Fall 2014 TEL3M Independent Study Projects (ISPs)

Independent Study Projects. The table below includes the ISP proposals in the order they were received.

# ACE Project Description Risk Factor
(out of 10)
1 BL Combination Lock Box
For my ISP I decided that I wanted to make a combination lock box. To do so I will need to learn the basics of semiconductors and mechanics. I plan on making a small lock box with a basic switch code, so that when a certain code is entered and a button pushed, the door of this lock box would swing open.
 
2 CNC Altoids Flashlight
For my ISP I would like to take an idea that was inspired by looking at all the fun things people are doing with Altoid tins. I was looking at one that someone turned into a flashlight and thought that was pretty cool, but, i had to spice it up. I was thinking of making an LED flashlight that uses RGB LEDs and potentiometers to change how much of each color is in the light and one to controll overall brightness. I would also have a switch and i was thinking of trying to get on potentionmeter that could controll how fast the LED would oscillate but im not sure if there would be enough room.
 
3 JG Infrared
Motion Sensor
This project takes a photosensitive transistor, an IR LED, a regular LED, and some resistors. It uses these parts to create a circuit that is regularly off, with the IR LED always emmiting light of 880nm upwards only. When an object passes over the circuit, it will deflect the light onto the photosensitive transistor, completing the circuit and turning on the regular LED. I plan to modify this circuit by replacing the regular LED by 1 red and 1 green LED to show whether or not the circuit is on, and an output such as a light for the circuit to turn on and off. The end effect of this circuit will be a circuit that when an object passes over it, an output is turned on. When an object passes over the circuit again, the output is turned off. Reference: IR Motion Sensor
 
4 MA Desk Speaker
For my ISP I have elected to build a mini speaker using the parts in my kit. My brother has been saying for a while now that he wants a portable speaker for his phone for christmas. So, I thought this would be the perfect idea to build him one and give it to him as a present for christmas. I'm not really sure how to build one but with a little help from the internet I should be on my way.
 
5 MK Assemble a PC
For my ISP this year I am planning on building my own computer that's capable of running modern and popular games that demand intense graphics, but also to keep it at a reasonable price. I would buy the case, the motherboard, power supply, DVD reader, CPU, Random Access Memory cards, hard drive and graphics card all separately and build it myself. I was also in the market for a new computer so this ISP will serve a dual purpose.
 
6 ST MIDI Controller
Over the past few weeks I have had a total of 5 different ideas for my ISP. I then narrowed it down between a CPU temperature monitor and a MIDI controller. Knowing that a MIDI controller would make more use to me than a CPU temperature, I decided to choose it. For this project I will need to know how to turn a PBNO into a readable signal for a computer. A MIDI controller will help me while creating music in the future.
 
7 WG Class 1 Laser
?
 
8 RK Lie Detector
For my ISP, I would like to make a lie detector. It is like a more complicated nightlight, but instead of light, or lack thereof being the independent variable, it is the resistance that the human skin provides.
The lie detector is made from four different strengths of resistors, one potentiometer, three NPN transistors, one 0.1 μF capacitor, one slide switch, one red LED for “false,” one green for “true.” I am also required to make the actual lie receptors, or the change in resistance is made from aluminum foil and a wire attached to Velcro, so that the detector can be attached to the fingers.
 
9 RM Raspberry 64
For my ISP, I’ve decided to create a fairly compact, battery-powered computer, with a case design based on the commodore 64 system and powered by a raspberry pi. The raspberry itself will be powered by a pair of AA batteries which output to a micro-usb plug, which will power the actual ‘computer’. The interface, which will be designed and built by me, will consist of a keyboard and an analog joystick to function as a mouse.
 
10 SZ Shortwave Radio
For my ISP I'm going to build a shortwave radio, I listen to the radio frequently and I think it would be really interesting to build one myself as it would give me some insight on how they work. For this project the main component I will need to learn how to use will be an air variable capacitor. I was also thinking about designing a circuit board for my radio. This idea is still in the developing stage, I will need to look at different antenna configurations, charging the coil, etc. to try and generate as much distance coverage as possible.
 
11 HM Light-Dependent
Alarm
The project that I have chose to create for my ISP is a Light Dependent Alarm. The Light Dependent alarm is triggered when light is sensed. When light is sensed an alarm will go off. I have chosen this project because waking up in the morning can be a pain so I have chosen this project in order to help myself get up more efficiently in the morning.
 
