It Lives... (Week 3)

Since the last post, a lot was accomplished in regards to the programming and the electrical components. With the Arduino microcontroller, we were able to control the six motors with an Xbox 360 controller. The submarine is controlled in the style of a tank, which means we will have full control as it moves forward or backward while rotating. This was important as we wanted a control system that was user friendly and easy to program at the same time.

The current control scheme for the sub.

With the way the controls are set up, we have to be careful that we don't rotate the sub at an improper angle from the x-axis. In order to counteract this, we decided to use an accelerometer alongside a gyroscope to give details of the sub's angular position. By the end of this, we are hoping for the controls to include a button that will simply level the sub automatically.

Two of our group members were able to fit the inside of the submarine with brackets that will allow easy access to the electrical system when the time comes to replace the battery. The waterproofing is still in progress but nearly accomplished. It turns out that we do not need a gasket since the "cap" at the end of the sub is already tight enough to prevent any leakage coming through. Right now we are seeing how waterproof plugs work and if we can incorporate them into the system.

You can see the "brackets" near the top of the image.

Gasket Needed! (Week 2)

As of right now, the submarine is completely dismantled (except for the motors attached to the hull of the submarine.) In relation to Arduino, the Shield, which is an expansion that increases the capapilities of the microcontroller, is now connected. The next step is for the Arduino microcontroller is to simply see if we can get a signal to the motors.

For the "capsule" part of the submarine, one of our group members thought of installing some brackets that will support a platform that will allow convenient access to the electrical components.

Another problem that has come up is that now that the seal from the cap has been broken, we need to figure another way to make the submarine water-tight. Taking measurements of the inner and outer diameter of the "capsule," we figured that we can use an O-Ring in order to seal the cap and yet allow for easy access to the elctrical components.

In regards to the programming, our programmer was able to download a compiler. What this compiler does is break down a code into a binary code (i.e. 10111001) that the microcontroller will understand. What he has to do is figure how the Arduino microcontroller will understand inputs from an Xbox 360 controller.

Week 1

Now that the new spring term has arrived, it is time for us freshmen to tackle our Design Project. Five of us (along with an advisor) were able to form a group that consisted of electrical, mechanical, and computer engineers. Our Design Project’s main objective is to install components into a derelict submarine that would make it controllable by use of an Xbox 360™ controller. The main component we are planning to use is the Arduino microcontroller. It may sound simple, but a lot of programming is involved. Since our first week was basically an initiation to the concept, not a lot of work was done on the actual submarine.

Our main focus for this week was to simply set our goals for each subsequent week and buy the necessities for our project. As of right now, programming this device is difficult as we must first learn how this submarine was meant to be used and incorporate this knowledge to our needs. The first step to doing this was to simply open the “capsule.” This was difficult at first as there were no entry points besides at one end, which was sealed with silicone. After a moment’s indecision, it was decided that the silicone would have to be broken. By using a wrench, one of our group members was able to prey the “capsule” open, which allowed us to take a look at the sub’s internal mechanisms.