Building Our First Prototype

As of this month we created our first functioning prototype. This prototype can be charged via a solar panel. It can store that energy in a 12 volt battery, and then use the energy to charge a cell phone via USB and play music from a cell phone via Bluetooth. We can set it so the device can only operate during certain times of day, using a timer.

We continued to work to develop designs for our next prototype, that will allow us to mount our speakers and solar panel onto a chain link fence. Our next prototype should also demonstrate how we will keep the electronics safe from people trying to vandalize it. We are also developing designs for a prototype that will allow users to lock their phones that are charging into cubbies so they can’t be stolen.

Our communication group worked on developing a communication plan this past month and presented it to our Tribal Council. The Tribal Council approved the communication plan and our research plan. We also have a group of people working on making an invention website to show the different aspects of our invention.