Turning my pickup truck into a dot matrix printer

Turning my truck into a dot matrix printer

The story of how (and why) I turned my pickup truck into a giant dot-matrix printer.

The Idea

I came up with the idea a few years before I built the project, when I was watching some construction workers spray lines on the road. I had thought to myself "I'd love to write on the road like that, but I have terrible handwriting - it would be great if I could print instead".

For about two years I kept the idea on the shelf, because I wasn't confident that it was the kind of project that people would enjoy seeing, but while visiting home for a few weeks in the summer, I decided that I wanted to see it built - and that was enough for me.

How It Works

Building this truck-mounted printer was an adventure in itself, testing my skills in mechanics, electronics, and software. The journey began with a simple frame that could attach to the trailer hitch, a requirement for ease of transport and usage. Using a standard trailer storage mount frame as the base, I modified it by adding wooden structures to support the intricate network of pipes, solenoids, and the control system housing the Raspberry Pi.

The electronics were a mix of readily available parts and some DIY ingenuity. The solenoid valves, essential for controlling the flow of water, were the kind that are commonly used in irrigation systems – chosen for their reliability and response time. Connecting these to a Raspberry Pi through a relay board allowed me to control each valve independently.

The software was perhaps the most challenging yet rewarding part. Writing the code in Python, I created a system where users could enter text through a web interface, which then translated into signals sent to each solenoid based on the vehicle's speed and the text's font and size. The backend logic was all about timing and precision, ensuring that the water drops fell at the right moment to form coherent letters on the move.

Why Build This?

This project wasn't just about turning a wild idea into reality; it was about challenging conventional uses of technology and vehicles. I wanted to show that with a bit of creativity, anything can become a canvas for expression – even the road beneath our wheels. It was about pushing the boundaries, combining different fields of engineering, and creating something that makes people stop and wonder.

Moreover, it was a personal challenge. I wanted to see if I could take a fleeting thought and turn it into a tangible, working project. It was about proving to myself that with enough persistence and learning, any idea, no matter how outlandish, can come to life.

The Impact

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did friends and family find it amusing, but I also received messages from thousands of people around the world. People shared their stories, their own versions of road printing projects, and even commercial applications. It sparked conversations about creativity, technology, and the intersection of art and engineering.

This project also served as an educational tool. By documenting and sharing the process, I was able to engage with a community of enthusiasts and curious minds, fostering an environment of learning and sharing.

Lessons Learned

The project was full of learning opportunities:

• The importance of material compatibility: as mentioned, Teflon tape and push-to-connect fittings don't mix well. It was a small detail that led to significant leaks and setbacks.
• Planning for variable speeds: although the initial design assumed a constant speed, real-world tests showed the need for flexibility and adjustments to maintain print quality.
• Community feedback is invaluable: sharing the project brought a wealth of suggestions, improvements, and ideas from people with different backgrounds and experiences.

And perhaps most importantly, the value of patience and perseverance. There were times when nothing seemed to work, but pushing through led to one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

How It Was Received

To say it was well-received is an understatement. The joy and surprise on people's faces as they saw words appearing on the road behind the truck were priceless. The project went viral, with many expressing admiration for the creativity and execution. It was a reminder that innovation doesn't have to be serious or conventional – it can be fun, whimsical, and wildly unexpected.

In the end, the truck-mounted dot matrix printer was more than a project; it was a statement. It showcased the power of thinking outside the box, the joy of building something with your own hands, and the universal language of creativity that connects us all.