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Ideation
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)
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)
I came up with the idea of building a Coffee Temperature Tracker because I absolutely love drinking my coffee hot. However, I always find myself disappointed when my coffee cools down. The caffeine seems less effective when the coffee isn't at the right temperature 😁
Why This Idea Matters to Me:
Coffee is my go-to refreshment during day; it energizes me and improves my focus.
I often face a common problem: when I first prepare my coffee, it’s too hot to drink immediately. While waiting for it to cool down, I get absorbed in anything and forget about it, only to find it has become too cold to enjoy.
This tracker solves this issue by notifying me when the coffee has cooled to my perfect drinking temperature, ensuring I never miss that "golden moment ☕"
Inspiration:
This idea was inspired by my love for coffee & a desire to solve a personal pain point.
Tool Chain
Tool Chain
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
For my Coffee Temperature Tracker assignment, I used the following:
Software:
Arduino IDE:
I used Arduino IDE to upload the finalized code to the Arduino board.
Machines/Components:
Arduino UNO:
The Arduino UNO was the brain of my project, controlling the input and output components based on the code I wrote.
DHT11 Temperature & Humidity Sensor:
This sensor was used to measure the temperature of the coffee. It outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature in degrees Celsius.
Buzzer:
The buzzer served as an audio alert to notify me when the coffee reached the desired temperature. It provided a quick, noticeable reminder.
LED:
The LED acted as a visual indicator to complement the buzzer, providing a secondary notification for when the coffee was ready to drink.
330 Ohm Resistor:
A resistor was used to limit the current flowing to the LED, ensuring it operated safely without burning out.
Jumper Wires:
Jumper wires were used to connect all components on the breadboard and establish the circuit connections.
Materials:
Paper Cup:
I used a disposable paper cup to simulate the coffee container in my prototype. It was convenient and easy to set up.
Glue Gun:
Glue Gun was used to secure the jumper wires to the side of the paper cup.
Why These Tools and Materials?
Ease of Accessibility: All the materials and components were easily available in my electronics kit.
Integration and Simplicity: The combination of the buzzer and LED provided clear, easy-to-implement notifications.
Practical Design: Using a real paper cup made the project feel more relatable and functional.
Design/Preparation Process
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?
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?
The purpose of this project is to monitor the temperature of coffee and notify the user when it reaches an optimal range (50°C - 60°C). This helps prevent drinking coffee that is too hot or too cold.
Selecting the Components
For this project, I used the following components:
DHT11 Sensor → To measure the temperature of the coffee’s surrounding air.
Arduino UNO → To process the temperature data and control outputs.
Buzzer → To give an alert when the coffee is at the ideal temperature.
White LED → To visually indicate the coffee is ready to drink.
Power Source & Wiring → To connect all components properly.
Designing the Circuit & Simulation
Before building the physical prototype, I designed and tested the circuit using:
Arduino IDE → To write and test the program before implementing it on the hardware.
Writing & Testing the Code
The program is written in Arduino C to read temperature values from the DHT11 sensor.
The buzzer and white LED activate when the temperature is between 50°C and 60°C.
Used the Serial Monitor in Arduino IDE to display real-time temperature values and debug.
Building the Prototype
Connected the DHT11 sensor, buzzer, and white LED on a breadboard for easy assembly.
Placed the DHT11 sensor close to the coffee cup for accurate temperature readings.
Used cardboard to create a small enclosure for the circuit, making it portable and organized.
Final Testing & Validation
Placed a real coffee cup near the sensor and waited for the temperature to reach temperature within the 50-60°C range.
Observed the buzzer and white LED activating correctly when the temperature was ideal.
Ensured the system turned off when the temperature was outside the range (Less or More).
Recorded a video demonstration of the working prototype.
Development/Implementation Process
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?
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
Building the Circuit on a Breadboard
Using the same wiring setup from Fritzing, I transferred the connections to a breadboard:
Connected the DHT11 sensor to the Arduino to measure temperature.
Connected the white LED with a resistor in series to prevent overcurrent.
Connected the buzzer to signal when the temperature is within range.
I powered the circuit & tested each component separately to confirm functionality.
The Arduino was connected to a computer via USB, and the Serial Monitor was used to display temperature readings in real time.
Applying the Setup to a Real Coffee Cup
After confirming that the system worked correctly, I moved to the physical testing phase using a real coffee cup & to integrate the components with the coffee cup:
I used a small paper cup & attached the white LED and buzzer to the outside.
I placed the DHT11 sensor inside the paper cup, ensuring it could accurately detect temperature.
