Table of Contents RESEARCH CONTENTFAILURES, STRUGGLES, AND SUCCESSWorks CitedFor my Capstone project, I am going to make an oscilloscope from an old Cathode Ray Tube TV. My top priority is to find a way to alternate the different waves so that the electrons can be seen visually on the TV. I have always been interested in electronics. Completing this project will expose me to the invisible movements of electrons and show how they move with different capacitor frequencies. The use of trying to incorporate different potentiometers as well as oscillators to produce different varying sounds will be experimented with. This was achieved by researching transistors and testing how they create the reverse avalanche effect to produce looped noise. The sound from the frequency sound generator would then be displayed on the oscilloscope, which would test the transistor theory. My reasons for being interested in this form of electricity simply include studying electronic movements in an intriguing way whereby I can manipulate the waves with sonic variations. This will be a self-research project that will help me when I study electrical engineering. Although we may never physically see electrons moving with our eyes, this project will allow me to instantly see electronic voltage signals. In this research paper, I will explore many types of electrical components and figure out how to wire them to work together to improve my oscilloscope. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original EssayTo display my findings and research, I have two main headings that have multiple subheadings. I have organized my article into separate paragraphs based on different ideas and conclusions. Each paragraph concerns a certain individual aspect of the project. This essay also includes four paragraphs right before the conclusion talking about my failures, struggles, and successes. RESEARCH CONTENTI was inspired by a YouTube series called Look Mum No Computer by Sam Battle. I took what I learned from him and applied it to other things I was building. I ended up changing its oscillator plan by creating my own oscilloscope and figuring out how to implement oscillators to render better wave displays. He taught me about reverse avalanche sound effects and how they are used to create the oscillating loop noises. When it comes to oscillators, transistors are used with 3 pins, but in case of reverse avalanche, the middle pin is not used. In order to achieve the reverse avalanche effect, you need a certain voltage high enough to oscillate the transistor. In some cases, like in Look Mum No Computer, Sam discusses on his channel the different transistors he has tried. He even listed a source he found and used by Kerry D. Wong, then Sam mentioned how: "...the one that caught my eye and I might have to try is SS9018 because it doesn't need only 8 volts instead of the 12 volts above! !! so I'm going to try that too. This quote explains some of my research into how oscillators work and how they can be seen when projected onto an oscilloscope. It also basically states that playing with different capacitor values ​​will change the oscillation height. For example, the larger the value of the capacitor, its oscillation will be extremely slow. When the condenser valve is low, the pitch will be high and therefore oscillate faster. Look Mum NoComputer, also gave me some insight into what it takes to create the perfect scale to run different ranges of capacitors. Sam goes into detail and explains the oscillation speed as such: “bass skulls: 100uF capacitor tenor skull: 33uF capacitor viola skull: 10uF capacitor”. The knowledge gained from these videos inspired weeks of research, which led me to truly experiment with the different capacitor values ​​and their impacts on these sounds. This source of information is very vital for my project. Further research from Sam Battle's YouTube channel and personal website guides me to start thinking about what my electrical specs might look like. Developing a battle plan, no pun intended, was my next step. First, the battery will be connected to a resistor, then connected to the potentiometer, which is 10K. The 10K potentiometer will then be connected to the capacitor, which will have a variable uF unit. Then it is connected to a transistor, which can vary depending on the configuration of each individual oscillator. Finally, it will be connected to another resistor which will eventually connect to the audio output. Additionally, the capacitor will be connected as well as the other side of the transistor to an LED to indicate that it is a working circuit, which is then connected to ground. Keeping the transistor in mind, the center leg of the 3 pins will not be used and might even be chipped for more ability to oscillate better for the reverse avalanche effect. Finally, this YouTube channel and the Battle website helped me learn some of the most important aspects of the oscillating portion of my Capstone project: oscilloscopes and how they work. Then, after exploring the book called Electricity and Electronics, by Gerrish/Dugger/Roberts, I found that it also had some interesting information about oscilloscopes and more technical aspects of how they work. Here in this source I found out the real definition of an oscilloscope. He is quoted as saying: “A cathode