Piwars 2018 Robot - Panic Sets In

by Danny Staple

As we realise how close we are to going to the event, panic Sets In. 2 days before we leave! Our robot should be ready for the 22nd of April - not everything works!

We have a task list, but it’s too far from realistic. this is a mix of things we’ve done, and what we were hoping to do. We have a lot of work to do.

  • Finish the code conversion to the method for HC-04 used in the piconzero library. - done

  • Finish assembling the motors. - done

  • Test each distance sensor in it’s enclosure on the Tester made with the microview - ensure there isn’t any weird values.

    • Check that that breadboard is wired correctly. -done
    • Left - done
    • Right - done
    • Front - done
    • Conclusion - the 3d printed cases are not a problem.
    • Try three together on multiple microviews. - nah - lets not.
    • Fix the distance code - the GpioZero is the wrong way to do it for now - done.

  • Test the motors with keypad drive. - done

  • Test the distance code again.

  • Find out why the lights aren’t working - get them working.

    • Use a microview with some code to test that first strip and connector
    • Replace that connector if I need it.
    • Now try to get at least one light under pi control, can I use my logic analyser to see if anything is coming out on that SPI output bus I made?

  • Finish the MENU module - and blend it with drive - so menu is Manual Drive and launch auto.

  • Write the sysv/systemd script to launch this as user Pi when powered up.

  • Make the rainbow module - give it the sequence of colour hues - test with skittles. * It is the hue divided by 2 to fit in the range.

    • Find the hue for red - range -15 - 15,
    • hue range green - 45 - 75
    • hue range blue - 80 - 145
    • hue range yellow - 20 - 40
    • Create code to go through the sequence: red, blue, yellow, green
      • Drive up.
      • Pull back.
      • Next
      • When done - exit back to drive.
    • Test it.

  • Test the avoid module - see how I can branch it for fast straight line.

  • Make a simple maze - use cardboard in the house.

  • Test the robot with a simple maze test.

  • Play robot skittles with the kids.

  • PACK!

    • Screwdrivers
    • Cables + crimps?
    • laptop
    • Batteries (charger?)

The next update will be after the event, a debrief.