CALBOX 360

Senior Design Spring 2010 - UCF School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Christopher Campbell

Cody Burdette

Pamela Caraballo

Sean Varela

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The CALBOX is a combination energy solution and entertainment console accessory. While designed for youths and adults that spend above average amounts of time using video game consoles, in particular the XBOX 360, it can be used by any user for recreational purposes while at the same time conserving the energy that the user is spending.

The CALBOX 360 is a machine that allows users of all
ages and fitness ability to
translate the excess energy
stored in their muscle bonds to
the chemical bonds of a bat-
tery. This energy then can be
used to power a video game
console, the Microsoft Xbox
360. The main objective of the
device is to provide a reward
for wise health management
and prompt attention to fitness.
There are three main stages of
operation.

The CALBOX 360 Team

Sustainable Design and Ease of Use

The system is a user-powered device that receives no external energy from the utility grid, or any other outside source. The user powers the system by pedaling the rotary device, just as one would use a bicycle.

The CALBOX consists of five major systems. The first is the actual device interface with the user. This canvases the seat and its orientation, as well as the aesthetic attractiveness of the CALBOX. The next system is the power generation system. This includes the generator and the battery charging system. Included is also the drive wheel and energy transfer device, chain or direct drive, attached to the generator. The third system is the load system.

The battery also falls into this system. While it can be argued that the battery is a part of the generation scope, it is in fact a load to the generation system. The load system is composed of the DC/AC inverter used to drive the load, the XBOX 360. The fourth system is the monitoring devices that allow the CALBOX to process data, and transmit it to the user’s end-computing system for interpretation. The Arduino microprocessor and the XBee wireless transmitter are part of this design. A software interface package allows the user to track and record his or her progress with the CAL-BOX. All of the devices used in the manufacture of the CALBOX are easily interchangeable, and readily available.

Meet the CALBOX

1. Modified bicycle that is made into the CALBOX 360
2. Handlebaar LCD and operation buttons
3. Wiring for handlebar LCD – do not cut
4. Comfort seat
5. Modified rear wheel and Powertwist V-Belt drive
6. Holding case
7. (on opposite side) Xbox 360 power attachmen