TinkerCad is a wonderful software provided by Autodesk to create simple circuits implemented with Arduinos. The team decided that these circuits would be simple to visualize, understand, and recreate for our sensors and controls within the project.

AutoDesk Fusion 360, this software was used to model each individual component that was later printed for the project. Each tedious part was meticulously created to serve purposes such as mounting, securing, and providing proof of concept for the final build.

Throughout the process, the team got together to create a box from wood, a frame out of PVC, laser cutting, painting, staining, and making the three-layer canvas. This process was assisted by Jeffery Hoopes for the creation of precise and large holes that were needed for the PVC frame to snuggly fit into the box.

Arduino is based on C/C++ which is nice for efficiency but can create a steep learning curve. The code's main parts break down into component mapping, database building, display programming, low-power dynamic programming, and main code for decision-making.

Designed using Autodesk Eagle for ease of use and easy schematic workflow. The printed circuit board (PCB) was created through ironing on the schematic to the board to protect the desired copper with the rest dissolved away in an acid bath. The resulting board was a functional and precise board, which actually created some difficulty in the soldering process as the pins were able to be placed so close together.

Professional and efficient!

Fitting 47 wires within one tube and a hole in the box was not viable, the team created another access tube to facilitate the vast amount of wires. Meticulously wiring through joints, small holes, and to the intended component was tedious, but successful.

This build includes a 1k ohm resistor, NPN transistor, and the heating coil. This circuit makes it viable for our Arduino to be able to turn on the heater which is connected to the battery to increase output. The different stages include a breadboard, a protoboard version, and a handmade PCB.

This was the beautification and final stages of the project where testing, fixing, and touching up certain aspects were involved. Certain tasks of touching up paint, cleaning the wiring up, and ensuring the project was functional really encompass this stage of the project since the demonstration and judgment day was so soon