Embedded Files
Final Project| 12/15/22
What did you make?
I soldered a speaker and placed it inside of a press-fit wooden box with CNC engravings.
Thinking about the work you created, what are you most satisfied with this semester?
I am most satisfied with this speaker, as I was able to apply the various skills/machines I had learned how to use into one project. It was satisfying to see the pieces come together after I had finished the final CNC engraving.
If you were to start over, knowing what you know, what would you do differently?
I would use the CNC router more - it was satisfying, quick, and cut clean. I was originally hesitant to use a new machine (with a 42-long-page instruction manual!), but the process was actually quite simple and added more texture + visual interest to my speaker.
What is a lesson from this class that you will take with you and use in future projects?
Things are quicker the second time around - my first circuit board did not work, so I had to solder a new one. However, because I had a better understanding of the pieces + placement, it was a faster and smoother process.
Enclosure Progress| 12/12/22
I have cut all the pieces for my enclosure. Next up, I need to CNC engravings/patterns onto the front.
Also, as of 12/12, I have working speakers!
My goal is to fully finish the enclosures, the speaker, and do a very simple digital project on my circuit playground. I plan to stay after school one day to work.
Soldered Amplifier Circuit| 12/7/22
As of 12/7/22, this is what my soldered amplifier circuit looks like.
In class, I have been focusing on printing my enclosure (which is nearly complete) so I have dedicated less time to circuit. However, I have added all pieces that attach directly onto the board and now just need to add the protruding/extending pieces.
Shaped PCB Update | 11/28/22
I worked with Elli to create a rocket.
Unfortunately, our design has multiple issues with the flow of the positive/negative current. I soldered the battery and resistors onto the board before realizing that the LEDs would not light up unless we made serious adjustments. (We need to scratch out a few connections and add multiple wires on the back.) If I have extra time at the end of the semester, I will work on making this PCB light up.
Unsoldered Circuit Board | 11/15/22
Tabitha and I added a fish to our board.
As of 11/15, I have not started soldering the circuit board. Instead, I have been laser cutting different pieces for the shell of my speaker.
Digital Project | 11/11/22
I will be using a circuit playground in my amplifier. I imagine the lights changing around the circle with a different volume. I want my lights to be in a rainbow pattern or randomly generated.
Microcontroller | 11/4/22
I worked with Nikolai - we made our two names slide back and forth across the screen. Nikolai and I also played around with uploading different images.
Microcontroller | 11/2/22
I worked with Amelia - we made all our microcontroller lights turn on one-by-one in a random color.
PCB Amp | 10/31/22
Our viewer is looking at the heart of our amplifier- this is where all the electronics will be connected and soldered together!
I was partnered with Tabitha, and we decided to have a marine/sea theme for our board. We created a fish template in rhino and then added it to the PCB. Our board will be blue.
Group LED Playground Challenge | 10/2/22
Sophie and I experimented with fading and rotating colors!
Group Python Challenge | 10/25/22
Sophie and I completed challenge #1 together in class!
Breadboard Progress | 10/21/22
I completed my breadboard and got sound playing using bluetooth!
Cardboard Prototype | 10/7/22
I used the laser cutter to create pieces for my cardboard prototype. I am happy with the result, even though I was unable to capture the key textures. I also am using a press-fit technique, so without the 1/4" dimension, the box looks a bit odd.
Going forward, I am going to make the design taller, shorter, and emphasize certain edges. I am also going to make sure that the textures I am including are very pronounced and noticeable.
Modeled Enclosure Design | 9/22/22
Phase 2 Design Drawing | 9/16/22
For my amplifier design, I have decided to create an embellished box instead of a windmill because I want to explore different textures and layering materials. I am excited to try creating troughs in wood using the CNC cutter. My design is symmetrical (besides the volume knob) and I am including a circuit playground in between my two speakers.
AMPLIFIER IDEATION | 9/8/22
I used the guided sketching time in class to flesh out a lot of the ideas I had.
Final PCB Circuitboard | 9/8/22
WHAT I LEARNED: Throughout this process, I learned how to identify and draw the key components of a schematic. I then applied this knowledge while creating an Eagle schematic.
I also learned that the schematic and the PCB board are two disconnected items; the pieces in the schematic have to properly line up with current and flow, while the PCB board is the place where everything needs to be arranged in its correct position for printing.
Class Work| 8/30/22
Elli and I decided on the rocket for our PCB board design. I focused on the Rhino file while she created the Eagle schematic. We initially struggled to upload the Rhino file to Eagle, but after deleting excess points on curves, the file successfully uploaded! Next class, we need to finish the schematic.
PCB Ideation | 8/30/22
IMAGE NOTES: Elli and I wanted to utilize LEDs in interesting ways. We were also inspired by the theme of space/sky, so we brainstormed different ways that LEDs could be integrated with this theme.
We landed on three main ideas: a cloud with a lightening bolt, a plain with exhaust and wing lights, and a rocket with flames and a window. In all of these, we would use LEDs to draw emphasis to elements of our design, such as yellow LEDs on a lightening bolt or red LEDs in a rocket window. We also want to enhance our PCBs with silkscreening, which we will add once we chose a design and make a rough Rhino file.
HELLO POST | 8/24/22
DESIGN STRENGTH: I am good at brainstorming, drafting, and initially sketching a variety of first ideas. I am also very precise when executing projects.
DESIGN GROWTH: I have not worked with circuits for two years, so I will need to relearn most of my skills. I can also sometimes get caught up in the specifics of a project and need to take a step back to look at the big picture.
3 COMMITMENTS:
I will always experiment with multiple ideas and materials instead of being set on one predetermined outcome.
I will take clear, well-lit, nicely cropped photos.
I will document my entire process (failures and successes) to provide context for my photos.
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