Design process lab 01
Lab 01: Arduino Programming Basics
For Lab 1 – Arduino Programming Basic, the team members become familiarized with Arduino hardware components and the AEV software. It is necessary for the group to assemble components correctly and learn how to code function calls in controlling the AEV accurately, to avoid components from damages and to perceive how the coding works, respectively. One mandatory scenario and one optional scenario were given to be typed in Arduino.
After function calls had been uploaded, the group had to get used to overhaul the errors, if any. Troubleshooting the software problems is important otherwise the program would not work or produce unwanted outcomes.
Two of the team members set up hardware components and the other two typed function calls in Arduino. This is to avoid from having less time for other lab procedures. The team members uploaded the programs and troubleshoot the errors, with the guide from TA’s and lecturer.
Results & Analysis
Regarding performance of electric motors, the propeller took a time to rotate at low speeds. This is because it encountered air friction when it began rotating at the beginning. The high amount of power might work out to have the propeller having less time to start rotating.
The brake(m) command does not immediately stop the model but it cut off power from a motor, which can be used to turn the AEV. This command can also be used to stop the AEV by using “brake(4)”, but it will have the AEV sliding a little bit due to inertia and less friction on track. The team members have to estimate the suitable time for this command to be used to stop the AEV.
The model was well constructed but the coding faced some errors while uploading. This was because the path of the sketchbook folder used was incorrect. Another problem had also happened when team members used a different port to upload the script file. With help from TA’s and Dr. Parris, the code setting had been corrected and the program was successfully compiled. Scenario one was completed twice. On the second attempt, one of the propellers flew off the motor. This happened for the propeller was not tightly inserted to the motor during the construction process.
The dislocation of one of the propeller made the group realized how important it is to properly secure each component to ensure the safety of everyone in the lab. The team successfully completed scenario one but was unable to complete scenario two due to time constraint. The team believed that a demonstration of scenario one in detail during class would provide a better insight for the team in understanding how the program works. The team also believed that a longer period of the lab would be better for students to maximize their knowledge especially in coding and running the AEV.