WEEK ASSIGNMENT:

 

Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered

 

The problem:

     a)   Biologists have to spend a big amount of time visualizing birds on field

     b)    It is hard to have evidence of the different species found. A camera with big lenses and a lot of luck is required

     c)    It takes a lot of time to find if specific birds are feeding in the selected ecosystem

 

 

The project: to build a bird feeder with several extra features:

 

a) Movement detector

b) Camera to take photos of birds with time and date

c) Solar power charging

d) Bluethoot  communication to download photos and check food levels

e) Bird singing records to attract specific species

 

What will it do?

 

The project is an electronic bird feeder which can take pictures of the birds feeding it is protected against squirrels with an electric shock device and has a sound board to attract different species of birds. It is also powered by a battery connected to a solar panel.

 

Who's done what beforehand?

 

Despite the simplicity of the concept there are no equipments designed for outdoors with long lasting batteries nor recharging systems. Most of them are for garden use or not specifically designed for birds and are very expensive.

 

There are no bird singing devices to attract species.

 

What materials and components will be required?

 

Structure: 9mm triplay sheet ( 60 x 120 cm)

Electronics

Sensor: Adjustable IR Reflection Sensor(3- 80cm)

Main board:  Shastakit or Arduino Mega depending on the number of pins needed for the project

Sound Board:Kelab Sound control board

SD card reader, Bluethoot board

Other electronic components

 

Where will they come from?

Some is recycled material and most parts from Mexican stores

 

How much will it cost?

 

Around 200 USD

 

What parts and systems will be made?

 

Structure, Shield board, Power board, Sound control board and the Electric shocks board

 

What processes will be used?

 

Control System: PCB Engraving, embedded programming and communications, Electronics design

To control the system: Interface and Application programming and Embedded programming

Base: 3D design and printing

Structure: Computer controlled machining and 3D machining

 

 

What tasks need to be completed?

 

Structure

App communication

Board milling and soldering

Programming

 

What questions need to be answered?

 

Can birds be attracted with sounds and specific food?

Does an Android app is the best way to communicate with the device?

Low resolution pictures are enough to identify birds?

Electric shock device is enough to keep squirrels away from device?

Is there enough energy to keep functioning the entire device?

 

What is the schedule?

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How will it be evaluated?

 

Firs stage: If the birdcatcher can take pictures of birds and Electrick shock protecting device is working

Second stage: Communication and programming between sound board and android app.