Wailing Whale Detection Timer

3D Printing
System Design
Arduino
PCB
Junior Design
Winter 2026

The Wailing Whale Detection Timer is a simple, settable timer with an easy to hear audio alert. Whether you are using the timer for homework, cooking, exercise, or more, its fun design is sure to bring a smile to your face. The timer can be set from 1 to 99 minutes with both minutes and seconds. In order to function the sensor on the top of the whale must be covered. An alarm sounds if the object is removed before the time has elapsed or when the timer has run out. The Wailing Whale utilizes the VL530X-GY-530 flight sensor to detect an object, the HiLetgo HD44780 2004 LCD screen to display the timer and other information, a hm-fmd 3.3-5V passive buzzer module to produce a tone, and an ESP32-Wroom to coordinate it all. To complete the Whalen the Wailing Whale our group learned how to 3D print, designed a custom PCB, dismantled several parts to see how they work, and spent a lot of time in the lab!

14 Lifts 

Artifacts

Name Description
Project Summary A short description of the original design prompt. Project timeline and narrative.   Link
System Documentation System level documentation. Includes links to individual block documentation.   Link
System demonstration A video of the working system   Link
Project summary video Summary of the design problem, engineering requirements, project timeline, and key takeaways.   Link
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