Answering the questions 📝❓

1. What will it do❓📝

TYMKA (Thanks You Mamá Katty) is an interactive electronics learning platform designed to help students understand programming, electronics, and embedded systems through hands-on experimentation.

The system is built around an ESP32-S3 microcontroller and integrates multiple input and output modules, including a joystick, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor, OLED display, LED matrix, servo motor, buzzer, and an audio player module (DFPlayer Mini) connected to an 8Ω 0.5W speaker.

Students can interact with the different modules and observe how data is acquired, processed, and displayed in real time. The platform allows users to learn concepts such as digital and analog signals, PWM control, sensor integration, I2C communication, and embedded programming.

All modules are connected through visible conductive copper tape paths mounted on an acrylic surface, making the flow of signals easy to understand and providing a visual representation of how electronic circuits work.

The main goal of TYMKA is to provide an accessible, modular, and engaging educational tool that bridges the gap between theoretical electronics and practical implementation.

2. Who's done what beforehand?❓📝

Several educational electronics platforms have been developed to teach programming, electronics, and embedded systems. Popular examples include Arduino Starter Kits, Arduino Education Kits, BBC micro, and littleBits, which allow students to learn through sensors, actuators, and programming activities.

TYMKA builds upon these ideas by providing a modular learning platform based on an ESP32-S3 microcontroller, integrating sensors, actuators, and a custom PCB into a single educational system. Unlike traditional setups that rely on breadboards and multiple jumper wires, TYMKA uses visible conductive copper tape pathways mounted on an acrylic structure, making electronic connections easier to understand.

A key aspect of the project is that it integrates many of the skills learned throughout Fab Academy, including Computer-Aided Design, Computer-Controlled Cutting, Embedded Programming, 3D Printing, Electronics Design, Computer-Controlled Machining, Input Devices, Output Devices, Networking and Communications, Interface Programming, System Integration, and concepts from Wildcard Week. This makes TYMKA both an educational tool and a demonstration of the digital fabrication processes developed during the program.

3. What sources will you use❓📝

The development of TYMKA will be supported by several sources of information, including official component datasheets, technical documentation, online tutorials, and Fab Academy resources.

One of the main references for this project is the work of Fab Academy graduate Ana Camila Luna Lopez, who developed a similar educational electronics platform. Her project provided inspiration for the concept of creating an interactive learning tool that combines electronics, programming, and digital fabrication.

Additional sources include the official documentation and datasheets for the ESP32-S3, DFPlayer Mini, OLED display, DHT11 sensor, ultrasonic sensor, servo motor, and other electronic components used in the system. The Fab Academy archive and previous final projects will also be consulted to identify best practices and implementation strategies.

For design and fabrication, references related to Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, KiCad, and digital fabrication workflows will be used. Programming resources will include Arduino IDE documentation, ESP32 libraries, and Processing documentation for the future development of a graphical user interface.

These sources will provide the technical knowledge required for the design, fabrication, programming, and integration of the complete TYMKA platform.

4. What will you design❓📝

For TYMKA, I will design the mechanical, electronic, and software components required for the system. This includes a custom PCB based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, designed to integrate power management, communication interfaces, and connections for multiple input and output modules. I will also design the acrylic structure and support system, including parametric slots developed in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper that can be adapted to different material thicknesses.

Custom enclosures for the input and output modules will be designed and fabricated using 3D printing. In addition, I will develop the embedded software that controls the sensors, actuators, display, audio system, and user interactions. A future extension of the project may include a graphical interface developed in Processing for monitoring and educational interaction.

The final result will be an integrated educational platform that combines digital fabrication, electronics design, embedded programming, and system integration into a single learning tool.

5. What materials and components will be used❓📝

Materials and Components Used

The final project integrates mechanical, electronic, sensing, output, and software elements. The following table summarizes the materials and components according to their function within the system.

Structure & Fabrication

• Acrylic Sheets: Used for the external enclosure and structural support.
• Plywood Supports: Internal mounting structure for electronic modules.
• 3D Printed Parts (PLA): Custom housings, brackets, and mounting accessories.
• Conductive Copper Tape: Decorative and visible electrical routing.
• Screws, Spacers & Fasteners: Mechanical assembly and component fixation.

