Project 3.1.7 Machine Control Design

Using RoboPro Software and Fischertechnik parts, create a program and build a design to solve two of the problems.

We chose to create something to solve problems #1 and #5

Problem 1: Start / Finish Line (Hardware Level 1 Software Level 4) 

The Olympic committee would like your team to invent a control system for use with 

track and field running events. They want this device to automatically record the time 

and beep when the first runner crosses the start / finish line.

This was our program.

This was our design build.

We had two separate tracks and a segment of program for each track. The motors would go backwards until it hit the switch on the side of each track. Once they both were stopped at the starting line, the center switch was pressed to start the race. The center switch started the timer and both motors. At the end of each track was a lamp and a photo-resistor. When one of the motors passed between the lamp and photo-resistor the light will be blocked and that will trigger the timer to stop as well as the motor.

The video is kind of blurry when the computer screen is shown. We basically were showing that the timer had started and when the first motor blocked the timer stopped at 116 seconds to show the winning time.

Problem 5: Elevator (Hardware Level 4 Software Level 4)

A company would like to begin producing residential elevators. Your team must design the control system and a prototype of an elevator that can go between three floors in any combination. The prototype must include a set of three switches to represent each floor inside the elevator. Each floor the elevator stops at must have a call button and a set of three lights to indicate where the elevator is currently located. 

This was our program

This was our design build

We had one long track going up and also secured our control panel on the base 

Activity 3.1.6 Opened and Closed Loop Systems

Procedure

Activity Part I

1. Build the support system and track
2. Add the motor and gearbox to the track and then wire the motor
3. Write a program that will shuttle the motor back and forth 1.5 seconds each way 20 times

Activity Part II

1. Place a mini switch on both ends of the support system and track. Wire the switches to I1 and I2. 
2. Write a program that will shuttle the motor back and forth five times based on feedback from when the switches are pressed.

Activity Part III

1. Remove the mini switches. Add the smaller building blocks to the ends of the gearbox and motor. Use the larger building blocks to create extensions from the track on each end. Add covered lamps to the extensions using smaller building blocks on one side of the track. Using the same attachment method, place a phototransistor across from one lamp and a photocell across from the other.
2. Write a program that will shuttle the motor back and forth five times using the phototransistor and photocell for feedback.

Activity 3.1.5 Variable Functions

Procedure

1. Create a program that will control how many times the lamp will turn on and off

Activity 3.1.4 Branch Fuctions

1. Create program with two switches so that they will turn on a lamp when one switch is pressed and turn off the lamp when the other switch is pressed
2. Run the program 

1. Wire the potentiometer and turn it counter-clockwise until it stops
2. Test it: the box next to the input reading became checked and unchecked and the number switched between 1 and 0.

Activity 3.1.3 Basic Programing

Procedure

1. Construct a flowchart that will turn a motor on and off. Using RoboPro software.
2. Test the system to see if your flowchart performs as written.

Part I:

• Start program
• Make motor start
• Insert time delay for 3 seconds
• Motor resumes
• Make motor stop
• End program

Part II:

• Start program
• Make motor start
• Run 2 seconds
• Stop for 2 seconds
• Run for 2 seconds
• Make motor stop
• End program

Activity 3.1.2 Flowcharting

Shape Meanings

Procedure #1

Procedure #2

Procedure #3

• How is flowcharting similar to using a map to plan a route for a trip?

             You reach landmarks which you then decide where the next one is. Enabling quick successful stops until you reach the target location.

• Describe a process that you perform every day. Develop a flowchart that illustrates the process.

Making Toast

Activity 3.1.1 Inputs and Outputs

This activity was used as an introduction to our future robotic projects, and getting an understanding of how inputs and outputs work in both analog and digital formats.

We used Fischertechnik components including: Interface, power supply, and USB cable, RoboPro software, and some complete wires

Everything is plugged in

Testing different things with RoboPro