GANTT Chart

I started off this week by creating a Gantt chart for my final project which is a project management tool that visually represents a project's schedule using horizontal bars. Each bar corresponds to a task, showing its start and end dates, duration, and dependencies.

You can access my GANTT Chart here

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
    • ✅ Connect sensor and actuator wiring (neat and modular)
    • ✅ Finalize electronics system diagram
    • ✅ Breadboard all subsystems
  • 💻 Programming
    • ✅ Write microcontroller firmware (Arduino/C code)
    • ✅ Interface with sensors (temperature, humidity, light, soil moisture)
    • ✅ Control actuators (fans, water pump, LED light, etc.)
    • ✅ Implement automation logic (thresholds, timers, etc.)
    • ✅ Test sensor readings and actuator outputs
    • Calibrate sensors and tune responses
    • ✅ Write a list of functionality you want your code to perform...ex:
      • 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
    • Test each program with the electronic subsystem that it should control
  • 🛠️ 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 and 2nd 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
  • 📝 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.)