Discovery Project
Fall semester 2020 was when I was assigned an individual discovery project in my ECE 1871 class. I was tasked with creating a hands-on project that would produce something that can solve an issue or serve a purpose in my everyday life. At first, I wanted to make a card dispenser that would act as a dealer. It was a cool idea and I even wanted to account for player’s seating, and card amounts differing by game. Sadly I realized how unrealistic it was to create with my lack of skills and course load as a full-time student. I then set my eyes on something that would help me learn many key skills an electrical engineer will need, along with serving a purpose in my life. My project is a desk piece. Now this seems very broad and generic, but I have a bland desk, and why not use this project as a way of learning and benefiting myself.
The desk piece required many skills that I did not learn. After planning I realized I needed to learn laser cutting, soldering, understanding a schematic. The first skill I learned was laser cutting. Thankfully Georgia Tech has a building known as the IDC. There I met many great people who were willing to help me learn, understand, and use supplies to finish this project. The laser cutter we had was able to cut many materials but I only needed to cut wood and acrylic. The biggest thing was learning how to use the laser cutter because the machine worked the same regardless of the material used. On my first day at the IDC, a peer leader taught me how to use the laser cutter. We practiced on a small piece of wood, and I engraved an image of Kobe Bryant. I learned the balance needed between power and speed, and how to know when I needed more of the other.
This is the piece of wood I used to learn how to cut wood with the laser cutter. I used an image of Kobe Bryant and his name so I could see how detailed the printer can get.
The next thing I learned was how to Sauter. This was when things started to get fun, and I was able to use a practice kit from the IDC to work on my soldering skills. I was a little sloppy, but I think I did ok for a beginner. The practice kit was a smiley face with really small resistors and LEDs. I probably would have done better if I did not have to get so precise for my first attempt. That being said, I was only able to get one of the LEDs to work, and the other one won’t turn on. It was kind of a bummer, but I understand this type of stuff comes with practice and I shouldn’t get discouraged over my first attempt.
This is my first attempt at soldering and I think I did ok. I just need to practice more and I know I will get better
The final thing I needed to be fully prepared for my desk piece is a schematic. I have not taken any classes that have taught me how to create a schematic, so I just borrowed an LED schematic from online.
This is the schematic that I used to have light for my desk piece
Now that I understand the basic skills needed to make the desk piece, I decided to implement all of these skills into the final product. I cut out all of the acrylic and wood, and I soldered the LEDs and resistors according to the schematic. I have 2 steps left before I finish. I have to use the laser cutter to cut a small hole out for the power switch, and then I have to connect all the pieces to hold up the desk piece with the schematic inside. I plan on finishing the project by the end of this week!
An image of all my pieces for the project. I have to put them all together and I will be done!!
ECE 2020 Project 1
The link below will be an attachment to my first ECE 2020 project in which I practiced many technical skills. The attachment has many photos and a video link that explains the project in detail.
ECE 2020 Project 2
The link below will be an attachment to my second ECE 2020 project. I had more experience using the equipment and software because of the first lab. This helped me a lot because I went into the last project with no experience. The attachment has many photos and a video link that explains the project in detail.