Reed Switch

Went to Maplin To ask if they had any stronger reed switches and with the track we've been given their most sensative reed switches wouldnt pick it up.

Software Update

Problems Faced

• Reed switches were not sensitive enough for magnetic tape.
• Only 3 analog to digital converters on chip.

Actions on Problems

• Changed code to suit LDRs.
• Chose to not use the ADC's and plan to use the LDR's digitally. If they provide a voltage of over 2.25V then PICAXE will read as logic 1. If under 2.25V then logic 0 will be read.

Future Intentions and Learning Outcomes

• LDR's will need to be calibrated for light conditions in the room.
• Debug code on buggy testing in order to remove faults and include possible failsafe.
• Include extra code for unique additional functions which will be revealed on competition day.

Current Situation

• Code for both line following and signal reading modes is complete, tested and fully operational.
• Input output variables may change but are easily edited in the code.

Minutes 16/03/10

Tasks achieved:

J.B - Collated materials for entire construction of buggy. inc. initial chassis design. (Rear wheel drive design proposed for performance!)
T.A - Written and tested/de-bugged proposed code for running of buggy within picaxe.
- Concept based around reed switches (will they work, if not code can be modified to work with LDRs)
C.B - Initial research into electronic components required for circuit and how to link them into proposed coding.

Tasks/Issues presented:

Setup of motors - how are we going to work them? Power Amplifier. They may or may not fit the code and it may need fine tuning once reed-switch output values etc are identified.

Drill lego for motor fitting - J.B

Circuit diagram generation to begin assembly - C.B

In-lecture tasks: Allocated to A. C
-> Wider research

'We are working on a semi-autonomous vehicle, with pre-programmed instructions following path of recognised symbols.'

'Factories/industries make use of semi-automated vehicles moving goods etc, as well as UAVs.
Enter examples of these into blog, including their level of autonomy. (Do they run non stop 24/7 without human intervention;) or does a person have to take over at certain points and revert back to an operator to give it certain instructions? What level would you want, how safe is an entirely autonomous vehicle?' (Paraphrased instructions.)

Tools required for next lecture:

Hand Drill
Small Saw
File
Super-glue!

Future group meetings:

Group Brainstorming session for buggy casing. (Lego building/experimentation session!)


Attendees:
C. Bond
A. Compton
J. Baddeley
T. Anderson

Minutes 09/03/10

- Attendees:

T. Anderson
A. Compton
J. Baddeley

- Allocated roles:

Project Manager - A. Compton
Chief Designer - J. Baddeley
Software Engineer - T. Anderson
Electrical Engineer - C. Bond

Team Name:

ABBA

(Amy,Baddeley,Bond,Anderson)

Mission Statement - ?

- To do:

Inspiration - initial ideas - running of project - deadlines
Snippets of code, circuit diagrams, videos/photographs, as well as specialised requested research.

- Design Brief:
Build and test an intelligant buggy.
Should have 2 modes of operation - selectable by switch.
Should be capable of following a black line and recognising junctions and the end of the 'road.'
The dark line will be a magnetic strip 20mm wide.


Specified Tasks:
build buggy

Implied Tasks:
design circuit board
identify components
shassis
power supply
drive system
picaxe programme

To do:

- Test sensitivities and tolerances of available sensors.
- Generate chassis, bodywork etc. - LEGO?
- Research available/similar projects, whats been done before?
- Theme? Moon buggy - Sports car - Tank - Aircraft taxi-ing?
- Reed switches.