xveitch

Just to let you know, there is an new entry on my blog of the finished product! Thanks for all the help you have given me. 

Xander

Hi All, 

Thanks for all the comments, they are so helpful. 

 

I've just condensed the overall thoughts into a list. 

So toggle switches and slide pots are a bad idea because of reliability issues, with rocker switches and rotary pots being a better solution. Also, it seems that design 3 is the best case idea for this project (I'll mention Huw Griffiths' idea soon), but it would be lifted to a new level by adding a proper handle, magnetic tape for a secure lid, and to add felt to provide a softer end stop.

Huw asked how a user would attach his wiring, I was personally thinking a screw "choc block" style connector due to its ease of use. This leads onto another point, location. I agree that having the connectors on the back is a bad idea, as it restricts the options the user has for mounting and is generally awkward. So where could it fit in? There are two key places with the design currently, either along the left hand side which would be easy to access, but would restrict placing any units to it's left and would not line up with the "control columns", ruining the simple, organised look that I was trying to acheive. The other option is the bottom, which is unobtrusive but also at risk of catching on something and also less easy to access if the unit will be attached vertically. I must add that the design at this point is only a basis to work from, and is definitely not set in stone, so any further ideas are fantastic. 

 

Huw also mentioned another way of designing the product, with two translucent sheets of acrylic held together by nuts and bolts. I like the adaptability of this and how it can easily become a modular system, but for several reasons I am still not sure that this will work for me:

• Visible circuit boards scare people who have weak electronics knowledge! After some research with the owner of my local model shop, he mentioned that his customers either have a fantastic electronics knowledge, or none at all. Of course, those who do have that knowledge are able to build their own lighting control circuit, which will mean that my product has limited attraction to them. Instead I am aiming for modellers (or any other users) who want to learn and improve. Therefore the product can be used manually or programmed to be automated (flowcharts are easy to pick up, and ambitious users can learn some programming language if they want). Also, as the connectors will be screw, the user could buy pre-wired LEDs to fit, or learn to solder some themselves. In a nutshell, I am aiming for a product whose capabilities match the users' knowledge as they learn. 
• I really like the idea that the product will look and feel like a commercial product, and that I can look upon this process as a manufacturer would. I think this would really benefit my learning, especially as I am thinking about going into engineering in the future. 
• And finally, this project is for my GCSE, and therefore the product needs to be complex enough so I can gain my maximum mark. 

Huw also mentioned that having full sized pots may not add to the product much. I think that if the product was aimed entirely at those intending to use the automation feature immediately, then this would make sense. I feel (tell me if I'm wrong!) that some users would enjoy being able to vary the lights to allow them to give a full day to night to day lighting range (like Miniature Wunderland - they were even planning to sell their own light control unit, but unfortunately it didn't get off the ground - http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com/exhibit/technology/lightcontrol/ ) but without having to program the unit.

 

Maybe I'm trying to be all things to all people? After I've reviewed all this information on my Controlled Assessment slide show, I will be further developing the design, so any more ideas are brilliant. 

 

Thanks so much for your help and support, 

Xander

Again another possible variation for you -

Rocker Switches - Good

Rotary Pots - Good

Hinged Cover - Good - Possibly clear or dark, semi translucent?

Output Sockets - On the top or bottom - makes it easier to surface mount the unit?

Have you though about using a Arduino NANO? You can get a version with a USB interface for around 99p if you order from overseas. Makes it easier for people to program?

 

Good luck with the project.

 

 

Andrew

Thanks. I'm going to use the PICAXE range because I've used them before and our DT department uses them. The PICAXE range are also easy to program, with flowcharting and standard programming both featured on the programming software.

The semi translucent cover is also an interesting idea.

Xander

As a 15 yr old modeller - this is cool! You could also attach a vibration sensor to add further data to passenger comfort charts.