Simple Webpage - Javier's Projects

Welcome

A collection of my projects in How to Make Almost Anything.

About Me

Past: Lawyer - Nearly a decade in Colombia's public sector.

Present: MIT Grad Student - Studying Computer Science and City Planning.

Future: Excited about the possibilities ahead.

Projects

Project 1 - HTMAA

Inspiration: I used to watch anime when I was younger. This device called "ninja star" is very popular on the TV series Naruto.

Original Sketch: Initial concept sketch and planning.

Initial Parametric: Mid-phase prototype and adjustments.

Final Parametric: Prototype that incorporates different surfaces designed to create the final object.

Final Version: Final product. Needs to be printed ASAP.

Project 2 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: In our group assignment, we experimented with various settings on the laser cutter machine and tested different machines, as the initial configurations were unsuccessful. After several trials, we determined that the optimal settings for cutting the cardboard involved a kerf of 0.05 and a joint tolerance of 0.0218. Additionally, we explored different assembly methods to assess how the parts fit together under these settings, which helped us refine the overall design process.

Individual Assignment: For my individual assignment, I chose to create an elephant-shaped smartphone stand that also serves as a pencil and pen holder, catering to my personal interests and needs. Utilizing the laser cutter settings established during the group assignment—specifically, a kerf of 0.05 and a joint tolerance of 0.0218—I crafted the stand from cardboard. This project not only provides a functional solution for watching soccer matches but also adds an aesthetic touch to my workspace.

Individual Assignment Vinyl: For the vinyl portion of the assignment, I wanted to personalize my notebook, so I printed an MIT logo and a Formula 1 racer logo, reflecting my love for cars. Surprisingly, the machine's initial settings were not suitable, and I had to reduce them to prevent the vinyl cutter from damaging the material. Additionally, after printing, the most challenging part was transferring the sticker onto the notebook without ruining it.

Last stage: Finally, after completing the laser cutting and vinyl cutting, we cleaned the machine and disposed of all the waste. It's surprising how much waste is generated during the workshop process.

Project 3 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: Link to Group Assignment Learning Embedded, Navigating Through Uncertainty. We had a lot of fun in the architecture section, trying to make sense of where to begin with this week’s assignment. Thankfully, the CBA team provided us with some valuable guidance, and after establishing some basic terminology (along with a quick assist from ChatGPT—“What distinguishes a microcontroller from a processor? Are all microcontrollers considered processors?”), we were able to piece together our group project, examining different approaches to embedded programming architectures.

Individual Assignment: Xiao ESP32S3 LED Control with WiFi.

Project Description:

As someone new to embedded programming, I decided to explore the capabilities of the Xiao ESP32S3 by simulating a project to control an LED through WiFi. Due to time constraints, I couldn't complete the project physically, but I successfully simulated it using the Wokwi platform.

Key Features of the Xiao ESP32S3:

Dual-core processor capable of handling communication and LED control simultaneously.
Multiple GPIO pins, including PWM support for adjusting LED brightness.
Integrated WiFi for wireless control of the LED from a web interface or smartphone.
Compact size (20x17.5mm) ideal for small embedded projects.
Low power consumption, suitable for energy-efficient designs.

Simulation on Wokwi: Since I did not have time to physically assemble the components, I used Wokwi to simulate the project. I connected the LED to GPIO pin 5 and used the simulation to test the code. The LED blinked on and off every second, confirming that the control logic worked as expected.

Challenges:

One of the challenges I faced was simulating the WiFi connection in Wokwi. Although the WiFi aspect could not be fully tested in the simulator, the GPIO control logic for the LED worked seamlessly. By focusing on LED control first, I could validate my approach before introducing more complex features like over-the-air updates.

Next Steps:

Once time allows, I plan to assemble the physical components and fully test the WiFi functionality on the Xiao ESP32S3. Additionally, I want to explore implementing over-the-air updates to simplify future modifications to the project.

