Robert Brownell’s Work Log – Open Source Hardware Enterprise

Week 5 Work Report

What I Have Been Able To Complete This Week

Met all team members in person (it took work)
Helped prepare CDR presentation slides
Was informed that the parts we were given are government property, but that it might not be a big deal. I have to figure out if we are going to be able to use those parts.
Aforementioned parts were used in the Quincy Mine for the bat project
Finally set a meeting time! We shall see how it goes!

Things I did NOT get done

*Measurements of BAD internals: BAD in extensive disarray, components relocated or being used etc. Measurement at this point is impractical.* This is still true. Many components are not present. We may not be able to use the parts we inherited: if this is so, measurement of those may be pointless.
More detailed and consistent theme for CDR presentation. My contributions were somewhat sloppy at times.
Order cable management parts (I forgot about it completely)

To-Do List For The Next Week:

Determine if we have permission to use the inherited parts
Test solar panel, charge controller and 12v to see if they are in operational condition
Try 3 on taking measurements of BAD internals to determine starting cable management.
- Measure what I can, no stress!
I need to become comfortable enough to utilize the lab more effectively. Period
Acquiring cable management components:
- Cable / Velcro ties
- Shrink tubing
Communicate more effectively with team members

Concerns About The Coming Week:

We might not be able to use the parts, meaning our budget will go forth and multiply
General anxiety; My scatterbrained self needs to get organized
That I will forget important things in the swirling chaos

Week 4 Work Report

My idea of our device’s function:

What I Have Been Able To Complete This Week

Found OSHE hours of operation
Completed solder training
Became passingly familiar with the lab
Ascertained solar panel and moved to our station (mostly so people know we are using it)
Learned new methods of waterproofing external wiring, especially concerning the connection between the solar panel and the charge controller
Taken pictures of relevant connectors between the panel and charge controller
Prepared for measurement taking required for effective wire management

Things I did NOT get done (and why, because of course I have an excuse)

Measurements of BAD internals: BAD in extensive disarray, components relocated or being used etc. Measurement at this point is impractical/impossible.
I did not spend as much time in the lab when I went there as I would have liked. I have been working very hard on this, but my social anxiety paired with the detachment from the process thus far has made it extremely stressful to go to the lab alone. I don’t really know anyone, and I am older than most students which has made me an outsider. It’s hard coping with that, especially knowing it’s my own fault.
As far as I am aware, meeting time is still unscheduled. It seems like the others are working together effectively and that is good for the project.

To-Do List For The Next Week:

Communicate with team. Reignite efforts for effective communication.
Try 2 on taking measurements of BAD internals to determine starting cable management. I will now focus exclusively on individual measurements of the following components (if I have access to them during lab time):
- Case
- Battery
- Charge controller
- Raspberry Pi
- Number pad
- Speakers
- Amp
- Solar Panel
I need to become comfortable in the lab. My work is going to suffer if I cannot handle functioning in the lab alone. This leads to the next item on this list.
Try 2 on investigating recyclable or spare components in the OSHE lab:
- Cable ties
- Velcro ties
- Solar panels
- Spooled wire
- Basic tools
Learn about OSHE lab policies

Concerns About The Coming Week:

Week 3 Work Report

Searching Amazon/Google Shopping have produced results that are highly expensive.
Researched flexible solar cells, finding the following:
- Cells are difficult to manufacture
- Most cells within budget are less “roll up like a scroll” and more “flexible to deploy in the field”
- Most technological advances like perovskite cell technology are not readily available
Watched videos about budget wire management, most of them said:
- Velcro cable ties are an excellent solution to most management projects
- Velcro solutions are easy to adjust and remove
- Shrink tubing is good for cables that do not need to be modified
- This tubing is also great for weather-resistant cable management
Searching Amazon has returned a good merchant that has several options for 100W solar solutions
- Pros of purchasing are merchant accountability due to rigorous support policies, increased perception of product quality, comfort due to history, and free shipping on orders surpassing a set amount
- Cons are price. Solar panels are relatively expensive on Amazon
Temu is a sketchy website, but their options are significantly cheaper
- Pros are price. You can’t beat half-price and free shipping on all of their orders.
- Cons are sketchiness, poor quality of progress, meme status of Temu as being a gamble on a good day, personal mistrust

To-Do List For The Next Week:

Concerns About The Coming Week:

Week 2 Work Report

Battle lines are drawn; Our deer dissuader can largely adapt the backbone of the Bird Attractant and Deterrent (BAD)
“Signed up” for soldering training on Tuesday, January 28th
Initial research into budget-friendly flexible solar cells with a combined >100 watts
Extensive wire management needed; Research into budget-friendly solutions
Initial sketch/mockup of device

To-Do List For The Next Week:

Research sustainable wire/cable management
Research wire/cable management strategies
Research flexible solar cell technology
Take the info gathered above and do a basic search on Amazon
- Find the cheapest alternative on Google
- Cost/benefit analysis of purchase options

Concerns About The Coming Week: