Benjamin Evans

The project aim was to design, manufacture and deliver an autonomous radioactive contamination detection system for use in the university nuclear laboratory.

This system automated the manual process of sweeping the floor for contaminants.​

I developed code to interface the Tiva LaunchPad with a keypad and LCD to make a calculator.

It can execute floating-point calculations and perform multiple operand calculations with correct operator precedence.

The calculator circuit was first simulated in TINA-v12 to test the code, then it was deployed to the hardware using the Keil IDE and the logic analyser was used to check timing.

I developed a C++ game for a custom gamepad that uses the NXP K6F development board. 

The game was based on the 1981 arcade game Defender and was programmed from scratch.  

With the gamepad having a Nokia phone screen of 84x48 pixels I had to be very creative with the artwork and implementation. 

Programmed a 4x4 bit multiplier on an FPGA development board.

I wrote Verilog code that converts binary numbers into Binary-coded Decimal (BCD), which is a digital encoding method for decimal numbers in which each digit is represented by its own binary sequence.

Then I programmed each binary sequence to its respected seven-segment display and used the switches on the board as one-bit inputs. 

As part of a team of five, we built a remote-controlled motorised buggy. 

My role was to program an Arduino so the buggy could be controlled remotely, solder the H-bridge and design the group poster.

The RC buggy successfully made it around the test track, coming 2nd in the time trial competition. 

I have undertaken a restoration project of a 1976 Datsun 280z. I spent weeks planning and researching to make sure I could source parts.

I learned how to completely strip the car, rebuild the engine and put it all back together, whilst filming the whole process.

I prepared detailed parts listings/costings and worked to earn funds to pay for the project.

I wanted a new mechanical keyboard but rather than just buy I went down the rabbit hole of building one.

Using the advice from the r/MechanicalKeyboard Reddit page I spent months deciding on my PCB, switches and keycaps.

Then I spent hours soldering components to the keyboard PCB and modifying to switches to achieve all the Click and None of the Clack.

To learn more about additive manufacturing and continue to improve my CAD skills, I bought a 3D printer.

This project has allowed me to become a 3D printing contractor through my course society.

Can print hard to find replacement parts for my car restoration.

I have added many aftermarket upgrades including a new mainboard, wireless printing, a dual drive extruder and an auto bed levelling sensor, which will all help to improve print quality.

During lockdown, I liaised with a Pilates instructor to design a website and booking system to enable online teaching.

I learned website development from scratch and gain industry knowledge to communicate successfully with the client.

This role included solving technical problems for customers and providing advertising advice to grow the business.

This has led to me being recommended to design websites for other instructors.

Rather than buy a new PC I decided to build my own.

This saved me a lot of money and will give me the option to upgrade parts it in the future.

Through learning how PCs worked this inspired me to become an electronic engineer.

I also built PCs for my friends with customised parts to suit their requirements.