Process and Documentation Final Project: Portable Automated Bird Caller

Here are all of my reference sites and sounds!

I am in love with this library. I have so much to learn from this website, xeno-canto.org
It provides so much detail! I could find bird calls specifically recorded in Florida!

It also allowed me to differentiate between bird calls via spectograms!!!
XC192423 Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) :: xeno-canto
XC130965 Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) :: xeno-canto
XC153654 Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) :: xeno-canto 
XC170060 Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) :: xeno-canto
XC141908 Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) :: xeno-canto
XC141908-CARW_20130707_MarshCreekSP_LS100180.mp3

A video of a game whistle:
Dove Call (D-90) by Haydel's Game Calls - YouTube

An interesting article on mocking birds. I remember coming across the article a while back.
I have to agree with it, as I've been flown at on campus before for being curious more than once, of a palm tree across from the architecture building.  
05 » Research: Mockingbirds, no bird brains, can recognize a face in a crowd » University of Florida

My research on Florida Birding! Nice resources...
Birding Basics | Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail
Birds | Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail

How to Support Wildlife DIY
Cir 1429/UW175: Landscaping Back>yards for Wildlife: Top Ten Tips for Success

UF Resources
Florida Wildlife Extension at UF/IFAS

The following are my process and documentation videos (spark fun mono amp):

Here is a link to the Bird Calls List:
Bird Call Edits

Here is a link to my Arduino Code:
Birding Project


Post Critique Reflections

My intention for this piece was to create a Portable Bird Caller. The proximity of spectators would trigger varied bird calls. For the presentation of the piece, I had it set outside to blend with the natural wildlife sounds of the campus. This aspect of the project was successful. Viewers managed to trigger the Mourning Dove, the Carolina Wren, and the Northern Cardinal calls.

The second aim of this piece was to play off of the concept of "what is real?" This is a topic that we have been discussing across courses in the program. I got nervous at critique, as I was unprepared. I wanted to put on a performance as a believable Ornithologist expert. Time and sensor struggles did not offer me time to map out a dialogue needed to sell the Bird Caller product and inform students of bird call interpretations and sightings. I loved the research involved with this project, but I really wish I had honed in on the concept with a successful performance rather than the brain fart I succumbed to.  I am very curious about birds and their means of communication. Such small beings produce calls that travel across campus. Their messages are echoed, and I wish with all my heart that I could do more than overhear the conversation. If only I could join, contribute, and yet understand. In that way, this Bird Caller box is successful. But it does need a lot more development.

I had been struggling between amplifiers to make the sound clear and loud. I had to choose a spark fun amplifier over an Adafruit amplifier. It worked out as a mono amp and my files played as I used Audacity to make them mono audio files. I wanted the mourning dove whistle to sound more realistic to follow the theme, but ended up accidentally making it quieter instead of deeper in audacity.

Stereo 3.7W Class D Audio Amplifier - MAX98306
This product was surprisingly difficult to get to work with the wave shield. I hooked it up with the learning guides, but it refused to cooperate.  After 4 hours of troubleshooting and then advice from Katerie, I moved on to Sparkfun which only took...five to ten minutes to assemble and hook up.  I felt incredibly silly. But was grateful that it worked.

Mono Audio Amplifier Quick Start

Working with the wave shield was easy. As long as the file names are short, as the audio listed above proves, the wave shield won't fail. The Rangefinder however, was sensitive. I expected to work with it's different ranges...

Like the previous project I referenced this project:
Pumpkin, Wave Shield, and Range Finder

I guess I was confused with measurements in the code because the readings were quite finicky for the Bird Caller's range finder.
For future similar projects, I will definitely consider presentation more. I liked the feedback from critique that referenced seemingly natural objects with obvious technology incorporated into the structure. Like speaker boulders at theme parks and zoos. I'd like to incorporate that feedback for future use, and hopefully my audience will walk away with new knowledge of birds...whether it's valid or invalid. If my audience believes in me, I will definitely interpret a bird call dialogue next time. I hope to further this project to some extent at some point.

