Final Amplifier

This is my finished amplifier. For this project, my goals were to create something that allowed me to explore the basic skills and elements of A&D while also creating something visually appealing. My speaker design was two cats that are stackable and separatable. Thinking about the work I've created, I'm most satisfied with my circuit for my amplifier. I had to solder it twice, but I think I really got to understand more about how circuits function. If I was to start over, I'd spend more time working on my project outside of class earlier on in the process so I didn't have to stay for so long during the last week or two. Something that I'll remember two years from now is how modeling on Rhino works.

Enclosure Progress

If I'm able to work outside of class, I think I'm on track to finish my project. I've finished the speaker, but now I have to figure out the logistics of the enclosure and how my circuit fits inside of it.

Soldered Amp PCB

This is my soldered amplifier circuit.

Soldered Shaped PCB

This is my soldered shaped PCB. The original idea for the design was a robot with lights incorporated into its eyes, head, and body. I worked with James to design the PCB. I'm mostly happy with the product, but I still have to troubleshoot one of the blue LEDs.

Unsoldered PCB Board

My PCB board pre-soldering.

Amp PCB Design

I worked with Evan and Raya. During this process, I learned a lot more about how the board flowed, and how each component connected. I also learned more about how schematics are set up, as I had mostly used the photos when constructing my breadboard.

Amp Circuit Breadboard

What I understand now:

After building the circuit, I understand much better the importance of the correct placement of components and connections. I realized how each component's function is influenced by the surrounding parts, and how a misplacement can disrupt the entire circuit, so attention to detail is really important.

What I'm still confused about:

The capacitor still confuses me. According to ChatGPT, capacitors store and release electrical energy, helping to keep the voltage steady. They act as buffers that help prevent sudden changes in power.

Cardboard Prototype

My speaker design is two cats stacked on top of each other. From making this prototype, I learned more about the size requirements for the speaker, as they were larger than I'd thought. In terms of modifications, I'd like to play around with the sizes to see if I can make the two parts fit together more stably.

Modeled Enclosure Design

This is my digital model (80% done). I've tried to make sure the dimensions are to scale and accurate to what I want the finished product to look like, but I'll still have to troubleshoot the design after making the cardboard model.

Phase 2 Drawing

This design is relatively challenging for me, and it will likely take a lot of persistence and patience to get it right. It will also require me to apply new concepts and techniques. Also, given that I don't have prior experience from D&T, I'll have a lot to learn.

Speaker Idea Feedback

Takeaways

The cats would probably require more effort--however, there is much more creative freedom, such as making them rearrangable.
The owl is a good design that incorporates the speakers, but it might be too big.
The panda would also be an easier option, and I could take more time on the basic elements.

Speaker Idea Sketches

These are my speaker concepts. I like the panda idea because I think I can make an aesthetically pleasing, recognizable object, and it also fits well with the speaker shapes. I also like the idea of the two cats (top left) although I think this one would be harder to execute. Finally, I liked the owl concept, but it might be a bit big.

PCB Schematic & Board

My partner James and I made a robot, with leds on the eyes, hat, and stomach/monitor. I will remember the importance of attention to detail and patience. Many parts of this project, the breadboard, schematic, and circuit board format all took a significant amount of detailed editing and constrcution. It took a while, but it was worth it.

PCB Sketches

Here are my partner and I's concept sketches. We ended up choosing the robot, as we thought it had the most potential to become a PCB--we had ideas for where we'd put the LEDs, battery, etc.

Hello Post

Hi, I'm Safiya!

Strength/Growth:

I’m good at being ambitious and working hard, and if I have a vision I will try to execute it the best I can.

Especially while working with new concepts, I want to be more persistent and resilient, and not give up if I get frustrated.

Documentation Commitments:

I want to create detailed documentation with specific explanations.
I want to be consistent with my updates.
I want to implement feedback I receive.