Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles Aaron Flanagin
DATE: 11/2/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33 TOPIC: Balance Challenge
| Tasks | Reflections |
Autonomously balance on a makeshift balance bridge | The bridge is very unstable because it is not a real balance bridge and balancing is a challenge |
TASK DETAILS: Autonomously balance on the center of a board that is designed like a see-saw
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Has to be all autonomous
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This is really challenging because we can’t even make the robot balance by placing it dead in the center so making a program that will do it seems almost impossible.
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6
DATE 11/4/10 TIME SPAN 9:00 A.M. – 9:33 A.M.
TOPIC: Balancing and adding a tri wheel
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Autonomously balancing on a balance bridge | This is semi difficult but with our awesome programmer Bien it should be no problem. We’re going to make a program that, when the light sensor senses black will move for a few seconds so it should end up somewhere in the center of the bridge. |
| Redesigning our robot so it has 3 wheels instead of 4 | Boyles took apart our entire robot and is rebuilding it to where we have 2 wheels in the back and one omni-wheel in the front |
TASK DETAILS: Programming our robot so it climbs the bridge and stops near the center. Redesigning our robot so that it has 3 wheels instead of 4
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Robot must balance autonomously, no human control
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): I feel the wheels is kind of pointless and a waste of time. I don’t really see how we are going to benefit 3 wheels as opposed to 4 wheels
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY): We’ll add pictures of our redesigned robot when it’s complete
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles Aaron Flanagin
DATE 11/11/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Programming the servo to work with the controller
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Re assemble our robot after we modified it to run with only 3 wheels | This decision, while seeming to waste time now, will pay off in the future. We will be more agile and be able to maneuver better with superior turning ability |
| Program our servos so they will be activated by the controller | We ran into some problems with this task because our programmer was doing homework and it wouldn’t let us open the program file because access was denied for some reason. |
TASK DETAILS: Re-wiring and assembling our robot after we designed it. Getting it to balance properly so our front single wheel is tilted at the right angle. Making our programmer work because he wanted to do his homework instead, overcoming the challenge of having our access blocked to an essential file
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Having the servo activated by a controller
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We still need some work on the program but our new design is awesome and will hopefully save us a lot of trouble and stress in the future
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Aaron FlanagiTeam # 6 Ryan Fanguy Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham Freddy R
DATE 2/09/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC: Finishing stages
Tasks | Reflections |
Complete our new grabbing device so we can pick up and transport multiple batons | This will help us to score way more points in the driver round |
Finish programming the motors to lift the bed of our robot and spin our wheel to grab batons | Programming sucks and I hope Bihn can get it done in time |
TASK DETAILS: Finish connecting our motors and program them to lift what we want
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to collect batons and drop them off in the dispenser
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): Time is running out and we really need to program
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
n Mathew Boyles
DATE 12/8/10 TIME STeam # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bin Pham Mathew Boyles Freddy
DATE 2/1/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33
TOPIC: final adjustments
Tasks | Reflections |
Add a lift and a bucket so we can mass collect batons | Our old system of collecting batons could only do one at a time and we want more points |
Practice driving so we’re good at it by the competition | Practice makes perfect |
TASK DETAILS: Make a new device to collect batons and store them in a bucket on the belly of the robot
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Be able to lift the batons
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This will enable us to get way more points then we originally could
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
TOPIC: Tetrix Encoder
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Assembling and connecting a Tetrix Encoder to our crane | Was pretty simple to do, if we get this working functionally it will greatly increase the productivity of our robot |
| Programming the tetrix encoder | This task looks much more complicated than we thought it would be, we’re currently searching the internet for assistance |
TASK DETAILS: Unpack aging and assembling a Tetrix Encoder and attaching it to our robot. Now we struggle with programming it to do what we need
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Still trying to slim our robot down to fit within the required dimensions. We’ve fixed the height but length wise it is still > 18”
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): I think we are taking a risk with this because if it doesn’t work we’ve wasted a lot of time but if we succeed it’ll be pretty awesome.
