9/16/2023 – 9/23/2023
This week, my team and I started preparing to write a paper for the hardwareX journal. To prepare, we met with Shane to gain knowledge of what the writing process will look like. We were also able to start our rough draft. Also, we started testing potential replacements for the computer used within the bird attractant deterrent device. Previously, we used an Arduino Mega which proved to work well but there were a number of issues such as not having on-board noise output. We plan to use a newer model Raspberry Pi, but had to use a Pi from 2014 for initial prototyping. Using the older model Pi, We figured out how to make a script run on startup.
10/1/2023 – 10/7/2023
This week the team and I started researching which Python libraries would be useful for our project. We installed a few packages that were related to LCD display and audio output.
10/21/2023 – 10/28/2023
This week, the team and I started assembling our first prototype. Along with that, we have made pretty decent strides with the software. The UI is mostly finished but still needs some work. We found a Python library called pygame which has proved incredibly beneficial for audio output.
10/29/2023 – 11/4/2023
This week, the team and I continued assembling the prototype as well as continued working on the software.
9/8/2024 – 9/14/2024
Over the past two weeks, a loop and downtime feature was added to the device. After selecting an audio file, the number of times that the audio file will play can be specified and how much time there should be between loops. Two of the solar units were taken to a rural location to test if the units were running successfully. Three units were also taken to Chicago. For the following week, the team needs to determine what the audio range of the device is. We’re planning on trying to do this in several environments including an open field as well as a more wooded area. We should probably look into whether there’s some sort of standard to do this other than just walking away from the device until it can’t be heard. We also need to order parts. We need a relay to control the power to the amp. We should probably order a couple of RTC modules as well.
Currently, the device can be seen in the image below. Not much is planned to be changed appearance-wise, but there will be a relay in series with the solar controller’s output and the amp’s output.
9/15/2024 – 9/22/2024
Over the past week, I started incorporating a calendar function into the device. The plan is to be able to set weeks where audio would play and weeks where there would be no audio. This is in an attempt to gain some kind of control data to determine if the device is driving birds away from certain locations. This week I plan to finish that up and assist James and Neveah with some sound characteristic-related things.