The Ring Wave machine makes visible the strange paths of colored LEDs as they travel on 3 axes at high speed.
The 3 axes (1 vertical and 2 co-axial horizontal) are speed-controlled independently and the 4 LEDs can be switched on or off. The horizontal axes radii and LED radii are asymmetrical to better separate the color bands. A wide variety of patterns can be obtained.
Each axis can reach about 25 revs per second. At high speeds, dramatic whooshing sounds are created.
Although each axis is balanced, this arrangement has bizzare dynamics and inherently serious vibrations. The machine must be strongly built and securely attached down.
