Week 6

Microcontrollers are low power devices "embedded" inside some other device so that they can control the features or actions of the device.A microcontroller also is often small and low cost.


After doing some research, i decided to use Arduino software as microcontroller for my circuit. I have my own reason why i choose this software and will give an explanation later. How i know about this sofware? I was introduce to this software when i have to do a mini project using this software in semester 5 for Medical Instrumentation subject.For this semester also i have  learned to built a programme of motor system with Arduino in Electromechanics of Drives and Actuators in Medical Applications subject. So that, it will give me advantages because i have used it before and i can refer to my lecturer if i have any problem with this microcontroller.                                                                                                              


Some information about Arduino :

Arduino Uno

What is Arduino?
- A physical piece of hardware
- A programming environment
- A community & philosophy
- Open Source Hardware Development Platform
- USB Programmable Microcontroller (MCU)


Description :
 - It's an open-source physical computing platform based on a simple microcontroller board, and a development environment for writing software for the board.
- Arduino projects can be stand-alone, or they can be communicate with software running on your computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP.)
- The boards can be assembled by hand or purchased preassembled; the open-source IDE can be downloaded for free.


                                                                                    

                                            Atmega328 Information:

Microcontroller use?  
- Processor, Storage and RAM all in one tiny   package!
- Atmel Microcontroller (MCU), typically Atmega328                  

Why i choose Arduino ?

- Simplifies the process of working with microcontrollers

- Inexpensive

- Cross platform – runs on windows, mac and Linux

- Simple, clear programming environment

- Open source and extensible

Runs on: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux

Languages: Wiring/Arduino, C/C++

Getting Started guides: Clear step-by-step instructions, from download to blinking LED.

Knowledge base: 

• Many simple examples included with download

• Good reference guide to the commands

• Large knowledge base on Arduino site and elsewhere

Pros:

• Can be run as I/O board, using Firmata firmware

• Very large knowledge base

• Simple language, but expandable using C/C++

• Multiple models, for shields, breadboards,wearables, extra I/O pins

• Many shield modules

• Large number of open source derivative boards

Cons:

• C language constructs (semicolons, brackets, case sensitivity) are confusing

Week 5

     I have successfully completed hardware part. Now I can concentrate on the software part where i need to construct the circuit for display. The cycle ergometer will display on LCD the information about  revolution per minute (RPM), distance,speed and time . Anything device that have LCD will use the microcontroller. 

Block Diagram for Sofware Part

 For this week, i was concentarte to Sensor.After some research, i found that magnet and reed switch  will be attach to the bicycle and use as a sensor. What i have to find out is the suitable microcontroller that i can use to built a programmed for RPM, distance,speed and time to be display on LCD. 

Some information about Reed switch : 

        What is a reed switch ?

        The basic reed switch consists of two identical flattened ferromagnetic reeds, sealed in a dry inert-gas atmosphere within a glass capsule, thereby protecting the contact from contamination. The reeds are sealed in the capsule in cantilever form so that their free ends overlap and are separated by a small air gap.  A reed sensor is a device built using a reed switch with additional functionality like ability to withstand higher shock, easier mounting, additional intelligent circuitry, etc.

Reed switch

        How does a reed switch work ?

       When a magnetic force is generated parallel to the reed switch, the reeds become flux carriers in the magnetic circuit. The overlapping ends of the reeds become opposite magnetic poles, which attract each other. If the magnetic force between the poles is strong enough to overcome the restoring force of the reeds, the reeds will be drawn together.

Reed switch operation

What are the advantages in using reed switches ?

- Hermetically sealed in glass environment.

- Free from contamination. 

- Safe to use in harsh industrial and explosive environments. 

- Immune to electrostatic discharge (ESD) .

- Do not require any external ESD protection circuits. 

- The isolation resistance between the contacts is as high as 1015ohms. 

- Contact resistance is as low as 50 milli-ohms.

- Directly switch loads as low as a few micro-watts without needing external amplification circuits, to as high as 120W.

- When used in combination with magnets and coils, they can be used to form many different types of relays.

- Low Price. 

week 4

     For week 4, I asked my advisor for her opinion about resistance level for pedalling .For resistance level, I have either to install gear in bicycle or brake system. If I choose brake system, bicycle will be cycled with permanently resistance.While if i choose gear system, bicycle pedalled with difference level of resistance . Convertible resistance level is relying on the strenght of  hand or leg.

                                  Low resistance = low strenght of hand or leg ,
                                  High resistance = Increased the strenght of hand or leg

     Then, I decide to install gear as resistance . The problem is, small bicycle that i have is not suitable to install gear.Luckily, my freind ,Elyana Shahrin have one more suitable bicycle that no longer being used and she want giving to me. I'm very grateful and plan to give her treat....=)

      I'm plan to cut the bicycle and make some modification. I send the bicyle to Seng Hock Metal shop at Jalan Gombak to cut the bicycle.Then i go to bicycle shop at Setapak to buy cycle part that i want to modified. As a result, u can see the picture below: 

Part of cycle that was modified