Winter Break To DO list

My plan for winter break is to start collecting all the components for the server (and find a dedicated server) to create our first prototype of our online ROV.

Need to buy/find:
Server - will check on borrowing a box from my office
Web Cam - previous posted about
computer controlled switches - still researching

Need to make:
Interface program for website/switching box.

I'll need to borrow some of the motors from Greg over break so I can create a good setup, but this should be complete feasible in three weeks.

Presentations

Presentations were this week, both mine and Greg's, and they went pretty well. General feedback included planning on classroom tests of our education program as soon as possible, and making sure to plan on connection issues with our server for the online ROV.

Network Camera

http://salestores.com/axis0199.html

After doing some research into web cameras and looking at how to interface them into the website. A network camera has it's own on-board web server that can be interfaced via an ethernet cable and streamed from the camera very simply.

Axis seems to be the most bang for the buck in networked cameras. http://www.axis.com/products/video/camera/

To Do

Story-boards:
Video for the classroom structure.
Online interaction flow
Flow-diagram for users (Kids/Teachers/Aquariums)

Presentation:
Create a powerpoint for capstone presentation
Create a beta ROV for presentation.

Create outline based on previous proposal guidelines for presentation.

Prototype shopping list.

motors / tether

-pvc glue (greg - buying)
-flat plastic (pvc?) (greg - buying)
-velcro strapping
-waterproof electrical cable (Alex will get)
-props (greg - ordering)
-metal shaft adaptor (greg - ordering)
-heat shrink wire housing
-power plugs (water resistant)
5 amp fuses (Alex has)
battery clamps / rings

control box

-DP/DT switches (water resistant) (Alex will get)
-control box (Alex has a one for the prototype)

lights

- 4 hi intensity LEDs (Alex will find)
- maglight (alex has)

Mounting Brackets

I spoke with Greg Jones and he said he managed to create a new mounting system based on design ideas we had discussed before. He also crafted a motor housing to ensure that the motor blades are sectioned off from kids hands.

Capstone Presentation

The purpose of ROV Labs is to create an outreach program that uses collaborative learning in person and digitally to facilitate hands on learning, science, and exploration through the medium of marine science and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Children will have the ability to build their own ROVs and operate an ROV online remotely in an an actual aquarium.


Presentation is next Monday, December 10th in 420 Chadbourne. So much to do before then.