Project 4 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: We experimented in learning the new tools with Diana's help. We scanned Karim's hand (or tried to) and we got amazing results. One of the outcomes of this activity was discovering how this new technology is working. The biggest constraint was not human, surprisingly, but the app to use the camera. We tried plenty of times and it did not work, until all of a sudden, it worked. It took more than 30 minutes. Furthermore, Diana taught us how to use the Bambu, and Alex designed a cool mini box for the simcards that we need to use for storage and printing.

Individual Assignment: For my individual assignment, I modified the design I created for week 1. The printing process was challenging since I had to export from my Mac to the PC in the fabrication shop. Then I had to export it into an STL file, modify the machine settings, and finally, export it again as a g.code file. Lastly, I inserted the sim card with the file, and the Bambu machine printed it in approximately 1.5 hours. I gave the final product to my mom, who was visiting me this weekend.

Project 5 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: For the group assignment, everything was new to me. I attended Quentin's office hours at the CBA in the Media Lab, which was my first time in those facilities. With my background in law and urban planning, I was unfamiliar with the tools and devices there, but it turned into a valuable learning experience. Quentin introduced us to many new tools and shared helpful "rules of thumb" for using them effectively. I had to ask a lot of questions because I was feeling lost, and although some classmates seemed bothered by this, I did not mind. I needed to understand what was going on. The key takeaway from this session is that we have the potential to create tools to collect data—essentially, the only limit is our imagination. With the right dedication, we can turn ideas into reality.

Office Hours: Since this was my first time working with these tools, I attended Anthony's office hours. He provided clear explanations on how to use Fusion, including helpful shortcuts and tips for navigating the settings while developing the digital board.

Individual Assignment: For this week's individual assignment, I am developing a music visualizer using the Xiao RP2040 microcontroller. This project takes audio input, either through a microphone or a line-in connection, and lights up an RGB LED matrix based on the sound levels. By translating audio signals into dynamic visual feedback, the visualizer creates real-time color patterns that synchronize with the rhythm and intensity of the music. The project combines audio signal processing with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) control, allowing me to explore both electronic circuit design and creative visual effects. This application has practical uses in settings such as parties or music events, adding an interactive and visually engaging layer to the audio experience. Additionally, working with the Xiao RP2040 enables me to enhance my understanding of PCB layout and embedded systems.

Expected Outcome: I asked ChatGPT how to achieve this project and what it should look like once deployed, and this is the expected outcome. Nevertheless, even with a lot of effort, I could not make it this week.

Project 6 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: For the group assignment, Diana gave us another session on how to use the model machines in the ARC shop. She emphasized the importance of following the tutorials and explained the components of each machine in detail. Special attention was given to the needles, nails, the vacuum machine, and the file we needed to use. During the soldering portion, she walked us through the proper use of all devices and stressed the importance of organizing the elements to avoid mistakes or creating chaos in the workspace.

Individual Assignment: For the individual assignment, I spent a lot of time building a PCB from scratch, aiming to incorporate a switch and an LED light. The goal was to connect the Xiao RP2040 to my laptop via USB-C and control the LED with the switch. I designed the circuit in KiCad, but the process became overwhelming. I exported the design multiple times, experimenting with Gerber2image to get the necessary files. However, printing the board turned into a disaster—I used the wrong needle and misplaced the copper board. When I finally printed it, I discovered that my design violated several “design rules,” rendering it unusable.

Thankfully, Anthony was there to help. I visited the EECS shop, where he gave me detailed guidance on the schematic, PCB layout, and how to prepare the correct files for printing. It took several hours, but I finally printed the board using the Modena machine. Even though the printing succeeded, soldering became my next hurdle. At first, I thought the soldering iron wasn’t heating properly, but once it did, my lack of manual skills caused me to ruin the copper board. Despite the mishaps, the laughter in the shop kept things fun, and the experience was valuable. Now I have a clear understanding of what needs to change and how much time I’ll need for my final project.

Project 7 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: For the group assignment, Diana took us to the ARC shop, where we familiarized ourselves with the essential elements for casting and molding. We spent considerable time reviewing the safety instructions and understanding the step-by-step process required to use the tools for this week’s assignment. We had the opportunity to see and feel the plaster, as well as explore the other tools we’d be working with in the ARC shop. Although we had many questions about the process, some team members were eager to push beyond the basic requirements and experiment with edible molds, which sounded like a lot of fun. A memorable moment from this week’s assignment was when we collectively asked to start early—on Wednesday, right after class—since we knew the project would require significant time and effort.

