9/2/13 Update

--Microprocessor

Instead of using the MSP430, possibly change to an Arduino for more user-friendly coding. Then we can have a prototype sooner and start test runs.

--Motor Types/Options

DC Motor: has a counter on the axle but isn't very good
Stepper Motor: very accurate internal counter
Continuous Rotation Servo Motor: good torque and position reading

--Motor Shield

Needed for potential new motors. The example has extra stuff that we don't need (ex:http://www.sainsmart.com/starter-kit/mega-r3-starter-kit/sainsmart-mega2560-r3-l293d-motor-drive-shield-starter-kit-with-basic-arduino-projects.html)
Cost: Definitely less than $60

--3D Printing

Programs we may need: Solid Works, Inventor, or other AutoCAD versions
Need to know the printer's accuracy and what file type is acceptable

--Miscellaneous

First weekly report due 9/16 (if enrolled in the class)
Google drive called Micromouse - store code/files there for safe keeping
About 3 to 4 new volunteers might show up Monday

--HKN meeting notes

I attended the HKN officer meeting Tuesday night. They would like us to make a mini maze for demonstrations. Available funds still unknown.

8/26/13 Update

I emailed people and tried to see who was coming back this semester. The MSP430 and Seeley's completed code was returned. The sensor control code worked on last semester seems to be lost due to personal hardware failure. The maze solving code is lost, the person working on it never answered my emails.

A recruitment event was organized for the second week of school. Only two people showed up, but I got lots of emails from interested volunteers.

Semester Goals

Howdy! Tonight during our third semester meeting we are handing in our ideas about what we are to accomplish this semester and about what we learned these past few weeks that may help us in building our robot this semester. I look forward to seeing all class members this afternoon.

Weekly Meetings

Hey guys,

I would like to try and have a separate meeting time from the mouse class meeting time for at least those that cannot make the Monday 4-5 time, so please fill this out ASAP. Go to the link below and fill out the color corresponding with your name for every time slot that you are busy (for the whole semester, not just this week). It is 30 minute slots, so if the time says 5:30, that means 5:30-6. If you are only busy for part of the 30 minute block, do not color it in because we may have to have a meeting time that some people have to come late to.

If you have any questions, please let me know.

MicromouseMember Availability - Fall 2012 - https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuTucsevXByqdFpGcjA4NWxpbGF5bm5CT1RnWnVMVlE

Brock 

PS:

For those of you who have not subscribed to the list serv, please go here to fill out the form: http://hkn.tamu.edu/mailman/listinfo/mouse-team_hkn.tamu.edu

Also, those who are not following the blog, please subscribe to it here: http://tamu-micromouse.blogspot.com/2012/04/wednesdays-meeting-and-blogtrottrcom.html

Late Night Labwork

Here are some videos of me with the new stepper motor drivers from TI driving the 35L unipolar stepper motors.

First tests

Modified tests

Let me know if you guys have any questions or comments. I will be working on this the first few days of the week if any of you want to come check it out. I understand that the video quality does not show up extremely well on the blog even though the original shot was pretty decent.

Thanks!

Brock

Micromouse Meeting/Class Monday

Hey Mouse Team!

The first Micromouse Class is tomorrow at 4:10pm. The class is held every Monday for an hour from 4:10 to 5:10p. If you are in the class, please be in attendance. If you are not in the class, please try to come anyway because there may be great opportunities to learn new things during that class time. I believe there are still class spots available to those who would like the class credit.

Let me know if you guys have any questions.

Thanks!

Brock

Meeting on Saturday

Hey Mouse Team!

I would like to meet with you all this Saturday (9/1/12) before school starts in order to:

A) Get a count of all who is committed for this semester

B) Give a short show and tell of things that had been done in the summer

C) Start assigning new tasks to be done early this semester

I would like to have the meeting starting around 1:00pm. Please everyone that can make it email me back and anyone who cannot make it, please let me know what time may be better so that I can maybe move the meeting time for you or have an extra meeting time for me to meet with a second group.

Thanks Guys!