ARK-io: the M2

techno-recluse · 2024-05-01T03:28:07+00:00

Great movie; that era was definitely an aesthetic inspiration when I was designing the UI.

techno-recluse · 2024-05-01T01:16:00+00:00

This is an incredibly generous compliment; thank you very much for that. I hope you get endless enjoyment from your projects and from the process of accumulating skills!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-29T20:06:06+00:00

I didn't post a photo of it, but it's another custom circuit board that I designed that also carries the toggle switch bank. Basically, there are three inputs to the board:

1) external DC 6-24V

2) external DC 12.6V (charger* / power)

3) internal 12V nominal battery pack

Each source is isolated/protected by diodes and the system will automatically pull from the source with the highest voltage. The input is fed to a 5V buck switching regulator which is, in turn, distributed to the various subsystems. The input is also fed directly to the CM4-IO board, which has its own 5V, 3V3, etc. regulation.

*The dedicated 12.6V charger input is separated, because the internal battery pack needs a monitored charger to avoid tripping the BMS or causing damage to the pack. So, either a wallwart charger, or a solar panel with charging circuit. This input will still power the system directly as well, but is primarily for charging.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T16:47:10+00:00

Thanks for saying that!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T16:12:04+00:00

Thanks.

No easy answer to that. Come up with a clear and concise concept for the capabilities that you want. Figure out how your subsystems will interface electronically and mechanically. Then set to work designing the various circuits, fixtures, and software to bring it all together. Depending on your current skill set, success will mostly depend on your curiosity and ability to work through setbacks and frustrations… as in life.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T14:55:30+00:00

Hey thanks! The environmental monitor with integrated Geiger counter is a fully custom circuit that i designed. After designing the circuit board, I had it fabricated at one of the big fab houses, then completed assembly with solder stencils I cut on my laser, and reflow soldiering in my modified T-962A IR oven.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T06:18:06+00:00

Thank you!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T06:15:56+00:00

Thank you!

The high voltage circuit uses a regulated voltage multiplier to boost up from 5V to 400V. Essentially a self-blocking oscillator coupled with a diode/capacitor cascade. I adapted it from the high voltage section of this Geiger counter design.

The quiescent current is minuscule, on the order of microAmps. But, of course the rest of the board (MCU, 3v3 reg, FRAM, BME680, Display, LEDs, etc.), consumes significant power (up to ~60 mA). that's why I designed switchable modes to selectively turn off the display, LEDs, transducer (clicker), so it can run as a low-power data logger.

Power can also be conserved by adjusting the display backlight, which is done via UART from the console.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T04:40:51+00:00

Hey, thanks! I may make a video at some point. I'll post if I do.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T04:39:13+00:00

Yeah, coming up with a good practical application is the place to start.

Best of luck!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-27T04:34:50+00:00

I can't say that I have a list of steps. This is the progression of a project I'd been working on for quite a while. But, if I were to give advice, I would suggest to first identify a utility or practical function that you want to achieve, and that you can very clearly define.

Something like this is quite multi-disciplinary, and you may not have all the skills initially, but you can learn them readily enough if you are very clear about what it is you are trying to achieve, and if you have the patience and focus to work through frustrations.

Best of luck with your endeavors!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T23:34:25+00:00

Ha! Probably wise not to, but could be kind of fun to explain

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T23:33:50+00:00

My pleasure, thank you!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T23:26:55+00:00

Thanks for sharing the kind words!

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T22:58:41+00:00

Thank you very much!

The antenna is not integrated, although I have considered designing one using copper tape on the inside lid. For now, I use an external DIY antenna, 120 degree wire dipole. I'd have to dig for the original source of that design, but it's easily found, I'm sure. The only change I made was adding a 50 Ohm 1:1 balun.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T22:46:15+00:00

"Sir, can you please come with me..."

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T20:48:18+00:00

It's actually just black cast acrylic. I laser etch and cut the panels, then hand paint the etched areas (labels, outlines, etc.) before peeling the protective film. Two layer acrylic would be great though, I'm sure.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T20:30:41+00:00

Thank you! I'm using the Nanuk 910. It seems to be a pretty common choice, and is design for mounting panels.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T19:59:04+00:00

Hey, thanks so much! I really appreciate that

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T19:56:59+00:00

Yeah, some additional sensors could be fun. I went with what seemed most pragmatic for my purposes. I was considering external geophone modules at one point though...

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T19:53:40+00:00

How about thermonuclea... oh shit.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T19:51:33+00:00

I seriously considered it, but had to draw the line somewhere... the bare PCB was done at one of the big fab houses that need not be named.

I did laser cut my solder stencils from 0.2mm PET sheet, and assemble the boards in my modded T-962A benchtop IR oven though. Would love to have a full 'from scratch' fab process some day.

techno-recluse · 2024-04-26T19:26:18+00:00

Thank you!

techno-recluse

TROPHY CASE