User:Svinson00/Project3

Project Preference

 * 1) SmartShoe
 * 2) Wind Turbine
 * 3) Biovest

Problem Statement
''In one or two sentences, describe the project that your group will be working on. Identify which one or two CDIO documents your group will create in this project cycle.''

Project Plan
Briefly describe your group's plan for the next 4 weeks, including the specific activities that will take place each week.

Week 1 Narrative
My tasks for this week was to research RF signals and design a case for the Arduino Micro, accelerometer, and a RF transmitter. The SmartShoe currently uses a cable to communicate with the serial monitor in the Arduino. Wireless communication between the Nano and a Arduino connected to the computer would allow more freedom and versatility from the Smart Shoe. The last group who worked on the Smart Shoe group used string/rubber bands to connect the original case to the user's foot. This causes several problems: the case wasn't well secured and if the string broke, the Arduino would most likely break. This new case needs to hold the accelerometer, Arduino Micro, and RF transmitter. The accelerometer has the dimensions of 3 by 2 by 0.2 inches, while the Arduino Micro is 4 by 1 by 3 inches, and the RF transmitter is 0.7 by 0.7 by 0.3 inches (according to Amazon). The case could be attached to the shoe strings by using a velcro strap or clip. The wireless RF transmitter and receiver we purchased communicate at 315Mhz. We would use an Uno as the receiver and the Mirco as the transmitter. The Mirco would transmit results from the user's vertical jump. This website has an example code that would help. The transmitter and receiver should be here by Tuesday.

Week 2 Narrative
During this past week, we worked on configuring the parts we purchased to fit our needs. I unsoldered the pins to the 315 MHz transmitter, while the other group members unsoldered the connections for the Arduino Micro and for the 315 MHz receiver. The pins were unsoldered because we're attempting to fit an Arduino Micro, an accelerometer, transmitter, and batteries into a small enough case to fit onto the top of the shoe or to be won as an ankle bracelet. I started to code the receiver and the Arduino microprocessor (as indicated on the CDIO discuss page). We used an example code found online to use with the receiver and transmitter. While attempting to verify and compile the code, the program said about 5 variables were "not declared in this scope." The versions of the Arduino software in the engineering classroom computers weren't up to date with the current versions that Arduino has available to download. The current versions of the Arduino software include a library called "VirtualWire", which provides features to send short messages using radio frequencies. After placing the VirtualWire into the Arduino libraries folder, the codes for both the Micro and Duemilanove verify, compile, and upload.

The next problem I encountered is when the code verify, compiles, and uploads to the Arduinos, nothing shows up in the serial monitor on the computer with the Duemilanove. Because I'm using an example code without the Smart Shoe program, the transmitter should send a signal to the receiver saying the signal has been received. The computer reads, "The Device is Ready," but nothing else. This could either be a fault in the wiring, code for either device, receiver, or transmitter. My task for the next couple of days is to find the cause, and then simplifying the Arduino Micro, acclerometer, batteries, and transmitter to use without a breadboard.

Week 3 Narrative
My task for the third week was to finish the codes that would allow wireless communication between the Arduino Duemilanove and the Micro. The code for both microprocessors uploads and verifies, but the serial monitor displays, "Device is Ready". The receiver should work because I have the module attached to a prototyping shield with wires going into ground, power (5 volts), and digital pin 12. The solder points on the Micro need work; the current connection is a wire wrapped around the pin hole. Hopefully, I could finish the wiring by Monday, so we are able to present on Tuesday. To power the Arduino Micro, we will need two 3.6V button cell batteries available for around $2 at purchase online at Adafruit, or for slightly more at retail stores. Our tasks for the next week include completing the CDIO Report and finishing the wiring. Resource

Week 4 Narrative
CDIO