My Final Project

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✅ Final Project Task Breakdown

📟 Electronics

  • ✅Finalize electronics architecture (sensors, actuators, power, microcontroller)
  • ✅Design custom PCB(s)
  • ✅Generate toolpath for milling (Roland or other mill)
  • ✅Mill PCB
  • ✅Stuff and solder components
  • Test continuity and basic functionality
  • Debug PCB (if needed)
  • Integrate power supply system
  • Connect sensor and actuator wiring (neat and modular)
  • ✅Finalize electronics system diagram (what components, what connections, what power requirements, what supporting electronics...regulators, resistors, filtering capacitors, protection diodes)
  • Breadboard all subsystems and test with MCU and code to ensure proper, predictable functionality(then the rest of your list)

💻 Programming

  • Write microcontroller firmware (Arduino/C code)
  • Interface with sensors (temperature, humidity, light, soil moisture)
  • Control actuators (fans, water pump, LED grow light, etc.)
  • Implement automation logic (thresholds, timers, etc.)
  • Test sensor readings and actuator outputs
  • Calibrate sensors and tune responses
  • Optional: Add user interface (OLED display, buttons, or serial monitor)
  • ✅Write a list of functionality you want your code to perform...ex: turn on the LED when the Phototransistor value rises above 500, turn on the water pump for 10 seconds with the soil moisture sensor value drops below 200, etc.
    • Turn on LED when Phototransistor reading > 500.
    • Turn off LED when Phototransistor reading ≤ 500.
    • Turn on Water Pump for 10 seconds when Soil Moisture Sensor reading < 200.
    • Turn on Fan when Temperature Sensor reads > 35°C or when Humidity > 80%..
  • Write (sub) programs to control the functionality of each device connected to the microcontroller (ask Rico about how to create different tabs to organize code...)
  • Test each program with the electronic subsystem that it should control...ex: test the photo transistor value reading, test the relay controlling the light, test if the photo transistor can be used to send ON/OFF instructions to the light relay

🛠️ Fabrication (3D Printing, Laser Cutting, CNC)

  • Design 2D/3D parts in Fusion 360 or similar
  • Laser cut enclosure walls and the head of the pig(1st module)
  • 3D print small parts (sensor holders, motor couplers, joints)
  • Assemble all fabricated parts
  • Integrate electronics into the structure securely
  • Determine the enclosure size and shape required to contain and protect your electronic system
  • Design an enclosure based on the 2 points above...also consider, how to access electronics to debug, how to feed power to the system, where to have wires go IN/OUT of your enclosure, etc.(the rest of your list)

📝 Documentation & Presentation

  • ✅Document each process step (photos, videos, sketches)
  • ✅Write weekly updates (include learnings and challenges)
  • ✅Create a dedicated Final Project Page
  • Record final project video (showing demo & features)
  • Compress files and prepare for final project upload (CAD, code, etc.)
  • ✅Ensure site is clean, accessible, and meets Fab Academy standards

⚙️ Mechanism Design

  • Design water distribution system (pipes, pump, valves)
  • Design ventilation system (fan placement, airflow direction)
  • Mount sensors in optimal positions for accurate readings
  • Ensure modularity and maintenance access
  • Create holders and guides for moving parts (if any)
  • Include adjustability (light position, irrigation level, etc.)