Monday, November 12, 2007

Calendar MP3

Shaylynn Devin
Period 7/8
MP3 Calendar

February 4-8
4. Finish Calendar for third marking period. Hand in at end of class.
5. Calendar due. Start Correcting Midterm reports.
6. Finish correcting Midterm Reports and send to mentors and teachers.
7. Help Andrew with the construction of the Lexon pieces.
8. Help Andrew with the construction of the Lexon pieces
February 11-15
11. Bring in laptop and begin tutorials for the Microsoft Robotics Program.
12. Continue taking tutorials on how to program Xbox controller both at home and at school.
13. Have conference call with mentors to have them help with programming Xbox controller.
14. Begin programming Xbox controller.
15. Finish programming controller
February 19-22
19. Start construction on PVC housing.
20. Cut pieces of plastic for inside shelves in PVC housing. Drill holes into plastic randomly.
21. Start work on press release.
22. Continue work on press release.
February 25-29
25. Receive the components ordered
26. Start to wire components starting at the battery and working towards components.
27. Continue work on wiring from wire blocks heading towards the motor controllers.
28. Continue work on wiring from laptop to USB Hub.
29. Continue work on wiring from USB Hubs to motor controllers. When finished with all wires, make sure electrical connections work.
March 3-7
3. Start soldering all connections between wires.
4. Finish soldering all connections.
5. Use silicon spray to water proof all components.
6. Finish waterproofing all components.
7. Begin to mount all components onto plastic pieces.
March 10-14
10. Continue to mount all components to plastic pieces.
11. Finish mounting all components to plastic pieces.
12. Mount plastic pieces in the PVC housing.
13. Waterproof one end of housing and fill bottom with silica gel desiccants.
14. Make sure PVC housing is watertight and all connections are working.
March 17-20
17. Continue working on press release.
18. Continue working on press release. First pool day.
19. Finish press release and hand in to teachers.
20. Annual Inspection
March 31-4
31. Start working make sure all connections are working and the buoyancy is correct.
1. Start and finish on Log entries.
2. Start and finish mentor contacts. Pool day
3. Presentations start
4. Presentations. Pool day
April 7-10
7. Presentations
8. Fix whatever was wrong from the last pool day. Pool day
9. Continue to work on testing procedures in the lab and also things that have been going wrong at the pool.
10. Work on things on the ROV to make sure it is in working order for the competition. Pool day

Calendar MP2

November
15
Participation/ Schedule/ Calendar Due
16
Contact mentor to talk about project and Developmental work
Update blog
19
Research more for developmental work
20
Work on orthographic drawings for developmental work
Update blog
21
Work on orthographic drawings for developmental work
22
No School
23
No School
26
Work on orthographic drawings for developmental work
27
Finish working on orthographic drawings. Start exploded isometric drawings Update Blog
28
continue to work on exploded isometric drawings
29
continue to work on exploded isometric drawings
30
finish working on exploded isometric drawings Update Blog

December
3
start work on rendered isometric
4
continue work on rendered isometric Update Blog
5
continue work on rendered isometric
6
continue work on rendered isometric
7
finish rendered isometric Update Blog
10
Start Plan of Procedures with supply list
11
Finish supply list and start materials list. Update Blog
12
finish materials list
13
start parts list.
14
finish parts list. Finish up plan of procedure. Update Blog
17
Put all developmental work together and make sure it is done completely
18
make sure all developmental work in complete and hand in. Update Blog
19
Developmental Work and Process Due
20
start work on math and science analysis
21
continue work on math and science analysis. Update Blog
24
No School
25
No School
26
No School
27
No School
28
No School
31
No School

January
1
No School
2
collect images and finish introduction for math and science analysis
3
label and images etc., describe all concepts that apply to the project.
4
make illustrations for all of the concepts and start work on the mathematical computations for project. Update Blog
7
Finish mathematical computations for project.
8
Describe the technology involved in project and make a conclusion for math and science analysis. Update Blog
9
make sure all of the math and science analysis is completed and turn in.
10
Math and Science Analysis Due
11
start making outline for presentations
14
finish outline for presentations
15
make sure blog looks good for presentation and make sure all the pages and pictures work
update blog
16
practice presentations
17
Formal Progress Update Presentations Start
18
presentations
21
presentations
22
presentations
23
Log Sheet/ Mentor Contacts Due

Friday, October 12, 2007

Selection Rejection

Selection/Rejection/Intention Report



I have developed three different solutions for the controls for the underwater ROV. In this report I have each solution with their pros and cons. There is also a picture for each and at the end I used this report to help me choose one solution to be the controller.

My first solution is a slanted box with eight different toggle switches, one for each of the different functions. I feel that although it is very straightforward and easy to use it is not as comfortable as my other solutions and with that many buttons it may be hard to reach all of them and even though it is easy to understand which switch is which when under the pressure of the competition it is possible to accidentally use the wrong one. This solution would be easy to create because it only has about eight toggle switches which are easy to install. It would be a good idea to use this because there would be less of a chance of it not working before or during the competition.




