grades and machine pickup

All-

- Your letter grades will be posted next Monday.

- Due to end-of-semester travel, we will make your machines available (and will ask to borrow some for display) for pickup after the break. I'll make an announcement about this after Jan/1. You'll also be able to get your MS10 score detail then.

I hope you enjoyed ME250 and have a great break!

wrap-up

1. Your team and individual reflections are due on your blog by 9AM Monday. Many of you have described your machine in detail already and you don't need to repeat yourselves - just be sure that you have a good description of your final machine, a few photos, etc. overall.

2. Complete the team evaluation form that has been posted on ctools. This is to be submitted by noon Tuesday (Dec/15) via the corresponding ctools assignment. Type your responses into the document. Your responses will be held strictly confidential.

3. Your MS10 grades will be posted early next week.

4. Letter grades will be posted no later than Monday, December 21.

5. We will be in touch regarding a time for machine pick-up and reclaim of unused kit parts.

slot-bots on annarbor.com

http://www.annarbor.com/news/students-showcase-projects-at-u-m-engineerings-design-expo/

with captions at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36693965@N04/sets/72157622851153057/

slot-bot results

Thanks and congratulations to all for an exciting and successful competition yesterday. Here are the results:

First Place: Murphy's Law - Vince Ji, Mac Van Loon, Corwin Stout, Michael Wang

http://me250-f09-murphyslaw.blogspot.com/

Second Place: Team Legend - Tony DeMarco, Dan Forhan, Nathan Rowley, Jimmy Wobith

http://me250-f09-legend.blogspot.com/

Third Place: Sei Jin's Army - Michael Czarnecki, Dave Huston, Jeff Plott, Nathan Thome

http://me250-f09-seijinsarmy.blogspot.com/

Fourth Place: MEN - Dimitris Assanis, Adam Hall, Nathan Lusk, Paul Schrems

http://me250-f09-men.blogspot.com/

Bracket with scores: http://bit.ly/7p8O19

Recognition by staff consensus

Best mechanical design - MEN

Best manufacturing - Hole in One

Most creative AND riskiest - Fear Pong, Stiga

Strongest machine - Murphy's Law

Most complicated machine - LAWN

Occam's razor (simple and effective design) - Team Ramrod

Funniest - Sei Jin's Army

First place - Murphy's Law

Second place - Team Legend

Third place - Sei Jin's Army

seeding and bracket

Please see the link below for the updated contest instructions, including seeding and the first round bracket

See you tomorrow at the gallery!

http://bit.ly/5hfoG6

wiring

All - Please make sure the wires on your machine are neatly arranged and constrained to your machine. If a wire detaches during a round, we will not restart the round. If your wires are unnecessarily loose and your opponent becomes entangled in your wires, the referees may disqualify you.

kevlar thread

We have more kevlar thread in the crib now; feel free to get some during your section time.

contest logistics

All -please view the document below for details of Thursday's competition. Instructions for the competition itself (i.e., seeding, bracket, on-deck procedures, etc.) will come late tomorrow night.

http://bit.ly/8UMYGZ

video submission

All- we'd like to include your videos on a looping DVD that will play on a large TV at the entrance to the competition on Thursday.

If you'd like to include your video in this, please upload it to ctools (assignments --> video) by 9AM tomorrow. This is not required; we just created an assignment to facilitate submission. The file must be smaller than the ctools limit, if a size limit exists.

As far as I know, any standard file format is ok; however, quicktime is preferred.

Note that your video must be be posted on your blog anyway - this is your official assignment.

photos of machine action

All - I'm looking for photos of machines in action for advertising the competition. If you have a good photo from your practice session, and you'd like me to consider it for the poster, please send it to me before midnight tonight. thanks

MS10

All -

reminder that 1131 will be restricted to lab sections ONLY tomorrow, i.e., no one from another section can work in 1131 after 9.30am.

your machines are due during your lab section, and cannot be accessed after your section time.

we will bring your machines directly to the contest location (duderstadt gallery) on thursday. more details on that coming soon.

Found a TI-84

I found it a few days ago but forgot to send out an announcement. If you've lost it, come and get it.

MS10 - offense vs. defense

When we assign the 20 points for scoring during MS10, your machine's defense will be considered equal to offense (i.e., moving balls to the other side).

There isn't a scoring formula for this, since there will not be another machine competing against you. However, the GSI will use a manual arm (PVC pipe) to gently bring balls toward your side.

Defense performance will also be accounted for in the seeding.

arena testing signup

Starting Sunday (3pm shop open), we will allow advance signup for testing of your machines on the arenas.

