This week's fun assignment was:
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
Your project should incorporate:
- 2D and 3D design
- Additive and subtractive fabrication processes
- Electronics design and production
- Embedded microcontroller interfacing and programming
- System integration and packaging.
Projects can be separate or joint, but need to show individual mastery of the skills, and be independently operable.
See Final Project Requirements for a complete list of requirements you must fulfil.
Applications and implications
What does it do?
The device I have designed is a portable aid for individuals on the Way of Saint James pilgrimage.
It combines various features such as displaying time, date, GPS information (satellite lock, distance to
Santiago, altitude, walking speed), environmental data (temperature, humidity, barometric pressure), and a
stopwatch function.
The device is intended to enhance the pilgrimage experience by providing essential information and convenience to the pilgrims. It also records the route on a SD card for later mapping.
Who's done what beforehand?
Similar wearable devices and tools have been developed for hikers, trekkers, and pilgrims.
However, the specific combination of components and features in this device may be unique to my design.
What did you design?
I designed a compact device that incorporates a Xiao ESP32-C3 microcontroller, a Neo6 GPS module, a micro SD reader/writer module, a BME280 sensor, and an OLED screen. The enclosure is 3D printed using PLA, and an acrylic part is laser cut to complete the design. Additionally, I milled the PCB using KiCad and soldered components such as pins and resistors onto it and laser cutted a translucent acrylic cover.
What materials and components were used? Where did they come from? How much did they cost?
The materials and components used in the design include:
- Xiao ESP32 microcontroller: It can be obtained from electronics suppliers or online marketplaces.
- Neo6 GPS module: This module can be sourced from electronic component suppliers or online platforms.
- Micro SD reader/writer module: It is commonly available from electronics suppliers and online marketplaces at affordable prices.
- BME280 sensor: The sensor can be purchased from various electronic component suppliers or online stores. Prices may vary depending on the brand and quantity ordered.
- OLED screen: OLED screens can be obtained from electronic suppliers or online platforms. The cost depends on the size and quality of the screen.
- PLA filament: PLA filament is a commonly used 3D printing material and can be purchased from various suppliers. The cost may vary depending on the brand and quantity.
- Acrylic sheet: Acrylic sheets suitable for laser cutting can be obtained from local suppliers or online stores. The cost depends on the size and thickness of the sheet.
- How to connect a GPS and how to record the data;
- More spirals are needed to reduce the size;
- How to connect a micro SD card;
- How to connect a BME280 sensor;
- How to connect an OLED screen;
- How to connect a battery;
- How to connect a switch;
- How to make a PCB;
- How to solder;
- How to use a laser cutter;
- How to use a 3D printer;
- How to use a CNC milling machine;
- Better choice of components;
- Soldering of modules in board instead of using pins;
| # | Part | Description | Supplier | Quantity | Price | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | XIAO ESP32-C3 | IoT mini development board | Mauser | 1 | 5.52€ | |
| 2 | GY-NEO6MV2 | u-blox NEO-6M GPS module with antenna and built-in EEPROM | Amazon ES | 1 | 8€ | |
| 4 | OLED 0.96" | Display 0.96", 128x64px with I2C | Mauser | 1 | 4,79€ | |
| 5 | BME280 | Barométric pressure, temperature and humidty sensor | Amazon ES | 1 | 9.14€ | |
| 6 | HW-125 | Micro SD Storage Board TF Card Reader Memory Shield Module SPI | Amazon ES | 1 | 1,70€ | |
| 7 | Piezo buzzer | -- | Fab Lab León | 1 | 0 | |
| 8 | 3D printer filament | PLA Blend Pearl White | Prusa | 1KG | 29.99€ | |
| 9 | PCB | Fab Lab León | 1 | 0 | ||
| 10 | Battery | 3.7v | Aquário | 1 | 8.80€ | |
| 11 | Switch | Adrián Torres | 1 | 0 | ||
| 12 | MicroSD Card | Amazon ES | 1 | 4.56€ | ||
| 13 | Resistors 0K Ohm | Fab Lab León | 6 | 0,10€ | ||
| 14 | Ribbon IDC 6 pins female | Fab Lab León | 1 | 0,80€ | ||
| 15 | Ribbon IDC male 6 pins connector | Fab Lab León | 2 | 0,35€ | ||
| 16 | Dupon cables female to male | Fab Lab León | 10 | 1€ | ||
| 17 | female pin connector 1x3 | Fab Lab León | 2 | 0,10€ (2x0,10€) | ||
| 18 | Touch sense | Amazon ES | 2 | 2x1,58€ | ||
| 19 | Acrylic 3mm | Amazon ES | 1 | 0.50€ |
What parts and systems were made? What processes were used?
In this design, several parts and systems were created:
Electronic system:
Xiao ESP32 microcontroller board: Utilized as the main control unit for the device. Neo6 GPS module: Provides GPS positioning and satellite lock information. Micro SD reader/writer module: Enables reading and writing data to a micro SD card. BME280 sensor: Measures temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. OLED screen: Displays relevant information to the user.
Mechanical system:
3D-printed enclosure: Manufactured using PLA filament, providing a compact and protective housing for the
device.
Laser-cut acrylic part: Adds a professional and visually appealing element to the enclosure.
To create the PCB, I used KiCad software for designing the circuit layout, and then milled it using a Roland MDX-20A Modela.
Soldering techniques were employed to attach pins, resistors, headers, to the PCB.
Laser cutting was employed the create the acrylic part of the enclosure.
What questions were answered?
What worked? What didn't?
The work I did was only a fraction of the work I would like to have developed.
My planning didn't work out has I would have hoped.
Had big expectations and a lot of ideias for after finishing this first spirals, but could not get to them on time.
Also a better undestanding of the components to be used will be useful in the future.
How was it evaluated?
I evaluated the device by doing simple testing. The idea was evaluated talking to family and friends and by talking to pilgrims on the way of Saint James.
What are the implications?
The implications of this device are that it offers pilgrims on the Way of Saint James a convenient tool that displays important information, such as time, date, GPS data, and environmental conditions.
The incorporation of a custom PCB, 3D-printed enclosure, and laser-cut acrylic part showcases a level of customization and attention to detail.
Additionally, the project provides a valuable learning experience in electronics, PCB fabrication, 3D printing, and laser cutting. The device's compact and portable design has the potential to enhance the pilgrimage experience and provide pilgrims with valuable information and functionality along their journey.