More Inspiration

Also I found this reading that proved significant to this semester. It made me reflect on creating based off the perspective of the user...
The More You Fail, The Greater Your Success: A User-Centered Design Case Study

Here is a small blog on the uniqueness of bird calls:
What is in a Song?

Semester Work-The Manga Giude to Electricity: pg 1-36, pg36-80, pg90-116, pg156-195

Read pages 1-36 in The Manga Guide to Electricity and post questions to blog.

Calculate how much it costs to use five common appliances that you use every day in your home for 24 hours.

Please let me know the appliance, its wattage, amps and volts of each appliance and how you calculated cost.

You will need to go to GRU or look at one of your electric bills.

(Math Help from Engineer Major Boyfriend, Domo)

[1] Microwave

    Wattage (W): 950W

    Amps (A): 7.92A

    Volts (V): 120V

    GRU Cost: $1.92/day OR 0.95kW * $0.084 $/kWh (tier 3) * 24hr/day

[2] Rice Cooker

    Wattage (W): 450W

    Amps (A): 3.75A

    Volts (V): 120V

    GRU Cost: $0.45/day OR 0.45kW * 0.042 $/kWh (tier 2) * 24hr/day

[3] Router

    Wattage (W): 18W

    Amps (A): 2.5A

    Volts (V): 12V

    GRU Cost: $0.01/day OR 0.018kW * 0.031 $/kWh (tier 1) * 24hr/day

[4] Vacuum

    Wattage (W): 240W

    Amps (A): 2.0A

    Volts (V): 120V

    GRU Cost: $0.18/day OR 0.240kW * 0.031 $/kWh (tier 1) * 24hr/day

[5] Washer

    Wattage (W): 1200W

    Amps (A): 10A

    Volts (V): 120V

    GRU Cost: $2.42/day OR 1.2kW * 0.084 $/kWh (tier 3) * 24hr/day

How many of those appliances can you plug into one outlet without tripping a breaker? Please do this mathematically rather than through direct experience.

Only 4 out of the 5 will be allowed before tripping the breaker.  Everything except the washer will add up to 16.17A which is less than the 20A limit. ( 7.92+3.75+2.5+2=16.17A)

What is the directional relationship between charge and current?

A: The direction that the current flows is directly opposite of the flow of electrons or  negatively charged particles.

Read pp 36-80 in The Manga Guide to Electricity.

Briefly explain the relationship between resistance and energy. Use an example from your house.

A: Resistance often times acts as a converter for energy. A good example of this is with a light bulb. It converts electric energy to light energy.

What is the difference in AC and DC current? Give an example of each from your daily life. If you get shocked.

A: DC refers to direct current while AC refers to alternating current.  A flashlight is an example of an object that uses DC current. An electric outlet is an example of a household name that uses AC current. If you get shocked by alternating current, you’ll feel a tingling sensation, but if you get shocked by direct current, you’ll feel a pricking pain.

Determine the equivalent resistance of a 6.0 O and a 8.0 O resistor if …

a. … connected in series.

A: 14 ohms

b. … connected in parallel..0

A: 3.43 ohms or 24/7 ohms

Manga Guide to Electricity Read 90-116

Answer the following on the blog.

What is the relationship between heat and electricity. Please provide a metaphor.

A: Electricity generates heat. Heat is also produced when electricity flows through an electric resistance. The higher the temperature, the higher the electric resistance  and the greater the flow of electricity. Imagine a train with moving passengers. If you are an electron and other passengers are atoms, you bumping into them causes them to move around more.

Why is it warm near an incandescent light bulb?

A: In an incandescent light bulb, current flows through a resistance, which causes infrared rays to be emitted. These rays cause the temperature to rise.

What is a superconductor? What are they used for in real life? You may have to look this up. 

A: A metal that who, at absolute zero temperature, has no resistance, allowing its atoms to travel freely without colliding. Some superconductors are used in magnets. Others are used on a larger scale like in that of a magnet train.

How could one make a metal a superconductor?

A: Expose that particular metal to absolute zero (0 degrees Kelvin) termperatures.

What is Ampere's Law?

