This code is Challenging!!

          Today was a long day in the Lab. The coding for the alarm clock is turning out to be more complicated then expected. We have the fan working with the potentiometer, the LEDs in an array working and the buzzer working. The challenge is trying to get both bread boards to communicate to each other, and to have all sequences work together when we want them to work together. Easier said then done. We will continue to work through the trial and error to figure this out!

Alarm and LED array



 

 

Today we attached the LED array to the alarm clock. It blinks at 8:00:00 which is the alarm time that was set in the code. The array blinks for a minute after the alarm time is reached. Below is a video of the Alarm Clock



 

 

 

Sound And Timer

Not exactly perfect but we've managed to incorperate the sound and timer on the same board. Next step is to program the arduino to recognize a certain value on the timer and initate the sound.

 



 

Making Progress

Our next challenge was to create a digital clock with the Arduino board and LCD. Even though we aren't completely there, we have at least created a timer with our board that counts seconds, minutes, and hours. Next step is to figure out how to set the clock and allow it to run in sync with the actual time! Here is a video of our timer! 

Part To Be Designed

As a group we decided that for the part that is to be 3D printed we wanted to create a frame for the alarm clock. This frame could not exceed 4 cubic inches so we decided that there was not going to be a bottom, top, or back. There's two sides and a front where the LCD can protrude through in order to display the time. A picture of this part is as follows. The part pictured has a volume of 3.91 cubic inches. Enclosed in this casing would be all of our breadboards and arduino boards that would been needed to execute a fully functional alarm clock. For this alarm clock to be more visually appealing the back will be covered up with cardboard or precisely cut foam board. This material would also be used for the top of the case. On top of this would be the fan that can be operated by a button. We decided to use cardboard or foam board because it could be punctured to have the button protruding in order to operate the fan. The hole in the model above the place where the LCD will be placed is where the LED light will protrude out to blink when the alarm goes off.

 

November 13, 2013

November 13th, 2013 Blog Entry

All members present. This week has been an exciting one for the team. As a group we decided to build a programmable alarm clock that performs the following functions:

• Displays day and time on LCD screen
• Programmed to initiate alarm sequence at prescribed time
• Alarm consists of synchronized LED light and Piezo element sound maker
• Push button serves as snooze feature that pauses alarm for 10 minutes
• Reactivated alarm flashes and beeps even more obnoxiously as well as turns on a fan to blow on user’s face
• If snoozed again, final alarm sequence drives alarm clock away from user, forcing them out of bed to fetch it.

We began compiling example and open source code that could be used to perform the above functions. Code for blinking the LED is readily available. We have successfully laid out an LCD display on the Arduino board that we can manipulate (see picture) as well as acquired code that explains how to import a computer’s internal clock time to the Arduino board. (http://playground.arduino.cc/Code/Time). We have found a basic layout and code for making sound using the Piezo element, as shown in the video below.

Moving forward, we have the following goals for this next week:

• Acquire an old desktop computer fan
• Salvage the components of some old remote control cars for a battery pack, wheels, lights and platform.
• If a sufficient battery back cannot be acquired, we will need to purchase a 9V battery adapter for Arduino (see picture).
• Program the LCD to properly display the day and time
• Code has been found, just need to plug it in
• Figure out how to activate alarm mechanism at a prescribed time
• Sync flashing LED and sound to desired pattern
• We've read that this is harder than you’d think
• Connect push button so it can terminate alarm sequence and initiate timer that waits 10 minutes before activating alarm again.

This will undoubtedly keep us busy for a while. Some important things we need to remember are:

• Figure out if we need to have any Arduino parts ordered in Professor Sullivan’s bulk order on Monday November 18th.
• Figure out how we connect multiple arduino/ bread boards and whether we’ll have one large program or multiple.

Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for next week

RGHG808