Hello, this is my first instructable I hope you like it. Please comment at the bottom if there is something you don't understand I'll do my best to make any corrections or clarifications. This instructable will teach you how to make a hand cranked mutoscope out of simple materials. By making this device you can see how animation works and how traditional projectors work. I wanted to build this because I love antiques and wish I grew up during the penny arcade era. I hope you like it! This project overal costed me about $20-$30 just what a student can afford :)
What is a Mutoscope?
A mutoscope is a primitive version of the TV and Movie projector. The mutoscope was developed by Herman Casler in 1894. Mutoscopes were found at many Penny arcades and Piers. The mutoscope industry crashed when the projector was invented and movie theaters were built. However there still remained an audience when the mutoscopes started to play exotic dancers on their reels. Mutoscopes are often referred to "What the Butler saw" because the viewing port made one feel like they were peering into a key hole spying.
Step 1: How does it work?
SKIP IF YOU WANT
How it works.
The Mutoscope relies on the principle of persistence of vision. It is simply just a giant flip book on a wheel. Mutoscopes can be used to teach animation and how movies work. For more on persistence of vision try making a thaumatrope.
1. Make two circles.
2. Draw one shape on one side (a bird) and another shape on one side (cage).
3. Tape it onto a skewer matching up the images.
4. Now roll the skewer in your hand and its a bird in a cage.