Individual Assignment: For the individual assignment, my original idea was to design a snowman for Christmas. However, when I started working on it in Fusion 360, I realized the complexity of the design would add an unexpected challenge, given my limited experience with 3D modeling. To strike a balance between feasibility and creativity, I pivoted to a simpler yet engaging idea: a bishop piece for a chess game. With Diana's help, I designed the piece in Fusion, but since I needed a Rhino file, she assisted me in converting it. After finalizing the design, we made adjustments to prepare it for wax casting. I then used the Bamboo machine to 3D print the mold. Once the wax was poured and allowed to set for a few hours, I carefully removed the finished bishop from the mold. The entire process was enjoyable and gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Thankfully, Diana was there to help me at every moment because I felt so lost during the entire process.

After completing the mold, Diana assisted me with the setup for creating the desired figure. We prepared a mixture of plaster and water, and using two wooden boards from the architecture shop's garage, we constructed a "sandwich" around the mold. We secured it tightly with the shop's tools and carefully poured the plaster mixture through a sheet of paper to guide it into the mold. Initially, we noticed the mixture was leaking, prompting us to tighten the assembly further to prevent further seepage. Once we addressed the leakage, we poured the plaster again and smoothed out air bubbles by gently pressing and tapping around the mold with our nails. It was quite disappointing to discover after several hours that the figure had not fully formed because the plaster had still leaked. This experience was a significant learning moment, underscoring the importance of ensuring the mold is extremely tight—so tight that it might feel like it could break. This ensures the integrity of the final product.

Project 8 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: For this week's group assignment, Diana couldn't join us as she was unwell, and we all wished her a speedy recovery. Nevertheless, a group of us headed to the CBA where we collaborated with Quentin and our classmates to review the assignment, which involved probing an input device's analog levels and digital signals. After a comprehensive session, Quentin demonstrated the use of various instruments to measure the signals and capture data from the devices. It was a fascinating experience for me, as it was the first time I had seen these devices in action. Everything was completely new, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on how these technologies function.

Individual Assignment: For this week's individual assignment, I aimed to design a PCB that would allow me to collect data as audio. I designed, milled, and soldered the PCB to a micro RP2040, creating a compact microphone capable of capturing sounds of water. Diana was instrumental in both the design process and the use of the machine at the architecture shop, especially since only one machine was functioning properly. Shah also played a crucial role in adjusting the machine's settings to the 32 nail position and beyond. During this process, we discovered a mechanical flaw that caused the cut edges of the image to shift slightly, ruining my first PCB attempt and necessitating a redo. While soldering, I had the support of Yutian, Nour, and Diana, who ensured all safety measures were followed diligently. Finally, Diana and Anthony were invaluable in helping me understand how to operate the newly created device. Their guidance on using some preset or default lines of code was incredibly helpful.

Project 9 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: This week, Diana returned and we convened in her office for the group assignment. She employed a variety of tools to demonstrate how to measure different outputs. It was intriguing to explore these tools, which are commonly used by many but were unfamiliar to us. This experience, though somewhat unusual, proved to be quite enlightening and added a great deal to our practical knowledge.

Individual Assignment: For my individual assignment, Anthony was tremendously helpful. He clarified that I needed a MOSFET to make my project functional. Inspired, I decided to design a system where a motor would react to frequencies captured by the microphone from music. This was my first time working at the ECCS shop, where both Anthony and Alec were instrumental. Alec assisted with compiling a complete list of necessary components. However, as I mentioned in class, there were setbacks: a minor mistake with the pin headers and a flawed PCB design resulted in a failure, as the design and soldering did not allow for proper connections to the vibration motor.

Project 10 - HTMAA

Group Assignment: This week, our group booked a session with Chris at the woodshop in N51. We began by reviewing all the necessary safety measures, including the importance of wearing safety glasses, headphones, and gloves. The message was clear: safety is each individual's responsibility, and we are all accountable for following these instructions. After this, we familiarized ourselves with the materials, machines, and tools in the woodshop. We double-checked the plywood, confirming its thickness as 0.488 inches, which helped us accurately model our designs..