My second solution is similar to the first. It is the same box structure and still has two toggle switches it also has a joystick for the movements of the vehicle. The joystick would make it marginally more comfortable, easier and less confusing because there are less buttons. It is still easy to create and by putting in the same amount of work as the first solution I could get a better controller.

My third solution is different from the other two solutions in its size and shape. It would use the shell of an xbox controller and the two analog joysticks. Both of my teammates are experienced in using this controller and all of the controls are simple and easy to understand. This would most definitely be the final solution except for the fact that it is must harder to create than the other two solutions. When the time comes for the competition I would rather have a controller that I am confident in my ability to create and be able to fix at the last minute if something goes wrong than one that is harder to understand and put together.


I have concluded that my final solution will be a mix of two of my alternative solutions. I will have two controllers, one for the steering, and one for the arm, power, lights and cameras. The one for the steering will be the xbox controller because my teammates and I have all used this controller before and are familiar with it but because there wasn’t an easy way to have all of the controls on just that controller I decided to make the second one which was the first alternative solution. The only thing that would be different with my first alternative solution would be that instead of having eight toggle switches i would only have three, which would also get rid of the confusion of all of the toggle switches. This was perfect because it is best for just the toggle switches and not the steering. The two controllers would be used by two team members. one will be steering the ROV and the other will using the other to open and close the arm when necessary

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Works Cited

Works Cited

"Buoyancy." Wikipedia. 15 July 2007. 17 July 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buoyancy .

"Lightweight Materials." www.fueleconomy.gov. U.S. Department of Energy. 17 July 2007 http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/lightweight.shtml .

"Propeller." Wikipedia. 16 July 2007. 17 July 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propeller .

"Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV)." Ocean Explorer. NOAA. 17 July 2007 http://www.oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/subs/rov/rov.html .

"Remotely Operated Vehicle." Wikipedia. 10 July 2007. 17 July 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remotely_operated_vehicle .

"ROBOT ARM TUTORIAL." Society of Robots. 17 July 2007 http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_arm_tutorial.shtml .

"Types of Robots." ROVer Ranch. 17 July 2007 http://prime.jsc.nasa.gov/ROV/types.html .

"Waterproofing." Wikipedia. 17 July 2007. 17 July 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterproofing .

"Game Controller." Wikipedia. 20 Sept. 2007 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_controller.

"MATE 6th ROV Competition 2007." 20 Sept. 2007

http://www.marinetech.org/rov_competition/2007/results/Photos/ROVs%20Pg%201.html.

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Research- Controllers

Controllers
used to operate something. There are many different kinds that all vary in shape and sizeA controller is an input device depending on the task it is designed to do. My project is specifically to design a controller that is both efficient in controlling the ROV and also efficient for the user.
One type of controller is the joypad which is simply a controller with buttons and smaller joysticks on it. they can range in size and shape. The newer ones are easier to handle and more comfortable for the user. Another is the paddle which is a very primitive controller that is held with one hand and has one and sometimes two buttons. The joystick is a stick that can be moved in different directions to simulate the motion of the object you are controlling and usually has one or more buttons on it or to the side. It is very efficient in its ability to control many things with very few controls. It can sometimes be confusing because it can be so complicated but it is very useful to those that know how to use it. The keyboard, mouse, and mousepad are typically used for games and other functions that are done through the computer. very useful when working with a lot of different outputs.

Alternative Solution 3

Monday, October 1, 2007

Brainstorming


  1. This controller would be two seperate ones so that maybe two team members could work on it at the same time. One could conrtol the arm and the other the rov or on the arm and the up and down movements and the other all the other directions.
  2. This controller would be similar to the xbox controller or the xbox controller. I would use the shell of the controller so that it is already comfortable for the user. there wold be two joysticks to control the movements and the opening and closing of the arm.
  3. My third option nis to use a computer joystick. this would be very easy to use since it was made for the user. it would be very coplicated though because there is a lot of work that goes into creating a specialized controller and modifying it.
  4. the next is probably the most straightforward and simple. it is not very user friendly in the fact that it is not molded to our hands or comfortable. it is user friendly though in the fact that it is so simple to use, all the controls are right in front of you and there should be no questions on how to use it.
  5. the fifth idea it also pretty straightforward but may be a little more simple. because you are substituting most of the directional buttons for a joystick it is less easy to get the buttons confused.
  6. the last idea is replacing all of the buttons with two joysticks. this could be hard because it doesnt make much sense to replace the opening and closing of the arm with a left and a right movement.

Below are all of the sketches done over the summer of what our ROV could potentially look like with different ideas for body shape, propulsion and the arm.