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham Freddy R
DATE 2/09/11 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26
TOPIC: Finishing stages
Tasks | Reflections |
Complete our new grabbing device so we can pick up and transport multiple batons | This will help us to score way more points in the driver round |
Finish programming the motors to lift the bed of our robot and spin our wheel to grab batons | Programming sucks and I hope Bihn can get it done in time |
TASK DETAILS: Finish connecting our motors and program them to lift what we want
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to collect batons and drop them off in the dispenser
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): Time is running out and we really need to program
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham
DATE 11/15/2010 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Programming the joystick and the servos
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Program the controller to operate the robot | This was very simple due to our expert programmer Bihn. For some reason our controls were backwards. Right turns left and left turns right |
| Program the servos to be operated by the controller | This was slightly more difficult because we had trouble opening the required file because our access was denied. So after we got it from a flash drive we started the programming it |
TASK DETAILS: Get the controller to be able to operate the robot and the servos. We need a little more weight on our front end because when we initially go forward our robot does a really sweet wheelie.
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Servos need to be able to operate with the touch of a button from the controller
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This was more difficult than we expected due to not being able to access the necessary files and then our controls were mirrored. We’re still working on getting the servos to work
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team #6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles
DATE 12/10/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Getting organized and mounting servos
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Organizing our toolbox so we can find parts easier and be more productive | This will save us time in the future |
| Mount a servo on the end of our crane that will act as an extendable wrist | Because our robot was over 18” long we had to shorten our crane arm and start to add a folding wrist to the end so we can be within the dimensions at the start of the round. |
TASK DETAILS: Organizing the various parts in our tool box
Mounting a servo on the end of our crane arm that can extend to grab battons but remain at a rest hanging downwards so we are within 18” length so our robot is eligable
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Remain in the required 18”18”18”
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We reeeeallllyyy need to begin programming but our programmer just plays games all day
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles and Freddy
DATE 1/18/11 TIME SPAN 9:45-10:40TOPIC: Rebuilding
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Rebuilding and designing robot | This is like the third time and it’s getting ridiculous…but this is by far our best robot yet |
| Constructing a device on the front of our robot that can successfully pick up a baton from a dispenser | This is really challenging and once we finish we’ll have to make a program that can control all the servos we’re using affectively |
TASK DETAILS: Trying to figure our how to make a claw on the nose of our rebuilt robot
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to successfully pick up batons and remain in the required dimensions
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We think we have Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles and Freddy
DATE 1/18/11 TIME SPAN 9:45-10:40TOPIC: Rebuilding
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Rebuilding and designing robot | This is like the third time and it’s getting ridiculous…but we’re getting really good at rebuilding it! |
| Constructing a device on the front of our robot that can successfully pick up a baton from a dispenser | This is really challenging and once we finish we’ll have to make a program that can control all the servos we’re using affectively |
TASK DETAILS: Figuring out how to make a working claw to pick up batons
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must be able to successfully pick up batons and remain in the required dimensions. We also have to finish rebuilding in time for the competition
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We think we have some programs to use that are already made, but we’re unsure if they’ll work and we need to test it
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
some programs to use that are already made, but we’re unsure if they’ll work and we need to test it
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanigan Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham
DATE 11/17/2010 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:26TOPIC: Modifying our design to allow for more convenience with recharging and swapping batteries
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Redesigning our robot so it is easier to recharge and swap batteries and the NXT brick | This will save us lots of time in the future |
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TASK DETAILS: Creating a harness that will hold the battery pack on the bottom of the robot. This was done using the 90 degree metal pieces and screwing them in around the battery pack to secure it.
