********************** Check out some of our project videos (see Student Projects tab). These videos were made by previous students in fulfillment of the requirements of the Makecourse in lieu of a final exam. They show the projects 'in action' and give a short description of the Arduino-based control system.*********************
All participating students Invent, Design and Make an animated object. This is the main objective of the course. By doing this students learn to use 3D design software, putting together a microcontroller based control system, and learn to program a microcontroller in C++. All projects need to contain moving parts designed and simulated with Autodesk Inventor and printed with 3D printers at the Advanced Visualization Center (AVC) at USF. We expect that you make use of the Arduino kits and endow your designs with displays, LEDs, remote control, RFID tag activation or whatever else comes to your creative minds! You are encouraged to purchase additional components for your project to give them that additional 'awesome factor'...;-)
Please, note that there will be no team projects. Each student does her/his own project. While each project must be unique, students are encouraged to help each other and collaborate to get their designs implemented.
In general you are encouraged to be creative with your project designs. Usefulness is no concern for the final grade for the project. This is a practice run for the 'real thing'. However, all projects must be creative, unique and fulfill the following criteria:
1) The object must be completely designed and simulated in Inventor (or similar software) before it is built.
2) It must contain 3D printed moving components that interact with the electronic control circuit.
3) It must be controlled by or interact via the Arduino and kit components (use of additional components is encouraged) in some creative way.
4) It must have a creative (i.e no simple switch) on/off or control mechanism (remote control, touch sensor etc...)
5) The standard enclosure must be used. All cutouts in the enclosure must be designed in the 3D simulation and professionally implemented. The best way is usually to 3D print the enclosure and/or the lid with the cutouts and fixtures integrated to hold whatever you need to mount.
6) Printed parts cannot exceed the 250mm x 125mm x 125mm build size constraint.
7) The final design must be complete and work, be neatly manufactured with precision, and be original. There will be no A grades for incomplete and/or shoddy put together projects.
The projects will be graded for their functionality, perfection and originality, but not their usefulness or complexity. Students can Make something artsy, musical, crazy, silly, whimsical, or (yes!) even useful. All we care about is a well-designed object, precisely executed, and fulfilling its task. However, aim for designing something feasible that can be executed properly within the three months of this course.