Loyola physics majors work on many projects throughout their college years. The following
is a sampling of some recent student projects.
Weather Station with Solar Tracking
Grace's first LabVIEW project involved two parts. The first part is a weather station
using Vernier sensors. The second part is a solar tracker. A solar panel sits on a
platform that is rotated using two axes, two DC motors, 4 photoresistors, and an L293D
H bridge. An incandescent light bulb acts as the sun. Video occurs at 11:21-12:01
Robotic Finger Project
Jake's first Arduino project was to build two robotic fingers that could play a song
on a keyboard, using push-pull solenoids and servos. This is a short demo of his project. Closeup of device is at 1:02.
Digital Sound Detector
Drew's first Arduino project lights up an array of incandescent bulbs according to
the loudness of the music. The project uses a Sparkfun sound detector, transistors,
and bulbs. This is his presentation. Videos of the system occur at 6:55-7:34, 8:03-8:25, 10:01-end.
Arduino Radio
Leiyla's first Arduino project was a to build a radio from the TEA5767 module, a rotary
encoder, an LM386 amplifier, and a speaker. This is her presentation. Video: 7:00 - 7:56.
Automatic Plant Watering System
Grace's first Arduino project uses a Sparkfun moisture sensor for soil and a peristaltic
water pump. This is her presentation. Videos of the system in action occur at 2:47 - 3:57.
To Control the Height of a Ping Pong Ball
Chris' LabView project was to control the height of a ping pong ball inside a 6 ft
tube. The lift force was produced by a fan at the bottom. The detector was a Vernier
motion sensor at the top. PID was used to control the height of the ball. This video
is Chris' presentation. Key moments are: 5:41 Tube/ball with no PID; 11:46 LabView
code; and 13.52 Tube/ball with PID.
Birdfeeder Project
Maggie's LabView project used a webcam to photograph animals at a birdfeeder. A PIR
detected the animals. A Vernier GoDirect voltage probe measured the PIR signal and
sent it via Bluetooth to a laptop, which told the webcam when to take the photos.
Key moments are: 0:01 general idea, 3:40 LabView code; 6:35 setup; 7:04 animal visitors.
Narcissus Project
Maggie's first Arduino project utilized passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect human
movement, a stepper motor, and Lego gears to rotate paper flowers. The project was
inspired by the myth of Narcissus, who loved his own reflection. Maggie learned Premiere
Pro to make this video.
Actually It Is Rocket Science
Collin's project was entitled "Actually, It Is Rocket Science." He inserted a Vernier accelerometer with Bluetooth capability into the payload
section of a model rocket. He wrote a LabView program to control the launch and collect
data on the rocket trajectory.
Make Your Mark: Physics and Art Installation
Jordan wanted to create an interactive art exhibit that encourages spectators to consider
their impact on the world. This was accomplished with a motion sensor that could respond
to human movements and change the color displayed on the wall. NeoPixel lights were
wrapped around a mirror that also changed color according to the motion. Jordan worked
with LabView and an Arduino controlled by LabView.
Monstrosity Bike
Dave adapted an exercise bicycle to generate electricity to power a radio, fan, and LED. The fan and LED were automobile
parts. Dave designed the circuitry.
