Week #6 - Journal

Ideation

Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)

The assignment revolves around building and Program a smart circuit using an Arduino UNO which reads a signal from an input component to control an action component.

Security system

This week, I'm building a museum security system using a motion sensor. When someone sneaks in, the system flashes an LED and blasts a buzzer—kind of like a mini museum security system!

Museums are packed with priceless stuff, so keeping them safe is a big deal. I thought it would be cool to make a simple version of a security system that could actually protect something.

I got the idea while watching a movie that a thief wants to steal a high-tech security museum. I figured, why not make my own little setup? It’s a fun way to show how motion sensors can help guard treasures—plus, I love seeing tech in action!

Tool Chain

Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?

Google

ware used for research gathering ideas

Tinkercad Software

Simulating the entire circuit before physically building it.

Arduino IDE Software

Rewriting and uploading the code to the Arduino.

Arduino Uno

The microcontroller controls the entire system.

Microwave (RCWL-0516)

To Motion Detection Sensor

RED LED

To light up when motion detected

Buzzer

To work on when motion detected

Breadboard

to make quick electrical connections between components

Wires

For connecting the Arduino with the keypad, LCD, and servo motor.

Design/Preparation Process

Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?

Initial Concept:

I started by brainstorming how a basic museum security system works. The idea was to detect motion and trigger both a visual (LED) and audible (buzzer) alert. This simple concept led me to choose components that would simulate a real security setup.

2. Using Tinkercad

Circuit Design: I opened Tinkercad and began designing the circuit. I placed the PIR ( as Mircowave sensor doesn't exist in tinkercad ) sensor, LED, and buzzer on the virtual breadboard, connecting everything to the Arduino. Tinkercad made it easy to experiment with different connections and test how the system would behave when the sensor detected motion.
Simulating the Code: I wrote a basic Arduino code in Tinkercad to control the circuit. The code made the LED and buzzer turn on when the PIR sensor detected movement, simulating the museum alarm system. I tested it within the Tinkercad environment, which allowed me to tweak the code and connections without needing physical components.

Recording 2024-08-26 002947.mp4

Development/Implementation Process

Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?

Setting Up the Circuit:
- After designing and testing the security system in Tinkercad, I transferred the design to the physical components. I used a breadboard to lay out the circuit, connecting the Microwave sensor, LED, and buzzer to the Arduino. This was a direct implementation of the virtual circuit I had already tested.
Programming the Arduino:
- I connected the Arduino to my computer via USB and uploaded the code I had already written in code blocks and tested in Tinkercad. The code controlled the microwave sensor, LED, and buzzer, ensuring the system responded to motion detection.
- Using Arduino IDE, I made sure there were no issues when uploading the code.
Testing the System:
- Once the circuit was physically set up, I tested the system by moving around in front of the Microwave sensor. The LED and buzzer activated as expected whenever motion was detected, simulating an alarm in a museum.

WhatsApp Video 2024-08-26 at 01.02.59_74517169.mp4

Overcoming Challenges

Problem: Microwave Sensor Not Available:
- Issue: Tinkercad didn’t have a microwave sensor available for simulation, which was a part of the original plan.
- Solution: I replaced the microwave sensor with a PIR sensor in the simulation. The PIR sensor effectively simulates the motion detection function of a microwave sensor, making it suitable for the assignment. I adjusted the project to use the PIR sensor only for the simulation phase.

2. Problem: Time Management and Burnout:

Issue: I faced burnout, which affected my ability to manage time and meet the assignment deadline.
Solution: To address this, I had to prioritize my tasks and focus on the most critical aspects of the assignment as project proposal first then week 6 than week 7 which was almost done. I broke down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and set specific goals to complete each part. Additionally, I took short breaks to help manage stress and prevent further burnout.
Help: I did not seek help from an instructor or peer specifically for time management, but I used general time management techniques and stress-relief strategies to get back on track.

"You can do anything but not everything"

Final Project

How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?

Meme of the week and every week

Adapting Components:
- Skill: Replacing the microwave sensor with a PIR sensor taught me how to adapt and find alternatives when specific components are unavailable.
- Application: In the final project, if a specific sensor or component is not available, I can use alternative components effectively and ensure the project remains functional.
Time Management

Managing time effectively, despite challenges like burnout, is essential for meeting deadlines.

Stress Management:

Recognizing and managing burnout is important for maintaining productivity.

Weekly Digest

This sing was my friend through the week, because it hits me so deeply and i love the band too.

Canyon calling, would they come to greet you?

Let you know you're not the only one

Assignment Design Files

Tinkercad design

Arduino Code

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