Pacific+Island+Digital+Library+Project

Pacific Island Digital Library Project (Winter 2015)
Our group has chosen to work towards creating a casing for the Banana Pi computer system and a solar panel to power it. We will be working with Dr. Laura Hosman ([|http://ict4dviewsfromthefield.wordpress.com]) with the purpose of delivering these self-contained systems to schools in Micronesia. More specifically, our target communities are within the state of Chuuk. These communities are eager to expose their children to technology based education and to date have responded with positive feedback to Dr. Hosman's contributions.
 * Overview and Target Community**:

We are building upon the work of students in previous quarters, whose work can be viewed here: http://appropriatetechnology.wikispaces.com/Enhancing+Communication+in+the+Pacific+Islands

Goals:
The progress of technology and our increased reliance upon it has created a strong need for access to information and education on modern computing systems. However, in places such as Micronesia, Internet access is either limited or nonexistent.

By delivering the Banana Pi systems to locations which generally lack the resources for information technology (Internet, electricity, etc.) we can give children the opportunity to satisfy their curiosity and learn about subjects previously out of their reach.

The Technology:
The system that will be delivered to Chuuk, Micronesia, is the Banana Pi singleboard computer. The entirety of the system is 9.2X6 centimeters, making it easy to transport. The system itself (including the solar panel) costs less than $150, making it an affordable solution to technology deficits.

The Banana Pi system will come with a software system called RACHEL, which will include may different resources for educating students, including Wikipedia for Schools, CK-12 STEM Textbooks, and healthcare videos.

Design Challenges:
Our group is charged with designing and building a housing for the Banana Pi system and solar panel. The casing must protect the computer from wear and tear, but also be relatively cheap. The schools will likely be near the ocean, and increased salinity and humidity must be considered. Additionally, it must release heat efficiently enough to avoid overheating. As the RACHEL system is delivered on a SD card, there must be a way to access the memory card without disassembling the case. This system is going to be distributed to classrooms with young children in them, and it would be preferable if the casing's design took into account certain aesthetic features. For instance, if it was clear, students would be able to observe exactly what they were interacting with. Additionally, if it was colorful or otherwise pleasing to the eye, it would infer a more positive connotation and be more attractive in the eyes of the students. We will be working to come up with a design with these ideas in mind this quarter.

**Brainstorming and Research**
To begin we looked into available casings for the raspberry pi, a model similar to the banana pi, and other related products. Incorporating Dr. Hosman's desires for the housing unit we were able to select various features from different designs and considered other valuable features. Some of the current designs we found: http://www.amazon.com/SB-Raspberry-Pi-Case-Clear/dp/B008TCUXLW http://www.raspberrypi.org/satellite-ocean-monitoring/ http://www.raspberrypi.org/fish-pi/

We are currently researching available solar panels and batteries. The current kit has previously selected panels and battery but we must determine if they are sufficient for the purpose of the project.

**Design Matrix of Potential Housing Units**
Our initial results with the design matrix affirmed our interest in first pursing a tupperware inspired housing unit.
 * || Cost of building || Cost of Use || Environmental Impact || Accessibility || Time to setup || Durability || Maintenance || Maintainance knowledge || Aesthetics || Total || Out of a perfect score ||
 * Tupperware ||> 10 ||> 9 ||> 10 ||> 8 ||> 10 ||> 8 ||> 8 ||> 7 ||> 10 ||> 80 ||> 80.00% ||
 * Box ||> 7 ||> 9 ||> 10 ||> 4 ||> 7 ||> 9 ||> 7 ||> 8 ||> 8 ||> 69 ||> 69.00% ||
 * 2-piece ||> 5 ||> 9 ||> 10 ||> 5 ||> 6 ||> 6 ||> 7 ||> 6 ||> 7 ||> 61 ||> 61.00% ||

[[image:univ 392 design.jpg]]
Weather Factors to Consider for Solar Panel Angles:
 * 0** ° **6 55'N, 158** ° **09 E'
 * Tropical climate
 * Heavy rains during summer
 * 330in of average rain per year
 * 80% Humidity

Questions about design that still need to be addressed:
 * Will the solar panel be adequate, inadequate, or over-adequate for powering the battery?
 * Will the battery fulfill the teachers' needs for running the computer?
 * Will the solar panel need to be mounted permanently?
 * Which solar panel (5 Watt or 10 Watt) meet our needs?
 * What material should the container be made out of?
 * How low can we keep the cost of the container

**Prototype: Tupperware Design Realized:**








//And perhaps the best part of this model: it only costs around 8 dollars!//


 * Prototype #2**

New solar panel required a new container Padding for the different components (used foam) Prototype still needs to be modified for sleeker and "sexy" appeal Still questioning if new solar panel should serve as lid or attached to a lid






 * Second Prototype Purpose/ Current Situation **

Dr. Hosman planned to travel to Vanuatu during finals week and present the all-in-one kit to primary contacts. This was delayed due to a

disastrous cyclone.

Headmaster lays out books to dry in the sun after the roof of the school's library was blown away by Cyclone Future students will continue the development of the all-in-one kit container next quarter. We will be communicating our research, conflicts, and successes with this new group.
 * Project Continuation in LAES 411 **

We are the students of UNIV 392 at Cal Poly, a class dedicated to considering appropriate technology in a world where some places are far more modernized than others.
 * Who are we? **

 //(Left to right:// // Patrick Robertson, //// Anoop Thakore, Y //// enny Zaldivar, //// Naina Viswanath, and Dr. Laura Hosman) //

**This website looks good and complete to me - Pete** **__Past Correspondence:__** I find this very well organized and explained.

I think your design matrix needs to somehow reflect the effectiveness of of charging if the panel is or isn't in the sunlight.

I am not able to see any of the 4 images you have for your moderate fidelity prototype. I tried all 3 browsers and none of them display them.