12/12 - 12/15

I started off this week working on an ornament. I used the trace bitmap feature in Inkscape to create a pdf file that is able to be cut by the Epilog Laser Cutter in the shop. I started off with a cardboard model to see how well the engraving would come out, then I cut a new version in wood. Afterward, I stained the wood to try and make the engraving more visible, but it didn't come out well. I recut it in wood again and decided not to stain it.

Cutting Final Ornament

Final Ornament Design

During this time I also worked on using a multiplexer. When the jump meter is finished it will need 18 digital pins, but an Arduino Uno only has 12. To fix this I'm using a multiplexer, which can provide up to 7 more digital pins. I started by setting it up with code that cycles through every digital pin and makes the LED blink every time pin 7 is activated.

Breadboard Setup for Multiplexer

Multiplexer Blinking LED Setup