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Week 2: Project Management

Final Project

For this week I worked on defining my final project idea and started to getting used to the documentation process.

  • Decided to produce a final project called: Kiddi-Coder The Kiddi-Coder is a hardware coding puzzle display, that introduces programming concepts to middle school students.

The pieces of the Kiddi-Coder will include:

  • Start/Clock = A start block which has a pushbutton to start the processing. Included is a clock with a knob to control the speed of execution
  • Set A, B = Initializes variables A and B to a user setting
  • Show A, B = An LCD display shows the current values of A and B
  • Math = A puzzle piece that can perform add, subtract, multiply and divide
  • Compare = Compares A and B with comparisons >, <, <=, >=, and =. Directs the flow of the program.
  • GoTo = Jumps to another location in the program
  • Input A, B = Allows setting of the variables A and B
  • Output = Allows the program to send information to a device, like DC motors, Stepper Motors, LEDs, and maybe an M&M dispensing device.
  • End = The end of the program.

General Information

  • The coding puzzle pieces will be magnetically attached to two vertical rods (one is +5 volts, the other ground) which powers each block.
  • The base will hold the power supply.
  • Each puzzle piece will be composed of a base part containing the microcontroller, and will be the same for all coding pieces.
  • The top cover of the puzzle piece will have a daughter board that plugges into the base unit and wires up the specific function.
  • Each puzzle piece will have a Photo transistor pointing up, that receives previous puzzle serial commands and an infared LED pointing down, to send commands to the next coding puzzle piece.

Research

I got the idea for the base puzzle processor board from Quentin Bolsee (previous FabAcademy student): https://fabacademy.org/2020/labs/ulb/students/quentin-bolsee/projects/samd11c_devkit/

The required technologies that will be used in the project include:

  • Microprocessor design and coding.
  • Schematic creation and PCB layout and routing.
  • Milling the Printed Circuit Boards.
  • CAD layout of the Mechanical components.
  • Milling of the frame using the Shop Bot.
  • Creating the 3D plastic frames of the coding puzzle pieces.
  • Using the 3D printers form the many code puzzle Base and Tops.
  • Use the Vinal cutter for graphics and wording.

2D and 3D Modeling

Modeling and design goes here.

Materials

  • Plywood 1/2 inch, furnature grade, 4 foot by 4 foot.
  • 6 chromed steel rods 3/8 inch in diameter, 24 inches long.
  • PLA or ABS plastic for the 3D printer.
  • Screws, nuts and bolts.
  • BUD box to hold the Power Supply.
  • Power Supply for the +5 Volts at 1 amp.
Last update: February 23, 2022