Vikram’s Status Report for 10/20/2021

This week, I worked on the design of certain aspects of our project. Specifically I focused on the new CAD model of our device, using some of the specific components that we ordered like motors, propellers, controllers, and raspberry pi zero. I also added some of the housing design elements we proposed, like a domed bottom for aerodyamics and fins to help stop spinning.  This CAD model will help us get a better idea of how everything will fit together, and the physical design that will be 3D printed. In addition, I helped edit the design presentation, and added in figures and drawings that are useful to help illustrate and exaggerate points to the viewers. We also developed a test fixture together and ran some pre-tests to see if the directional antenna is a viable option for direction finding. Our initial results are promising, but further testing is required in order to truly determine how reliable direction sensing with the antennas will be. This progress is in-line with our schedule, and as long as the antennas remain viable this will put us in the correct position for next week, as long as the parachutes and other items arrive on time. In the next week, I hope to have a drop time test completed, as well as more antenna testing and if possible (will happen last or the following week probably) at least 1 motor drive test, in order to measure approximate thrust.