The final week of the build is upon us and there is still much to do. However, much progress has been made since my last post. The array has been strengthened with spars and part of the canopy was cut out of it for a driver egress hatch. Megan and Courtney laid out the cell design for the top of the array and hopefully the solar cells will be installed in the next day or so.
The lower body received its first few pieces of the suspension as we attached some mounting brackets to the inside of the car. The spars inside the car were also notched for the array, which was mated to the lower body this past weekend.
The trailer for the solar vehicles was given an overhaul this past week as we tore out the old ramp and installed a new one. This new system will be able to accommodate our new car as well as the 2005 Sunseeker.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
June 2, 2010
May 26, 2010
Endless Nights
The days are beginning to blend together as the team moves forward towards our June 8th deadline. Last Friday was a good break from the mundane as we hosted tours of 3rd grade students from the Portage area. Nick got the star treatment of the day because the kids all wanted the driver's signature after he took the car for a spin. Later that day, the team managed to free the array from its mold, with no damage to either part!
The spars were glued into the body and a lightweight filler was placed around the edges of the material to provide a radius for the fiberglass strips that will reinforce the spars. Several team members have also been assisting Dr. Bazuin and Dr. Kapenga in preparing the car for its electrical components.
AJ, Nick, and myself, with some assistance from others, have begun machining some of the steel parts for the car, such as suspension mounts and the roll cage. Many of our aluminum components are being machined by Glenn Hall, John Cernius, and John Hurry, the owner of a local machining business.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The spars were glued into the body and a lightweight filler was placed around the edges of the material to provide a radius for the fiberglass strips that will reinforce the spars. Several team members have also been assisting Dr. Bazuin and Dr. Kapenga in preparing the car for its electrical components.
AJ, Nick, and myself, with some assistance from others, have begun machining some of the steel parts for the car, such as suspension mounts and the roll cage. Many of our aluminum components are being machined by Glenn Hall, John Cernius, and John Hurry, the owner of a local machining business.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
May 19, 2010
The Final Lay-up
The weekend saw another step forward in the progress of the build. The array mold was removed from the plug, some minor damage was repaired, and then the surface was polished. Starting Monday, we laid the material for the array into the mold and vacuum bagged it to remove excess resin. Earlier today the bag was removed from the final layer and we are all very happy about the quality of the part. The plan for tomorrow is to remove the array part from the mold.
The spars are nearing the point of installation. Megan and Kenwood sanded the surfaces of the spars in preparation for bonding them together with strips of fiberglass. The fiberglass bonding will be performed in a few days, at which point the spars will also be permanently installed into the body.
Earlier today, Megan and Courtney had some training sessions in the 2005 car. Neither of them were very familiar with the car so they only did laps in a parking lot and around the WMU Business Technology Research Park.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The spars are nearing the point of installation. Megan and Kenwood sanded the surfaces of the spars in preparation for bonding them together with strips of fiberglass. The fiberglass bonding will be performed in a few days, at which point the spars will also be permanently installed into the body.
Earlier today, Megan and Courtney had some training sessions in the 2005 car. Neither of them were very familiar with the car so they only did laps in a parking lot and around the WMU Business Technology Research Park.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
May 14, 2010
Busy Times
Sorry about the delay in this post. We have been so busy with the car that I haven't had the time or energy to write a new entry. But that should also speak for how much progress the team has made in the past week.
The primary projects for the past week have been the array mold and the lower body spars. The array plug received its final coating of primer Friday. Over the weekend several team members spent countless hours sanding the plug to a nice, smooth surface. Then the plug was polished and coated in mold release compounds. Starting early this week, the mold was constructed one layer of fiberglass at a time. The plywood braces were attached and reinforced. We hope to remove the plug later tonight.
The lower body has been receiving its fair share of attention as well. Sheets of Plascore board have been cut following templates printed from a CAD program (a great example of cooperation between our build and design teams.) Over the past few day we have been working on trimming the pieces for a precision fit.