Alternative Solution 2


Alternative Solution 1


Thursday, September 27, 2007

Background

Background Information

Underwater remotely operated vehicles are most commonly used to do what humans are unable to do underwater. They are unoccupied, highly maneuverable, and are controlled by someone aboard a surface vessel. They are attached to the vessel by a tether and are commonly equipped with two cameras, robotic arms, and lights to gather information (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

Underwater ROVs can range in size from that of a bread box to the size of a small truck. Smaller ROVs such as micro and mini (aka eyeball) are used as diver alternatives. They are given the name eyeball to differentiate them from other ROVs that would be able to perform intervention tasks. General ROVs typically have less than 5 horsepower of propulsion and generally have one three fingered hand to accomplish small tasks. They usually don’t go deeper than 1000m (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

Light workclass and high workclass ROVs are each able to carry some manipulators. They cannot work below 2000m and 3500m. the last class of ROVs is the Trenching/Burial. They have more than 200 horsepower of propulsion and have the ability to carry a cable laying sled and work at depths up to 6000m (Remotely Operated Vehicle) .

Although there are different classifications for underwater ROVs all are made for different purposes. Some ROVs are kept aboard the ship to be used in emergency. For instance if the ship becomes entangled or otherwise incapacitated the ROV can be sent to investigate so the crew knows how to react. Another use for ROVs is science objectives and support exploration. When the water is too dangerous for a submersible or for divers the ROV can be sent to explore and collect data. It can also be used to confirm that a dive site is safe before a sub is deployed, limiting risk to the expensive subs and their pilots (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

In all no matter what classification an underwater ROV is they are designed to perform specific tasks that the creator wants it to do, from investigating dive sites before more complex and expensive submersibles are deployed or to collect small amounts of data from a specific area (Remotely Operated Vehicle).

There are many different types of remote controls, including radio, ultrasonic, laser, mechanical, and infrared controls. When controlling vehicles like cars, boats and planes, radio controls are most often used. Ultrasonic control is used in telephone answering machines and in some television sets. Guided weapons such as bombs and missiles generally use laser control. Mechanical control is used in handling radioactive materials and Infrared control uses a photodetector in most televisions, VCR's, stereos, and car audio systems.


Testing



Expectations

This controller must operate all of the motors and open and close the arm. It must be comfortable for my team to use. It must be tested in the Monmouth University pool no later than two weeks before the MATEs competition in Falmouth, MA.

Procedures

  1. Check to make sure each function of the ROV works out of water in the Tech Lab (Left motor, Right motor, Vertical motor, Open/close of arm)
  2. Put ROV into water and make sure all functions work, make sure nothing is short circutted (Tech Lab)
  3. Go to Monmouth University Pool and do all out of water tests again (Left motor, Right motor, Vertical motor, Open/close of arm)
  4. Put ROV into pool
  5. Move ROV around pool
  6. Perform tasks set by MATEs competition
  7. Take notes on how the controller preforms, how it feels, and how easy it is to understand and use. Comment on ways it did not meet expectations and how to fix these problems.
  8. Make sure each teammate and the three team members from the other team test controller.

Limitations

Limitations
  • The maximum surface power cannot be over 13 volts, 25 amps
  • There will be a maximum of 3 monitors/display screens
  • There can be no onboard power with the exception of the lights

Specifications

Specifications
  • Must be able to operate in all weather conditions
  • Must be able to operate all the functions of the underwater ROV
  • Must be easy to set up
  • Must be easy to use
  • Must be comfortable for the user
  • Must operate on DC voltage
  • The tether must be the appropriate length for the distance the ROV will be traveling (so it is not too short or too long)
  • Must pass safetly check before being able to operate

Design Brief

Design and create a control system to operate all the functions of an underwater ROV to be used by my team in the MATEs competition.

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Calender MP1



































September


Monday


Tuesday


Wednesday


Thursday


Friday




























20


Put calendar onto blog


21


Put all summer work onto blog


Update blog


24


Do more research for brainstorming (type of control, size, shape)


25


Work on isometric drawings for alternate solutions


Update blog


26


Finish isometric drawings and start working on 3d drawings


27


Finish 3d drawings



28


Make sure everything for presentation is finished


Update blog











































October


Monday


Tuesday


Wednesday


Thursday


Friday


1


Make outline for presentation


2


Practice presentation make sure it’s between 4 and a half and 5 minutes


Update blog


3


presentations


4


presentations


5


presentations


8


Begin working on selection rejection report


9


Pros/cons of first solution


Update blog


10


Pros/cons of second solution


11


Pros/cons of third solution


12


Finalize selection rejection report


Update blog


15


Get materials for model


16


Work on model in tech lab


Update blog


17


Work on model in tech lab


18


Work on model in tech lab


19


Work on mode in tech lab


Update blog


22


Work on model in CAD


23


Work on Model in CAD


Update blog


24


Work on model in CAD



25


Work on model in CAD


26


Finish model


Update blog


29


Make outline for formal presentation


30


Put all material onto blog



31


Practice presentation











































November


Monday


Tuesday


Wednesday


Thursday


Friday








1


presentations


2


presentations


5


presentations


6


Start working on calendar for MP2


7


Finish calendar for MP2


8


Start the developmental work


9


Continue working on developmental work


Update blog


12


Keep working on developmental work


13


Update blog