Persona Blog for the week of 6/20-6/24

 During this week I researched more about propulsion systems and fail safe mechanisms. I began to brainstorm and sketch out a few ways to implement these systems or mechanisms. For the fail safe mechanism, I sketched how a mechanism that is used in roller coasters, the watchdog fail safe, could be implemented onto our track. This watchdog mechanism would involve a decent amount of electronics and programming. I sketched another fail safe mechanism that didn't use any electronics, which would build a protective frame around the track that would be connected to the bogie. I also helped work with Chon, the master student, on trouble shooting the circuitry and electrical components that are involved with the motor. For example a 12 bit DAC, a relay and the wiring configurations of the controller to the circuit boards and to the motor. After we were sure all wire connections were correct and all components were working, we began writing a program to test how the motor would respond to the Arduino. At first, we got the motor to constantly spin at a slow speed from the Arduino. Since we knew the Arduino was working properly and sending the correct signals to the motor, then we began to right a more detailed code that would change speeds and change directions.

Weekly Blog of 6/05 - 6/10

 This week went well involving the progress made on the bogie team. The team figured out different problems pertaining to the fabrication of the track and the bogie. I enjoyed doing a decent amount of hands on work involving fixing these fabrications, such as; grinding down welds, cutting metal shafts to a desired length and putting/taking apart the bogie. There has been some electrical issues involving the circuits in the back of the shop that were causing some issues, but after some troubleshooting it was resolved. I like how my group is working with each other involving the different sub-teams that we have split up in. I also enjoy the other groups help, for they always have an answer for my questions and help me understand what they are working on.

Hi I'm Michael Cahill

Hello, my name is Michael Cahill. I am going into my 4th year as a mechanical engineering student at SJSU. I was born and raised in San Diego and moved to San Jose because of the engineering program they have at SJSU. My favorite past time activities/or interests are taking apart anything I can and putting it back together/fixing it, playing rugby(been on the SJSU rugby team for 3 years now), listening to music/collecting records(all music, but especially the oldies), skateboarding, fishing and traveling.
 I had the opportunity to help the previous Spartan Superway Team at the ending of their trial. This consisted of observing and helping the track team on the final procedures they went through. I also had the opportunity to attend the Maker Faire, where I helped the team set up and take down their project.