Power Management System

• Power Jack 5.5 × 2.1 mm: Main power input connector.
• ON-OFF-ON Toggle Switch: System power control.
• XL4005 DC-DC Step Down Module: Voltage regulation and power distribution.
• 100µF Capacitor: Voltage stabilization and filtering.
• SS34 Schottky Diode: Reverse polarity protection.
• 5.6kΩ Resistors: Signal conditioning and circuit protection.
• 2-Pin Terminal Block: External power connections.

Control Electronics

• ESP32-S3 Dev Kit C N16R8: Main microcontroller and system controller.
• Custom PCB: Designed specifically for system integration.
• Female Headers: Modular connection of sensors and output devices.

Input Devices

• Joystick Module: Manual navigation and user interaction.
• HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor: Distance measurement and object detection.
• DHT11 Sensor: Temperature and humidity monitoring.

Output Devices

• 0.96" OLED Display (SSD1306): Visual feedback and system information.
• LED Matrix: Visual notifications and animations.
• SG90 Servo Motor: Mechanical actuation and movement.
• DFPlayer Mini MP3 Module: Audio playback system.
• 8Ω / 0.5W Speaker: Sound output and voice notifications.

Connections & Assembly

• Jumper Wires: Signal and power interconnections.
• Soldering Materials: PCB assembly and component integration.
• USB-C Cable: Programming and debugging connection.

Software & Development Tools

• KiCad: PCB design and schematic development.
• Rhinoceros 3D: Mechanical and enclosure design.
• Grasshopper: Parametric modeling and digital fabrication workflows.
• Arduino IDE: Firmware programming and testing.
• Processing: Data visualization and interface development.

6. Where will they come from❓📝

Structure

• Acrylic Sheets: Manufactured using laser cutting at FABLAB UNI for the main structural and decorative components of the project.
• Plywood Supports: Fabricated using CNC machining at FABLAB UNI to provide mechanical support and structural stability.
• 3D Printed Enclosures: Designed by me and manufactured using my own 3D printer for housing the input and output electronic modules.
• Assembly Hardware: Screws, spacers, nuts, and mounting accessories used for mechanical assembly and system integration.

Electronics

• Microcontroller: ESP32-S3 Dev Kit C N16R8 purchased from MTLAB Mechatronics Laboratory.
• Input Devices: Joystick Module, Ultrasonic Sensor, and DHT11 Temperature & Humidity Sensor acquired from MTLAB Mechatronics Laboratory.
• Output Devices: SSD1306 OLED Display, LED Matrix, SG90 Servo Motor, DFPlayer Mini Audio Module, and 8Ω Speaker purchased from MTLAB Mechatronics Laboratory.
• Power & PCB Components: Power Jack, ON/OFF Switch, LM2596 Voltage Regulator, Capacitors, Schottky Diode, Resistors, Female Headers, Terminal Blocks, and wiring sourced from MTLAB Mechatronics Laboratory.

Digital Fabrication & PCB Production

• Custom PCB: Designed in KiCad and fabricated using digital fabrication equipment available at FABLAB UNI.
• Manufacturing Processes: PCB fabrication, laser cutting, CNC machining, and 3D printing were used to manufacture the different parts of the project.
• Software Tools: KiCad, Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, Arduino IDE, and Processing were used for electronic design, programming, modeling, and system development.

By combining commercially available electronic components from MTLAB Mechatronics Laboratory with locally fabricated parts produced at FABLAB UNI and on my personal 3D printer, the project remains affordable, reproducible, and compatible with standard Fab Lab digital fabrication workflows.

7. How much will they cost❓📝

here I use the tools of ChatGPT and the promp is "Give me a table where I can edit components,Quantity, price and Purpsoe"

💰 Materials Cost Table

The following table summarizes the main electronic and fabrication materials used in the development of the TYMKA project. Most electronic components were purchased from MTLAB Mechatronics Laboratory, while the structural parts were fabricated using digital fabrication processes at FABLAB UNI and on my own 3D printer.

8. What parts and systems will be made?❓📝

Several custom parts and systems will be created for TYMKA. The physical components include a custom ESP32-S3 PCB, an acrylic structure, CNC-machined supports, parametric slot joints designed in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper, and 3D-printed enclosures for the input and output modules. Copper tape pathways will be used to create visible electrical connections between modules.