Individual Assignment: For my individual assignment, I set out to create a Colombian Coffee Table as a collaborative project with the architecture group. Diana and I drafted the design in Rhino, which took us about two hours due to some complex details we had to work through. I then prepared the file and sent it to Chris and Jen for use on the CNC machine. When we began using the CNC machine, Chris found multiple "tails" in the file that made processing impossible. Alex helped me resolve this issue by using the Boolean command in Rhino, which allowed us to debug the file in under 15 minutes. We recycled some plywood for the project, using my materials to minimize waste—eco-friendly all the way! After cutting, I joined Alex to clean the workspace and sort the pieces. Jacob then assisted me with sandpapering and smoothing the edges to complete the aesthetic. Nate contributed to the assembly process and documented each step. Finally, Alicia helped me transport the finished table from the woodshop in N51 to the Media Lab for presentation. In the end, this table is a product of our entire team’s efforts!

Project 11 - HTMAA

For this week's assignment, we were tasked with creating a machine. Our team developed the "Drop It Like It's Hot" project. I contributed by producing the video and assisting with the coding section of the project. You can learn more about our work by visiting the following link: Drop It Like It's Hot Project.

Group Assignment

For this group assignment, my teammate Sergio, another Colombian student in the class, and I worked together to complete the task of sending a message between two projects. We collaborated on Monday with guidance from the TA, who provided valuable assistance during our session in her office. The teamwork and support were instrumental in successfully completing the assignment.

Additional description of group assignment:
- Variable 1. hghgd
- Variable 2.

Individual Assignment

For the individual assignment, I aimed to create a setup using a breadboard with multiple LED lights connected via Wi-Fi to a web server. This setup would allow me to control the lights from my smartphone, combining hardware and software for a practical IoT application. Initially, I worked with the ESP32-C3 microcontroller, but it didn’t meet my needs for this project. I decided to switch to the ESP32-S3, which provided better compatibility for my goals. Using tutorials from the Seeed website and other online resources, along with guidance from the TA, I gradually made progress and achieved the desired functionality. One fun fact: when nothing seemed to work and I felt stuck, the breakthrough came from two seemingly small actions—restarting the microcontroller and updating the Arduino IDE on my laptop. Although these steps may appear trivial, they were crucial in making the connection work. This experience taught me how even minor troubleshooting efforts can make a significant difference in solving technical challenges.

Compounds

- Variable 1. hghgd

Assembly Process

Video Demonstration

Subtitle: Challenges of this week's assignment.
- Variable 1. hghgd

Group Assignment

Given that this week the US celebrated thanksgiving, almost the entire class travelled and we could not make the group assignment for this week. Nevertheless, when I did my individual assignent with Char's guidance, we tried as many tools as posible for it. So, in a certain way, I did the group assignment.

Individual Assignment

For the individual assignment, I aimed to create music visualization like the ones I used in the 2000s on Winamp. They are called "Winamp Milkdrops" and are very popular on the web. My idea was pretty straightforward. I wanted to use the microphone on my pcb to capture the music and then, the input from the microphone might produce some cool visualizations in the laptop. Therefore, I could achieve different visualizations having different kind of songs.

Compounds

- My own Pcb
- RP2040
- Microphone ICS43434
- Arduino - with Neil's code from the HTMAA webpage
- Python - on Visual Code.
- Python and arduino libraries such as shaders, I2S, and time

Assembly Process

The steps to achieve this winamp milkdrop were simple: First, I connected the rp2040 to the laptop using Arduino. I had to download some specific libraries for music on the arduino ide app. Secondly, I used python on Visual code and the terminal to create the visualization. Char's libraries were instrumental in this step. Char explained to me how I could create the different visualizations by adding math equations that the laptop could plot. The main outcome of my conversation with Char was when she asked me about what was the real input that I wanted to capture with the mic. Then I understood that the inut from the mic would be music and time, and then, I had to connect that input to the code on python. Thus, i could achieve a small visualization using the shader and providing a math equation to the three RBG colors