ray tube (CRT) is used in an oscilloscope. It consists of a cathode that emits a beam of electrons that strike a luminescent display screen” (Gerrish et al 153). Deflection coils are defined as such: “Vertical deflection plates and horizontal deflection plates control where the beam hits the display screen” (Gerrish et al 153). The preceding quote explains the key elements that I will learn and address in my Capstone project. Although CRTs are very outdated in our modern world due to the more efficient resolution of televisions, I thought it would be very captivating and beneficial to my self-education to explore rather "simple" forms of electricity. ”, although still complex. I really want to study electronics and electrical engineering when I'm older and in college. Studying simpler, outdated technology will just be small steps, all involved in the series of actions taken to help me understand more complex technology. This is the goal of the Capstone project, to use current skills and deepen the search for applied skills, to compose a project that will ultimately add to the CSI learning experience. Also, page 152 of Electricity and Electronics is great for explaining how I can understand oscilloscopes. It states: If an AC voltage is applied to the oscilloscope, the vertical deflection circuit controls the magnetic intensity of the vertical deflection plate. The vertical plate causes the electron beam to produce a wave of light on the display screen that matches the amplitude of theinput voltage. This wave represents the instantaneous voltage during cycles of the AC input. The horizontal sweep oscillator can be adjusted over a wide range of frequencies until it matches the frequency of the input voltage (Gerrish et al 152). The luminescent display shows how amplitude affects height and how period represents width. Sine waves are usually the first types of waves you see in oscilloscopes. We learned about sine, cosine and tangent in precalculus. I therefore consider this project very suitable and beneficial for studying mathematical graphs, particularly useful in middle school. The compiled works of Gerrish, Dugger, and Roberts in this book source also taught me OHM's Law and Watts' Law formulas. I will use these mathematical formulas to explore and test the accuracy of the oscillators and oscilloscope together. This book also shows how Watt is the stated unit of power. This is important for my project because if too much power is displayed, it will be displayed on the luminescent screen as a bright circular light beam near the center of the TV. Dangers related to TV brightness. The assertion of the strength of magnetic intensity during this period was stated in Electricity and Electronics. I'm trying to learn how to prevent this from happening. This is why the variable resistors of the potentiometer will be used for the safety of this project. Electricity and Electronics explains that “focusing is used to make the wave sharper. This eliminates any fuzzy appearance the wave may have” (Gerrish et al 155). So I'm going to experiment with different controls. I'm going to solder to work on the clarity of the sound waves displayed on the oscilloscope. Intensity is a word I also studied in this book, along with concentration, both of which can kill your display screen. This book also instructs the reader that settings should always be set to a low level before turning on devices so that brightness and intensity can be viewed comfortably. When viewing the output graph of the audio input waves, I will observe them knowing how amplitude works. I looked at what peak to peak means on a sine graph and also learned how to read what amplitude looks like on the graph. This can be documented using videos as evidence of the execution, which I will take later in the process as testing evidence and perhaps take a slow motion film which will be used to clarify the chart readings. This test data will be taken without the predefined store-bought data acquisition and transfer application that typically comes with store-bought oscilloscopes that correctly visualize the data produced. Transistor capacities. As I looked deeper into the tiny, yet essential aspects of this project, I consulted another book called Tab Electronics Guide to Understanding Electricity and Electronics by G. Randy Slone. Using transistors is important, but understanding them is even better. On page 155 the author writes: "A transistor is a three-layer semiconductor device...Note that a diode contains only one junction, whereas a transistor contains two junctions" (G. Randy Slone ). Knowing that bipolar transistors have an emitter, base, and connection point will help me correctly identify the correct location of my transistors when using them. Welding. Going further, the third book I used for my research was called Electromechanical Design Handbook by Ronald A. Walsh. Referring to page 526, he discusses the different forms of everythingwhich I have currently tried for almost 2 years regarding my welding experience. I wanted to work on completing this project to make it look as professional as possible. To realize this handmade aspect of my project, I practiced welding stainless steel to see if I could weld a suitable professional enclosure to safely enclose my tablet. I thought it would work and add