Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Design: We have decided the x-positioning mechanism, and we are working on the y-positioning mechanism.
Fabrication: We have purchased the microwave absorbers required to build the frame of the test chamber, and we are planning to purchase aluminum foils, acrylic sheets, and the t-slot by the end of Week 3.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Finalized the design for the basic frame of the test chamber.
Purchased microwave absorbers and the liquid cooling system for the transmitting antenna.
Learned how to control the stepper motor in either direction and at different speeds.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Team: Start assembling the basic frame.
Team: Finalize designs for the x-positioning and y-positioning mechanisms.
Team: Test the liquid cooling system.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
Sponsor Meeting 4/10 (In person)
The sponsor will provide us with the spec sheet for the antenna and the antenna board.
The total weight of the test chamber should be under 40 lb.
The software and the motor control should be tested soon as it may be difficult to simultaneously control multiple motors.
We could find the adhesive for the microwave absorbers and try it with the sample that we have.
Instead of using aluminum foil, aluminized Mylar could be an alternative to reduce weight.
For cheap materials such as timing belts, it would be better to buy extra.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (in person during the presentation)
Design Proposal Presentations 4/6 (In person)
The acrylic is enough to provide structural support and therefore the aluminum sheet could be replaced with just aluminum foil or something similar but tougher.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Design Proposal Presentations 4/6 (Presentation feedback)
The presentation should not just repeat the content on the slides.
Better eye contact with the audience is expected during presentations.
More graphics or tables instead of text could have been helpful for this presentation.
Some of the presentation was too in-depth in detail and could have been more concise.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Because the stepper motors do not have the in-built function to move the receiving antenna to the home position, we need to figure out how to achieve that in the next two or three weeks.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
None so far
Schedule
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $753.75
Remaining: $1246.25
Progress on Report and Webpage
Finished Background, Review of Existing Design Solutions, Statement of Requirements and Deliverables sections on the report.