For the past weeks, aside from finishing the design report, I completed the following functions/tests:
- Working Electromagnet that is able to attract magnet pieces
- Test and ensure the magnet piece attraction and locking via magnets works across plywood up to 9mm thick
- Test for locking via non magnetic ferromagnetic sheet metal washer (backup) and concludes that it is not as ideal as using permanent magnet for locking
- Test and ensure that stepper motor has enough force to separate magnet go pieces with 6mm of plywood in between
Schedule wise, due to the closure of Ideate material lending office during spring break, I was not able to procure more plywood to laser cut the chassis for the feeding magazine and more go pieces. Thus, I was not able to finish the go feeding system as planned for integration.
For next week, after catching up with the unfinished laser cutting jobs, I will assemble and test go feeding chassis integrated with stepper motor, and help with interference testing between electromagnet, HE sensor and locking system. I would also likely begin writing Gomoku software logic in case the team cannot meet up for integration.