Arenas 1 (with fixed axes) and 2 (no fixed axes) will both be available. Two teams will be permitted on each arena at a time. One side of arena #2 will not be reserved in advance, and will be first-come, first-serve for quick testing (i.e., fitting machine in slot) only.

Each team can reserve up to 3 hours total in advance. Times that are not reserved in advance will be first-come, first-serve (30 minute rule enforced by honor code).

Sign up at http://bit.ly/4CI8Y2

Also, a control system is now available for checkout from the crib. We will have a further update on control testing/availability tomorrow.

mounting suggestions

In response to your questions about mounting/coupling kit components having a size mismatch, Sam has prepared some slides at the link below. These include recommendations for coupling to the double gearbox, mounting the large-bore gear to a 1/4" shaft, etc.

http://bit.ly/8VFxpe

laser cutter online

The laser cutter in the ME machine shop is operational once again. So, please use that one and no longer go to the autolab.

MS9 and MS10

Additional details of MS9 (next Monday) and MS10 (next Wednesday) have been added to the 'MS7toend' slides on ctools.

final signup and extended hours

The signup sheet for next week:

http://bit.ly/7bkDZV

Due to the low attendance for morning hours this week, we can't justify keeping 1131ggb open beyond 7PM this week. The hours are 8a-7pm through this Friday. After that:

SUNDAY (Dec/6): 3-9p

Mon: 8a-11p

Tues: 8a-11p

Wed: 8a-3.30p (1131ggb closed after all the machines have been submitted)

Note the machine shop is only open M-F 8-7.

laser cutter

The laser cutter in the main machine shop is out of order until further notice.

Fortunately there is another laser cutter in the Autolab, in the Graduate Machine Shop on the Autolab main floor. Speak with Mr. John Mears there. The operation is different, so DON'T use the machine without asking for assistance. That shop is open weekdays until 5pm.

early rise...

Hi everyone -the shop remains empty in the early morning, and crowded in the afternoon ...so I encourage you to work early if you can. it'll only get more hectic as the week proceeds.

exam questions

Sam and I will be available to answer questions on grading of the exam 2-3pm Thursday in 1131. If you have a question, please visit us then.

exam stats

http://bit.ly/5geRKA

exams

Your exams have been graded and are available for pickup in 1131ggb starting tomorrow at 8am. The score statistics and solution will be posted by tomorrow evening. Please don't be alarmed by the low mean score, as this has no bearing on the letter grade equivalent. The approximate equivalent of a score at the mean is B/B+.

wiring tutorial

The control system document has been updated to include a step-by-step guide for wiring to motors, using the wires and banana plugs that are required for connecting to the ME250 control box. These components are available in the crib.

http://bit.ly/3n4FzO

lab section meetings and 1131 hours

Please note the following modifications to our lab section schedule:

- Lab sections will meet normally this Monday (tomorrow)

- Up to 12 people from other sections can work in 1131ggb at this time, with priority on the signup sheet; however, the GSI's priority will be on working with the teams meeting at that time

- Lab sections will NOT be held this Wednesday ...32 spots are open all day Wednesday

- Lab sections will be held next Monday, for MS9 - the shop will be closed to all other sections at these times

- Lab sections will be held next Wednesday, for machine inspection and seeding - the shop will be closed to all other sections at these times

We know that the shop will be very busy this week -we will open 1131ggb for limited additional hours if needed; however, we first need to see that most of the normal (8a-7p) hours have been reserved by advance signup. Of course, any open space in the shop is first-come, first-serve, but if it is too crowded (unsafe) we will need to enforce the roster.

1131 signup this week

Welcome back from the break. It's only 11 days until the me250 contest! ... so, we expect the shop will be crowded this week. Please secure time (note the time limits per team) at the link below; if we are full (>32 people in 1131), the GSIs will enforce the signup roster.

http://bit.ly/5iXVUH

safety

As some of you know, one of our shop assistants injured his hand while drilling a part last week. This was entirely preventable if the part had been held properly, and this unfortunate incident is a reminder to take utmost care when working in the shop.

Many of the things we're using, both in the ME250 shop and the ME machine shop, are very dangerous -taking a shortcut to save time, or taking your eyes/mind off the situation for even a split second can cause harm.

