Web site created by Donato Borello, Amsal Karic, and Randal C. Nelson
The class was initially split up into four teams designed to maximize effectiveness with a smaller group size and allow for steamlined focus into the four chosen areas. These teams are described below. Oversight and kibbitzing were provided by Professor Randal Nelson
Task:
To design the electonic backbone to the device which consists of a very low power consumption circuit capable of running unaided for a millennium. The final design consisted of a microAmp scale LED blinker based on a solarengine circuit.
Team members:
Task:
To design an energy harvesting system capable of charging the electronic components during daylight hours and allowing the continuous operation of those compionents even in times with no direct light energy. The final design utilized dual solar panel arrays, along with a 1F ultracapacitor for energy storage.
Team members:
Task:
To design a hard metallic shell for all the other components, along with all the openings needed for solar cells and loupe viewing purposes. The prototypes were built out of aluminum because it was easy to machine, but the final housing was built from an alloy of aluminum and copper, because it is particularly resistent to water, is stronger than most metals and has an attractive sheen when milled. Construction involved building the box, sizing holes for light windows, solar panels, and building the internal loupe housing. It also required tapping holes and shaping glass to fit the holes that were cut out.
Team members:
Task:
To design a print preservation system along with loupe based magnification of the print. The final design consisted of a magnification loupe, along with a small scale printout of the final circuit schematic and team member information.
Team members:
CSC 200 Spring 2012 Project
The goal of the class project was to design and build an electronic artifact capable of operating continuously for a span of 1000 years.
The constraints include:
Compactness--Capable of fitting into a pocket or even being wearable.
Attractiveness--Having an attractive final look.
Durability--Capable of tolerating anything from an accidental drop on the sidewalk to a run through a washing machine.
Autonomy--Having a self-sustained power system and not needing any human intervention through its run of a millennium.
Treasure--Having an informational treasure which can be viewed in an easy way.
Price--The materials and components making up the artifact need to cost less than $1000 in total. (This does not include the value of student labor.)