Week 1 - Project management / Principles and practices
Sharpening the pencils
Assignments
Week 2 - Computer-aided design
Nothing to commit, working tree clean!
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Week 3 - Computer controlled cutting
Getting some practice and breaking wood
Week 4 - Electronic production
Milling and soldering the FabISP in-circuit programmer using a modified SainSmart 3018 CNC with Easel and Candle (GRBL). Detailed feed rates, height mapping workflow, SMD soldering tips and a common resistor mistake that prevented USB recognition — and how to fix it.
Week 5 - 3D scanning and printing
Exploring FDM 3D printing and 3D scanning techniques, with focus on preparing files for the final project brain model. Includes print settings, support strategies and post-processing for PETG.
Week 6 - Electronic design
Designing a custom PCB in Eagle and Fusion 360 for the final project. Exploring component libraries, trace routing and preparing files for CNC milling. First attempt at designing electronics from scratch rather than using an existing schematic.
Week 7 - Computer controlled machining
Using a large-format CNC router to machine wooden parts for the final project structure. Documenting toolpaths, feeds and speeds, fixturing and the full workflow from Fusion 360 to cut file.
Week 8 - Embedded programming
Programming ATtiny microcontrollers using the FabISP programmer built in Week 4. Exploring C programming, makefile workflow, serial communication and debugging embedded code for the final project.
Week 9 - Mechanical design / Machine design
Group project: building an automated marble maze game with servo motors, button controls and Arduino — remotely during COVID-19 restrictions. Play mode and auto-solving mode coded from scratch. Laser-cut frame, custom gear system, milled controller board and full Arduino code included.
Week 10 - Input device
Designing and testing input devices for the final project, including capacitive touch sensing for the brain model. Exploring step response sensing, ATtiny programming and debugging the interface between sensors and the microcontroller network.
Week 11 - Molding and Casting
Multi-part mold design and casting workflow for the brain model: alginate body casting for the mold original, machinable wax for the mold master, and platinum silicone for the final flexible cast. Detailed material ratios, troubleshooting and finishing techniques.
Week 12 - Output device
Designing a custom driver board for coin vibration motors and RGB LEDs embedded in the silicone brain model. ATtiny1614 + Allegro A4953 H-bridge motor driver. Full schematic, PCB milling, SMD soldering and testing documented.
Week 13 - Networking and communications
Setting up a UART network between multiple ATtiny nodes to synchronise the vibration motors, LEDs and MP3 player in the final project. Troubleshooting serial bus conflicts with the DFPlayer Mini MP3 module.
Week 14 - Interface and application programming
Building a Processing interface to communicate with the Arduino/ATtiny network via serial. Visual interface design and serial communication protocol for controlling the final project from a computer.
Week 15 - Wildcard week
Exploring vacuum forming and additional molding techniques applied to the final project enclosure and front panel design.
Week 16 - Application and Implications
Project implications and intellectual property considerations for "Hoy toca neurociencia" — an interactive tactile brain model for visually impaired users. Accessibility design, educational application and future development paths.
Week 17 - Invention, intellectual property, and income
Choosing and applying a Creative Commons licence to the final project. Discussion of open source hardware principles and how they apply to an accessibility-focused educational device.
Week 18 - Project development
Final sprint: completing the 3D printed parts, finalising the vibration motor network, assembling all components and preparing the presentation slide and video. Honest reflection on what worked and what didn't.
Week 19 - Project Presentations
Final project "Hoy toca neurociencia" — a tactile interactive brain model that vibrates at specific areas while an audio track describes them, designed for visually impaired and blind users. Full BOM, design files, presentation slide and video.
