Saturn Rings

So trying to find the problem the connection error so I need to learn the VEX Air messages codes.

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - New Addition!

This week we haven't been able to do much with our VEX Robot due to the weird spring break schedule (some of us are in AM right now) and the new project we have been working on (the 8 bit computer project), but we've managed to add a slight addition. A prevention device used to stop the robot from leaning backwards and falling over. During certain tests, we've noticed that the robot is prone to falling backwards if it comes to a hard stop. The new tracks we added has been able to slow down how fast the robot goes, which has decreased the impact of a hard stop. However, we are still looking for a better solution. As the robot is at greater risk of falling backwards when the arm is fully extended into the air, due to the imbalance in weight. Which is why we've decided on this prevention device as a temporary solution, however, we will be most likely removing this later on. We've also received information on how to make the robot autonomous and will be looking further into it throughout next week.

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - New Attachments, Future Ideas

Within these few days, we have...

- Completed test runs on our claw modification : a success.

- Switched original wheels for tank treads surrounding medium-sized wheels

- Length of tank treads surrounding medium-sized wheels : 47.6 cm

- Completed many updates in our VEX Robot Saturn's Rings Booklet Log

- Latest attachment : back end wheel, with metal accessory covering left and right sides of wheel

- ^ Small-sized wheel covered in green rubbery material.

Next steps :

- Continue brainstorming idea for lift attachment

- Continue search for automated VEX Robot code

- Continue designs on TinkerCAD

- Continue experiments with VEX Robot

- Continue discussion on competition against AM Class

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - Claw Test Run

Today the team's main focus was to observe and analyze our VEX robot's new and improved claw attachment. Since the robot's original claw was unable to reach lower onto the floor, I had the idea of flipping the claw over so that it would end up upside down. Which was quite simple, I did have additional ideas but this seemed as the simplest. The test run was successful and the robot was able to finally grasp the yellow balls without difficulty.



- Took images of the VEX Robot, however was unable to upload it



Next steps :

- Continue search for automated VEX Robot code- Continue designs on TinkerCAD- Continue experiments with VEX Robot- Continue discussion on competition against AM Class

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - Replacements & Design

Today we continued to modify our VEX Robot to improve its efficiency. The smaller tank treads that we applied a few days back were now removed in order to be replaced with the wider tank treads. A few pieces of tank tread had to be removed in order to be a perfect match for our choice of wheels, but the application was overall a success. Tests were also done to observe and compare the differences between both versions of tank treads. A new addition was made to the Saturn's Rings booklet, visualizing what occurred during open lab time. Additional designs were also made on my (Jose's) TinkerCAD : 3D design VEX Robot - Jose Luis Vargas | Tinkercad. I managed to find an exact model of our original VEX Robot claw attachment and copy it into my TinkerCAD, so that I may edit it and make alternatives much easier. I also managed to find a simple frame of our VEX Robot model and copy it into my TinkerCAD. This model will help simplify the process of making designs and will help visualize what an alternate attachment would look like on our VEX Robot before it is attached.

Next steps :
- Continue search for automated VEX Robot code
- Continue designs on TinkerCAD
- Continue experiments with VEX Robot
- Continue discussion on competition against AM Class

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 120 min - Design and Modifications

Today the team worked on modifying the VEX Robot to improve its efficiency. Tank treads were applied over the original wheel and a small gear was replaced due to it being mauled during one of our tests. We have also begun searching for code that will allow the VEX Robot to be fully automated. Discussions have also been held about a future competition we could have with the AM class.

Quick design of a possible attachment modification : 3D design Smooth Lappi-Jaiks | Tinkercad
(Will continue to make more attachments and see which is best)

Next steps...
- Continue our search for code that allows our VEX Robot to become fully automated'
- Create a device that will prevent the VEX Robot from falling backwards when braking
- Continue designs on TinkerCAD

New poster for the project