Remind Me Again - Weekly Edition¶
After many weeks of crazy hours, hard work, and squeezing time out of every free moment, I present to you:
Final Presentations¶
Bill of Materials¶
Framework
| Number | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/2” Plywood, 4ft x 4ft | 1 |
| 2 | Lexan Green edge sheet, acrylic, 25”x36” | 1 |
| 3 | Black Felt, 1 yd | 1 |
| 4 | White Felt, 1 yd | 1 |
| 5 | Buttons, Clear resin | 7 |
| 6 | Fasteners, 1/4-20 x 25mm | 4 |
| 7 | USB Phone Charger | 1 |
| 8 | Vinyl cut stickers | 10 |
Breakout Board
| Number | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | NeoPixel WS2812B | 1 |
| 2 | Button | 1 |
| 3 | Diode | 1 |
| 4 | Horizonal Headers | 3 |
| 5 | 0 Ohm Resistor | 2 |
Control Board
| Number | Description | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ATTiny1614 | 1 |
| 2 | 0 Resistor | 2 |
| 3 | 330 Resistor | 2 |
| 4 | 10k Resistor | 2 |
| 5 | LED | 1 |
| 6 | 1uF Capacitor | 2 |
| 7 | 3 Pin Male Header | 1 |
| 7 | 5 Pin Male Header | 1 |
| 7 | 8 Pin Male Header | 1 |
Progress Through the Semester¶
I used some of the weeks to work toward my final project. These weeks either helped directly, or taught me the skills I then applied to my project.
Week 1.5 - Principles and Practices¶
This week was used to figure out exactly what I wanted to make. I used this time to come up with as many questions about my project as possible so I could start thinking about the answers early. I tried to think of and write down as many things as I could concerning potential problems I would need to solve.
Week 2.0 - Computer Aided Design¶
I used this week to create a mock-up of my project. I’m not very good at drawing, so this was a great way to get a fairly accurate visual of the final product. All in all, I’d say I stuck rather close to the original design.
Week 3.0 - Computer Controlled Cutting¶
I didn’t use this week initially to work on my project, but the skills I learned were used very heavily in the final build. I wasn’t sure what I would use to create the grid pattern, but in the end, I used the laser cutter to get the accurate and clean lines in the final build.
Week 4.0 - Electronics Production¶
This one is a bit self explanatory. I used the programming board contstantly throughout the class as well as the prototyping and the final project itself.
Week 6.0 - Electronics Design¶
I used these skills to create the various boards I used both to test and to complete my project. Initially, I had never used KiCad or any other board designing software, so this was a huge step towards making the idea into reality.
Week 7.0 - Computer Controlled Machining¶
My CNC machining is in metalworking. Using a ShopBot is both very different, but also familiar. I didn’t use this week initially on my final project, but this week was the most important in the final creation and construction of my build. The base itself was created with the ShopBot.
This week in particular wouldn’t have happened without the help of Charlotte Latin, so a huge thank you to everyone there!
Week 8.0 - Embedded Programming¶
This was my introduction to programming, and it was basically the equivalent of dropping someone in the middle of the ocean and telling them to swim to shore.
So it was difficult, but necessary. By the end thoug, I can say I understand a bit of what the code is doing, but I still have a LOT to learn.
Week 10.0 - Output Devices¶
My output device is the NeoPixel, which seems basic for some, but it’s a big deal to someone who has never done this sort of thing before. I really enjoy working with them and will be using them in future projects as I learn more.
Week 12.0 - Input Devices¶
The inputs were my buttons, and again, simple, but my project wasn’t meant to be complicated. This turned out to be incredibly hard to get to work. Buttons aren’t keys. I learned that the hard way.
Files¶
All the final files used to create my project can be found below.
Fusion 360¶
Base Files¶
Acrylic¶
Felt¶
Buttons¶
PCB Boards¶
Program¶
License¶
Thank you!!¶
Special thanks to:
-
Garrett Nelson for always helping me out, even when he had his own stuff to work on
-
Adam Harris, even though he’ll deny it because of how busy he was, he always tried to help whenever he could.
-
David Taylor for his insight, help both on projects and in coordinating times to use Charlotte Latin’s facilities, and for just hanging out while we worked.
-
Jenny Dam, my bestest friend who helped with programming, and when I needed to vent.
-
Ross Peele, for his machining assistance, helping me make decisions during prototyping, and being eternally patient with me coming home at 11 PM multiple days of the week throughout this project.