A: A law used to indicate the direction of the flow of current and magnetic fields surrounding an electric wire using one’s right hand. When making a ‘thumbs up’ gesture with your right hand, your thumb would indicate the direction of the current and the way your  other four fingers curl would indicate the flow of the magnetic fields

If current of the same size flows in the same direction in two electric wires placed side by side, what happens?

A: Two things happen, the wires create two magnetic fields that combine to make a large magnetic field, and the two wires attract each other.

What happens if current of the same size flows in opposite directions in two electric wires placed side by side?

A: The magnetic fields created by both rods cause a force of repulsion and cause one another to disappear.

Manga Electricity pg156-195:

Please answer the following on the blog:

1. What is an example of a semiconductor device?

A: A transistor

2. Why is silicon used in the manufacture of semiconductors?

A: Silicon is used in the manufacture of semiconductors because Silicon has four valence electrons in its outermost shell. Because of this, it does not have any electrons that can freely move around so electricity will hardly pass through it. It also makes it easy to bond with many elements.

3. Discuss the difference using an example of the difference between and N-type and P-type semiconductor.

A: A semiconductor can be either an N-type or P-type semiconductor based on how the two elements bond. If a semiconductor has an excess of electrons after bonding, then it is considered an N-type semiconductor because, there is an excess of electrons which causes a negative electrical property. A P-type semiconductor would still need valence electrons and would thus, have a positive electrical property.

4. In your own words describe what a diode does and the role of N and P type semiconductors.

A: A diode is a structure that combines both a n N and P-type semiconductors so that there are no holes or free electrons. In a way, the N and P-type semiconductors balance themselves out.

5. What is rectification?

A: Rectification is a property of a diode that allows current to flow only in one direction.

6. What causes color in an LED? Give an example of what causes a particular color.

A: Energy that is released inside an LED after forward bias is applied causes color to be emitter in an LED. The wavelength of the light is dependent on the raw material of the semiconductor, which produces various colors of light.

7. What is the relationship between base current and collector current in a transistor?

A: In a transistor, base current and collector current flow at the same time.  A transistor will always enable the collector current to become much greater than the base current. As a result, collector current will significantly change as a result of slight change in the base current.  A good way to adjust collector current is to adjust base current.

8. What are the advantages of a transistor over a switch?

A: Like a switch, a transistor can be used to shut things off. However, it doesn’t need physical contact, so it doesn’t wear out and is less likely to fail. It can also be turned on and off rapidly, allowing control to be fine tuned.

Chapter 2 Prpject 4 : Interactive Traffic Lights

Another class project from way back!

Beginning Arduino Chapter 3 Proj 8

Here is the earlier Mood Light exercise from the text!
So prettyful!!

Beginning Arduino Chpt. 2 Project 2 S.O.S.

Here is an old class assignment!
S.O.S. Morse Code Signaler

Transistors

What technology was used prior to transistors to amplify a signal? How did it change the history of communications in the US? What was the metaphor that the video used to describe how this technology worked?
Prior to the use of transistors, the vacuum tube was popular. It was an invention stemmed and altered from the light bulb. Vacuum tubes allowed for increased communication across the U.S., as it amplified signals needed to make phone calls. Without the tube, telephone lines could only allow for an uncertain distance call that could reach around 2/3 of the U.S. from one state to another. With the vacuum tube, telephone lines spread at communications were boosted at an exponential rate. This was crucial technology that would aid the world at war. Still stronger technology was needed, as the vacuum tube was chunky, required too much energy, and had problems burning out.

The metaphor used to describe the technology involved monkeys throwing pebbles past a wall of shutters in order to reach a target. When a monkey would close the shutter, the flow of pebbles(electrons) would stop, but with the switching open of the shutters the electrons would again flow freely towards the target. The shutters represent the technology of the coil within the vacuum tube, at different charges.

Describe the break through in the 1947 that made the transistor a reality?

