Meeting 9 Date: 23-8-06

Time: 3.00pm to 6.30pm
Venue: Computer Lab 4
Members present: Julia, Xinyi, Chun Ling, Jael
Members absent: Syazana


Theme: Loss of a group member; Completion of Robot


Today’s training session was one that we would never forget. Aiming to complete the building of the robot, we stayed focus throughout, with the help with some classical music in the background.

We worked hand in hand, with a common goal in mind. Slowly but steadily, we fixed the completed parts of the robot into the desired structure. It was no mean feat as support had to extend throughout the whole robot, not just concentrated at one spot. At times, the components just went crashing to the ground. We added nuts to tighten the joints of the robot to ensure maximum stability.

Finally, we added the 3 motors. Eureka! The robot was completed. We proceeded to the 2-D mission field where we tested the robot with the program we programmed. We realized that the one of the 3 gears refused to move, affecting the movement of the whole robot. After much investigation, we realized that the motors were the main problem as they were of different speeds. As it was time to go, we left with a heavy heart, hoping that the motors could be changed by the next session and that programming could be done.

To add to our misery, our group leader Syazana tendered her resignation due to the heavy commitment she had in her CCA. We respected her decision. From all of us at Somebody-out-there, we would like to say and big thank you to you for your time and effort and wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Well, this session was certainly an unforgettable and stressful one. With two weeks to go before the day of the competition, can we make a strong comeback? Only time will tell…








Meeting 10 Date: 25-8-06

Time: 3.00pm to 5.30pm
Venue: Science Centre
Members present: Julia, Xinyi, Chun Ling, Jael
Members absent: None



Theme: Entering the Programming Stage

As we count down to competition day, our minds were still very much on the programming segment.

Starting off with the changing of the motors and a slight modification, we were back on track to achieve what we all wanted. However, the construction took quite a long time due to certain problems encountered. The programmers moved on to program the second mission.

Soon, the robot was completed and programming finally began. To our dismay, the robot started was turning in the wrong direction. It was not what we expected to happen as this program worked fine during the past few trials on the 2-D mission field. What could be worse when the robot stumbled and landed on its back upon going down a platform?

We reexamined to program to see if any modifications could be made or if any part of it was incorrect. As this is the new software we are using, the features are rather different. On the matter regarding the instability of the robot, the builders wasted no time in extending the length of the robot by adding 2 small wheels to support its landing.

Testing the robot continued with several failed attempts and hardly any successful attempts. However, with the new robot structure, we had to edit the program that we had used to suit the robot features. E.g. the robot lifts the antennae by simply moving backwards instead of the initial move to lift it up with claws.

Alright, time passes quickly, even more so when you are in need of it. We were forced to stop work, pack up and return to school. It was a big relief for all that we had begun testing the program. Hopefully, the flaw in the program could be discovered in due time.





Meeting 11 Date: 26-8-06

Time: 11.00am to 1.30pm
Venue: Science Centre
Members present: Chun Ling, Jael
Members absent: Julia, Xinyi



Theme: Getting Wacky with Mission 2

After submitting our school flag to the receptionist, we proceeded to the mission field. In great shock, we discovered that we were using Mission 2 today. Thankfully, we had the program ready.

After transmitting the program into the RCX, we began on our quest downhill, attempting the task that required the robot to go down a steep gradient. Guess what, the robot went tumbling down. In a bid to rescue the robot, Jael dived just in time to prevent a tragic ending. Phew!

Learning from the mistakes, we carried out robot modification by once again adjusting the length as well as rearranging the positions of motors. Once these were done, we tried the task again. This time the robot had mo problems going downhill, however, we realized that it would not move in a straight line, slanting to one side instead. The extension also caused much problem, preventing the smooth movement of the robot.

Spending quite some time on correcting the program, it improved slightly and we moved on to the activation of the lift. What was hilarious was that Jael sacrificed by stepping into the water-filled mission field to raise the platform, which will then transport the robot to level ground. We had a great time testing out the robot during this section as it tickled to see the funny responses of the robot. Out robot even lost balance and fell straight into the water. That had probably caused the RCX to go cranky.

Upon opening the RCX, water immediately flowed out. I presumed that we had bid farewell to one of our many RCXs. Haha… however, as the saying goes” If you never try, you will never know”. I guess it applies in this situation as well.

Even though not everything went smoothly today, we had noted down what went wrong and has to be improved. These matters will be discussed as a group during the next session. That’s all for now!