Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Preliminary machining process for prototyping developed.
Manufactured first matched-pair prototype.
Research conducted on electrical connection methods and "best practices".
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Obtained copy of NASA approved materials list.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Determine best applicable method for data and power transfer through pins.
Iterate on manufacturing process to reduce overhead.
Initial PCB design and prototype on breadboard (may have to wait given finals and COVID)
Research on materials selection.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Contact/Research regarding electrical connection methods that do not involve springs. (3/8/2020, In Person)
Met with Dr. T and discussed potential alternatives, see below.
More information from Exos acquired, 38" diameter usable space. (3/15/2020, Virtual Meeting)
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
On using Nylon for baseplate:
Tends to creep w/machining
Hygroscopic
Consider an alternative like Delrin etc.
Machined a prototype from Delrin.
On using 6061 Aluminum:
Galling and self-welding can occur when two machined 6061 Surfaces meet, better alternative would be 70-series aluminum.
On Pogo pins etc:
Spring acts like an inductor and resists high-frequency switching, causing data corruption.
USB has a controlled impedance, pogo pins may not have acceptable tolerances or losses, especially at low voltages.
Alternatives to consider:
Fuzz buttons
Bent Pin connector
Zebra connector
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
Long lead times for PCB Components, especially if exacerbated by COVID.
Manufacturing time is quite long.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Application specifics for Exos Aerospace re: mounting mechanisms, USB protocol, number of cubesats, etc.
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $0
Remaining: $
Progress on Report and Webpage