A few other tasks have been completed this week. Megan began sorting through the tool boxes and Tim checked the tires for age cracks. Much of the metal that will be required to build the suspension and roll cage were purchased, and the team went to seen a screening of the film "Cherry", which was partially shot here at Parkview in 2008.
These past few weeks would not be possible without the support of all the staff here at Parkview. The Dean's Office has backed the team's efforts 100%, the staff in the IME and Advising offices have provided several home-cooked meals for the team. Fred Sitkins has serviced the team in many ways, from securing vehicles for us to use on the race, to gaining donations of food and drinks. Glenn Hall and John Cernius have and continue to assist the team in the fabrication of the suspension and internal frame of the vehicle. To all these people, and those not mentioned, the team extends our heartfelt gratitude. Without your support, this project could not become a reality!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The primary projects for the past week have been the array mold and the lower body spars. The array plug received its final coating of primer Friday. Over the weekend several team members spent countless hours sanding the plug to a nice, smooth surface. Then the plug was polished and coated in mold release compounds. Starting early this week, the mold was constructed one layer of fiberglass at a time. The plywood braces were attached and reinforced. We hope to remove the plug later tonight.
The lower body has been receiving its fair share of attention as well. Sheets of Plascore board have been cut following templates printed from a CAD program (a great example of cooperation between our build and design teams.) Over the past few day we have been working on trimming the pieces for a precision fit.
A few other tasks have been completed this week. Megan began sorting through the tool boxes and Tim checked the tires for age cracks. Much of the metal that will be required to build the suspension and roll cage were purchased, and the team went to seen a screening of the film "Cherry", which was partially shot here at Parkview in 2008.
These past few weeks would not be possible without the support of all the staff here at Parkview. The Dean's Office has backed the team's efforts 100%, the staff in the IME and Advising offices have provided several home-cooked meals for the team. Fred Sitkins has serviced the team in many ways, from securing vehicles for us to use on the race, to gaining donations of food and drinks. Glenn Hall and John Cernius have and continue to assist the team in the fabrication of the suspension and internal frame of the vehicle. To all these people, and those not mentioned, the team extends our heartfelt gratitude. Without your support, this project could not become a reality!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
May 5, 2010
The Final Push Begins
Finals are over and the college has become eerily quiet with only one exception. The Plastics lab here at the Parkview campus is full of activity. Through the entire month of May, the WMU Sunseeker team will be putting in long hours to see the project through to completion for the rayce, which begins on June 12th. Over the past week the progress has been remarkable.
The lower body was finally released from the mold on Saturday. Although there was some damage to the exterior surface, it still exceeds our expectations. Most of the damage was repaired yesterday and today and the plan is to have it moving on to the next step in the process by early next week.
The foam plug for the array was also worked on this past week. A layer of spackle was placed onto the foam to give a smooth surface. Once that was completed, we applied a protective layer of PVA. Yesterday, Doc sprayed the first layer of primer onto the plug. Today's task has been to fill and sand the imperfections in the surface so the application of primer can continue Friday.
Tonight, we also had a team meeting to discuss where we are on the project. There is lots of work to do and many components of the car to assemble, but things are looking up. Be sure to follow along as we breathe life into the many ideas and designs, turning this car into a reality.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The lower body was finally released from the mold on Saturday. Although there was some damage to the exterior surface, it still exceeds our expectations. Most of the damage was repaired yesterday and today and the plan is to have it moving on to the next step in the process by early next week.
The foam plug for the array was also worked on this past week. A layer of spackle was placed onto the foam to give a smooth surface. Once that was completed, we applied a protective layer of PVA. Yesterday, Doc sprayed the first layer of primer onto the plug. Today's task has been to fill and sand the imperfections in the surface so the application of primer can continue Friday.
Tonight, we also had a team meeting to discuss where we are on the project. There is lots of work to do and many components of the car to assemble, but things are looking up. Be sure to follow along as we breathe life into the many ideas and designs, turning this car into a reality.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
April 28, 2010
Releasing the body
During the past few days the team has been working on removing the body from the mold. we have hit quite a few snags along the way, including areas where the mold won't release from the body. As of tonight, approximately 60% of the body surface shows signs of release. In some of the areas that refuse to release from the mold, we have begun to cut away the mold itself in an attempt to encourage separation. Unfortunately, this has caused some slight damage to the surface of the body, but its nothing we can't repair.
