Group: This week, our team focused on preparing for the upcoming demo by making progress on the software, and integration. On the hardware side, we began assembling available components, including soldering key parts like the battery and adjusting our 3D print design measurements. While we are still waiting on the spectroscopy sensors, we used simulated data to continue working, and we completed our indices computation script to process this data. We also made strong progress with the ESP32, successfully setting it up, interfacing it with the BME280 sensor to collect environmental data, and enabling WiFi capabilities to begin transmitting that data, including testing a temporary setup where the ESP32 generates its own network. On the software side, the frontend was tested and debugged to ensure it is demo-ready, while the backend was run and its interface with the hardware was defined and tested. Overall, this week’s work significantly advanced system integration and ensured that all components are aligned for the demo.
Ines: This past week was focused on preparing for the demo scheduled on Monday. Sanjana and I met to make progress on the hardware components of the project. Since our spectroscopy sensors have not yet arrived, I created simulated data to replicate their outputs and allow us to continue development. I also completed the indices computation script. In addition, we decided to modify the 3D print measurements, which I updated accordingly. Finally, I worked on soldering and assembling the hardware components currently available to us.
Miffy: This past week was also focused on preparing for the Monday demo. I tested and debugged the frontend, ensuring it was functioning correctly ahead of the demonstration. I then began running the backend and worked on defining and testing the interface between the backend and hardware components, coordinating to make sure the integration points were clearly communicated and validated.
Sanjana: This week I made solid progress on the hardware. Now that our components are mostly here, Ines and I got started on assembly. As we had already planned, we soldered and connected the components that didn’t need to be tested such as the battery. Then I took the lead on working with the ESP32. First I set up the ESP32 and got it fully operational, which involved troubleshooting some initial setup issues and verifying that it could run my code reliably. I also connected the BME280 sensor to the ESP32 and was able to read environmental data including temperature, humidity, pressure, and altitude (we are not using all values for our project). In addition, I worked on enabling wireless communication by connecting the ESP32 to WiFi and beginning to transmit the collected sensor data. I also tested an alternative by generating WiFi directly from the ESP32 to temporarily collect data.