a nice, refined touch to my project. To make this happen I would use TIG, known as Tungsten Inert Gas or GTAW. I can also practice welding with aluminum to see which one works best for my project and is the most durable when the time comes. Gas tungsten arc welding can also be used to weld aluminum. To construct the box, I will use the position of the outside corner joint and the potential filler rod to fuse the metal, “Welding is a fusion process for joining metals” (Ronald A. Walsh 526). This gives the basic objective of using welding in this process. If done correctly, my weld will be the strongest part or foundation of the welded box. Along the same lines, similar to soldering, I used 60% tin - 40% lead solder for the industrial manufacturing/construction process of this project. This composition will protect the electrical components at all costs depending on the type of metal used. Carrying out this process would look very professional for my project. However, I encountered some obstacles in the welding lab. The TIG booths were all in use due to ongoing welding certifications and performance testing. I could use MIG (Metal Inert Gas) to weld a can, but it would be made of steel which is unprotected and prone to rust over time. Because of this restraint, I will do my best to complete all of my soldering class tasks first so that I can attempt to build a box. If resources like tungsten rod are not available in the welding lab, which is in short supply, I will not be able to make this box. I may have to resort to making a wooden box, which will still look very professional thanks to the craftsmanship. Components and what they do. Learning the different aspects will help me really understand how my project will work. Electroluminescence, which means emitting light, is what I will use to give an indicator of how well it works. The resistors have colored bands that notify and label resistance levels and indicate the accuracy of the resistance value with its last band color. Resistors do not have polarity like LEDs, capacitors, batteries and other components. Resistances are measured in ohms. Potentiometers also look like resistors, but they are mechanically changeable. The ones I use for my Capstone project are made of 10K 16mm potentiometers. As mentioned in the www. Online encyclopedia of oscillators Britainncia.com, the electrical device produces an electrically alternating current in tuned circuits which can then amplify depending on the variance. Potentiometers and resistors. In The Maker's Manual, by Andrea Maietta and Paolo Aliverti, it discusses "two possible ways of using a potentiometer" (133). It explains how the three pins can be connected to three totally different locations or the middle pin can be hooked to the legs of the other pin this way you can cement your manually set resistance value without it being tampered with. In my case, I will connect the three legs to different locations sothat the user can manipulate the different inputs of the oscilloscope. The component I'm going to use is called a variable resistor, while the latching method is called a voltage divider. You can use a regular knob variable potentiometer or what's called a trimmer, which sort of looks like a potentiometer but only has two legs and a screw-like function. This serves as a voltage divider that contains a consistent resistance measurement unless actively changed. Capacitor Danger and How to Discharge a CRT TV. Although I use different types of resistors, I will also use different measurements of capacitors. This way, it reduces unwanted disturbances. The capacitors end up working like sandwiches that make it very difficult for current to get out and be used. When the capacitor is connected to a circuit, it essentially charges. So when the capacitor is used, the power coming out of it is alternating, depending on how you place the capacitor. Additionally, when a power supply such as a battery is removed from a circuit and the capacitor forms a completely closed circuit, the load will be used for a short time during which time the saved energy from the capacitor depletes . Regarding exhausted energy, in order to work with an old CRT TV, I will need to safely exhaust the energy stored in the TV. It is very important that I drain the power from the TV first before I start tinkering with the vertical and horizontal CRT coil wires. To do this, I will break the plastic cover of the TV located at the back. There you will find a small circular rubber disk that will need to be disconnected in order to drain and use up the saved energy from the TV's capacitors. To do this I will take a screwdriver, wrap some copper around the metal part and feed a wire up to the metal frame or other safe metal part to allow electricity to flow through it without tapping into me or in electrical components. This copper wire setup will allow me to pull under the black circle flap until a few pops are heard. The popping sounds mean the TV should now be safe. I know there are other factors to consider as well. The dangers of Tesla coil variants on TV. One of the main components of the CRT television is a variation of the Tesla coil. I really tried to research some of the key things when it comes to safety and preparedness. Understanding the danger of these components is really necessary, which