On a lighter note, this Saturday the team traveled to the Celery Flats historical Area in Portage for their Green-A-Thon event. We set up in a central location at the event and attracted lots of attention. The public's interest in the team and the vehicle was astounding. It was a successful day. A great thanks to the City of Portage and all the volunteers and organization that made the event possible.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
On a lighter note, this Saturday the team traveled to the Celery Flats historical Area in Portage for their Green-A-Thon event. We set up in a central location at the event and attracted lots of attention. The public's interest in the team and the vehicle was astounding. It was a successful day. A great thanks to the City of Portage and all the volunteers and organization that made the event possible.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
April 22, 2010
Building the Body
A huge step forward was taken this past weekend. The first layers of fabric for the lower body of the 2010 Sunseeker were laid into the mold. It all began with a layer of surface coat, which will give the outside of the car an unbelievably smooth surface. Then more surface coat was laid into the mold, followed by 2 layers of fiberglass, some patches of carbon fiber for re-enforcement, and just enough resin in between all of that to bond everything together. Once it was all laid into the mold, we placed a vacuum bag over the mold in order to pull the fabric tight to the sides of the mold while removing any excess resin. The lay-up was left over the weekend to cure.
On Monday, Abe, Nick, and Scott from SC Enterprises came into the lab to remove the vacuum bag system and check on the first layer. To all of our relief, the lay-up was a success, aside from a few small blemishes that were removed during the Wednesday work shift.
On Wednesday, the team placed 2 more layers of material into the body, Nomex honeycomb reinforcement and another layer of fiberglass. These layers were once again bagged and placed under a vacuum. The team would like to extend many thanks to Scott and all the staff at SC Enterprises for their commitment to helping us realize our goal.
One thing that we forgot to mention in last week's post was another driver training session. On Friday the 9th, Mitch took another ride in the 2005 Sunseeker. We drove down to Vicksburg and back, attracting lots of attention along the way!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
On Monday, Abe, Nick, and Scott from SC Enterprises came into the lab to remove the vacuum bag system and check on the first layer. To all of our relief, the lay-up was a success, aside from a few small blemishes that were removed during the Wednesday work shift.
On Wednesday, the team placed 2 more layers of material into the body, Nomex honeycomb reinforcement and another layer of fiberglass. These layers were once again bagged and placed under a vacuum. The team would like to extend many thanks to Scott and all the staff at SC Enterprises for their commitment to helping us realize our goal.
One thing that we forgot to mention in last week's post was another driver training session. On Friday the 9th, Mitch took another ride in the 2005 Sunseeker. We drove down to Vicksburg and back, attracting lots of attention along the way!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
April 14, 2010
Progession to the goal
Greetings and Salutations fellow Sunseeker enthusiast,
Today was an extremely productive day. Mitch, Byron and myself have finished buffing the mold. Nick and Josh worked on patching up a few blemishes on the inside of the mold. Tonight's progress on the new 2010 Sunseeker has been astonishing. Abe helped us get a full list ready of things that still need to be done before the rayce. The crew has also lifted the 2005 solar car array off the car and onto the stand. Byron re-enforced some troubled areas on array. We are finishing up some repairs on the 2005 car to get it back in condition for driver training.
Bronco Pride,
Megan
Today was an extremely productive day. Mitch, Byron and myself have finished buffing the mold. Nick and Josh worked on patching up a few blemishes on the inside of the mold. Tonight's progress on the new 2010 Sunseeker has been astonishing. Abe helped us get a full list ready of things that still need to be done before the rayce. The crew has also lifted the 2005 solar car array off the car and onto the stand. Byron re-enforced some troubled areas on array. We are finishing up some repairs on the 2005 car to get it back in condition for driver training.
