Name: Dolev Ben-Aharon
Project: “Smart” Elevator
The ability to precisely determine the number of people in an elevator at any given time, on any floor, can have important implications for efficiency and for safety. Dolev Ben-Aharon has built a device that carries out this task and more. In addition to calculating the number of passengers in the elevator, the system can work in tandem with other operations within the building. For example, if there’s a theater on the third floor, Dolev’s device can be synchronized with a “counter” at the theater entrance. When the theater is full and no longer admitting audience, a screen within the elevator will indicate this data. The system can also be programmed to operate a cooling system once the elevator reaches a particular number of passengers. The device is masterminded by an 89c51 Atmel microcontroller, which Dolev has programmed to process the data from the sensors and activate the various operations.
Dolev, 20, is from Merchav Am, a community in Israel’s Negev desert. He is the oldest of five children. His father, of Algerian descent, is a police officer, and his mother, of Moroccan descent, works in a kindergarten. Dolev has always enjoyed electronics, and chose BTJ’s College of Applied Engineering to hone his skills for a future career in the IDF. Dolev was selected to serve in the Israel Air Force Command and Training unit, where he will specialize in training soldiers for technical assignments on aircraft. “Boys Town not only gave me a hi-level education, but also plenty of practical experience. Building my project forced me to think, to plan and to determine the very exact values that were necessary for the specific schematics involved. I’ll always remember my years here, and take a great deal of what I’ve learned from my teachers and my friends with me throughout my whole life.”
Advisor: Daniel Terebelsi
Name: Moshe Atzilov
Project: House Alarm System
“The more I delved into this project, the more ideas I’ve come up with for building a similar system in my own home,” admitted Moshe Atzilov. For his senior project in the College of Applied Engineering, Moshe built a prototype for a house-wide alarm system programmed to offer 24-hour-a-day electronic protection. Beginning at the front door, authorized entry is ensured only after the correct code has been entered. Magnetic sensors placed on interior windows enhance security by identifying a break-in and sounding an alarm. Similarly, unauthorized entry from the door sets off an alarm. In all cases, a message detailing the exact location of the break-in is transmitted within 10 seconds to the security company or police. An option also exists to hook up the system to a cell phone, giving the owner instant notice of a break-in, complete with real-time photos dispatched to the phone.
Moshe Atzilov, 20, is from Jerusalem, and he is the fourth of five children. Both parents immigrated to Israel from the USSR in the 1970s. His mother is a nurse, and his father is a taxi driver. Moshe has studied at Boys Town Jerusalem for the past six years, part of a strong family tradition. “My brother studied here, my sister married a BTJ grad, my cousins have gone here, and my younger brother is just behind me in BTJ high school!” Moshe will be enlisting in the IDF Teleprocessing Unit, and he plans to study engineering following his army service. “I’m graduating with a diploma in Applied Engineering, a license for CISCO computer networks, certification as an electrician, and the confidence I’ve gained from my outstanding instructors. What could be better?”
Advisor: Daniel Terebelsi
Name: Netanel Chai Chananayev
Project: Automated Garbage Truck
Netanel Chananayev has a penchant for inventions and for trucks. He devoted his senior project at the College of Applied Engineering to creating a robotic garbage truck, capable of zeroing in on garbage cans along the route, lifting them to dump the contents in the truck’s receptacle, and lowering the can back into place---all automatically. The robo-truck is equipped with three motors, two wheels, a forklift, and most impressive, an ultrasonic distance sensor. The sensor, which broadcasts a 40 KhZ signal (on a frequency the human ear cannot detect) to a receiver, scans the area for garbage cans. Netanel has programmed the robot to then travel to the exact locale of the cans. A forklift, programmed both for accurate timing and angle, raises the can to dump its contents. The microcontroller can increase the current in any of the three motors when carrying out such specific tasks as driving, lifting, or swiveling the can into place.
Netanel Chananayev, 19, is from Jerusalem, and is the second of seven children. His parents immigrated to Israel from the Georgian Republic of the USSR. His mother is a housewife, and his father, coincidentally, drives a truck. Netanel has studied at Boys Town Jerusalem for six years. “Once I entered the CAE, the level of curriculum and academic demands rose quite a bit. I was treated as an adult, helped to focus on specific subjects, and challenged to work harder.” Netanel was selected for the prestigious IDF “Shachak” program, a cooperative effort between the IDF and the CAE to train electronics specialists for the Israeli Air Force. He will soon begin a five-year tour of duty. After his military service, Netanel plans to pursue studies in engineering.
