Kevin's Blog

Day 1: 5/4
Today we worked on figuring out who would do what, and we started working on this blog. I set up the blog, and made sure that everything could use the blog correctly. We also started working on our "What is an ROV" page. Next class I will be working on the motors for our ROV.

Day 2: 5/6
Today I finished the challenge descriptions page, and updated the what is an ROV page. This mostly required me to look through past information for rules about the tasks. Next class we plan to begin working on the robot, and my job will be to build the motor.

Day 3: 5/10
Today I worked on waterproofing the motors. I had to tape all the holes on the motors so that water and wax can not get in. This required me to be very patient, and have a steady hand. Next class I have to finish the waterproofing of the motor, but waxing it.

Day 4: 5/11
I continued to work on the motors. I drilled holes in the film canister, and attached wires to the motors, before handing them off to tiffany for soldering. I had to learn how to use the drill by watching a video, and make sure that my hands were very steady during the drilling. Also, I had to strip many wires, and connect them to the ends of our motors, which required more precision. Next class I will finish the waterproofing of our motors, which will be the last thing I need to do with them for now.

Day 5: 5/13
Today I managed to finish the motors. I had to pot the motors (waterproof them with wax), and add propellers to them. The wax was gross, but not very difficult, but the propellers were very difficult because the instruction manual told me to use the wrong tools. I am not sure about what I will have to do next class, but I will probably help to finish everything up.

Day 6: 5/19
Today we tested out the ROV in a kiddie pool. It worked perfectly! We figured out how to control the ROV underwater, and had a lot of fun. We also began planning for the challenges, but I think we have a plan for that. Next class I will not be here, but I'm sure the team will be fine.