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Another project

This is the first idea of project to be developed, called Pocket Sound Box.

Proposal

Here is the temporary idea of the final project in which I’ll be working

The idea

I decided to integrate some different and usually isolated sound applications in an unique pocket device.

v2 - stereo version


v1 - mono versions

Basic functions

  • spectrum analyser
  • distance measurement
  • musical tuner
  • musical harmonizer
  • recorder/player

Advanced targets

  • stereo recorder/player
  • sound teacher
  • sound modulator
  • rythm box
  • music teacher

Requirements

This project target will demand these devices:

  • IN > internal microphone(s) | audio input
  • OUT > internal speaker(s) | audio output | display device(s) | LEDs
  • PROCESSING > ADC/DAC device *
  • COMMUNICATIONS > infrared sensor | bluetooth
  • STORAGE > SD port > USB port
  • POWER > AC input | USB port | solar panel

This project target will demand mostly work on:

  • electronics board design and fabrication
  • code programming
  • input/output devices
  • ADC/DAC device *
  • display device(s)

Although these are the main critical tasks to be ensured, the other course assignments/skills could be integrated to the project development.

Applications

This device could be useful for:

  • Acoustics
  • Musicians
  • Learning/Kids
  • General public
  • Audiovisual/Musical production

ASSIGNMENT | Individual - Define the project


Bill Of Materials

What will it do?

It will use the sound as input and also as output in order to:

  1. 1st spiral >>

    • Record/Play sounds
    • Tune instruments/Harmonize in real time.
  2. 2nd spiral >>

    • Analyse sounds
    • Make music

who has done what beforehand?

Some references to sound devices are here:

Soundmachine

(video)

Guitar tuner

what materials and components will be required?

  • Materials:

    • PLA filament
    • Flexible tin silicone
    • Vinyl
    • MDF/Acrilic 3mm
  • Components:

    • Input > internal microphone(s) | audio input | buttons
    • Output > internal speaker(s) | audio output | display device(s) | LEDs
    • Microcontroller > ATXMega
    • ADC/DAC
    • Amplifier
    • COMMUNICATIONS > infrared sensor | bluetooth
    • STORAGE > SD port > USB port
    • POWER > AC input | USB port | solar panel?

where will they come from?

how much will it cost?

Pending


Procedure

what parts and systems will be made?

  • Parts:

    • Case
    • Display
  • Systems:

    • Interactive buttons
    • Sound input
    • Sound output
    • Display outpout
    • LED output

what processes will be used?

  • Processes:

    • Electronics >
      • Design
      • Milling
      • Soldering
    • Microcontroller > Programming
    • Case >
      • 3D printing
      • 3D milling
      • Molding-Casting
      • Lasercutting
      • Vinylcutting

what tasks need to be completed?

  • Materials-tools order
  • Device 2D/3D design
  • Electronics design-production
  • Microcontroller program
  • Case 3Dprint/lasercut/mold-cast
  • Case vinylcut customization
  • Bill of materials update
  • Process-Device slide-video-web documentation

what other questions need to be answered?

what is the schedule?

Here, I show a first idea of the schedule to follow on Final Project development:

Warning with other assignments needings!

how will it be evaluated?

From week01 - Principles and practices, these were my Principles:

I started thinking in my project putting the focus in some basic ideas.
“During project I must be able to develop a device with this principles… “:

  • make something useful
  • make an improvement of something that already exists
  • make something that could be made by others with low costs
  • make something achievable
  • make something scalable
  • make something that could integrate in&out behaviours
  • make something that could integrate as many skills and technologies as learnt during the Fab Academy
  • make something in which electronics plays a major role

Also, I added this features to my list:

  • make something that I like and that inspires me
  • make something in a field that I have some experience
  • make something portable

But some things changed:

Basic functions

  • spectrum analyser > to Advanced targets because of the complexity
  • distance measurement > 8 meters limitation -also the price- is not useful for Acoustics in order to treat with reverberation and echo calculations
  • musical tuner
  • musical harmonizer
  • recorder/player

Advanced (scalable) targets

  • stereo recorder/player
  • sound teacher
  • sound modulator
  • rythm box
  • music teacher

In general, I want to be able to develop and finish a simple and functional device that could work with sound in the most easy way, but also with some interesting interactivity.
The target is to put the focus on the sound experience to put it in value in human lives.