Week 2
Situation
In Lab 01: Arduino Programming Basics, the lab team learned about the basic components of the AEV and how they pair up with the software. During this lab, the team set up the motors and Ardunio in the desk mount in order to test the motor functions. In addition, the team wrote the code, using the corresponding function calls, to run the motors as instructed. Some of the members focused on writing the code in Sketchbook, while others worked on setting up and connecting the motors to the Arduino. Once both the code and AEV were ready the program could run and test the motor functions.
This lab provided the team with many useful skills for future work with the AEV and corresponding software. Connecting the motors and Arduino allowed members to recognize the proper procedure for dealing with the batteries and assembling the components. Also, the coding in Sketchbook allowed members to test their knowledge of the function calls for the Arduino and learn how to troubleshoot problems if they arose in the code. By gaining familiarization of the AEV, the team was able to develop useful skills for future use in the AEV project.
Results and Analysis
Once all the preparations were made for the motor test and the code was run, the propellers ran smoothly and the overall result was a success. The propellers had no issues in their rotation and the motors functioned properly and at the appropriate times. Though the code ran successfully in this test, the function calls used would not work as desired for the scenario. Since the brake command does not stop the AEV and only halts the function of motor(s), there would be discrepancies between desired motion and actual motion of the AEV. For example, if the AEV was moving at a high speed and the brake function was called, the AEV would not stop immediately. The same concept would apply if the reverse function was used while the AEV was already in motion.
There was a limited amount of minor errors that occurred during the lab. One of the errors was simply errors in the code that the team revised, once identified. Another error made was connecting the Arduino to the wrong computer when attempting to run the code. Once the team discovered the source of this error the right computer was connected to the Arduino. The team was unable to complete the second scenario since there was a significant portion of time used to figure out the error with the wrong computer connection. Overall the team was clear on the lab material needed to complete the lab. However, the team believes that the instructions for the procedure could have been more clear.
Takeaways
- AEV – The team found that it would be important to take into consideration the momentum of the AEV when attempting to use the brake or reverse function.
- General – Read instructions carefully.
- General – Make best use of the lab time to finish all tasks.
A link to the code created for this lab:
https://u.osu.edu/engr1182spring2017class7219teamm/arduino-codes/first-code/