Web Cam and Server

Oh, almost forgot. I have a working independent server now. This will work as the web server for the aquarium on site, as well as the control system for the online ROV.

Here is a link to the webcam we'll be using. Currently it's just pointed out my dorm window...enjoy!

Testing site for the ROV itself.

Greg got in touch with Neil Greenberg yesterday, a faculty member on campus who has access to a testing tank. As of now, it seems we have permission to use the tank but we're going in on Friday to go over what exactly we need so we can get the required safety training for the equipment we'll need to use. This should really help with our wet tests, as right now we're forced to conform our ROV designs to that of something that will fit into a 20 gallon tank. I'll post more after our meeting.

Gantt Chart

Here is a rough plan from now until Spring Break. This schedule is subject to change.

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.