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Completed Projects

1.  Infrared Heater array for warming dairy pasture.

TIA PhD Student Adam Langworthy required 3 rings of 6 infrared heaters to raise the temperature of a plot of pasture by several degrees in order to study effects of global warming. The CSL's part in the project was to wire up the commercial heater units with heat resistant cable and build 3 control boxes to apply regulated power to the 18 heaters in response to measured temperature near the ground in the control plot. Ten temperature sensors were used and the data read and averaged using an Arduino microcontroller. A digital error signal was generated which was then transmitted via cables to all three control boxes to regulate the temperature. This also used Arduino microcontrollers in each control box to vary the number of cycles of the mains power applied to the heaters.

Central Electronics Workshop

Arrangement of 6 infrared heaters.

Central Electronics Workshop

Field test setup of control plot.

2.  Cherry Stem Heater.

A handheld heater was made for searing the outer layer of a cherry stem in the field. (see Penny Measham for a scientific description) A 12V 7AH hour battery was used connected to a circuit using a microcontroller to control the amount of power fed to a small element mounted in a plier like handheld tool which was clipped around the cherry stem.

3.  Portable Incubator.

An automotive ‘esky’ was modified to enable accurate and adjustable temperature control to enable safe transporting of biological material at a constant temperature.

4.  Chiller Control Systems

A system was developed to enable recirculated cooling water to be monitored whilst being pumped through scientific equipment. In the event of pump or refrigeration failure, solenoid valves operate to feed the equipment from the normal mains water supply. A visual status display is provided with the current water temperature and flow rate. A unit was also built for JKTech in Brisbane.

Central Electronics Workshop

5.  XYZ Stage Controller for Laser Ablation

Microcomputer control of a 3 axis stage to enable accurate positioning of a specimen for laser ablation.

Central Electronics Workshop

Central Electronics Workshop

6.  Laser Pulse Generator

An accurate pulse generator was designed to provide a safety interlock as well as a means of controlling the laser ‘on’ time and power level.

7.  Sampling Controller for Ocean Acidification Sampler

A microcomputer controlled timer for operating a marine sampling collector at repeatable intervals.

8.  Mass Spectrometer Sample Collector

A rotary sample holder turret was made by our mechanical engineer and I built a motor controller for it using an Arduino to accurately rotate it to the correct position for returning a sample to a sample vial. The firmware allows for the user entering the number of sample positions required.

Central Electronics Workshop