Final Project¶
Tacto Timer¶
Preview¶
The final project I came up with is a timer device. It can be used in the kitchen or for other applications.
Functions:¶
Using the kitchen timer should be as easy as possible.
- It is supposed to have magnets on the back so it can be sticked to a fridge door or the extractor hood.
- By just turning the outer ring you should be able to set the timer.
- By pressing the outer ring (making use of the button function of the rotary encoder), the newly set timer should start.
- Below the responsive display for the newly set timer, the last three timers used should be displayed
- You can start each of the last three timers directly by clicking on the corresponding button.
Sketch + Video¶
Here you can see an AI generated sketch.
Animation video showing the assembly (only rough assembly - what was required for week2)
Motivation¶
The idea for this project was mainly a result from the components I wanted to include. I wanted to create a device, that has an e-ink display making multiple month long battery life possible. Furthermore, I wanted to use a rotary encoder, because it's just a nice haptic device. Magnets are always cool to work with.
I wanted the project to have interesting 3D printed parts, complex assembly and only light soldering / electrical work.
I am aware that every phone and (smart-) watch can set a timer today. But that is just not the same as having a regular timer in your kitchen. Something that is just there all the time and will not require you to grab your phone.
Overall I wanted to realize a timing device, that just feels right and sparks some joy each time one get's to use it. I wanted it to be customizable in colours and low in price of components, also making it a great gift.
Bill of materials:¶
| Item | Component | Qty | Unit Price (€) | Total (€) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.54″ E-Ink Display | 1 | 9.20 | 9.20 | E-Ink display - waveshare.com |
| 2 | ALPS STEC11B Rotary Encoder | 1 | 4.65 | 4.65 | Rotary encoder reichelt.com |
| 3 | Seeed XIAO nRF52840 Sense | 1 | 11,73 | 11.73 | Microcontroller farnell.com |
| 4 | 1W Mini Speaker 8Ω | 1 | 2.62 | 2.62 | Mini speaker adafruit.com |
| 5 | 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery | 1 | 5.99 | 5.99 | Battery reichelt.com |
| 6 | Neodymium Magnets | 4 | 0.70 | 2.8 | — |
| 7 | Tactile Buttons | 2 | 0.20 | 0.40 | — |
| 8 | 3D printing filament | — | 0.50 | 0.50 | — |
| 9 | Wires & solder | — | 1.00 | 1.00 | — |
| Total: 39.29€ |