Week 7

The overall accomplishments that was done this week include getting the status of the Arduino displayed on the GUI, and starting to integrate the new motor within the overall setup.

Accomplishments:

1. Mechanical
   1. Redesigned motor system to have a motor with a higher torque to be able to provide enough force for the catapult
2. Electrical
   1. Bought a new motor driver as the motor needs changed
3. Software
   1. Added color status to the GUI buttons for more information for the user
   2. Reconfigured the Arduino to send more information about the current status of the hardware
4. Integration
   1. Integrated the Arduino with the Raspberry Pi GUI to be able to be controlled more easily

Challenges:

1. Mechanical
   1. Was unable to reach the requisite launch distance even after new hybrid spring was created.
   2. Calculating the requisite spring constant K, was involved, by found a good lower bound by using energy conservation method.
2. Electrical
   1. Getting information about the motor drivers
3. Software
   1. Learning how to manage the button colors and sending messages was difficult due to conflicting suggestions online when debugging
   2. The current sonar application does not correctly output the sonar signals correctly, and needs more troubleshooting
4. Integration
   1. Some connection issues (that were fixed) between the Arduino and Raspberry Pi
   2. Use of 3D printer was limited as other people were using this resource

Next Week

1. Mechanical
   1. Reverse the orientation of the wood mounts on the P3 (optional)
   2. Use more motor torque by pivoting closer to motor center
   3. Make a new hybrid spring/purchase a new spring based on the calculations we have made
2. Electrical
   1. Be able to detect bean bags on the launcher to know when it is empty
3. Software
   1. Interface the sonar sensors with the robot so that it stops moving when detecting an object in front of it
      1. Be able to override the sonar sensors if necessary
4. Integration
   1. Integrate the sonar into the movement system