Abhilash Kamineni
Amplified speaker unit for an MP3 player
Mt Roskill Grammar School
Year 11 Technology Electronics, two-term unit
Teacher: Michele Heywood
Abhilash's interest in sound and music – as exemplified in his work with the school's sound team for productions and assemblies – influenced his interpretation of the given issue: Safe and Secure. Having seen media items on hearing loss attributed to the use of headphones, he decided to make a simple speaker system for his MP3 player. This solution would also please his mother who strongly disliked the music he regularly played on the family stereo!
Abhilash researched articles and talked to his stakeholders as he considered possible solutions, creating 3D models of each design using Google SketchUp .
After creating his first solution, his interest increased and he began to test different ideas to improve the sound quality. He investigating and testing a wide range of different sound amplification integrated circuits and speaker cones, he decided to build an amplifier into his speaker unit to power a larger speaker. He regularly consulted with stakeholders on the sound quality of his developing project and its aesthetics – both very important key factors in his initial brief.
Abhilash's final solution comprises an amplifier and three speakers enclosed in a single speaker box, with sound input from an MP3 player. The amplifier is powered via a purpose-built independent mains-to-16.8v transformer. On top of the speaker box is a switch system that changes the circuit to either the two smaller speakers directly powered by the MP3 player or to a third larger high-quality speaker via the mains-powered amplifier. The switch and its LEDs are controlled using a PICAXE microcontroller .
Teacher comment
Abhilash planned his direction well and allowed for testing and redevelopment. He continually tested his ideas against the brief and was comfortable with discarding ideas and devices when they did not met his needs. His work went well beyond the minimum requirements of the given project, and he has produced a project that exceeds the Electronics understanding expected of a Year 11 student.
