10/14/13 Update

Software - Still trying to fix the missing header file issue with the Energia environment. 

Some of the members attended the IEEE workshop and learned some basics about the MSP430 and Code Composer. A switch to CCS is up for debate. 

Mechanical - Finalized the file. We made sure that everything was inputted correctly. 

Front: http://i.imgur.com/uK0acG7.png

Back: http://i.imgur.com/auCvphv.png
Everything together: http://i.imgur.com/zgEYd9p.png

10/7/13 Update

Mechanical - Added in section on the chassis for the motor drivers. The motor drivers will require a breadboard to attach wires. Added sections for infrared LED detectors.

Software - Still cannot get some basic code to work and we need help with the libraries. The basic code simply makes the motors spin, but there were errors. Unfortunately, one of the more experienced software members could not make it.

There is an IEEE microprocessor workshop next week. The meeting will help members learn some basics with the MSP430 and Code Composer. At the end of the session, we will be able to ask the mentors questions about our concerns and for advice.

9/30/13 Update

9/23/13 Update
We just kept working on our projects; nothing too new happened. 

9/30/13 Update

The sessions are pretty good; a few volunteers are still coming. 

Chassis:

We have almost finished designing a chassis on Inventor for a prototype. I just received the 3D printing form from Dr. Villareal. 

Software:

A few guys are working on the MSP430 and a few others on the Stellaris that Dr. Villareal let us use. The pin out for the motor driver and how to connect it to the Stellaris has been determined. They attempted to upload some code to the Stellaris, but were not able to. The next step is to determine how to get the code onto the board, as well as discovering what libraries are need. Lastly, they will further work on developing an algorithm to solve the maze.

Motor Driver Testing: 

The motor driver was tested and the signal was analyzed on the oscilloscope. They found that the output was the correct signal and that the driver was working properly. They have suspicions that the driver was being driven incorrectly in the past. The next step is to try to get the driver to work efficiently with the motor and to test and improve the motor driver.

9/16/13 Update

There were a few less volunteers today, but tests are coming up.
I tried to get everyone onto the google drive; dont want to lose code/files like last time
The first report due Monday by 11PM

Mechanical:
We sketched some ideas for a "holder" to place everything on top
We decided to have the wheels attached directly to motor; this will require new wheels with a larger diameter.

Software:
A few worked with the MSP430 and some with Stellaris (a new microprocessor from Dr. Villareal)

9/9/13 Update

There were quite a few of us today, a lot of volunteers showed up. We reviewed where we were so all the volunteers were on the same page. Then we split into two groups; one working on software and the microprocessor, and the other group looking at the motor mount.

The mechanical group's goals:

-Method to attach the stepper motor; possibly have axle horizontal instead of vertical like in the kit
-Need some sort of holder to hold everything to get a prototype going. Would need to hold MSP430 launchpad, motors, motor drivers, wheels, sensors

Things we may need:

-bigger wheels
-more LED sensors

Software Group's Notes:

-Possible flow chart to help write maze solving code
-Experiment with uploading code to MSP430
-Get everyone to read and get familiar with the code

Other updates:

-For the next meeting, I will make a sign-in sheet, this way I can keep track of which volunteers stick around
-The president of HKN informed me that their budget is tight and that I need to write a proposal for funding
-I talked with someone last week about getting Inventor or Solid Works on the 225A computers

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.