18. Project development¶
What tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain?¶
Completed tasks¶
- Initial CAD designs for lasercutting + printed parts
- Electronic designs + electronic production + embedded programming
- Initial interface code.
- Initial tests.
Remaining tasks¶
- Improve CAD design, the current design is too basic. Also, experiment with other materials for the case.
- Improve clock hand design.
- Improve UI on Android App.
- Dial design.
- Debug the embedded code.
- Improve cable management + Packaging.
- Add a proper connector for power supply.
- Final tests.
- Update video + presentation.
What has worked? what hasn’t?¶
Worked¶
- The PCB board works as expected.
- The communication between the App, the bluetooth module, the main PCB and the Stepper Motor works well.
- Components fit correctly on the 3D Printed base.
Does not work¶
- The clock hand doesn’t fit correctly in the stepper shaft.
- It seems the steps done by the stepper motor are not very accurated.
What questions need to be resolved?¶
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How the improved CAD Design will look like? I want to reduce the device volume and also I want a more interesting design for the sidewalls, back and top faces.
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Why the steps are not accurated? I have to debug the embedded code.
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What would be a possible name for the app and the device? “Desktop notifier” and “fab-nofitication-manager” sound too serious.
What will happen when?¶
After those questions are answered the device will have a better appearence, name and accuracy so it will be ready for everyday use.
What have you learned?¶
During this week I learned to work in spirals. Although at this point the project doesn’t have a great look, I think that it is a good first spiral because I proved that all the components work well togheter. Obviously this will not be the only spiral before the final presentation because I have to improve the points I mentioned above.
Additionally, I learned to adjust my designs to reduce the amount of 3d printed parts to save time and resources. Initially I planned to 3d print full size walls for my device, but then I decided to go with smaller walls that could contain laser cutted walls.
I also learned to put more attention to the labels on the pigments because I accidentally loaded the 3D Printer extruder with ABS instead of PLA+ and as a result I lost a few hours of my life.