WINTER 2017
360 SOLAR TRACKER
The goal of this project is to improve and add new features to the solar tracker project in class. These features include adding a USB charger, an LED display, two solar panels instead of one, and a stronger base that pans 360 degrees. The USB charger will be powered by storing the energy from the solar panels into a rechargeable battery in order to drive a current large enough to charge the device. The LED will display the voltage and current readings from the solar panel.
PIXEL STICK
This project extends towards light painting and the idea of long exposure photography. This technique involves a long exposure shot while moving a light source within the frame. Essentially, this will create unique and compelling works of art using various light sources. Photographers have since added colored lights and performed deft physical feats to capture interesting images. We hope to inspire engineers and artists to see and use STEM as a way to integrate and display amazing works of art with the capabilities of light. It is an artistic take on the already marketed product called Pixel Stick. However, our Pixel Stix will be much more affordable but less sturdy due to cheaper materials.
MUSICAL GLOVES
The goal of this project is to create a user interactive glove incorporating music for fun and therapy purposes. There are two methods of utilizing the glove, one is to play right away, the other is to have the glove teach the user which notes to play. The glove will have force sensors to detect the “notes” that are pressed and the vibration motors will be the “teacher” telling users which notes to press. The reason we have these two methods is to prevent people from backing away from the device solely because they do not have musical background.
LIT ROBOT
The Dexterous Anywhere Bot or D.A.B. for short, is a project where our team aims to repurpose or augment the robotic arm design,previously made by TA Buu, to mimic human arm movement, in real time. For instance, if a person were to move their arm to the left, the robot would do the same. If a person were to reach out and extend their arm, the robot would do the same. Or if a person were to close their hand, the robot would do the same. This will all be done through the use of sensors attached to the human body. For example attaching EMG sensors to the forearm of a person to detect when there are muscle twitches and have the arm react based on these twitches.
RED SHOE TOWN
The Fuzz/Distortion and Analog Delay Guitar Multi-effects Pedal is a guitar effects pedal that combines two different, usually separate, guitar effects. The fuzz pedal is one that produces a heavier low-end signal, more-so than common distortion pedals. This accomplishes a gritty and saturated sound. Meanwhile, the analog delay pedal is one that delays the input signal and outputs it at a given time delay. It introduces modular effects, which can lead to interesting sounds. By combining these two effects we can address a number of problems that some guitar effects pedals may have or problems that pedal owners have altogether. One problem solved is of space management in a pedal owner’s kit as it is costly in terms of real estate to pack one’s pedalboard full of different pedals. By providing two effects in one enclosure, we offer a convenient solution in cleaning up space in one’s pedalboard. Also, this sort of implementation can spawn some unique, unforeseen tones. Finally, fuzz and analog delay are not commonly paired together in the pedal industry, but it’s a sound worth exploring.