Project Development

Introduction

In this week we are required to answer few questions to check the progress of final project.


Project Management

The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed our lives, it changed how we work, learn and interact as social distancing guidelines have led to a more virtual existence, both personally and professionally. During this period, our fabacademy schedule and progess has been altered and thus affected. We had lockdown for a certain period thus we couldn't access the lab. Professor Neil had changed the order of few weeks to prioritize the ones that can be done remotely such as the theoratical weeks and the weeks that can be done through simulation softwares.In our lab, our Instructor Hashim Nabil prepared us well before the lockdown and gave us almost the basic componenets and materials that we needed to proceed with.
For my project, i was able to get almost the basic components from the lab to do the main testings during the lockdown, and completed the main requirements of my project after the lockdown, keeping the improvements at the end.


Question Answer
What tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain? Completed Tasks:
  • Combining the codes
  • Assembling
  • Enclosure using 3D printing
  • Testing the full system but using laptop only
Remaining Tasks:
  • Testing the system remotely with batteries
  • Remaking the enclosure with Vacuum machine to have a lightweight option
  • Exploring Bluetooth option to replace sim module since it uses High current and require a number and data package
What has worked? what hasn't? What Worked:
  • GPS gave accurate locations
  • Pressure Sensor limits to indicate the Maximum Height that the drone can stay below
  • Sim Module to communicate the message to the receiver side
  • Combining the logic in one code and test the conditions
  • The combined code worked on my PCB but for a reason stopped later, therefore i will debug later
What Hasn't:
  • GPS output format changes if we use software serial, it is readible but not as easy as the normal format when it is conneted direct to the RX pin.
  • To control the gap duration between every sent message through sim module
  • To stop from sending the same alert messsage if drone is almost in same area
What questions need to be resolved?
  • How to have one receiver that can monitor all drones in one control center?
  • How to impose this on all drones?
  • Will the device be compatible on all drones?
  • How to track battery level in case it went off and force users to charge? by fine? or using a sustainable option?
  • How to receive an alert in case someone tried opening the case?
  • How to make the case more rigid and strong enough and vandal proof ?
What will happen when? I will be working on testing the full system using my PCB since previously i faced some issues with it and had to use arduino, a then try it also remotely using batteries
What have you learned? While working on the final projects, huge percentage of it was based on self-learning and exploring since there isn't a specific learning material to rely on when it comes to creating a project. The following skills have increased while working on my project:
  • Problem Solving
  • Milling
  • Soldering tiny legs using normal solder head (since it was during lockdown and i didn't have enough tools)
  • Debugging techniques with PCB
  • Code Debugging
  • 3D printing