The electronic system integrates input devices (joystick, ultrasonic sensor, and DHT11) and output devices (OLED display, LED matrix, servo motor, and audio system). The software system consists of the embedded firmware running on the ESP32-S3, which controls all modules and manages user interaction.

Together, these elements form a modular educational platform for learning electronics, programming, and digital fabrication.

9. What processes will be used?❓📝

TYMKA incorporates a wide range of the digital fabrication and development processes learned throughout Fab Academy.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) was used to create the project logo, the structural components, the Electronic Design, and the 3D models. Parametric design in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper was used to develop adjustable slot joints, allowing the structure to adapt to different material thicknesses by modifying a parameter.

Together, these elements form a modular educational platform for learning electronics, programming, and digital fabrication.

Computer-Controlled Cutting was used to manufacture the acrylic structure using laser cutting technology. Computer-Controlled Machining was applied to fabricate the support components using CNC equipment. 3D Printing was used to produce custom enclosures for the input and output modules.

Electronics Design was used to create a custom PCB based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller, including power management and connections for multiple peripherals. PCB fabrication and assembly were carried out using digital fabrication tools and soldering processes.

Embedded Programming was used to develop the firmware that controls the sensors, displays, audio system, and actuators. Input Devices and Output Devices assignments are represented through the integration of sensors such as the joystick, ultrasonic sensor, and DHT11, as well as outputs including the OLED display, LED matrix, servo motor, and audio system.

Networking and Communications are implemented through the interaction between the ESP32-S3 and the connected modules.Interface and Application Programming may be incorporated through the future development of a Processing-based graphical interface.

System Integration is a fundamental part of the project, combining mechanical structures, electronics, programming, and user interaction into a single educational platform. In addition, concepts from Wildcard Week are explored by designing the PCB so that it can potentially be manufactured using alternative processes such as fiber laser cutting.

By integrating these processes into a single project, TYMKA demonstrates the application of many of the skills developed throughout the Fab Academy program.

10. What questions need to be answered❓📝

1. Will the conductive copper tape provide reliable electrical connections between all modules? The copper tape will be tested with all input and output devices to verify signal integrity, continuity, and long-term reliability. If necessary, connection points will be reinforced to improve electrical performance.

2. Can the custom ESP32-S3 PCB efficiently manage all connected devices? The PCB is designed to integrate power management, communication interfaces, and connections for multiple sensors and actuators. Testing will confirm stable operation when several modules are used simultaneously.

3. How can power be distributed safely throughout the system? A regulated power supply based on the LM2596 voltage regulator will be used to ensure stable voltage levels for all components while protecting the system from electrical issues.

4. Will the modular design improve the learning experience compared to traditional breadboard setups? The visible conductive pathways and modular organization are intended to help users better understand the relationship between electronic components, signals, and programming logic.

5. Is the parametric structure adaptable to different fabrication materials? The slot-based design developed in Rhinoceros and Grasshopper allows dimensions to be adjusted according to material thickness, improving flexibility and reproducibility.

6. Can the project successfully integrate multiple Fab Academy disciplines into a single platform? TYMKA combines CAD, electronics design, embedded programming, laser cutting, CNC machining, 3D printing, input devices, output devices, networking, interface programming, and system integration into one educational system.

7. Can the platform be easily replicated in other Fab Labs? The project uses standard digital fabrication processes, commercially available components, and open-source design tools, making replication possible in most Fab Lab environments.

11. How will it be evaluated?❓📝

TYMKA will be evaluated based on its functionality, integration, manufacturability, and educational value.

The project will be considered successful if the custom ESP32-S3 PCB can correctly communicate with all input and output modules, including the joystick, ultrasonic sensor, DHT11 sensor, OLED display, LED matrix, servo motor, and DFPlayer audio system.

The structural components will be evaluated by verifying that the laser-cut acrylic parts, CNC-machined supports, and 3D-printed enclosures fit together correctly and that the parametric slot design can be adapted to different material thicknesses.

The visible conductive copper tape connections will be evaluated for continuity, reliability, and ease of understanding. The system should operate with minimal use of jumper wires while maintaining stable electrical performance.

The project will also be evaluated on its ability to integrate multiple Fab Academy disciplines, including CAD, electronics design, embedded programming, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, input devices, output devices, networking, and system integration.

Finally, TYMKA will be considered successful if users can interact with the platform and gain a better understanding of electronics and embedded systems through a hands-on learning experience.