My IF / ELSE interpretation

An ‘IF/ELSE’ statement in computer coding is used like a road block, first it begins with an ‘IF’. Inside of the ‘IF’ statement will be a condition, and if it is true, then the computer will carry on in that direction. If it is false, then it can only move on to the ‘ELSE’ option. This means that if the first part wasn’t true, then everything else that follows will be completed by the ‘ELSE’ statement. You can have more than one ‘IF’ statement at a time, and any subsequent ‘IF’ statements are called ‘ELSE IF’. For example, Traffic lights; ‘IF’ you drive up and see a red light (the first condition) then you must stop. Or ‘ELSE IF’ you drive up and see an orange light (the second condition) then stop if you can. Anything ‘ELSE’ (green being the only option left) then continue driving. ‘IF/ELSE’ statements are used in coding the same way we use day to day rules.

The metaphor I chose for my model is that ‘IF/ELSE’ statements in coding relates to a buzzing wire game. The condition is, while the game is being played, ‘IF’ you do touch the long loop of wire the result is a buzzing sound and you must start again. If you don’t touch the wire (‘ELSE’) then you may carry on.

My Final Model for Project three

After being close to finishing I found a few things that needed to be fixed on my model. The little buzzer speaker that i had placed underneath wasn't making enough sound for my liking. To solve this I drilled another hole in the door at the base, and then put little metal feet to raise it of the table so that the sound may now travel better. Next I added some white electrical tape at each end of the wire maze. I had to add the tape because once you have finished playing with the model and put the handle down, there was still a connection. This meant the buzzer would still be active and the battery wouldn’t last very long.

I am glad to have changed my idea a few times as I headed through this project. And having a good time management plan has helped me also. It meant I could test, change, improve and evolve my project into something I feel suits my statement best. 

                                                   This is my Final Model

Final model progress

Having made a test model and getting good feedback from peers I started to make my final model. After my test model there were a few things I found needed to be changed. The first was I needed a way to hind or condense all the wires and connections but still have the LED visible. After a few sketch ideas I came up with having a hollow base to contain everything. The problems were to still have the wire connected to the handle and the also having the LED on the outside as well. I made a wooden base drilled and chiselled out the bottom and made a little door to hold all the contents. Then on the side I drilled a small hold in which I had the wire running out for the handle. The LED part wasn't working so I opted for a speaker which would buzz if connected.  Now everything was hidden away and much cleaner.

New idea for project 3

After trying to get the tin foil idea working and having my map rip in half mid drawing, i started playing around with what i did have. This is what i have come up with.

It's a game where the user has to guide the wire loop from one end of the wire to the other. If at any stage the loop touches the wire it will complete the circuit and the LED will light up. I have already made a mock up model and tested it on 5 people with good results. I was told in the interim presentation to have something interesting that people will rermember. The model i made has been the flat center of attention all weekend so i guess i have covered that point. I am not to sure how my final model will look or wiether i will have more than one track to complete, i might add noise as well but will ask the tutors on that one.
This is a picture of the mock up model i made on the weekend.

Design problems

I have struck a big problem, the metal conducts fine and everything works as i expected, the problem is i can not have a map / paper on top of the metal sheet, as it stops all electrical current. I have thought of as many ways as i can to fix this problem or to have another solution. The only real posiblity would be to use tin foil as the metal conductor and also the paper, for example drawing a map on tin foil. I will take it all home with me this weekend and see what i can come up with.

Material problems

Having found some LEDs wire and battery connectors the last item i needed was a piece of sheet metal. That proved harder than i first thought, couldn't find anywhere within walking distance that sold any. The last resort was to as a plumbing world, luckly for me they had some scrap metal out the back which they very kindly cut in to a more managable size. The only bad thing was that the section they gave me was a bit to thick, this would mean i would have to drill out the shapes because the metal cutters couldn't cut  into it very well.

Finding Materials

I need to find were to get some LEDs, wire, battery connector and resistor, plus some wood for the box that will hold everything inside. I know i can get all of the above at either Dicksmith or Jaycar and the wood from Bunnings. The last item i need to start construction and the most important of them all, is a piece of sheet metal, preferably copper or very thin tin.  Im not too sure where im going to find the metal but will google it and ask around. Once i have located and brought all the materials i can start constucting as testing my design. With all going to plan i will have a test model before tuesday 24th next week.