Input + Output Device
This project continues my theme of forming innovative fusions of ancient architectural mapping with modern technology. In this project, I transformed the floor plan of the Temple of Seti I in Abydos, Sohag into a printed circuit board (PCB) design. It acts as an intersection between ancient and modern Egypt, architectural design with technological design, and its historical significance and current functionality. There are several aspects and easter eggs to the board’s design to give it meaning.
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The Background
The Temple of Seti I is located in Abydos, one of the oldest cities of ancient Egypt, which is located in my the governorate of Sohag in Upper Egypt, my mother’s hometown. Built around 1300 BC, the temple is located in Abydos, a region revered as the burial site of Egypt's early rulers and as a major center for the worship of Osiris, the god of the afterlife. Construction was initiated by Pharaoh Seti I of the 19th Dynasty and completed by his son, Ramesses II, who made modifications, including inscribing additional reliefs.
The temple is notable for several architectural and artistic features, such as its "L"-shaped layout, first and second hypostyle halls filled with columns, a series of chapels dedicated to the main gods of Egypt, and the Osireion, a symbolic tomb of Osiris. The Abydos King List, besides providing the order of the Old Kingdom kings, it is the sole source to date of the names of many of the kings of the Seventh and Eighth Dynasties, so the list is valued greatly for that reason., is also located here, with certain rulers conspicuously omitted for political or religious reasons.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the temple is the so-called "helicopter hieroglyphs." These hieroglyphs have captured the imagination of many, as they appear to depict modern vehicles like a helicopter, submarine, or plane. However, this effect is the result of a overwriting hieroglyphs by filling with plaster and recarving, with the plaster eroding to show both sets of hieroglyphs to become visible simultaneously, creating an illusion of futuristic images. Despite this, the carvings have become a source of speculation and fascination among pyramidologists and proponents of ancient astronaut theories.
The Egyptian Air Force (EAF) plays a critical role in the nation's defense. Throughout its history, the EAF has been a key player in regional conflicts, including the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the Six-Day War, and the October War of 1973, where it displayed notable tactical adaptations. Its operations extend to roles in counterterrorism and peacekeeping, demonstrating Egypt’s strategic importance in the Middle East and Africa. Globally, Egypt's air force ranks 8th in size, with 1,077 active aircraft as of 2024 with the largest fleet of aircraft in the region and continent.
I wanted to combine ancient with modern, philosophy with technology, and architectural aesthetic with mechanical function; all while paying homage to my Southern Egyptian roots in Sohag and honoring the Egyptian military.
I decided to turn the map of Great Temple of Abydos into a printed circuit board (PCB) with inputs (sensors) and output (functions & displays) made for a Helicopter.
The Works
This is a continuation of a series of me figuring out similarities between ancient Egyptian structures and modern circuit boards. These connections made are to shine light on the possibility of my ancestors having the advanced knowledge of technology and architectural engineering. Each element of this circuit board will try its best to resemble the true function in the architectural plan of the temple. For example, the Osireion, believed to be the temple’s powerhouse has been substituted with a XIAO RP2040 microcontroller since that's what powers the PCB.
Digital Representation of the Temple Plan
Obtain Map: After finding the map site, find a high-resolution temple floor plan and ensure it has clear lines for vectorization.
Visualize the Vision: I placed each element (both the inputs and outputs) on the map to see how they could fit in place and work together, while still providing a resemblance to the original design of the temple.
Prepare Image: Using Illustrator to clean up unnecessary details, keeping only structural lines.
Vectorize Image: Trace the cleaned-up map in a vector tool to convert it into paths. Ensure the lines are crisp and save as a black-and-white PNG.
Import into KiCAD: In KiCAD’s PCB editor, import the PNG, adjusting scale and line thickness to match the temple's outline.
Trace Outline: Use the "Edge Cuts" layer to manually trace the temple’s perimeter and internal structures over the PNG.
Finalize Outline: Delete the PNG and review the traced lines, making necessary adjustments.
Giving the Design Function
This PCB is designed to function as a control and sensory interface for a helicopter, incorporating various sensors and components that enable environmental monitoring and motor control. Key components include a Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 microcontroller, which acts as the central processing unit, receiving input and controlling output signals. The board integrates sensors such as a DHT11 for humidity and temperature measurements, BMP280 for barometric pressure, and a GY-TSL2561 for light sensing, which allow the helicopter to monitor its surrounding environment. An OLED display module provides real-time data feedback. Additionally, the schematic includes LEDs for status indicators, a motor control circuit with a MOSFET (SQ2351ES), and various switches to interact with different operational modes. This configuration enables the helicopter to gather environmental data, display information, and control motor functions effectively, making it suitable for both autonomous and manual flight operations.
The Final Product
The final PCB design successfully bridges the worlds of ancient architecture and modern electronics. The traces and components are laid out in a manner that respects the original temple plan, yet the board is fully functional and could serve as an energy monitor or live-wire detector. By using the Great Temple of Abydos as inspiration, this project emphasizes the enduring importance of energy systems—whether they are social, economic, or electrical—across different epochs of human civilization.
This project, while deeply rooted in artistic expression, also serves a functional purpose, showing how ancient designs can inspire modern technology. The images included illustrate this journey from an archaeological drawing to a fully realized circuit board, reflecting the timeless connection between human innovation and energy management.