My Electronics Projects and Learnings

During winter break I visited a family friend who is a music teacher. In his room was this huge table set with all kinds of science and engineering projects that he does as a hobby (A thought hovering in my head since then-music has a unique connection with science. It is definitely a propeller of science. Einstein also had similar beliefs.) I was so intrigued that I ended up visiting his place five days in a row and created two remarkably interesting projects. As a high schooler who is always talking about pursuing Computer engineering as a field of interest, exploring some electronics concepts was a wonderful experience. 

Bird Scare/Electronic Repellent 

The electronic repellant model was my first pick from the table. I read about how it employs different frequency emitters to keep birds away from crops. Efficiency in farming is a persistent problem as it is essential to sustain the rising world population. One of the major hindrances for crop fields is animals and pests feeding and/or damaging crops. Many MNCs around the world use such devices. I created a model of the same while learning about electronics. 

This device contains a frequency generator as well as a motor, for the more traditional approach of a scarecrow. The frequency generator and the motor run at intervals of 2 ½ minutes and ½ minutes, respectively. This is controlled by 2 circuits. The solar powered battery is the source of electrical energy. This energy is supplied to the frequency transmitter as well as the rotary fans. The working of both is alternated using ceramic capacitors. 

I knew the theory from my Physics class. However, it was my first experience with soldering, and it took some effort to understand how to connect electronic devices in a circuit.  I also used a solar panel to power this (good from a sustainability viewpoint).

Safety Helmet experiment 

This was the harder project of the two. It involved several devices. I learned to utilize various devices, such as a transmitter, switches, and even an alcohol sensor! 

The project was to design a helmet that promotes safe driving by not allowing drunk driving.

The helmet consists of various safety measures. The vehicle starting mechanism is integrated with the helmet circuit. The ignition will turn on only when helmet is properly strapped and alcohol sensor is not activated. The alcohol sensor is very sensitive and detects alcohol consumption and immediately stops the vehicle if so, it also plays a warning message through the pre-programmed MP3 player, to the driver, that alcohol is detected in your breath, you are not permitted to drive in this condition. This device aims to bring safety during transport as accidents remain a major cause of fatalities.  

Bluetooth Speaker

I created this while attending a workshop at Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences. This was part of an initiative called MakerSpace, which aims to provide educational experiences to high school students. In this workshop, we were taught about constructing a Bluetooth speaker using various hardware devices.  

The body of the speaker and all its parts were 3D printed, which I found very cool. Inside the body, we placed intricate wiring and connected all the electrical devices together which included the speakers, a Bluetooth module, a step-up converter, and a battery. The challenge was soldering the wires properly, and to the correct terminals. It took very long and was frustrating at times but finally, the circuit-building exercise was very satisfying.

My Takeaway 

Through these experiments, I realized how simple ideas can create usable and cost-effective stuff! for example, the helmet experiment uses preexisting components such as alcohol sensors, transmitters, etc. but connects them together to create a device that solves a basic routine problem. 

The electronics side of this was a new experience for me, and I got to see the intricate design of circuits and the microdevices it powers, which themselves run the whole device seen on the outside. I was astounded at the number of devices that needed to be used and their complexities. I noticed that a tiny resistor also has colored lines on it that determine its resistance value!  

Exploring further….

Having Computer Science as a high-level subject for my IB Diploma, I am always interested in programming and software. But exploring electronics gave me an insight into the hardware of computers and many machines like understanding microprocessors and sensors.

What is your area of interest and why? Let me know your thoughts in the Comments box.