Please keep safety mind first whenever/wherever you are working --look out for yourself and for others, and don't hesitate to ask the staff if you are unsure of what to do.

recent scores

the grade spreadsheet has been updated with scores through MS8, excluding the exam. (the exam will be returned this week)

http://bit.ly/NKQG0

thicker angle Al

We've purchased thicker (1/4" x 1 x 1) right angle aluminum stock, which will be better for use as pillow blocks. If you have already used the 1/8" thickness as pillow blocks, we don't expect you to replace it; however, you are welcome to do so, and if you are building new parts, consider using this stock. This is available (1' per team) upon request from the crib.

John

graded HW

All graded HW - including HW5 (motors) - is in the box on the table at the front of 1131ggb.

second planetary gearbox

If your team is planning to use a second planetary kit and has not obtained one from the crib already, please ask your GSI during the MCM review tomorrow. We would like to use the remaining motors as replacements for the burnouts.

If your team still needs a replacement motor (beyond the #2 normally available), please tell your GSI this as well.

MS8 - assembly drawings

You will NOT be required to show assembly drawings for MS8. The complete solid model, and individual part drawings are sufficient (same as for MS6).

control system availability/clarifications

A few details about the RC control system:

- as described in the google doc http://bit.ly/3n4FzO, your machine must hold the control box and battery pack

- these items are NOT included in the size constraints stated in the rules

- the control box and battery must be securely mounted to your machine just before you compete, and must be removed from your machine when you are finished; we will replace the battery and give the system to the team on deck. We recommend using velcro to mate the box to your machine.

- we will have control system(s) available for check-out from the crib starting next Monday, November 30. The GSIs will be responsible for charging the batteries.

- wiring, banana plugs, etc. for connecting your motors to the control box will also be provided; further details to follow before Monday.

MS8 grading

Please refer to the 'MS7 to end' .pdf on ctools for details and point allocations for the MCM (MS8). We expect you to demonstrate your MCM as completely as possible; specifically, if it contains a motor you should hook it to the DC power supply and demonstrate the motion capability. The 'all engineering' will be graded similarly to MS6. You will not be expected/required to use the RC control system until the full machine demo later.

You will have less than 10 minutes for the full review with your GSI (including the engineering for the rest of your machine). So, be ready to describe your MCM, and explain how it met expectations and how it may require improvement/modification in the coming weeks.

"lecture" 20

Lecture slides on mounting, joining, and interfaces have been posted on ctools (lecture 20). You may be particularly interested in the design suggestions for coupling shafts to motors, and mounting/fits of bearings, bushings, and wheels - these include recommended drill sizes, and a design for robustly constraining wheels to shafts (including non-kit components you can get in the crib now)

--------

Today's Agenda:

-Coupling shafts to motors

-Mounting and fits: design suggestions

- Shaft dimensions and tolerances

- Bushings to pillow blocks

- Bearings to pillow blocks

- Wheels to shafts

-Joining and assembly methods: from high‐temp to low‐temp

- Welding and brazing

- Soldering

- Adhesives

- Threaded fasteners

- Snap‐fits and e‐clips

MS8 attendance

I expect that some folks will be leaving early for the Thanksgiving break - as a result, we will not require all of your team members to be present for lab section Wednesday (MS8). However, if one or more of your team members will be absent, please notify your GSI before 9.30AM Wednesday. The team members in attendance will be expected to demonstrate all the MS8 requirements.

fasteners available in 1131 GGB

Machine Screws
Thread Size	Length	Head Style	Drive Style	Material
#4-40	1/4"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	3/8"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	1/2"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
#6-32	1/4"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	3/8"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	1/2"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	3/4"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
#8-32	3/8"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	1/2"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	3/4"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
#10-24	1/2"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
	1"	Pan	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
1/4"-20	1/2"	Hex	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
	1"	Hex	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
	3/8"	Flat	Philips	Zinc-Plated Steel
1/2"-13	3"	Hex	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
Socket Cap Screws
Thread Size	Length	Head Style	Drive Style	Material
1/4"-20	1/2"	Standard	Hex socket	Black-Oxide Alloy Steel
	3/4"	Standard	Hex socket	Black-Oxide Alloy Steel
	1"	Standard	Hex socket	Black-Oxide Alloy Steel

Nuts
Thread Size	Type	Material
#4-40	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
#6-32	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
#8-32	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
#10-24	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
1/4"-20	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
1/2"-13	Hex	Zinc-Plated Steel
Washers
Screw Size	Shape	Material
#4	Round	Zinc-Plated Steel
#6	Round	Zinc-Plated Steel
#8	Round	Zinc-Plated Steel
#10	Round	Zinc-Plated Steel
1/4"	Round	Zinc-Plated Steel