PERSONAL PROJECTS
Summer 2017
DIGITAL FM/AM/SW RADIO
This project was intended to be my introduction into RF design, and optimizing reception. The project consists of main radio controller, the Silicon Labs SI-4844-a10. This controller is integrated into my custom designed board with requisite supporting circuitry. The radio board is then interfaced with with the custom controller board via stackable pin headers. The Controller board contains an ATmega328 micro-controller to interface with the radio via I2C and the bitmap display via SPI. The audio output of the radio is amplified via a hand soldered LM386 based AB class amplifier with a transistor push pull output stage. The enclosure is made from laser cut 1/8" plywood, and etched with a design to resemble an 80s style boombox. Follow the link to the Github page with all the source files.
MAGIC MIRROR
Fall 2017
One of my major software focus projects, this "Magic Mirror" consists of a old LCD monitor with the bezel removed and mounted in a wooden frame. In front of the LCD one way mirror film was applied to clear acrylic that is slotted into the frame to give it a mirror like appearance when turned off, but still allows the screen to be seen when active. On the software side, this project is running the open source Magic Mirror V2 software provided by MichMich on Github. The software allows for customization modules to be displayed, such as current weather, time, email, calendar, etc. Notable features that I implemented is utilizing  Amazon Alexa integration via Amazon Web Services, which enables the user to send voice commands to the display to show videos or other modules not currently on the screen. The project is powered via a raspberry pi Model 3 B which also doubles as the sever for my home automation setup.
MUSIC VISUALIZER
Spring 2017
This project originally was intended to be a sign similar to color displays in large cities. Although it did work for its intended purpose, I quickly decided to change directions after witnessing other music visualizers online. The project utilizes the 32x64 pixel display from Adafruit, and an early prototype of an audio amplifier from another project that simply increased the peak to peak voltages output by an audio source so the 10-bit ADC on the ATmega328 had more voltage steps to display. A great addition to any speaker at a party, click the link below to watch it in action
INTERNET RADIO
Fall 2016
One of my earliest projects, and my second one to incorporate a raspberry pi, the go to standard for hobbyists in need of cheap computation. This project made use of an internet radio software that allowed the user to change channels and the volume with an IR remote. The current program was then displayed on the 16x2 character LCD. The VU meter was added for atheistic value, and displayed the output of the audio signal. Finally the user had the option to change the switch to enable the use of a line in so any audio source could be used with the single stage audio amp that I built into the system.