Advisor: Yossi Lavie, Yehudah Dahan
Name: Shlomo Miro
Project: Distance Scanner
With security of utmost importance in Israel, Shlomo Miro has dedicated his senior project at the College of Applied Engineering to develop an automated camera to scan an area to identify human entry. The device consists of a camera, LCD, ultrasonic sensors and a step motor. The camera revolves atop a tall pole, and constantly scans a designated “sterile area.” The device transmits sound waves, which stop once they hit a solid object. By calculating the amount of time between the moment the wave hits the object and returns, the microprocessor can determine the exact distance and location of the object. This data identifies the object that has “infiltrated.” A device of this sort can be installed to guard secure areas, replacing more expensive and less exact protection options such as a security fence or a human guard.
Shlomo Miro, 20, is from Jerusalem. He has younger triplet siblings. His parents were both born in Iraq and immigrated to Israel in the early 1950s. Today they are both pensioners. Shlomo chose the CAE program “for the challenge.” He will soon enlist in the IDF Information Corps, where he will be working in electronics. “My studies at Boys Town gave me the will to continue to pursue a career in engineering. The teachers were excellent, and the laboratories were top-notch.”
Advisor: Yossi Lavie, Yehudah Dahan
Name: Moshe Yakobov
Project: Remote Control Operation of Appliances Via Cell Phone
Today, home is where the mobile phone is. Or at least this is true for Moshe Yakobov’s senior project for the College of Applied Engineering, which enables a regular cell phone to switch on appliances at home, regardless of the distance. Using the computer language “C,” Moshe programmed the system’s microcontroller to respond to codes received from a cell phone. All appliances in the home that are plugged in (microwave, water heater, bread machine, electric blanket and more) can then be activated by the system at any given moment that the phone command is generated. The system is also equipped with a voice identity component. This prototype includes four different code options, each of which give an order from afar to turn on a particular appliance at home.
Moshe Yakobov, 21, is from Ashdod. The youngest of three children, he and his family immigrated to Israel in 1999 from Kazakhstan. His mother works as a cosmetician, and his father a shoemaker in Russia is today a chef. Moshe chose the CAE program “because I wanted the best both in a technological and religious education.” In addition to his intensive studies, Moshe is a young entrepreneur. Besides dabbling in real estate, he’s also started several small businesses, including his mother’s studio. Moshe will be enlisting in the IDF, serving in either the Intelligence Corps or the Teleprocessing Unit. “It was a privilege to study at Boys Town’s CAE,” he declared. “Living in Jerusalem was wonderful, and the CAE’s very high level of electronic studies and extremely well-equipped laboratories gave me an excellent foundation in technology.”
Advisor: Yossi Lavie, Yehudah Dahan
Name: Yisrael Mataeve
Project: Water Level Gauge
Israel’s precarious water supply is highly dependent upon Lake Kinneret, the nation’s largest body of fresh water. In order to help keep an electronic “finger on the pulse” of the lake’s water level throughout its 33-mile circumference, Yisrael Mataeve has devoted his senior College of Applied Engineering project to creating a prototype for a precise measuring gauge. The device includes four electrodes, located strategically at various heights along a pole placed in a container of water. Each electrode gives an ongoing indication of its respective water level, displayed on LCD screens. Using the computer language “C,” Yisrael programmed the system’s microcontroller to automatically activate a pump when a particular water level reaches dangerously high or low levels. The device includes an engine to activate the pump.
Yisrael Mataeve, 20, is from Jerusalem and is the second of three children. Yisrael’s parents immigrated to Israel from Russia just before his birth. His mother works in a hospital, and his father is a tailor. Yisrael, who has a strong background in computers, chose to study at Boys Town’s CAE to gain a strong foothold in electronics as well. He was selected for the prestigious IDF “Shachak” program, a cooperative effort between the IDF and the CAE to train electronics specialists for the Israeli Air Force. Yisrael will soon begin a five-year tour of duty. He is considering a career in the IDF, continuing to work in technological applications in the military. “CAE has granted me a formidable knowledge of electronics, as well as a strong knowledge and love of Jewish studies.”
