Lab 01: Arduino Programming Basics

Backwards Looking Summary

Situation

Lab 1 consisted of getting familiarized with the AEV setup, motors and software. The AEV setup consisted of learning about the AEV Arduino, connecting it to the Arduino software writing program and setting up a basic connection with the machine. The battery was connected to the Arduino along with the motors. The next part of the lab was learning the basic programming commands of the code and learning how to make the propellers work. A basic test program was written to control the propellers and uploaded to the Arduino. It consisted of running the motors at different speeds, holding the actions of the code and reversing the motors. This program was a success. Another bonus program was also written to play the Imperial March; this program ran successfully as well.

Results and Analysis

The team’s first attempt to run the code on the Arduino was unsuccessful for two reasons. The first was that the team’s Arduino’s wires were broken, the second was that the team’s battery was dead. After the equipment was replaced, the motors and propellers ran just fine.

When the propellers were started at a low speed, there was minor resistance before the propellers rotated, however the motors ran fairly smoothly and changed speed quickly. The propellers were stopped almost immediately when the brake command was used, and the Arduino code appeared to run smoothly and efficiently without any issues.

Even though the propellers were stopped almost immediately, no command will stop the AEV on a dime. Although the brake command will stop the motors and propellers rather swiftly, the vehicle itself will coast a short distance before it finally reaches a halt. An alternative method for stopping the AEV may need to be employed to ensure that the vehicle will rest at the intended place.

Takeaways

In this lab experiment the team learned how to use the commands in the code. From the commands the team now knows how to brake, accelerate, run at a constant speed, decelerate, and reverse the motor. The team can use this information to test the AEV to run the most effective way.

Forwards Looking Summary

Situation

In the lab on Thursday, January 26, the team will be going further in depth with the Advanced Energy Vehicle (AEV). The group will test out various components of the machine, such as the wheel count sensor. The sensors will be tested to make sure they function properly. The team will be programming with the sensors, using different commands. The group will also be working on propulsion efficiency during the lab and will test the motors on the AEV to see how they work. The team will use advance ratio, a non-dimensional parameter, to look at the efficiency of the vehicle, which will be tested using a wind tunnel

Weekly Goals and Schedule

The team will continue to individually brainstorm ideas for the AEV design and code, and will discuss their ideas with the rest of the team. The team will work together to complete all of the aspects laid out in the schedule below, including the progress report, which will be broken down into individual parts.