The discovery of the transistor in 1947 was a happy accident. Bill Shockley, Walter Brattain, and John Bardeen fed of each others research as a team. In 1945 Shockley wanted to invent a successful semiconductor amplifier, but couldn't figure out the error in his research. Shockley gave Brattain and Bardeen the challenge of researching what was hindering the semiconductor device. The two worked tirelessly on adjusting the surface barrier that was the key to the solution. Water seemed to be getting in the way of Bardeen progress in his research in the Fall of 1947. Instead of drying out the surface barrier, Bardeen applied more water--an act that would neutralize it. This made the semiconductor work, but the results were not ideal and efficient enough to amplify sounds clearly. So Bardeen and Brattain had to move away from using liquid.  They tried using an oxide film along with gold and germanium. With the accidental removal of the film, positive charges were able to make their way directly into the germanium, creating the first transistor. Shockley was disappointed that he didn't discover all of this himself, but moved on to strengthen the project so that it could reach a reliable commercial level.

What do we learn from watching this video about group and team dynamics that we can apply to our own situation? What was successful about this team? What was its downfall?

I learned a lot from group dynamics due to this documentary. When colleagues share information, that is when they become the most successful. Ego, greed, and distrust hamper team dynamics, so members should set initial guidelines on how to handle successes and share them. I tend to pick and choose between ideas I am willing to share or keep for myself. Over time, I have learned that it is best to share when it comes to learning or developing concepts, as this allows for constructive criticism and improvements. This Bell Labs team had this initially, so I wonder why Shockley allowed for his competitive heart to overtake him. They were all intelligent so they could successfully learn and grow together. Still the separation during research was what lead to Shockley's jealousy. If he had stuck with them he could have discovered the transistor with Brattain and Bardeen. Everything happens for a reason. The patent controversy was unfortunate though.

What medic and social changes occurred as a result of the transistor?

The transistor aided in the development of technology around the world. Everyone recognized the potential. As a result Sony and Regency (Texas Instruments) were able to develop transistorized radios were developed. Music and news were able to spread and be shared with ease of mobile radios. Transistors also aided in forming the foundation of computer development. This was crucial and is the reason why computers thrive today.

Process 3 Project 1

Here are a couple of simple videos of my figuring out the wave shield and its connections with the MaxBotix rangefinder.

In further reflection of critique I do think that I should have driven the connection between the viewer and the piece more. I do like that I had somewhat accomplished what I had hoped.
I intended to portray a displaced nest. The nest was formed from plastic trash items. Upon viewing nests in the past I have noted that birds adapt to humans. As humans leave waste behind, birds incorporate the waste into the building of their homes within their habitats.

Viewers observed the displaced nest and figured it almost helpless. In the nest, one real egg and two styrofoam eggs are settled. The foam eggs reference how pollution has unfortunately become integrated into the natural habitats of wild life creatures. I wonder how birds might be able to differentiate between items that are safe or unsafe. I considered originally offering directions to viewers, asking them to aid in cleaning the nest. I decided to have the nest speak for itself. This project brought on the discussion on whether trash items are truly a threat to birds or not. This is an area that I would like to research more on in the future.

Issues I had with the project included volume, range of audio files, and  sensitivity of the rangefinder.
As I noted in a previous post, I intend to use amplifiers for the next project in order to make the audio more pronounced so that it can have a stronger impact on the audience.
I did have a list of audio files, of which I have listed in my previous post. Unfortunately all but one of the files were incompatible with the wave shield because they were either too high quality or not in mono format. I hope to mix better sounds for the next project, along with my own voice possibly...
In order to avoid the issues I had with the rangefinder I need to study the varied ranges better and also make sure my files are fully compatible with the wave shield.

I will strive to make a stronger project next time. I will study more on sound as my next project is solely sound based.

Early Notes...

Process 2: Rangefinder and Wave Shield Code

Here is my code for the project.
Drop Box File: RangeFinder Code

The reason I only had one sound (garbage dumping) leave the project during critique, is due to the quality of the wav files on my SD. The wav shield was pretty picky and only wanted things in mono and the names of the files had to be super short. So for my next project, I seriously have to prime my files and make sure they suit the wave shield well. I love what it can do, so I'm willing to try.

