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Kit Log #018: Operator interface 0.5->3

Kit Log #018: Operator interface 0.5->3

by | Dec 24, 2019 | News, Progress Logs

Today we completed the operator interface kit packing list. Luckily we had already made some progress on it prior, when we were assembling the kit and taking photos. It was previously listed at step 0.5, but now that the packing list is done it jumps to step 3, which is organising and editing the photos.

Yesterday we mentioned that the power pack kit was at step 2.5, but it’s actually at step 4. The reason for this is because initially we though the packing list was not done, but indeed – it was already done.

The next step will be to make the packing list for the super bright lights kit, and edit the photos for the operator interface kit. At some point we will need to revisit writing the words for the power pack kit instructions.

Kit Log #017: Brain kit 4->5

Kit Log #017: Brain kit 4->5

by | Dec 23, 2019 | News, Progress Logs

Today we finished the last 2/3rds of writing the written descriptions for the Brain kit. There were a few steps that could be deleted too, which meant going from 55 pages in a google doc down to 51 pages. The next step is to go through it for editing – there are some steps that are missing the part numbers, and there are “TODO” comments scattered throughout. Then will be organising the getting started code. After that step will be pretty exciting, we’ll get to start putting it on the website!

We also took a tally of where the other kits are in the process:

Brain kit – step 5

Power pack – step 2.5

Super bright lights – step 2

Operator interface – step 0.5

Motor kit – step 0.5

It was sort of overwhelming this morning to try to figure out where to start, since there’s a lot to do across a lot of kits. Taking the tally helped to take a step back (pun not intended) and see where some headway could be made today. Tomorrow we’ll complete the editing on brain kit, and try to get operator interface and motor kit to 1’s.

Kit Log #016: Continuing with power pack kit

Kit Log #016: Continuing with power pack kit

by | Dec 21, 2019 | News, Progress Logs

Today we edited the power pack kit photos to correct the crop & alignment, as well as white balance, exposure, white level, clarity, and sharpness. These photos were then added to the Google Doc for the first draft of the instructions. Edits were made to the previous outline. Now, the outline is 7 “pages” (think of those like sections). The doc spans 29 pages (including the images).

The next step will be to add the words to the doc, and continue until the power pack kit is complete. Then move on to the next kit, which is the super bright lights kit.

Kit Log #015: Organizing power pack kit photos

Kit Log #015: Organizing power pack kit photos

by | Dec 19, 2019 | News, Progress Logs

Today we took a look at the power pack kit instruction photos. 687 photos were taken, and 121 of these will make the cut to go on to colour correction and editing. The photos were divided into 18 folders, which will then go in to a 9 page guide. Descriptions were added for each folder to remember once reaching the stage of editing the guide. Regarding the number of photos taken: it’s more a sign of amateurism than being thorough. Unsure what is the most important to capture until writing the step by step, so it might be better to try to capture almost everything and then cut.

The next step will be to edit and colour correct these photos. After that, exporting to various sizes: high res, web, and thumbnail. Then, start the outline of the guide and add the photos for each step. After that is the written description of each step.

Kit Log #014: Operator interface complete and Wheel kit assembly complete

Kit Log #014: Operator interface complete and Wheel kit assembly complete

by | Dec 18, 2019 | News, Progress Logs

Yesterday the kit log was partially in progress while finishing the operator interface assembly. That is now complete. The steps that followed were finishing the keypad with soldering the buttons, resistors, leds, and of course the joystick. Next was adding the boards to the enclosure, and adding the lids to them. Then taking photos of the finished product.

The kit to complete today was the wheel assembly. Although this one is documented through CAD images, some of the manoeuvres to do assembly can be tricky to see in that format. Additionally, the connector that goes from the motor terminals to the bowie brain should be attached in a certain orientation to ensure smooth changeover between different drive systems. For example, not flipping the wire polarity to cause the robot to go backwards when going forwards.

In the guide, we will have to mention to use JB weld on the hub and shaft. As well as blue threadlock on the set screw. Tonight, these were not added, because we wish to do all 4 in uniform. This means likely needing to disassemble the wheel in the future. However, that might be useful for a video.

Here’s a look at the assembly process:

There is a portion on the wheel kit that is very cumbersome to assemble. Not entirely sure the best way to go about organizing bug fixes / upgrades yet. Maybe one way would be to note down all the fixes that might be good to do after beta testing, then triage them into ones that will make the cut. Figuring out the priorities and figuring out support will be something to make sure is ready before the step by step guides go live. The last picture in the gallery is nice to see. Now these kits are on step 3 (brain kit: step 4).

Shoutout to Larry @fast_code_r_us for sending us a tip regarding an Arduino library for the OLED display. Check it out, the ss_oled library. Can’t wait to try this out once we circle back to the operator interface again. Saves us a bunch of time from researching and testing – so thanks for sending this along Larry!