Date: 4/01/19
Time: 10:20-11:15AM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Run 3 trials of the FPT with the sample AEV
- Robbie edited and uploaded the code
- Robbie, Conner, and Steve ran test trials with the AEV to refine the code
- AEV performance was severely inconsistent and no data was extracted
- Ryley worked on PR3
- Team elected to use the same style of code as in AR&D 1-2 in consideration of time constraints
Date: 4/03/19
Time: 10:20-11:15AM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Complete AR&D 3
- Steve retrieved the custom parts he designed for the direct drive AEV the night before
- Steve and Conner assembled the Direct Drive Components
- Robbie uploaded the code
- Wheels would not spin due to rubber band overlap and tension
- Conner improvised a tape divider to make the rotation of the band easier
- Unfortunately this improvisation was not successful enough for test runs
- Steve will edit the design such that the rubber band does not accrue any unnecessary tension
- Next meeting (4/04) group hopes to collect three trials indicative of the direct drive’s efficiency and begin preparation for the FPT
Date: 4/04/19
Time: 11:10-12:30PM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Complete AR&D 3
- New part was received
- Conner filed down the hole in the wheel to get the spindle extension to fit
- There was great difficulty in getting any adhesives to properly sit, even with assistance from Ray Brooks (Lab Supervisor)
- Once a combination of the adhesives had moderately set, the group decided that despite the uncertainty of the structure we should test the direct drive
- Three trials of traveling to an absolute position at a certain power were conducted (the same code as AR&D 1&2)
- The design worked, and it was noticed that after cutting the power there was minimal coasting
- Looking at the data extracted, this design uses significantly less energy
- Next meeting 4/08 to perfect FPT Code
Date: 4/08/19
Time: 10:20-11:15AM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Perfect FPT Code
- Robbie could not get the code to upload to the Arduino board
- The group tried switching computers and wires, resetting the board, switching ports, etc and nothing would work
- With the help of the instructors multiple arduinos were tested (none successfully)
- Richetti informed the group the new components were not very reliable and due to our technical difficulties we could utilize extra lab time
Date: 4/10/19
Time: 10:20-11:15AM, 6:20-7:40PM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Perfect FPT Code
- With GTA Richetti’s assistance a completely functioning Arduino and board were assembled
- Towards the end of the lab period the group got the AEV on the track and it ran Performance Test Two quite successfully without any trial and error: the AEV accelerated, traveled, and stopped quite successfully and the power could be raised
- With provided extra lab time the group was able to complete three unofficial FPT runs on a questionable battery after some trial and error improvements
- The heavy caboose resulted in unwanted coasting at higher speeds, so power was decreased
- The pulley might spin if accelerating too fast from a stop with the load
- The more the AEV ran, the looser the rubber band got from track wear, which resulted in some variance
- After plugging in a supposedly fully charged battery, the same FPT code no longer worked
- Hypothesizing that the rubber band was too loose, the group tried new bands which unfortunately did not rotate
- The group decided to stick with the same rubber band and try to hammer out the tests the next day
Date: 4/11/19
Time: 11:10-12:30PM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Finish FPT
- Again, some variance was observed with the use of a different battery
- The AEV would not consistently connect with the caboose or make it to or within the gate sensors coming back with the load
- The AEV was ran several times on the track with the group making suggestions to Robbie to improve the code based off of trial and error
- With only 15 minutes left, a successful FPT run was made and the group decided to attempt official trials
- The trial grades were 37, 38, and 38 with the point deductions coming from having to stop the AEV from hitting a gate despite changing the code each time
- Each run consumed approximately 135-140J and lasted 55 seconds
Date: 4/15/19
Time: 10:20-11:15AM
Members Present: All
Objectives: Project Documentation
- Robbie and Steve worked on the revised FOP Slide that Ryley had sent with recommendations for improvement the previous day
- GTA Richetti informed the group that due to another group dropping out, they could participate in the showcase
- The group unanimously decided to participate and make some improvements and additions to the final design
Date: 4/17/19
Time: 6:30-8:30PM
Members Present: Ryley, Conner, Steve
Objectives: CDR Report
- Ryley already had the template outlined and completed the Abstract and Introduction beforehand
- Ryley worked on the Experimental Methodology and Appendicies
- Conner and Steve worked on Results, Discussion, and Conclusions and Reccomendations
- Group broke down some tasks for Robbie to complete in the CDR