Plan of Procedures

The plan of procedures for the electrical engineer begins while the plan of procedures for the mechanical engineer is being completed.

1.      Attach the PIC Microcontroller to the center of the structural hull with a screw at each corner.

2.      Attach the receiver module to the left of the PIC Microcontroller with a screw in each corner.

3.      Connect the receiver module and the PIC Microcontroller by plugging in the receiver module’s wire into the port labeled “R1.”

4.      Connect the power pack into the appropriate port on the PIC Microcontroller.

5.      Attach a servo to the inside, forward, starboard side of the hull with two screws in order to attach to the mechanical arm.

6.      Connect the servo wire to the motor port on the PIC Microcontroller.

7.      Attach a motor to the port, aft, projection of structure and connect it to the shaft. This shaft connects to the claw.

8.      Connect the motor to the 29-motor controller and connect that to the PIC Microcontroller.

9.      Connect a servo to the claw.

10.  Connect the servo wire to the servo extension wires.

11.  Connect the end of the servo extension wire to the PIC Microcontroller.

12.  Connect a motor to each side of the aft end of the hull with two screws each.

13.  Attach the shafts to the propellers to these motors.

14.  Connect the wires of the motors to the 29 motor controllers.

15.  Connect the 29 motor controller wires to the PIC Microcontroller.

16.  Charge the battery to the remote controller and the power pack.

Log 13

Over the past week, I have been hard at work on my developmental work.  I completed all lists and plan of procedures.  I also have drawn the 2-wire motor, the servo module, and the 29 motor controller on Auto CAD.  I have started the power pack and PIC microcontroller, but I have reached an impass in my drawings because they have become very hard.  The past week, I worked on the work from first bell until the sand in the systems hour glass ran empty; this is the reason I have not done a log last week, and I deeply apologize.  To show my sincerity, I shall complete four logs this week. One down...

Log 12

On Tuesday, the entire VEX group went down to the systems lab and took an inventory of each kit.  Now, with my more advanced knowledge of electricity, I was quickly able to figure out the electrical system and how it would integrate with the mechanical system.  The only thing of which I am still unaware is how the remote controller will control the motors, but I sall figure that one out at a later date.  Yesterday, I went back to the lab to measure my parts and start my supply, tools and equipment, material, and parts lists. Today, I finished those lists and caught the fact that I forgot the parts list; now, I am starting the Plan of Procedures. Correction! Whilst I was finishing my lists, I believe I figured out how the controller transmits its signal, but I will need another trip to the lab to confirm this; alas, however, the sand in the systems hour glass is too low for a succesful trip. Another day, perhaps...

Log 11

Over the weekend, I acquired a large flashlight and thermostat wire.  I proceeded to deconstruct the flashlight to its basic components: the light, the power source, the switch, and the case.  I disposed of the case because it was not necessary.  I then had to drive to Sear’s Hardware store because the Radio Shack near my house closed.  At Sear’s, I purchased a foot of thermostat wire.  Thermostat wire is one of the most common types of wires.  I took it home and removed the first layer of insulation, exposing two separate copper wires.  I then removed the insulation at the end of each wire and cut the wires in half.  I attached the red wire to the positive end of the battery and the white wire to the negative end.  I reattached the white wires together and connected it to the negative end of the light.  The red wire I attached to the positive end of the light and the positive end of the battery.  In the middle of the red wires I connected them to the switch which I removed from the flashlight.  This whole thing was then disassembled to fit in a shoe box to bring to school.  I rebuilt the model in the beginning of class.  Then I wrote this and began working on my CAD drawings.

Log 10

Today, I caught up with yesterday's log and added the calendar directly to my blog.  I changed the theme of the blog because "Awesome Inc." was not very pleasing to the eye; I decided to go with the travel theme.  Afterwards, I viewed a video on how to build an electrical model (the link is below). This is the video off of which I will base the construction of my model which will be completed over this long weekend.

http://www.ehow.com/video_4766175_build-electrical-circuit-model-house.html

Log 9

Yesterday, the class went over the packet for Marking Period Two.  This includes developmental work (40%), mentor contacts(10%), participation/schedule/calendar and log sheet(10%), formal progress update presentation(20%), formal report update to mentor(15%), and progress poster(5%). The first assigment due to us is the Calendar; it is due 11/30 and I completed it yestersday (the link is on the calendar tab).  The percentages next to the assignments correspond to the weight of each assignment on our Marking Period Two grade.

Log 8

Today, TM and I followed through with MrV and approached him at lunch.  He did not bring the robotics book; although, he provided us with an email address of the co-author of the book which he was going to bring to us.  I sent her an e-mail in order to see if she could be another mentor.  She, according to MrV, should be abe to send us a link to a website that has schematics of electrical circuits for underwater robots.