Week 8

The overall accomplishments that was done this week include getting the sonar indicators working with the robot, and a new design for the catapult. This redesign includes a new motor, a new catapult mechanism, and other 3D printed parts. A new feature is sensing when the spring reaches a certain point in order to stop the motor from moving.

Accomplishments:

1. Mechanical
   1. Completed the 3D model for the overall robot
   2. 3D printed new catapult, bean bag loader, and motor holder parts for the new setup
2. Electrical
   1. Added a new motor driver to the schematic and added wiring to the protoboard
   2. Added another button to sense the motor limit
3. Software
   1. Added a sonar button to be able to turn on and off the sonar
      1. Added colors indicating no obstacle (blue), obstacle in front (red), obstacle in rear (yellow), and obstacle in front and rear (orange).
      2. The sonar can be turned off as it does emit a noise when being used
4. Integration
   1. Integrated the new 3D printed parts into the setup

Challenges:

1. Mechanical
   1. Getting the new 3D parts properly put together
2. Electrical
   1. Getting the new wiring correctly configured
3. Software
   1. The current sonar sensors are not always working, and sometimes do not emit a signal
4. Integration
   1. Integration of the new parts with the mechanical and electrical

Next Week

1. Mechanical
   1. Find the approximate throwing distances for the launcher
   2. Test any new systems
2. Electrical
   1. Be able to detect bean bags on the launcher to know when it is empty
3. Software
   1. Make changes to the software as necessary
4. Integration
   1. Integrate the mechanical and electrical parts together.