log 30

Today, my partner and I worked on a new solution to throw the ball.  We came up with a catapult.  We will use two structure pieces with mesh netting to hold the ball.  A motor with a high gear ratio will be used to move the structure.  There is a blocker that will stop the arm's motion and the ball will accelerate foward.

log 29

"People make systems work; Systems don't make people work" - Mr. Grabler

bona pas quo- "the good shepard"

log 28

Today was the start of a four day week and the end of a four day weekend.  My partner was absent; therefore I had to work alone. I finished both of the mechanisms for the propellers, and changed around some of the motor ports.  I attempted to throw a ping pong ball with the claw, but in the end, it failed.  We now need to find a new mechanism to launch the ball.  Maybe spring loaded launcher? Rubber band? I must discuss this with my partner...

log 27

DA has purchased new safety glasses which he keeps in the CAD land. We dawn the glasses before we enter the Systems Lab. This week, we have been working on our propellers. At the start of the week, we searched on the internet for different types of propellers and their corresponding prices.  These websites included amazon, ebay, and various RC websites.  Tuesday, we set up a place for the propellers on the aft end of the VEX robot.  We had to move an existing plate foreward in order to create a place for the battery pack which be attatched via zip tie.  Wednesday, we set up the chain and sproket kit that will spin the propellers.  The smaller gear will be attatched to the propeller and the larger gear attatched to the drive shaft connected to the motor.

Log 26

This week, my partner and I did a lot with fine tuning on our VEX robot.  We added stoppers on all side of our gears in order to ensure total stability.  We changed the gear ratios in order that we ensure total control.  We started to discuss how we can set up the propellers and make them spin fast.  We discussed either chain and sprockets or multiple gears.  We also thought about two propellers on each side.

Log 25

Today, DA was absent so we could not go down to the lab.  My partner and I devised a plan to test the ability of the claw to throw a ball.  The original challenge was misconstrued in the way that it was presented to us, therefore we may have to develop another solution in order to complete this challenge.  I believe that one quick mothion of the claw's wrist will throw the ball through the hoop, but my partner thinks otherwise.  I would attempt to throw the ball throw a hoop five times in a row to prove  I have skill and not luck. This will have to wait until Monday.

log 24

Today, my partner and I stabalized each drive shaft moving the claw and its arm.  We had to put stoppers at each of the five gears that rotated the shafts.  This prevented the much wobbling that was occuring during our tests.  This was a difficult process because these pieces were small and the places where they needed to go were cramped.  Neither of our instructors had tweesers so it took a little longer than we wanted.