The Picorder: A Star Trek style tricorder

22 Jun 2015

This past weekend was fairly intense with picorder activity as indicated by the enclosed photo gallery. Construction continues as I carve out the case by hand for the TFT display complete with four momentary contact switches. We'll soon find out if I can incorporate them to be functional with the scripting, or at the very least to gracefully shutdown the picorder. Sensor array taking shape also with physical placement. So far the flame detector, distance/echo sensor, temperature/humidity sensor and alcohol and Co2 sensors are in place. Wiring continues and scripting is ongoing. Parts list is partially compiled as forging forward towards deadline.

{gallery} Picorder Construction Day 58
Picorder encasement
Small power board with 5vdc regulator and RPI B+
Flame and distance echo sensors
Front end sensor array
Replacing Model B with RPI B+ for more GPIO port usage
Carving the case
Old-fashioned carving with hand tools
Almost completed trimming
Display: Mounting
Taking Shape

{gallery} Picorder Construction Day 58

Picorder encasement

Small power board with 5vdc regulator and RPI B+

Flame and distance echo sensors

Front end sensor array

Replacing Model B with RPI B+ for more GPIO port usage

Carving the case

Old-fashioned carving with hand tools

Almost completed trimming

Display: Mounting

Taking Shape

Carved case for TFT Display

Top Comments

DAB over 10 years ago

Looks like a good starting point.

I look forward to seeing it together and working.

DAB
- Cancel
- Vote Up +1 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
saturnv over 10 years ago in reply to Former Member

Yes it has been interesting and fun to get to this point. Surprised myself in some ways ! I'm still in awe of being selected to compete in the contest! Time is growing short and I'm still pushing forward with the software part.
- Cancel
- Vote Up 0 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
saturnv over 10 years ago in reply to balearicdynamics

I did have plans to use the plastic package from a proto-board and push it up from the inside and secure it to the case. Then mount the display so that it was covered by the plastic. It would have fit nice underneath the plastic protector, however the plastic wasn't as pliable as I wanted and it creased when I would push on a button. But thanks, great minds do think alike. For a prototype with only a few months to construct and complete, I'm impressed that we've all been able to get as far as we have! 'til later
- Cancel
- Vote Up +1 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
balearicdynamics over 10 years ago

Nice work, it seems going well. If I can give you a suggestion, you can put a thick border (maybe printed on vinyl?) over the LCD to cover the carved borders and the pushbuttons (remaining active as the plastic cover is thick) giving a very trekker aspect to your work.

Enrico
- Cancel
- Vote Up +1 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel
Former Member over 10 years ago

Great to see it all fitting together!

You must be getting excited bringing it to this stage and seeing your ideas take shape There's a fair few protoboards going on to hold and function the sensors, time well spent!!
- Cancel
- Vote Up +1 Vote Down
- Sign in to reply
- More
- Cancel