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Our goal was to not have to use a
ny zip ties
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This will save time in the future
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Team # 6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Mathew Boyles Bihn Pham
DATE 11/30/10 Time Span 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Center of Gravity
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Redesign the frame of our robot so that the center of gravity is better stabilized | This will be very crucial to the performance of our robot. If we’re going to be picking things up and getting potentially rammed we need to know that our robot will remain stable and not tip over |
| Disassemble and Reassemble the robot | Boyles is the best at this in our group and is doing most of this work. |
TASK DETAILS: Redesigning our robot so the center of gravity is centered. This was done by making dimensions of
the frame larger and centering our electrical components on the bottom near the center. Team #6 Ryan Fanguy Aaron Flanagin Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles
DATE 12/10/10 TIME SPAN 9:00-10:33TOPIC: Getting organized and mounting servos
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Organizing our toolbox so we can find parts easier and be more productive | This will save us time in the future |
| Mount a servo on the end of our crane that will act as an extendable wrist | Because our robot was over 18” long we had to shorten our crane arm and start to add a folding wrist to the end so we can be within the dimensions at the start of the round. |
TASK DETAILS: Organizing the various parts in our tool box
Mounting a servo on the end of our crane arm that can extend to grab battons but remain at a rest hanging downwards so we are within 18” length so our robot is eligable
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Remain in the required 18”18”18”
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): We reeeeallllyyy need to begin programming but our programmer just plays games all day
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Must remain in the 18x18x18 dimensional requirements
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This process is using up valuable class time but we believe a well stabled robot will be worth it
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):Team #6 Ryan Fanguy Mathew Boyles Aaron Flanagin Bihn Pham
DATE 12/2/10 Time Span 10:00-11:15TOPIC: Adding a crane
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Creating a functional crane that will be able to pick up batons reliably. | Our last device to pick up batons would be too low to grab from the baton dispensers in the actual competition. |
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TASK DETAILS: Create a functioning crane mounted on our robot using servos and possibly a motor to pick up batons from the dispensers
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Can’t be more than 18” tall and must be able to pick up batons from a dispenser
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This process is proving to be more difficult than we expected and we may end up spending a lot of time on it. We really need to start getting some programming work done
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
Tip 89 – Another way to tie together channels is to use a flat piece of metal. BC it doesn’t space it.
Tip 90 – Make your robot heavy b/c it gets better traction + can push other robots around better and it’s harder to move + more momentum
Tip 91 – Make the robot large b/c it’s better (large and in charge!)
Tip 92- Keep the center of gravity as low as possible, try to mount everything at the bottom
Tip 93 – Design something to keep game elements from getting stuck under the robot
Tip 96 – Direct drive wheels are simpler, easier to keep aligned + easier to repair
Tip 118 – Servos are weak but can lift more weight if combined with rubber bands
Tip 117 – Mount all controls down on the bottom
Tip 130 – Think in terms of failure modes (all the ways a system could fail) fix BIG failures first
Tip 131 – Don’t solve problems that don’t exist
Tip 165 – Make sure there is no bare copper in the wires leading to the controllers
Tip 212 – On the controller, create a diagram of the controls to help current drivers + train new ones
Tip 296 – Keep the pit tools + emergency repair supplies organized
Tip 304 – SHOW RESPECT!!!
Tip 305 – To ram somebody, do it from their corner
Tip 313 – Create a 1 page flyer that advertises your robot
· Make an autonomous mode prograTeam # 6 Ryan Fanguy Bihn Pham Mathew Boyles Freddy Roearte
DATE 1/11/11 TIME SPAN 9:00 – 10:33TOPIC: Rebuilding
| Tasks | Reflections |
| Rebuilding our robot after it was completely disassembled and redesigned | I feel like this was unnecessary and a huge waste of time. We’re not gonna be done in time for the competition and we still have so much programming to do |
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TASK DETAILS: Rebuilding our robot from scratch
REQUIREMENTS (IF ANY): Remain in required 18”18”18” size
THOUGHTS (IF ANY): This is a waste of time and there was nothing really wrong with our original robot
PICTURES, DRAWINGS (IF ANY):
