(FYP 2) Week 12 - Final Project Testing & Troubleshooting for Demonstration Day Presentation, & Workshop 5 (Claim and Documentation)

This week, I conducted final testing on my FYP to ensure its functionality and readiness for the upcoming presentation and demonstration day. During the testing phase, I encountered an issue where the system would hang or freeze when testing the MQ135 sensor, notably when the air quality readings exceeded the set threshold. This problem didn't occur consistently upon system reset, indicating instability in the sensor's testing operation. Determined to find a solution, I meticulously examined the circuit connections and verified that the MQ135 sensor was correctly wired to the microcontroller. I also ensured the power supply remained stable and within the sensor's operating voltage range. Despite everything being set up correctly, I needed clarification about the underlying cause of the malfunction.

As I delved deeper into the issue, my suspicion turned toward the sensor. To isolate the problem, I conducted a separate test on the MQ135 sensor. Using a multimeter, I measured the voltage outputs from the sensor's pins and discovered inconsistent and erratic fluctuations. This finding strongly suggested that the sensor might be faulty. To confirm my suspicion, I replaced the malfunctioning MQ135 sensor with a spare one I had available. I repeated the test with the new sensor in place, hoping for a different outcome. As a result, the system no longer experienced hang-ups or freezes during the sensor readings. It became evident that the faulty sensor was the issue's root cause.

Feeling more confident, I integrated the newly replaced MQ135 sensor into the central system and conducted comprehensive testing. During subsequent tests, the project performed flawlessly. The MQ135 sensor provided reliable air quality data without disruptions, and the system no longer encountered hang or freeze issues. This breakthrough was significant and brought the project back on track. Finally, the project is ready to be presented, showcased, and demonstrated during the upcoming presentation and demonstration day. Additionally, I attended the final workshop session, Workshop 5, via Microsoft Teams this week. The workshop aimed to provide guidance on student budget claims for project development and the documentation that needs to be submitted at the end of the semester.