This week, I made progress on the capstone project by diving deep into the technical aspects of constructing an xy-axis gantry system for maneuvering game pieces on the board. My research led to a detailed implementation plan involving the use of two stepper motors (likely NEMA 17) equipped with actuator sets, which will facilitate the movement of the top-level magnetic levitation kit. These motors will be controlled by stepper motor controllers (A4988) that are, in turn, connected to an Arduino CNC shield module. This module is specifically designed for the Arduino UNO board, enabling precise control over CNC machines. The final piece of the puzzle involves programming an Arduino UNO board to create a control interface, ensuring the gantry can move efficiently from point A to point B.
My progress remains on track according to the original schedule. Looking ahead to next week, I aim to focus on identifying the necessary components for the xy-axis gantry, including the selection of specific SKUs that meet our project’s requirements. This phase will involve thorough investigation into the factors influencing component choice and culminate in the preparation of a comprehensive list of materials alongside a budget estimation. This next step is crucial for moving forward with the project and ensuring that all parts are ordered in a timely manner, keeping us aligned with our project timeline.