Also for my next project I plan on using amplifiers, of which I have researched, ordered, and received. My last project proved a little too quiet, so hopefully these amplifier breakout boards will help. All it will take is a little experimentation. I'm looking forward to it! I also have to better define the range sensitivity for the sensor. My understanding is not sharp enough. It had a wider range for the garbage dumping sound effect and then I made a tweak last minute that made it less sensitive. That is why it only reacted at close range during critique.

Here are all the wav files I had on my SD card:
Prj Wav Files

I hope to experiment with sound for my next project. These audio files did not require much experimentation, other than adjusting to mono...a method that still wouldn't work. I will make it work!!! Hopefully I can also create my own sounds too.. But I will be relying on bird sound audio from ornithologist experts on youtube.

Project 1: Process Videos

Here are a few process videos of my first project.

My first test with a maxbotix rangefinder. I just wanted to work from a basic level. What I really needed to figure was how to take advantage of the different ranges. If I could manipulate the information it would release at different ranges, I would be set.

When we went to Skycraft I found this DC motor and had to grab it. Back then, I considered creating a kinetic sculpture. I still have the kit and intend to use it for at least our installation course. But I would have simulated flying figures with this. It has a lot of potential and versatility:

Here I tested the rangefinder's readings with an LED. I found a reliable website that posted this simple project and followed it: http://www.taezoo.com/xe/6441
That website is pretty neat. And this basic project gave me a better understanding of how my the technology works. Now I would only have to work towards using sound.

DIY Potentiometers

Catching up some more...
I looked up a few DIY Potentiometers that are pretty simple and yet impressive. Forgot to do this several classes ago--September 9th

A Zipper Potentiometer = Pure Awesomeness...
I want to make that pillow...
http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Zipper-Potentiometer/
http://cmsc838f-s14.wikispaces.com/pillowTalk


A Soft Potentiometers Made from Conductive Ribbon or thread.
I take it this would be useful for projects that need flexibility or are fabric based...
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-and-connect-a-soft-potentiometer/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-and-use-a-soft-potentiometer-to-control-the-b/

An Electric Paint Potentiometer...
This reminds me of the basic graphite potentiometer we made in class.
http://www.bareconductive.com/make/making-a-potentiometer-with-electric-paint/

Nov 10th: Touch Screen Exercises (Chapter 12 Project 33)

Using the touch screen and displaying with the LCD screen. Sorry for the quality and angle of the video. My phone trolled me for just this video.

Manipulating LED colors based on reads from the touch screen. Soooo coooool!!! I just figured I would post both videos that I captured.

Nov 3rd In-Class Exercises: Piezo, RFIDs

I was actually surprised that the Piezo ticking sounds came out pretty well in this video:

RFID cards were pretty cool to learn about. These can contribute to a pretty successful project idea:

Early Adafruit Exercises 0-3: Sept 3rd

 Here are my early Adafruit exercises. The baby steps from early in September.

I can't believe I waited so long to post all of these videos! ( T ~ T ) I have to admit, I was intimidated by the basic technology of uploading. But it's super easy and takes less than 5 minutes lol. I realize that now.

Blink exercises with varied delays:

Strobe Effect

Beginning Arduino: Chapter 3 Projects 5 & 6, Oct 13th

Here is our documentation for the LED Chase Effect exercises.

LED Matrix: Oct 22nd

The LED Matrix exercise.
We worked hard and long on this exercise, but could not get it to animate.
It was pretty intriguing figuring out how the matrix worked between the chip and the LED matrix.

Servo Motor Exercise: Oct. 1st

Additional documentation of the Servo Motor with a Potentiometer exercise.

LCD Panel Exercises: October 20th

This was a lot of fun and pretty cute, despite the trial and error.
Here are our in-class LCD panel exercises:

LCD Panel Troubles

Confused LCD

Working LCD

Stepper Motor Exercises Oct. 8th

Here are all the Stepper Motor exercises my group explored way back.

 

Swinging Motion

 

Ticking Motion

Rotating Motion

In-Class Wave Shield Extra Credit 6-Button Test

In-Class Wave Shield Exercises

All of the exercises are here I promise...the audio was really difficult to record in the classroom.