I discovered while reading Gadgeteer's Goldmine! by Gordon McComb, by Gordon McComb. Gordon McComb writes: “A form of Tesla coil is used in television sets to create high frequency high voltage to operate the cathode ray tube” (57). Researching the innards of older style TVs, I now realize that I know how the picture appears on the TV. Research helped me understand that there are two coils inside a CRT TV. One reel acts as a horizontal display, while the other reel acts as a vertical display. This is where you will find the wire layout as to where the wires connect. This is where you check continuity to see which of the four wires go with each other. With this basic knowledge in mind, I studied the dangers of the Tesla coil. The television I will be working with contains varying strands of it. Tesla coils have a space that allows the capacitor to discharge sometimes atintervals at which it is supposed to be. Through extensive research, I discovered that this gap is what allows the horizontal and vertical beams to take the spark and channel it into a sharp, fairly precise line through a magnetic field. Growing up, I always heard my parents tell me not to sit so close to the TV. I asked myself this question often and decided to research the reasons why this happened in my project. Tesla coils should be used in a well-ventilated room according to Gordon McComb where he states: The open spark gap produces ultraviolet light, which can be extremely harmful to the eyes. Avoid looking at the spark gap and, if possible, enclose it in an opaque enclosure. The spark gap needs air to work properly, so make sure the housing has holes for air to enter and escape. Additionally, the action of sparks produces toxic ozone. Use the Tesla coil only in a well-ventilated room (Gordon McComb 60). Thanks to the testing procedures, I can use my welding helmet for ultra-protection when testing with the Tesla coil mechanisms in the CRT TV. These are very important facts that helped me conclude about the security risks I will encounter during my project. FAILURES, STRUGGLES AND SUCCESS With any project, there will always be successes and failures. Although failure is not considered an option in today's society, I believe that as long as we grow from our failures, they can be used to teach us. Disappointments and failures undoubtedly came from this project, but that didn’t stop me. Several people told me I couldn't do this project and my response was "look at me." Here's my story: Right off the bat, I have no knowledge of what I attempted in this project. I came into this capstone project almost blinded by my own passion. I didn't know anything about oscilloscopes or oscillators. All I knew about it was that they were fascinating to watch and play. It’s something I’ve always been interested in and I’ve always wanted to return one. These can be used to make electronic music, which is another passion of mine: listening to electronic music. The research portion was the best part to work on and was even more advanced than I expected. It was all very foreign to me. The search began when I went to the library and accumulated almost the entire electrical section of their books. Not even knowing where to start with this project, I immediately jumped into studying oscilloscopes and documented my findings by taking notes. I went to my favorite place to study and it was the bowling alley when my dad was playing in his league. I listened to my electronic music through my headphones and it was one of the main fuels that fueled me. He guided me through this project with motivation. All I remember is being at peace while I was in the research and ideation weeks zone. Reality hit me when I started building my project. Building the oscilloscope from an old CRT TV was relatively easy, as I didn't burn myself playing around in there and cutting wires to a TV with a built-up charge. This was the first electronic device I got into without any electrical specifications or knowledge of the TV's amperage. CRT TVs are so hard to get these days because a lot of times people discard them and stop donating them to thrift stores. Technology evolves and timesbecome different. I didn't know what type of TV would work, so I bought any CRT TV I saw. I bought two small TVs at a thrift store after visiting 5 stores. I also saw a 22 inch CRT TV that this guy on my street threw away on a very snowy day. I was so determined to bring it home that I must have looked ridiculous trying to wear it. Some would say it's determination. I needed a backup TV so that if I burned down or blew one up, which was expected knowing me, I would be ready for Murphy's Law to take effect. Fortunately, nothing exploded. The prayers work in meaningful ways and have kept me safe. I had no idea how dangerous this little TV was. It did not include specifications containing amperage and voltage information. This was due to the Salvation Army's "as is" purchasing terms. The TV also had to be used with my variable power supply that my friend had given me. It did the job, but the potentiometer gave misleading power signals and was not consistent with the TV's natural settings. There was no way to measure the output voltage on the low amperage 12 volt supply. Ultimately, it can be difficult to get the right settings to turn on the TV