TopSpin: Turning Spin into Science
TopSpin transforms your smartphone into a precision laboratory. By capturing subtle vibrations from your spinning top, we extract meaningful data through real-time signal processing. The app is a bridge between art, engineering, and physics — ideal for curious minds and top collectors alike.
Download the TopSpin App
The TopSpin app is currently not on the Google Play Store.
You can install it directly by downloading the APK file below:
Note: To install the app, you may need to allow "Install from Unknown Sources" in your Android settings.
Typically found under:
Settings → Apps → Special access → Install unknown apps
Then select your browser and enable permission.
🔍 Suggested for the Curious
Dive deeper into the science and passion behind TopSpin:
- 🧪 The Science of Sensing – How phones read vibrations and what it means.
- 🌀 Spinning Tops: A Legacy of Balance – The journey of tops from toys to testbeds.
- 📜 Legacy Projects – Explore Richard’s full archive of engineering marvels.
1. Place phone flat on soft foam, cushion or vibration dampening material. Place a concave lens or any similar item on top of your phone screen. Surface 30 to 80mm in diameter. Ensure the bottom of the spinning base surface is in direct contact with the phone’s screen.
2. Spin the top up before pressing the 'Start' button. Allow it to stabilize before starting the timer. More consistent readings and better results.
3. Minimize external vibrations and ensure your phone is level. Have a protective cover over your phone’s screen to prevent any accidental scratches or damage.
🤓 Fun Fact
In space, without friction or gravity, a top would spin forever. The dream of perpetual grace.
💡 Pro Tip
For best results: place the phone flat, let the top stabilize, then begin sensing. Bonus: use high-speed footage to match the RPM readings.