Build Vibroinsects Using Discarded Mice

This project is for age group 18+.

As I promised in my last instructable (https://www.instructables.com/id/Ideas-for-discarded-mice-reuse-GO-TEAM-MOUSE/), I will show you how to make insects reusing damaged mice. But they won't be only insects. They will be vibroinsects!! :-)

First, I will make a mantis, step by step. And in the last step you will see two more ideas: an ant and a tick. They use the same basics of the vibromantis, so you can build anyone you want.

So, let's start with the vibromantis. And... GO TEAM MOUSE, GO!!!!!!!

MATERIALS:

1 mouse (I use a wireless mouse for saving the AA batteries holder)
1 electric motor (from a toy car it's all right)
1 joystick eccentric weight (the thing that makes the joystick to vibre)
6 car wiper pieces, 4 for the legs and 2 for the arms (replacement: 6 legs from 3D glasses)
10 frame iron pieces
4 iron angles
1 Switch
1 AA 2 batteries holder (if you don't have a wireless mouse)
2 AA batteries
wire
1 deodorant cap
screws and bolts
Tin soldering
Superglue

For the lower body I used an aluminum piece from an alarm, but you can replace it with some plastic container.
For the neck I used an iron piece found in the street. The head is an industrial piece foun in a junkyard. You can replace it even with a Lego block.


TOOLS

Dremel Rotary Tool
tweezers
screwdivers
scalpel
pliers
Wire cutters
Screwdriver kit
Soldering Iron


And don't forget the classic building rules:

1. If you don't have it, replace it!
2. Use protective equipment (dust mask and goggles)
3. Beware of drilled and soldered hot surfaces
4. Work in a good ventilated area.
5. Always have junk in stock
6. Enjoy!

First, the four legs. I used car wiper pieces, but you can use legs from 3D glasses. Screw them to the frame iron pieces, and then make a "spider", as you can see in the pictures.

The aluminum piece (the main part of the lower body) is hollow below, because it will house the motor.

Well, it's a vibrobot. So, unless you are new in Instructables, you know how it works. If not, it's simple: an eccentric weight causes big vibrations enough to make the vibrobot moves. It's the same principle of the cellphones vibration mode and the Playstation joysticks.

Fit the motor into the deodorant cap and insert the eccentric weight. Solder wires to the motor terminals and insert a screw in the middle of the lower body. Don't fasten the cap yet, because in the next step we will attach the mouse.

Dismantle the mouse, leaving only the batteries holder with the terminals. Attach the mouse lower side to the "spider", using the screw of the aluminum piece. Make a simple circuit (batteries - motor - switch) connecting the motor terminals to the holder terminals and placing the switch in one of the wires.

For the final touch, make the head, arms (pincers) and spine using the materials showed on the first picture (or what you have for replacing it).

Now, you have your own vibromantis made of an old mouse!!

Do you want more mice-based vibroinsects?? Try this ant:



Or, if you want something simpler, a tick:


It's up to you!!!!