remotely. I then converted it with a 12 volt, 2 amp, non-variable power supply that I obtained from Microcenter. Basically, Microcenter was my second home at the end of my senior year. Also, knowing recently that the TV was running on 2 amps and my hands were involved in working inside the TV terrifies me because two amps could kill a person. In hindsight, I could have tried looking up the TV's electrical specs online or looking up the model numbers. Some of the TV stickers were also in Spanish, which I assumed meant caution or danger. I have to get used to the fact that electricity is dangerous when I enter the engineering field. This project was good practice. During my years at CSI and working on engineering projects, I quickly learned that engineering is about doing everything without knowing how to do it, while being expected to know how to solve it. There is nothing wrong with this teaching method, as it helped me strengthen my logic and problem-solving skills. Failure comes with trials, but without failure, it would simply mean that your dreams are not big enough. So I continued. Failures. The oscillators were the other main component I struggled with. The idea of ​​trying to relate the oscillators to the other factors was the hardest part. Right off the bat my oscillator didn't work, then I plugged it into the TV. It didn't move the single stable beam of dots displayed on the screen, which disappointed me, but not disrupted me. This result did not prevent me from stopping, so I proceeded to reconstruct it several times afterwards. Still no success. Later I found out that you need an amplifier for the signal to show up. Shortly after a second room at the library to get my second e-book compilation, it all came into play and the research process began again. Let's get ready to rumble... I now wrestled with my brain trying to figure out how to operate the amplifier. I purchased op amps from Microcenter, but they did not work even with further research into the concept of using op amp pins. To summarize, I wasalways confused. I built it on a breadboard about 10+ times before I figured out how to connect it to the oscillator. Every time I connected it to the oscillator, I still didn't hear any loud high-frequency noise, other than the non-negotiable hum of the annoying TV. No luck with changing the single dot display on the luminescent screen. I started to speculate that my op-amp wasn't even working, maybe it was faulty. Later that evening I asked my dad if he had any old DJ equipment I could borrow to make it work. Luckily he had an old amplifier that I could tinker with. I played with the amplifier for two days until my dad told me that the amplifier needed an AV audio cable. Before he told me that, I was just putting some auxiliary cords into the amplifier. Not only am I learning about older technologies, but I also learned that older TVs had certain tunings compared to today's TVs. I'm catching up on the history of the past, which is educational. Before I figured out this knowledge and went to Microcenter again to find the right cord for the TV to do the job, I was curious if my oscilloscope would even work. So I connected it to my tablet and played YouTube videos. YouTube videos were playing at full volume and I was starting to see results! It was reassuring to see some of my favorite songs playing while he manipulated the TV waves displayed on my homemade oscilloscope. I was so excited that I screamed for my parents to see it. Although at the time I showed them the progress, only the change in the X axis was shown on the screen. The X axis wasn't connected to the Y axis, so it wasn't creating cool shapes. The X axis was just a thin line that got smaller and smaller with the beats and frequencies of the song. It was always motivating to see it work a little, but I wasn't happy with the results. Within two days I figured out how to connect the X and Y axis to the Tesla coils or deflection coils to achieve the desired effect and it worked great! My behavior mimicked that of a dog happy to see its owner at this point. Success. My hard work produced progress, but the extensive research over the three months was still not complete. I can still get the oscillator to work at this point. I found a functional frequency sound generation app on the Play Store on my tablet. I figured if we had a full year to build this cornerstone, I would have no excuse not to get my homemade oscillator built. However, given that we completed this Capstone project with almost three months to work on it, I strongly disagree with the application of the sound frequency generator. This effectively does the same thing as what I'm trying to do by hand. During this process, I learned more than I could ever imagine about sonic, visual, and electrical topics. This has been a very interesting project and I'm proud to push myself to accomplish what some thought I couldn't do. In addition to project due dates and deadlines, I also participated in SkillsUSA, juggled work on other projects at the same time, traveled out of state several times, and worked on deadlines required by the university. These past few months have been very busy, with graduation and other things beyond my control. However, I am very happy that I managed to bring my initial proposal idea to fruition, even though/.