13. Applications and implications¶
Assignment¶
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered,answering:
## What will it do?
The existing problem my project is going to solve is to alert the user the occurence/ existence of the lightning strikes in the vicinity so that he /she may take precautions.
Who’s done what beforehand¶
After deciding to work on lightning detector, I tried to document myself on lightning detection and and I was inspired by the Acurite lightning detector produced by Chaney instruments Company. With warnings for cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-cloud, and intra-cloud lightning strikes within a 25 mile radius, the AcuRite Lightning Detector delivers hazardous lightning warning. When storms or lightning are nearby, the lightning tracker alerts you with a loud, audible alarm, a red LED light that flashes, and an on-screen message on the backlit display. portable, pocket-sized, and with a non-slip clip. To avoid erroneous lightning detection, the lightning detector has improved interference rejection capabilities. Operation modes include outdoor and inside.
What will you design?¶
I will design the PCB which includes the electronic components such as Franklin lightning sensor, OLED display module, ESP-12E, power supply and design also the mechanical part. i.e the housing/ casing that will contain the electronic components.
What processes will be used?¶
The mechanical part (the cover) will be designed using Solidworks software and will be 3D printed using 3D printing machine. The electronic part( PCB design) will be dsigned using Kicad software and will be milled using Roland machine.
What materials and components will be used ?¶
1.Franklin Lightning sensor capable of sensing lightning strikes within 40Km radius
2. OLED Display module that displays the detected lightning strikes
3.ESP-12E WiFi Module used for networking
4.Li-ion battery as a power supply
5.Crowtail vibration motor that makes sound when lightning strikes are detected.
6. Single sided copper clad board used for making the pcb.
7. 1.75 mm PLA 3D filament used as a feed in 3D printer for printing the box that contains the electronic components.
where will they come from?¶
Some of the materials and components needed for this project are available in our local fablab and the ones that are not available were purchased from local market.
How much will they cost?¶
The cost is tabulated in the following table
what questions need to be answered?¶
- Is the PCB well designed and well designed
- is the PCB well milled ?
- Is the the PCB well soldered?
- Are the electronic components used communicate efficiently? i.e Networking and communication.
- is the housing( mechanical design ) well designed?
- is the final product cost effective?
How will it be evaluated?¶
The evaluation will be based on solving/ answering the above questions
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By checking the continuity of the soldered PCB
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By checking the codes
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By testing the final product ( lightning detector) if it can detect the lightning strikes
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By comparing the produced lightning detector with the existing ones on market to check whter is cost effective.