Project Overview:
The goal of this Senior Capstone Design project is to make a portable speed/distance measuring device that could be attached to the skier/snow-boarder or the ski/snowboard itself (without impeding any existing safety device). This device would have to function in cold weather (down to -10 degrees) for at least 2 hours on internal power. The device should be externally re-settable when wearing a winter mitten or glove. From the time it is reset, the device should record average and peak speeds in 1 minute blocks for a minimum of 10 minutes before turning off (with all data latched or stored). For safety purposes, the “display” for the device should be disabled during the run period (so the skier will not be distracted) and only function when the skier is completely stopped. When the skier is stopped, the display should be enabled so that the skier can access the data visually or perhaps through a wireless earpiece. The device can measure speed with any reasonable method (however, a simple Doppler noise radar is preferred for this implementation), The team shall identify the most efficient way to package the device (one package mounted on the ski or skier, or components on both). To save power the device needs to turn off by either employing a standard default time period or user selectable time. When turned on, the existing data would be retrieved (if the user wants to see/hear it) or permanently saved/deleted (if they wanted to create a new record). If the user activates the device before a run, it would begin to take measurements and record peak speeds, average speed, and total distance traveled since it was last reset. Weight and cost should be minimized, with a goal of <2 lbs total weight, and a potential production cost <$500. There are no specific pre-production or brassboard cost limitations. The team will need to define a method for testing the device (simulated or real environment) to demonstrate it is accurate to some standard.