Advisor: Yossi Lavie, Yehudah Dahan
Name: Elia Moshayof
Project: Automated Fire Engine
Elia Moshayof devoted his senior College of Applied Engineering project to applying technological solutions for more effective fire fighting. Sadly, the recent Carmel Fire, the deadliest in Israel’s history, has brought the nation’s attention to the dire need to improve fire-fighting capabilities. Elia’s project, a prototype for use in fire engines, is based upon two infrared sensors, which can quickly and effectively pinpoint sources of heat. As the fire engine patrols an area, the sensors are programmed to spot dangerously hot areas in the radius, even if the smoldering fire cannot yet be discerned by sight. Elia programmed the system’s microcontroller to instantly alert the driver of the exact location of the sighting. The device is equipped with two engines, one to power the truck, and another to power the fire hoses and other extinguishing devices.
Elia Moshayof, 20, is from Jerusalem. He is the second of four children, and his parents are of Bukharan descent. Elia has lived and studied at Boys Town Jerusalem for the past eight years. “The CAE program was not just a continuation of my high school electronics studies, but an opportunity to gain true expertise in advanced computer and electronics studies. I also gained certification as a licensed electrician, which can be a major boon in future.” Elia was selected for the prestigious IDF “Shachak” program, a cooperative effort between the IDF and the CAE to train electronics specialists for the Israeli Air Force. Elia will soon begin a five-year tour of duty. He is considering remaining in the IDF as a career officer working in aircraft technology. “Boys Town helped me from A to Z throughout my years here. The excellent staff cared about every facet of my education, providing tutors and huge boosts of moral support whenever I was in need.”
Advisor: Yossi Lavie, Yehudah Dahan
Name: Yossi Gavrielov
Project: Computerized Temperature Gauge
In places where the slightest temperature variation can be of the utmost importance-- such as a baby’s incubator or a museum showcase preserving ancient artifacts--it is essential to keep a constant vigilance for any changes in the heat level. Yossi Gavrielov has devoted his senior College of Applied Engineering project to building a device to detect temperature changes and sound an alert when needed. The temperature gauge is composed of an AD590 temperature sensor, units converting temperature to voltage, and an LCD display screen. Using the “Assembler” computer language, Yossi programmed the microcontroller to calculate the temperature from the data, display the number on the screen, and activate a pre-recorded audio warning when temperatures become dangerously high or low.
Yossi Gavrielov, 19, is from Sderot. He is the oldest of three children, and his parents immigrated to Israel from the USSR. His mother works as a caregiver to the elderly. He chose Boys Town’s College of Applied Engineering to bolster his knowledge of electronics as well as Jewish studies. “I began to work harder here, from the minute I entered the CAE program,” he admitted. Yossi was selected for the prestigious IDF “Shachak” program, a cooperative effort between the IDF and the CAE to train electronics specialists for the Israeli Air Force. He will soon begin a five-year tour of duty. Afterwards, Yossi looks forward to pursuing an advanced degree in electronics. “I gained in every aspect of my Boys Town education, with the best in technological training and the best in Jewish studies and no compromise in either realm.”
Advisor: Ariel Brooke
Name: Reuven Smirnov
Project: Testing a Driver’s Reaction Time
Reuven (Nikita) Smirnov, 18, immigrated to Israel six years ago from St. Petersburg, Russia, to BTJ’s "OhrDessa" program that provides an education and living accommodations for Russian high school students in Israel without their parents. Reuven followed his brother Ariel who had joined the program the previous year. Ariel became the first OhrDessa grad to graduate from Boys Town’s CAE, and Reuven now takes his place as the second grad. Their single-parent mother and grandmother recently joined them in Israel. Reuven has excelled in his studies from the start, mastering Hebrew and Boys Town’s dual program of intensive technological and Jewish studies. “I’m now awaiting my call-up for the IDF,” he said, “where I hope to increase my knowledge of advanced computer and electronics skills.” In the meantime, he helps support the family by working in a clothing store. “My six years at BTJ have been very important ones,” he said. “I’ve had excellent studies, and I’ve discovered my Jewish heritage. I know there will come a time when all that I’ve learned here will be of great value in life.”
Advisor: Yossi Lavie, Yehudah Dahan
Name: Ofir Pur
Project: Automated Reflexology Map
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