Procedure

3.2.1 Choosing Project Title
 Project Swim-SA went through tedious thinking through before being selected as the title of my final year project. With advice from my supervisor, multiple sources has been surveyed and noted. Finally with the help of the Internet, an article was found to provide sufficient details which sparked interest on the topic of Pool Safety.

This article has provided me with the knowledge on the knowhow of the device which I thought of.

3.2.2 Approval by Supervisor
 After assuring the project title, my supervisor’s opinion was needed on my topic set. Whether it is deemed logical and based on my personal capability if that title is achievable by me. After a short discussion with my supervisor, my project title was confirmed which assured me that I can begin my full research on the topic.


3.2.3 Detailed Research on Project
 The following step on my project was to conduct a detailed research on the topics through various sources in my reach. Such sources include Books ,Magazines , Journals , The Internet, and Past recorded projects of seniors. The research on the project is to ensure that I as an individual posses the required information needed to construct this device.


3.2.4 Analysing the circuit of the project
 After completing the research at a given pace, the circuit for Project Swim-SA was obtained in two saperate parts which are , the Sensor Circuit and the Alarm Circuit.
Analyzing the circuit took place to clarify what is needed to make it work. Furthermore by analyzing the circuit, moderate modifications could take place to further improve the circuit’s capability and functionality.

Analyzing the circuit would help to develop knowledge on the construction of the circuit that could be used in the Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation.

The Circuit Maker Software was used to simulate and observe the circuit during functionality stage.


3.2.5 Purchasing Components.
 The availability of components were checked through local sites online along with sources abroad. Most of the basic components required in the construction of Project Swim-SA is available at several local markets except for the exceptional few which were the Low Powered 7555 IC and the Piezoelectric Transducer.

Locations of purchased products are stated below:-
Locally – Magnumtronic, Jalan Pasar.
Foreign – Dick Smith , Australia
Online – Amazon.com


3.2.6 Test of components on circuit board.

Figure 3.0 - Components Mounted on Bread Board.
 After components were purchased, the components were tested before construction begins. The circuit was tested on a standard bread board.


3.2.7 Troubleshooting
 Problems were analyzed and fixed to ensure the device works before placement on the PCB board could take place. Most of the problems faced is solved with the help of the lab assistant and my supervisor. If an error was detected the following steps were taken:-

1. Trace the source of the problem.
2. Attempt to determine the solution to the problem.
3. Conduct more research on the error at hand.
4. Seek supervisor or lab assistant for help.


3.2.8 Designing the PCB board

Figure 3.1 –PCB Board Design
 The design of the PCB board took place with a regular sketching. After obtaining a rough idea of how this would look like on a board, the circuit was then computed using the software called ExpressPCB.

The drawn diagram was printed on hard copy and sent to Gemsoft Sdn Bhd to conduct a stamp Etching process. With this process being conducted, multiple boards can be constructed in a quick time with a small fee.

The PCB board must be check upon completion to confirm that all noted points are in contact and if the board is in a sturdy condition.
With the completed board, the circuit is sanded to remove the unwanted copper layer and ink blots on the circuit board.


3.2.9 Designing of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Housing and Construction
(Acrylonitrile Butadine Styrene material is also known as ABS Plastic)

The material used to construct the housing of the device is designed to fit along with the PCB board. The construction material which is selected was the Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. The company Gemsoft was able to provide the service of manufacturing several boxes to my specifications. Certain characteristics are given to the company which the box would be manufactured to match the required characteristics needed for the device.


Figure 3.2 – ABS Plastic Front Cover.


3.2.10 Soldering Components on PCB board.
 After completing the PCB construction, the next step is to mount all components onto the PCB board and which the soldering process could begin.

Figure 3.3 – Components Mounted on PCB Board.
 The soldering process takes time to master , which most students whom are not familiar to the technique. As most electronic components are heat sensitive, soldering should be a Touch-n-Go technique. After soldering each component, solders are checked to precision to ensure that it does not result in errors being made which would cause a short circuit between components.

Figure 3.4 – Soldering of Components on the PCB Board.



3.2.11 Testing the Completed Circuit Board
 After soldering all the electronic components on the PCB board, testing on the board is made to ensure that there is no short circuit present on the PCB board. A digital voltmeter is used to test the connections of the soldered components and the trace.


3.2.12 Writing and Submission of Reports.
A total of 4 reports are required to be submitted to the office . Those reports are stated below:-
1. Project Brief
2. 1st Progress Report
3. 2nd Progress Report
4. Final Project Report


3.2.13 Oral Presentation and Poster Presentation.
 For this project, it was a requirement to conduct an oral presentation on the project title. This presentation was based on the purpose to provide information on how the project is made and its circuit function, theory revelation, advantages and it’s core applications. Therefore all data collected along with the information present are compiled and presented in the form of a PowerPoint presentation.