FAQ

=Frequently Asked Questions=

**Logistics** 1st floor project labs in building 35. The top floor has been reserved for the unit but will not be used unless announced otherwise.
 * Where are my labs?**

All students have access to the Unit Wiki, which also contains this FAQ. Each team also needs to create their own (1 per team) @Team Wiki to document their project and progress. You should make your Team Wiki private to prevent snooping from other teams.
 * Unit Wiki? Team Wiki?**

Additional parts and Budget
No, you do not. However, they make a good starting point for your robot. The parts are intended to take you most of the way towards a functional autonomous robot for the project task.
 * Do I have to use the default parts?**

Yes. In fact, it is encouraged as it is the environmentally friendly option. You should cost the part in your budget as if it is purchased second hand. This maybe tricky for very old parts, but you should attempt your best as others trying to replicate your work will need this information (also required for your final report)
 * Am I allowed to use recycled parts?**

I cannot answer this as it is a design question for which some of your marks will depend. When in doubt, research into the part (cost, ease of use, availability of API, advantage gained etc) and have a chat as a group. It maybe worthwhile to split off a subgroup or one person to investigate.
 * Should I use/buy this sensor/acutator/processor/mechanism?**

Arduino and implementation
I assume you have looked at the Examples, Foundational Material and did a search online? If not, that should be your first resource. Engineers are paid to solve problems, not ask questions (unless those questions are novel and interesting!)
 * How do I do with the Arduino?**

You should _never_ follow anything directly unless you have some understanding of the steps. For example, the "Official" Arduino Blink tutorial suggests the use of an external LED. While this can be done, careful reading of the Arduino Uno documentation suggests that pin 13 is already wired to an LED. This mean the blink tutorial will work without additional components.
 * Should I follow  exactly?**

In general, make sure you read and understand enough before proceeding with an example or tutorial you find online.

Motors and Power Supplies
It is recommended that you use rechargable Ni-MH batteries to power your robot (actuators, sensors, Arduino). The @Rules prohibit the use of Lithium and Lithium Polymer batteries (fire risk) and also the use of other sources of power.
 * How should I power ?**

This is most likely due to the motor drawing too much current; Above the specifications of the Arduino or H-bridge. How much current is your motor drawing? Low voltage (cheap) motors tend to draw a lot of current. Also, make sure that the power supply to the Arduino is steady and sufficient for motor control. When unsure, test the motor driving portion of your circuit using your own 5V inputs on a breadboard without the Arduino. Decoupling capacitors are highly recommended for the motor supply (as well as smaller 0.1nF or similar capacitors across the motor) to filter out noise.
 * My Arduino or H-bridge or Motor driver stops (or stopped) working when I connected motors and turned the power on**

Strategy
First, have a read of the @Rules and make sure it is legal. If the legality is fuzzy, send me a private message on the Wiki to ask before implementing it. If the strategy has to do with disturbing the other team, I recommend abandoning it until the basics of your robot (locomotion, mechanism for puck flipping, sensing etc) are completed as those are the core requirements of the project.
 * Can I use tactic ?**