User:Lukaststanley/enes100/P3 Robot Car

Write problem/project Goal
To pick up were the last robot car team left off, but instead of using motion sensor use a predetermined path for the car to follow.

My First Task
Going to start work on programming the arduino to move a dc motor over time intervals

Summary of actual work over first weekend
Trouble shooting why the previous team build code was not working to turn the dc motor.

Week1 Narrative
Had a problem with the communication between the arduino and the DC motor. I used a simple windshield wiper code, but the motor would only spin one way. This is wrong for it needs to go clockwise (CW) then counter clockwise (CCW). So started trouble shooting with motor, but that turned out fine. I tested it by connecting positive and negative, then switching to reverse the spin for the dc motor. Next I checked the connections, but they all were also fine. I checked the code, and it had no errors and the ports defined seemed correct. It all come down to the motor shield connected to the arduino. After replacing the motor shield everything worked accordingly.

My Second Task
Moving forward, we are going to continue working with the code. Would like to put a non loop code for re-centering the arm.

Summary of actual work over second weekend
Testing and coding. We wanted to test the velocity of the car and the it's turning radius. Also work on the code and get a solid representation of progress. Start to sketch the assembly for mounting the motor to the wheel and the assembly to the car.

Week2 Narrative
For my portion, I helped with testing and measuring different aspects of the vehicle. First we tested the velocity of the car, which was about 4 mph. We feel this is an accurate measurement due to rate formula, v=d/t and after reading the owners manual to the car it states 3.5 mph (loaded, which is about 2 children or 60-70 lbs). Next was the turning radius, about 16 ft.

Next I need to make measurements for the motor assembly to attach to the seat and steering wheel. The bolts on the seat are rectangular from the top view, measuring 5in x 11in. Steering wheel, 11.5in to center from seat.

My Third task
To take measurements and apply to a sketch for group decision on design.

Summary of actual work over third weekend
Started sketches and came to a consensus on design. Worked on a technical drawing of the final design.

Week3 Narrative
Created requirements and restrictions for mount assembly.

Requirements: 1. Car must move on its own. (no people in vehicle) 2. Grip steering wheel 3. Structure must withstand the force of motor (or tension caused by motor)

Restrictions 1. For it to move on its own, must be a mechanical actuator for pedal (not using the electrical contacts for pedal to complete the circuit) 2. Structure must not damage any of the cars parts (more of a retro-fit design, no modifying car) 3. Structure must be removable (bolt on/off)

Now compiling new sketch with more precision.

My Fourth task
Create a technical sketch (or final design sketch) for approval. Hopefully build and complete assembly and test

Summary of actual work over fourth weekend
We had hoped to get a test run this week, but due to time and a couple other factors we where not able to accomplish that.

Week4 Narrative
We started the week by building the approved assembly, more or less, refining the build and finishing it. We needed L-brackets and a hinge for mounting the motor at an angle. All of this was built on within the week. We were came in on Friday for a hopeful test run, but the 12v battery did not charge, thus stopping us from moving forward with testing. We did, however, clean up the build for the next possible robot car team. This was done by mounting the arduino box to the mount assembly and also cleaning up the connections so one can understand easier what is going on from looking at it.

Team Page
Robot Car Project Team Page (P3-501_CMLA)