12 MM Guitar
Effects
Pedal
I love to play the guitar, industrial design, and building things. For my ISP I wanted to create something that incorporates all of these things, and so I arrived at the idea of building a guitar effects pedal. An effects pedal works by altering the electrical current coming from the electric guitarís pickups and sending the altered signal to the amp to create a different noise than that which the guitar normally makes.
 
13 MP Roulette
For my ISP I have chosen to create a LED roulette circuit, I wanted to create a game that you could use and have fun with and use it with friends. You will press a button and 10 LED's will start cycling through untill the capacitors powering them run out. The light that the capacitors run out of charge on is the one that wins. To complete this project I will have to use parts such as capacitors, resistors, potentiometer's and other components that i have previously learned about. In addition to complete this project i will have to learn how to use two new chips. The first one is the 555 timer. This is a sets a pulse and dictates when the LED's change. The second is the IC 4017 counter. This chip counts from 0 to 10 and will be what decides what LED gets the power.
 
14 LVB Dark Detector
I plan to make a project similar to the automatic night light where it lights up when it's sensor darkens. I would try to put a type of switch in it as well so when it's one way, the light would stay on. When the switch was the other way, I would try to make it so that LED turns off and a different one starts blinking. I would try to model it into something like a flashlight.
 
15 CC iPod Charger
My idea is to create a portable iPhone/iPod charger. All of the time portable devices lose their charge and this is a convenient pocket-sized charger to keep you up and running. This project consists of many parts that we have already discussed and applied in class. Although I would need to expand my knowledge on voltage regulators and voltage connectors. This project will have a lot of practical uses, and will be very useful. Recently my brother purchased a portable charging machine like this one and he paid $100 for this!
 
16 NJ LED Music Box
I intend to create and build a medium sized “LED box.” This LED box will respond to sound, with light. I plan for the box to light up, when sound is heard. I am currently looking for a part that will listen to the sounds. If I do not find this part, I can always use an AUX cable for sound/music input. I am going to use a TIP31 NPN transistor. This will be what makes the LEDs pulse and flash, as the music gets louder and softer. This box will contain about 8-12 LEDs. After completing the first set of blinking lights, I may add another set, for keeping the beat of the music. This will look great with my speakers.
 
17 MG   I would like to do a solar powered green house for my ISP. I will be connecting a solar power to some LEDs and so when the solar power gets it power it will power the LEDs inside a little clear box with plants in it.  


ISP Description. By Saturday November 15 you are asked to submit a 250-300 word description of your Independent Study Project in the body of an email to handin under the Subject Line: ISP Description.

We are past the halfway point in the course; there are 14 classes left. This is sufficient time to research and identify a project you will pursue. Your kit is filled with interesting components, electronic components are available all over the city and online, and there is an internet filled with ideas and outlines for projects.

The characteristics of a great project include such aspects as imagination, creativity, a degree of risk and, sometimes, even simplicity, to name a few. Remember that flashlight circuit 'board' the guy made out of little more that a piece of paper and a pencil? Simple, but inspiring. So, starting this weekend, dig in, think, research and explore possible project pursuits. Be discerning: don't accept the first thing that comes along.

You'll be expected to summarize your project in your ER so have your phone handy to capture the images of your journey. It will eventually be the first paragraph in an ER summary due in early January but for the purpose of this week's requirement, you are to simply include the text in the body of an email to handin under Subject Line: ISP Description. Finally, this project is an independent effort on your part. The research and its implementation are your responsibility. You may ask me for inexpensive parts, and if I have them, they're yours. Beyond that, my participation in your project is minimal. Enjoy!


Grade Contribution to Final Mark
10
10%
11
10%
12
15%

For the bulk of your formal education you have been, and will continue to be, required to consume curriculum chosen for you by someone else. Fortunately (hopefully) you will put this knowledge and skill to good use in your future. However, jumping through someone else's hoops alone does not, typically, secure future success. For that, you must demonstrate your own initiative, motivation, and passion. These qualities need to be cultivated and our Grade 10 hardware course is a perfect place to start. There is so much to learn and there are so many great projects out there that offer stimulating contexts within which to develop and refine your interests.