Electronic Wizards at Work!

     _Seven students in the BS Electronics Engineering Technology program have completed their Senior Projects during the Winter Quarter. The objective of the Senior Project course is to have the students design, build, troubleshoot and present a project of their choice. The students have a faculty member as an advisor and follow a department guideline for the project. Projects usually require the application of analog and digital electronics, controllers (PC, Microcontroller, PLC, and Basic Stamp), or communications along with some software application using Visual Basic, C++ or SCADA. The students are instructed to think of their project as a product that they will be developing and delivering. The student develops the concept by doing research and writing a proposal. This is done in the Introductory to Senior Project course. There will be some prototyping done during this time to prove the feasibility of the project. The project is then completed during the Senior Project course. There were seven projects completed and are listed below:
· A Microprocessor Controlled Robot by Barry Robin: This self-contained stand-alone robot is remotely controlled by user, and includes an ultrasonic collision avoidance function.
· A Home Security & Alarm System by Jeff Goodwin: A system that monitors for intrusion on windows or doors, which is passive infrared, and includes a user keypad or remote for entry and disabling alarm signaling.
· A Hand Held Anemometer by David Camiel: An imbedded microprocessor controlled anemometer that measures and displays wind speed on a liquid crystal screen.
· An ELT Detector by Chris Johnson: An electronic system that monitors the national emergency locator transmitter system. This pager-sized device notifies a pilot or boater when their ELT is triggered. This allows the user to notify the authori ties in the case of a false alarm.
· An Ultrasonic Tape Measure by Brian Hunter: This handheld device is microprocessor controlled allowing a user to measure distances between objects. Output is displayed on a LCD display in inches/feet or centimeters/meters.
· An Auto Fisher by Jeff Goulet: A remote controlled fishing rod controller that allows hands free operation of a fishing reel. Allows those who are disabled to enjoy the sport of fishing.
· A Wireless Child Leash by Bill Castle: A wireless system that monitors the location of two children. If they wander out of range, a warning signal and light notifies parents.
      The following are interesting stories pertaining to the robot project by Barry Robin and the ELT Detector by Chris Johnson.

The birth of a robot

     In addition to being a BSEET student, Barry Robin worked as a Lab Assistant in the Electronics Technology (ELS) department. It was here that he discovered that his interest in robotics and the department's interest in a robot might be a good match. Barry approached Frank Sisto, Co-chair of the ELS department, about designing a robot for the department. Frank thought it was a great idea and agreed to have the department sponsor the effort. The size and function of the robot was agreed upon and the project began. The project was a complete success. Not only did Barry satisfy his graduation requirement with the project, but also the department now has a robot to use as a demo to excite prospective students about the electronics programs at NEIT. The other benefit is that the project is expandable. Another student can add more features to the existing design. This was truly a win-win situation. Barry was an outstanding student and has recently accepted a position at Intel in Hudson Mass.

The ELT Detector

     Chris Johnson decided to couple his interest in the Civil Air Patrol to develop a product that would reduce false ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) and EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) alarms. An ELT for aircraft and the EPIRB for mariners is a device found in most airplanes and boats. The purpose of these devices is to help track down planes or boats in distress. The problem is that 95% of these "emergencies" are false alarms and it cost millions of dollars each year because every alarm has to be tracked down and investigated. In addition, the false emergency could very easily mask a real emergency.
      The solution to this problem is Chris' invention, a small portable ELT/EPIRB monitor about the size of a pager. The device has a limited range so that it will only pick up a signal within about 100 feet. The pilot of a plane would wear the device clipped to his belt. If there were a hard landing that would falsely trigger the ELT, the pilot would know it and notify authorities that it is a false alarm thus averting a search and rescue operation. The device would work similarly for a boat operator with an EPIRB.
      Chris did a high quality job and has this product in a very near manufacturing design layout. He made the printed circuit and successfully soldered very tiny surface mount electronic components.
      Vin Scotto, Chair, and faculty of the EET department, are very proud of what these two outstanding students have accomplished. Barry and Chris are excellent ambassadors of the Electronics Engineering Technology program and have bright futures ahead of them. It is a prime example of what students can do when they combine learned skill with a strong interest. Vin always tells his students the importance of pursuing a career in an area of strong interest. The result will be a very stimulating and satisfying career filled with opportunity, and the pay-off will be that you are also having fun at the same time.