Upon completing a year's studies in electronics, students often produce final projects to demonstrate their understanding and synthesis of the year's lessons. When selecting a year-end project, look for a theme that interests you; your passion for the subject will show through in your attention to the project's details. In addition, look for a project that showcases the subjects you have learned over the year.
Dummy Alarm
If you've completed an introductory course in electronics, such as an elective course at the middle school level, you might use your basic understandings to create a "dummy alarm." Essentially, you'll create a red light that blinks on and off, just like the indicator lights used in real alarm systems. Your "dummy" version might even help to keep potential thieves away from your car sound system or other valuables. To create a long-lasting dummy alarm, use a 7555 timer instead of a standard 555 timer, as it will require less power. A "superbright" red LED also requires less current than a standard LED to produce the same light. Because the light is unlit most of the time, the average current for the circuit should be under .2 milliampere. Three AA batteries should run your alarm for months or even a year.
Metering
For an advanced course of study, design an electronic meter for your end-of-term project. Instead of using traditional mechanical meters to show your consumption of gas, water or electricity, you can easily create an electronic device to show utility consumption more accurately and in an easier-to-read format. For a gas meter, you will need a pulse measuring circuit and a low-voltage detection circuit. Both of these will connect to a main microcontroller, which in turn connects to the system's motor driver and an LCD display. For an electric meter, you will also need a temperature sensor for continuous feedback.
Flickering Christmas Tree
If your electronics course finishes in the fall semester, you might create a holiday-theme final project: a miniature Christmas tree with flashing lights. Use 18 LED lights, a 9-volt power supply such as a PP3 battery, and a 4060B IC, a combined counter and oscillator clock. For the tree itself, paint cardboard, plywood or medium-density fiberboard with bright green paint, boring holes for the LED lights.
Voice Recorder
For a somewhat advanced end-of-year project, design your own voice recorder. You can use the device for a range of purposes, from a party gag to an automated "message pad" to keep by the house phone. To build a voice recorder, plans will most likely require a condensator microphone, a speaker and push buttons, besides all requisite wiring and circuit board.
References
- Photo Credit electronics image by Stanisa Martinovic from Fotolia.com; Source: eHow