To avoid direct liquid contact, I used another identical paper cup & placed it inside the first cup.
The coffee was poured into the inner cup, allowing the DHT11 sensor in the outer cup to detect the heat from the coffee.
I secured the setup using jumper wire extensions to keep connections stable.
Testing and Debugging
After setting up the system, I conducted multiple tests by pouring coffee.
Observed the Serial Monitor in the Arduino IDE to track real-time temperature values.
Verified that:
The LED turned on and the buzzer activated only when the temperature was between 50°C and 60°C.
The system turned off when the temperature was outside this range.
The DHT11 sensor provided accurate readings without interference.
Any misconfigurations were fixed, such as adjusting the sensor's position for better temperature detection.
Project Enclosure and Final Adjustments
To make the project more compact and organized, I ensured all components were neatly placed around the below cup.
Used tape and paper reinforcements to secure the components in place.
Ensured that wires were neatly arranged to prevent any disconnections.
11.2.25.mp4Setup Before Pouring Coffee
11.2.25.5.mp4Before Reaching The Desired Temperature
Final.mp4And Here We Are☕
Community of Learning
Community of Learning
Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?
Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?
Title of Media
Before starting the project, I consulted my instructor Yassin, to ensure that my idea was applicable and feasible.
He confirmed that the idea was applicable.
A friend suggested placing the sensor in the lower cup instead of directly inside the main coffee cup to protect it from potential damage while still detecting heat transfer.
Overcoming Challenges
Overcoming Challenges
When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?
When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?
Who I Turned to for Help
Who I Turned to for Help
Whenever I encountered an issue, my first go-to person was my instructor Yassin . He provided valuable guidance and troubleshooting steps that helped me move forward.
Challenges & Roadblocks Faced
Challenges & Roadblocks Faced
I faced many challenges throughout the project, each requiring problem-solving and adjustments:
Issue with LM35 Sensor
Initially, I planned to use the LM35 temperature sensor, but it wasn’t working despite running correctly in Tinkercad simulation.
Additionally, one of its legs broke, making it unusable.
Replacing the Sensor
I obtained another LM35 sensor, but unfortunately, it still failed to detect temperature properly.
After testing multiple times, I realized LM35 wasn’t a good fit for my project and needed a new solution.
Switching to DHT11 Sensor
I decided to use the DHT11 temperature and humidity sensor, which turned out to be a much better choice.
The sensor successfully detected temperature variations, making my project functional.
Sensor Placement Challenge
I was unsure where to place the DHT11 sensor for the most accurate and safe temperature reading.
I considered attaching it to the cup’s surface using sellotape but worried about heat loss affecting readings.
I also thought about placing it inside the coffee cup, but that would risk damage from liquid exposure.
Final Solution: After brainstorming, I decided to place the sensor in a second cup below the main one, ensuring:
Protection from direct liquid contact
Accurate temperature readings through heat transfer
Simulation Issues in Tinkercad
When I tried to simulate the project in Tinkercad, I encountered a challenge: I could not find the DHT11 sensor in the available components.
I asked Yassin about this, and he confirmed that the DHT11 sensor isn’t available in Tinkercad.
He advised me to use Canva instead, Only for documentation.
Mistakes & Pitfalls Others Should Avoid
Mistakes & Pitfalls Others Should Avoid
Don’t rely solely on simulations (like Tinkercad) without testing real components—some sensors behave differently in actual implementation.
Always have a backup plan for components that might not work as expected.
Test different sensor placements to find the most effective and practical position.
Temperature Sensor LM35
Final Project
Final Project
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
Title of Media
This week, dealing with Arduino and working hands-on with various sensors and components significantly enhanced my confidence and skill set. The experience with coding in Arduino C, wiring components correctly, and troubleshooting hardware connections has been particularly valuable. I now feel much more comfortable with the Arduino platform, which is a key part of my final project.
WOW!
WOW!
What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?
What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?
Title of Media
Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]
Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]
Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.
Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.
In the EoW session, I worked on a fun project with Abdullah Othman. We created a machine that waves at you when you wave to it from a distance of 15 cm. Initially, we made a manual version where we controlled the machine using a potentiometer. This allowed us to manually adjust the movement and observe how it responded.
We then upgraded the project to an automatic version, where the machine's two hands wave in opposite directions in response to your movements. For this, we used Arduino, an ultrasonic sensor, and 2 servo motors. The coolest part is that we were the only team in the group to make the machine wave with both hands, not just one, which was an extra feature we added.
Our project stood out, and guess what? We made the best one in the group, which was a really proud moment for both of us! 🤪
Assignment Design Files
Assignment Design Files
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