__Recent Project:__

The most recent project that I have completed was getting the CNC Milling machine to run through Windows XP. The main problem that I had with getting it to run was that the program did not detect that the machine was hooked up to the computer. We emailed a few different people and we were sent a file that replaced an existing one in the programs directory. This file allowed the program to detect the machine and we were able to move the machine around. I figured out how to convert a Pro Desktop CAD file into the code needed to cut out the design using the CNC Mill program called Mach3. I discovered that the program only allows you to have up to 999 lines of code because it is only the demo version of the program. Since we only have a limited amount of code, we are limited to the size and complexity of the part. I have just completed the documentation for using the machine. Here is the link:

http://nmkguitars.pbwiki.com/CncMillTutorial

__Exam Questions:__

1. Explain how and why the remote we made this semester is useful and compatible.

The remote that we made this semester was designed to certain specifications. It was designed this way so that the remote could be universal for any of the projects that we have completed. The switch was mounted on a project box that was wired a certain way to allow the thing to move forward and backwards. The project box has wires coming out of it with alligator clips to hook up to a power source. The alligator clips allow for easy hookup. We origionally made the remote for the foam jumper project, but we used it for the ROV project as well. If we wanted to we could have used it for the BU project too.

2. What was the most useful thing you learned from this course?

The most useful thing that I learned from this course was how to design a part in CAD, load the code into the CNC program, and watch a robotic machine cut out my design right there in front of me. The ability to design whatever you want and get the physical product in a short span of time is amazing and gives you a huge sence of satisfaction. This project was in my mind one of the most useful things that I have learned throughout high school.

3. What was the most surprising thing you learned from this course?

The most surprising thing that I learned from this course is that we have the capability to design and make whatever we want to. We have the capability to use our imagination to make a design or product using computer aided design and getting a physical product. If you look around anywhere, everything that you see was designed by some person and was manufactured. Every part on the CNC machine was designed by somebody and was manufactured into the machine and is now used by me and other kids to design our own parts with it.