This week, the team began integrating and testing the different components into the (eventual) final project. We also completed an ethics assignment, which was split into two parts. The first included a written part that answered ethical questions regarding our project. Then, the team went to an ethics-based lecture, which was then followed by a breakout session. In this session, the team answered some ethics-based questions that other teams raised. Overall, it was a useful thought experiment that we will use to help shape our final design.
On the technical side, the digital scale was altered to allow for full integration into the pour-over machine. While final testing still needs to occur, it was a big step into integrating the sensors. We also ordered the power management PCB so that we can begin testing next week.
The biggest technical risk to call out at the moment would be the results of PCB testing, as the turnaround time is around 1 week plus the time it takes to reflow the board. To mitigate this, we ordered through-hole components which we plan on using for prototyping, which gives us more flexibility than the fabricated PCB during testing. We’ve done extensive research on how the different components work, so we feel confident in our ability to debug the circuit, but we haven’t worked with High Voltage AC source before, so there is some risk.