Category: Aidan’s Status Reports

This week, I setup the toolchain for the Raspberry Pi Pico and began learning how to flash the Pico to allow for iterative design and debugging. This involved debugging mulitple toolchain source dependencies, which were resolved and ended in a successful uf2 file for flashing. Next, I utilized partial part datasheet research to intialize the code skeleton for the Pico control loop. This will be further developed after we acquire the parts and the manuals and datasheets are fully accessible. Lastly, I finalized our laser cutting strategy by sourcing acrylic and aluminum cost and researching and confirming strategies to mititage labor cost.

The schedule is currently running slightly behind due to a delay in part acquisition, but this was mitigated by ensuring the toolchain and workflow will be completly ready for SW dev immediately upon receiving the parts and comprehensive datasheets.

Next week, I plan to begin integrating Pi5 to Pico UART interface to ensure design coherence and robustness. Additionally, we plan to finish the design report to ensure we have time for iterations and feedback as needed.

This week, I acquired the Raspberry Pi Pico and servos for cooling loop valve control. I collaborated with my teammates to flesh out exactly how the control loop will function, finalized specific parts to begin PWM requirements reasearch, and sourced my toolchain to develop the Pico software. Next, I conducted thermal analysis on our system as required for our project to solidify our design requirements and ensure they are accurate to our specific design and system. Additionally, I assisted in finalizing the design proposal slides this weekend to ensure they are cohesive and ready for next week’s presentation.

The thermal analysis research was added to the schedule this week given our feedback from team meetings, but otherwise, we are on schedule for the remaining tasks.

Next week, we are focusing on laser cutting parts for the design, finishing up research for specific PWM requirements for our sensors, begin sensor SW dev, and begin software development on the main Pi board. Additionally, we will also continue development on the design report to ensure it is reflective of our research and system design.

This week, I took charge in developing the design proposal slides and presented for the team. This required coordinating with my teammates to finalize user requirements, testing and verification, and division of labor. Additionally, I extensively rehersed and iterated the proposal presentation content to ensure all project information would be conveyed cohesively and accurately upon presenting.

Additionally, I spent time researching our ML technical requirements to determine viability of both supervised classification and supervised regression to further understand how implementing anomaly detection will apply to our system. I also communicated with my teammates to review our BOM and finalize where we want to source our parts to ensure smooth transition from planning to implementation.

The project is currently on track and are expecting a smooth transition to implementation as begin sourcing parts and finalizing high level design plans.

Our goals for next week include to continue iterating the block diagram as needed, research for linear motion rod and connectors to purchase, and flesh out the system design as we acquire concrete parts and ensure compatibility for all aspects of our system.