For this week's assignment, we are to consider certain details as they pertain our final project and answer a series of questions:
The frame I am working on will illuminate a piece of artwork when the lights in a room go out. In order to do this, it will use a light sensor and a relay that interact to control the backlighting.
After searching online, it looks like there are several options available for a backlit frame. As an independent artist, I would be using these skills to produce frames for my own work and so it is important that I keep the costs down. I also find it advantageous to be able to program my own board so as to be able to calibrate the sensor if needed.
-MDF to make the frame -EL wire -AMBI light sensor -12V Inverter -2 Block Terminal -3 Block Terminal -one LED -Hot glue -SSR Relay -N mosfet -1K Resistor -150 ohm Resistor -wires -1 sheet of acrylic -application tape -Fabduino or similiar board
The EL wire and 12V inverter can be found online at sparkfun.com. The MDF, acrylic sheet, application tape can be found at a hardware store or signage store. The AMBI light sensor can be found at Modern Device. The rest of the materials should be available in the Fab Academy inventory.
The estimated cost is around $100.
-2D and 3D design was used for the construction of the frame Computer controlled machining is needed for the press-fit frame will be made on the CNC router. -The acrylic sheet will be engraved on the laser cutter. -The Fabduino and SSR Relay with AMBI light sensor board will be made on the Roland Modela Milling Machine and soldered by hand, as learned in electronics design and electronics production. -A knowledge of input and output devices will be needed as well as programming in order for the parts to function.
-Order EL Wire and 12V Interter -Combining the AMBI light sensor and the SSR Relay Board -Make a Fabduino board -Laser engrave acrylic with a custom design -CNC a frame -Hook up the EL Wire and 12V inverter with the SSR Relay -Program the board
-How will I get the frame to lay flat? -Will the sensor work through the print? -How will the EL wire look behind the print?
June 1: buy materials June 2: prepare files for CNC June 3: test run of frame, machine frame June 4: modify frame if necessary, engrave acrylic June 5: design board June 6: mill boards, solder boards June 7: program and test board with lamp June 8: troubleshooting June 9: hook up EL Wire and inverter June 10: finalize EL wire and board layout in frame June 11: test sensor behind print, calibrate if necessary June 12: documentation June 13: Slide and video
The project will be evaluated on my ability to have the sensor and relay work in cooperation with each other. I will also be evaluated on the calibration of the sensor, so that it is sensitive to changes in ambient light from within the frame.