Week 18
Applications and Implications
What is my project and what will it do?
My final project is basically an automated Fish Food Feeder. As the project name gose, it a devise that is designed and programmed to feed the fish automatically every X number of day(s) and at a specific time once activated.
Why this project and where did I get the ideas, has anyone done it before?
I decided on this project because I saw some of the previous students last year presenting some of their projects, One of them presented an automated feeder for a dog. His idea was based on the fact that when the dog dose something good he gets a treat. Based on that, I realized that I needed a feeder for my fish since I have a fish tank which I built in the Fab Lab and tend to have difficulty feeding the fish everytime I go on holiday. I have a problem of how I would feed the fish when I am away, and also when I am around I often forget. There was many automated fish food feeders online when I googled, and I knew it will be possible to make one on of my own.
What materials, equipment,etc would be needed?
3d printer, PLA, Electronic components copper board for the circuit. Servo motor. Some acrylic, Milling machine
Where will it come from?
Our fablab is well equipped with all the inventory of a typical fablab. We have all the machines, in this case , the milling machine, 3D printers, and a laser cutter and vynl cutter if needed. We have all the components that is required also as part of the inventory. All the components and materials is available for free to all resident within the city.
How much would it cost ?
The Labs we have in our city are all community labs and there is no cost to use the labs and also all materials are made available to users for free, when prototyping. But i have done an estinate what it would cost should i have had to buy the components
2 x 0 ohm resistors @ $0.2
2 x 10 Kohm resistors @ $0.8
1 x 1 Kohm resistors @ $0.1
0.1UF Cap @ $0.12
1UF Cap @ $0.1
10UF Cap @ $0.18
Red LED @ $0.37
atmega328p @ $0.74
5 Volt Regulator @ $0.50
Power Jack @ $1.44
6 pin header @ $0.6
4 pin header @ $0.48
A4953 Driver @ $1.95
copper board @ $ 0.18
Total cost = $7.76
What parts and systems would be made?
Almost all parts of the system will be made. the 3D printed parts, the microcontroller electronic circuit board for control the feeding mechanism and the some lighting system and the lasercut base plate. I think the only parts of the system will not be made is the electronic components.
What processes would be used?
Using either solid works or 3D max , a design would be done, and exported as an STL file to allow me to 3D print the food storage part.
Using the eagleCAD software, a circuit board would be designed and milled on the milling machine (SRM20)
Using the Coreldraw, a base plate locking system would be designed processed and cut on acrylic using the Laser cutter.
What tasks would need to be completed?
What questions need to be answered?
What is the Schedule?