Video Demonstration

Funfact of this week's assignment.
- This week's assignment would have been impossible without Char's help.
- It was pretty cool when i realized that the cool visualizations are basically just math equations plotted by the laptop that can change

Group Assignment

This is the wildcar week. This means we have freedom to select what we want to do and do something very cool. The list of options was huge with alternatives that suffices everybody's preferences. I picked embroidery because i wanted to produce something meaningful to me that I could wear or use in a wearable. Kareem and I went to the EECS shop where Alec gave us the instructions about how to use both, the sewering and embroidery machine. The whole process took around 1 hour but it was pretty cool. We learned how to place the thread and the bobin, the pedal, the foot steper, the nail and te screwdrivers. Alex was an amazing instructor and the process was very fun. One of the mot challening thins here was to see the small numbers that work as a guidance on the machine since my sight is not the best.

Additional description of group assignment:
- We embroidered a small fish with 4 differen threads so we could see the colors.
- Fun fact, the colors look different once the thread has been sewered or embroidered.

Individual Assignment

For the individual assignment, I aimed to create the logo of my biggest inpiration when I was growing up, Cristiano Ronaldo. The logo is CR7 so I had to design it first and then bring the PES file to the embroidery machine to make it happen. Alec told me to download Inkscape and Ink/Stitch to do it. Once I downloaded the and installed, I tried to follow some youtube tutorials for it, but I needed more help, then Alec explained to me how to use and I could achieve it. It was a very cool process, it took me around 3 hours designing and embroidering.

Compounds

- Fabric
- Embroidering Machine
- InkScape / InkStitch extension
- Threads
- PenDrive - USB and USB-C adapter
- Scissors, Screwdrivers and little tools for the embroidering machine.

Assembly Process

the first step involves using Ink/stitch to design the logo to embroid. Alex taught me that this procesworks as tracing a map. So i first got the iamge from the web. Then, with the pencil tool, I created the edges of the letters, always following the same pattern. Then with the pen tool, i created some lines to show the embroider machine the pattern that I wanted to have in my design. It was not easy to understand in the beginning I had some troubles with the order, but at the end, I noticed it was very similar to using some adobe tools sch as illustrator or photoshop. You gotta be super cautios with the layers. Each letter and number was a layer and all the traces in those layers had to be combine in order to achieve the desired pattern. Later, using the ink/stitch extension and the satin column in it, I achieved the design with the different colors that I wanted. I exported the design in a PES file with a pendrive and then went to the embroider machine to finally make it happen. Someone was using the sewering machine earlier so I had to transform the machine into embrodering but it was easy, just took me 5 minutes. The trickiet part of the setting was getting the fabric in the perfect position since using the frame was not so easy. Once everything was ready to use, then I had select the file in the embroidering machine and place the logo in the extreme so I did not waste fabric. Then, I put the thread use the foot steper and pushed the start button. i had to change the thread twice because of the colors. It was pretty easy and the outcome was very cool.

Video Demonstration

Funfact of this week's assignment.
- My mom loved the assignment and she told me that she wants to buy one these machines.
- The trickiest part was the design but once you learn it, it is very entertained and i want to try it to do some customization to some tote bags.

The Calming Machine

This project draws inspiration from cymatics machines, Chladni plates, and the Pensieve from the Harry Potter series. The idea is to create a device that generates water waves in response to music chosen by the user. This interaction between sound and water aims to provide a visually soothing experience, allowing the user to relax and enjoy a tranquil moment with their favorite music.

Compounds

- RP2040 microcontroller
- ICS43434 microphone
- 4 MOSFETs
- Resistors (100Ω and 10kΩ)
- Speakers
- Arduino and Python for programming

Original Sketches

Thee are the sketch with the original idea and this is the goal!

Currently, I’ve designed and milled the PCB and begun soldering the components. This week, I plan to 3D-print the container where the water will be placed, bringing the project closer to completion. Below are the sketches of the machine and its progress.

Contact Me

Email: javierd@mit.edu

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