RC Leap Log

Week of February 7th

• Completed project proposal
• Researched options for purchasing parts
• Ordered DIY RC kit
• Built RC car and a simple circuit to test functionality

Week of February 14th

• Finalized budget items and added links
• Edited proposal to best reflect our goals
• Began research on coding with Leap Motion, Java, and signal transmittal via Bluetooth

Week of February 21st

• Continued research on coding with Leap Motion
• Scheduled first project evaluation
• Placed orders for all necessary parts

Week of February 28th

• Most parts arrived
• Began testing the interface between Leap motion and Java
• Conducted more research on bluetooth signals
  • RXTX library for Eclipse?
  • Limited in type of signals to send
• Working prototype of encoder with LED and photo detector
  • Began 3D printing component to fix the encoder to the chassis

Week of March 6th

• Wrote code to connect computer to Arduino via COM port
• All parts arrived
• Implemented 3-D printed encoder on the robot
• Soldered the Driver shield for the Arduino

Week of March 20th

• Wrote Arduino sketch incorporating encoder so robot can be instructed to move a certain distance
• Testing of bluetooth connection via Arduino and bluetooth dongle
  • Encountered error of Bluetooth COM port already in use
  • More testing and research necessary next week to fix this issue
• Found code online to help with Leap output and how to transmit it via bluetooth

Week of March 27th

• Made encoder for second wheel
• Wrote Arduino code that incorporates the encoder with preprogrammed motion
• Continued testing bluetooth connection
  • Successfully connected via Tera Term but unable to send data
  • May need more help in the future to solve this difficult problem

Week of April 3rd

• Finished Java code with hand tilting downwards effecting speed magnitude
• Implemented Java code so a hand far to the left or right of the Leap module turns the direction of the bot
• More testing

Week of April 10th

• Established successful connection to bot with Tera Term software and were able to output values of 1, 2, 3, and 4 to control the speed
• Implemented WASD control scheme to drive the robot still within Tera Term
• Arduino and Java code work together when hard-wired to the computer
  • Successfully can control the speed of the robot with the tilt of the hand

Week of April 10th

• Moved all necessary files for demo over to personal laptop
• 3D printing a cover for the electrical components and cleaning up the look of the RC car
• Creating slides for poster