 Bolts+Nuts | 20 |
| PCB Prototype Board | 2 |
| Sand Tray | 1 |
| Steel Ball 12mm | 1 |
| Soldering Iron | 1 |
| Solder Wire | 1 |
Why Buy This Kit Instead of Sourcing Parts Separately
| Factor | Sourcing Separately | Compoden Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Compatibility checks | You verify every part | Pre-tested as a system |
| Build support | Forums and scattered tutorials | AI companion trained on this exact project |
| Time to first working build | Days of debugging | Hours, with step-by-step guidance |
| Shipping coordination | Multiple sellers, multiple delays | One shipment from Bengaluru in 3-5 days |
Who This Kit Is For
Ideal for B.Tech ECE and EEE students building capstone projects, IIT/NIT/VIT makers prototyping kinetic installations, and working engineers who want a weekend challenge in CNC motion control. Also suits Smart India Hackathon participants needing a reliable hardware subsystem for generative art demos.
Built and Backed by Compoden
Every Compoden kit ships with an AI build companion trained on this exact project - accessible via a QR code on the box, with WhatsApp and email backup. We've spent 10 years building projects for makers, schools, and institutions across India. If a part fails because of a manufacturing defect, replace it free within 7 days.
What if I get stuck during the build?
Our AI companion, trained on the exact kit, provides step-by-step debugging. If you need human help, WhatsApp our support team directly from the QR code.
Can I create my own G-code patterns beyond Fibonacci spirals?
Absolutely. The Arduino firmware accepts standard G-code commands; you can generate any pattern using Python scripts, Inkscape plugins, or parametric CAD tools. The kit includes a sample generator script.
Is soldering required?
Yes, you'll need to solder a few components on the PCB prototype board and secure connections. The kit includes a soldering iron and solder wire, and the AI companion guides you through each joint.
Will the steel ball scratch the sand tray?
The tray is coated with a durable epoxy finish; the steel ball rolls smoothly without scratching under normal use. You can also line the tray with a thin sheet of paper for extra protection.
NEMA17 XY plotter draws Fibonacci spirals and parametric patterns in sand tray via G-code streamed over serial.
What's in this kit
- Arduino Uno R3
- NEMA 17 Stepper x2
- A4988 Driver x2
- CNC Shield V3
- GT2 Belt 1m x2
- GT2 Pulley x2
- Linear Rail 400mm x2
- 12V 3A PSU
- 100nF Caps x10
- M3 Bolts+Nuts x20
- PCB Prototype Board x2
- Sand Tray
- Steel Ball 12mm
- Soldering Iron
- Solder Wire
Choose your assembly option:
- Soldering Kit - 25W soldering iron, 60/40 solder wire, flux, and small perfboard for permanent assembly.
- Breadboard Combo - 800-point full-size breadboard with 65-piece jumper wire pack for solderless prototyping.
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Shipping Information
- Prepaid Orders: ₹75 for orders up to ₹999, FREE shipping above ₹999
- COD Orders: ₹125 shipping + ₹50 COD fee = ₹175 total
- Delivery Timeline: Dispatch in 1-2 days, delivery in 2-7 days depending on location
Returns & Warranty
- 7-Day Return: Manufacturing defects only (approval required)
- Warranty: 7 days from delivery
- Non-Returnable: Batteries, consumables, cut wires, clearance items