2011:1/25/2011

Drivetrain

Drivetrain is painted.

Arm/Manipulator

Superstructure is being built in CAD. List of "robot frame requirements" has been created, to document all the things that interface with the frame. Need to add extra transmission and motor for the arm to the shopping list. Manipulator now has a mounting plate in CAD.

Minibot/Deployer

New lightweight slides about 30" long are being made for the deployer - two tracks about 6" apart. Driven by surgical tubing (will need a long length with a pulley to keep from overstretching the tubing). Need to control the force or the minibot will go flying!

Electrical Main

US Digital encoders for arm mechanism. This will require a reference "home spot." Encoders on drivetrain also. Need to communicate with Mechanical where to put battery - needs to be low down, but easy to access.

Electrical Controls

Parts are in! Will start to lay things out by next week. 4 joysticks, a Classmate, and a billion buttons. :)

Programming

Coding as much as possible at this point. Have communicated sensor positions with Electrical/Mechanical.