Click on a
picture to
learn more!

What was the process of building boat #1?

Day 1 - 01/16/07

- Clarification of project ideas via group discussion.
- Designing and testing of propeller prototype.

This design was eventually adjusted to incorporate much smaller Lego parts as well as a slightly configured gear ratio (5/3). Hypothesis that proper motor/propeller positioning would protect the electrical parts from water exposure was proven.

Task Difficulty (TD): 2 out of 5 stars

Day 2 - 01/17/07

- Using a previously designed oar prototype (Up and Down I motion module), a new, more compact and efficient design was developed to simulate the actual rowing action.
NOTE: Underwent over 15 iterations before a final design was decided upon.

TO

Discovery: Due to the relative size of the oars in relation to the available styrofoam, it seemed more logical to build a four rather than an eight person boat.

- Four oars were successfully built

- Taking measurements and sculpting rough boat structure out of a 4” x 12” x 36” block of Styrofoam.

Intention: Boat should most accurately resemble that of an actual crew boat.

- More streamlined design entailing a curved base (for   stability) and equal positioning of motors and oars to ensure equal weight distribution.
- It was decided that the PICO Cricket would act as and occupy the position of boat coxswain.

TD: 5 out of 5 stars (due to lack of proper tools)

Day 3 - 01/18/07

- Does the molded structure float in water?
- Initial testing indicated a slight lean to the left thus prompting    additional structural adjustments (using sand paper)
- How can the new oar designs be implemented?
         - Exact motor and oar grooves were cut into the styrofoam in order to
         reduce unwanted motor shifting.

- Hot glue was used to further secure motor and oar structures which were already fastened to styrofoam via Lego axel punctures.

TD: 4 out of 5 stars

Day 4 - 01/19/07

First motion testing:
- Idea to attach a rudder and/or keel to the bottom of the boat proved unnecessary since the boat, having been molded to balance exactly in water, not only moved forward but in a straight line as well
NOTE: Boat initially moved backward through water due to incorrect motor orientation.

TD: 1 out of 5 stars

Implementation of light sensor:
- Initial coding was done to incorporate auto light-thresholding for motor activation of both boats.

         - Exact grooves were then dug in order to embed light sensor in the
         front of the boat. Further testing was then done to ensure that the
         boat was responsive to light in water.

TD: 2 out of 5 stars

Days 5 & 6 - 01/21-22/07

- Completion of boat aesthetics including grooving, wire arrangement and clean up as well as application of paint designs.

TD: 2 out of 5 stars

Coding for light activated fans was done (also incorporates auto- thresholding):

TD: 1 out of 5 stars (since implementation of auto thresholding within the PICO Cricket program had already been solved and applied to boat motors)

Day 7 - 01/23/07

- Designing and cutting of oars using the laser cutter.

TD: 3 out of 5 stars (due to not being particularly familiar with the program used and/or the steps to be taken)

Pre race day preperation:
         - Positioning and filling of pool
         - Primary water testing (A ‘dress rehearsal’)

Fan and ‘finish line’ set up:

TD: 4 out of 5 stars

- As adapted from notes written by N. Dookeran '09

Robot Regatta Home

Wellesley College Home