Bronco Pride,
Megan
April 7, 2010
Preparing the Mold
Thursday saw the beginning of a great commitment for several team members. Mitch and Nick, the primary drivers for the 2010 Sunseeker, began their driver's training. It was Mitch's turn on the road as he took the 2005 Sunseeker for a short drive south of town. Several other team members also partook in this as crew members in the chase and lead vehicles.
Tonight the team began to prepare the mold for building the body. We scraped out pieces of tape, sanded down rough sports and then applied surface coat to the mold to fill in any damaged areas. We planing on beginning to lay the fiberglass and carbon fiber within a week, so the car will soon come to life.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Tonight the team began to prepare the mold for building the body. We scraped out pieces of tape, sanded down rough sports and then applied surface coat to the mold to fill in any damaged areas. We planing on beginning to lay the fiberglass and carbon fiber within a week, so the car will soon come to life.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
March 31, 2010
Mold completed
The past few days have been very inspiring for the team. On Friday night, AJ, Mitch, Joel, Nathan, Byron, and myself worked on completing the mold. The plywood supports were attached to the mold. We then proceeded to add the final layer of fiberglass to the mold. The work continued until 4am and a heartfelt thanks goes out to those who stayed to help.
Tonight the team made another great advance. The mold was taken down from the table, and inverted. We then began attempting to separate the edge of the mold from the foam. Once the edge was loosened, we attached air lines to the plug and it separated from the mold. The mold needs a little work, but it definitely exceeds our expectations. I finished the night by trimming the outside edge of the mold to give us a good edge to seal to when we begin building the body next week.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Tonight the team made another great advance. The mold was taken down from the table, and inverted. We then began attempting to separate the edge of the mold from the foam. Once the edge was loosened, we attached air lines to the plug and it separated from the mold. The mold needs a little work, but it definitely exceeds our expectations. I finished the night by trimming the outside edge of the mold to give us a good edge to seal to when we begin building the body next week.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
March 25, 2010
Another Week, Another Layer
Not to much to report for this past week but progress on the car is being made. Tonight, we applied a third layer of fiberglass after Byron and myself sanded the previous layer to remove imperfections. While the sanding was under way, the rest of the team members discussed design ideas for parts of the car that are yet to be made.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
March 17, 2010
Building the Mold
The team has been busy building the fiberglass mold for the lower body. We began by applying a few thin layers of a surface resin. Once a base layer was created, sheets of fine fiberglass were laid down and worked into the resin. By Monday, the first layer of fiberglass was fulled cured. Tonight, we continued the work by applying a heavier layer of fiberglass. This layer, and the one that will soon follow it, will give the mold added strength. Both lay-up sessions took many hours but luckily many people were willing to help with the work. A huge thanks to all the team members that helped in building this mold! This project couldn't be completed without their help!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
March 10, 2010
Step #1, check
Since last Wednesday, the team has continued dry sanding the plug. We used 150, 220, and eventually 300 grit sand paper to smooth the surface. Once we completed the 300 grit sanding, we moved on to a wet sanding process using 400 and then 600 grit paper. The resulting surface is extremely smooth. A layer of mold release compound was then added on top of the surface so that the mold can be easily removed from the plug once it is complete.
Tonight, Abe and several team members traveled to Vicksburg to give a presentation about the car to the local grade school. It is part of the team's mission to educate the public about alternative energy vehicles and we are thankful that we were given this opportunity.
Back in the lab, we discussed the week ahead of us. The current plan is to have the fiberglass mold completed by Monday. The only work that could be done tonight was to apply a few more coats of the mold release. Once Megan and myself applied the compound, the rest of the team jumped in and helped buff the surface by hand.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Tonight, Abe and several team members traveled to Vicksburg to give a presentation about the car to the local grade school. It is part of the team's mission to educate the public about alternative energy vehicles and we are thankful that we were given this opportunity.
Back in the lab, we discussed the week ahead of us. The current plan is to have the fiberglass mold completed by Monday. The only work that could be done tonight was to apply a few more coats of the mold release. Once Megan and myself applied the compound, the rest of the team jumped in and helped buff the surface by hand.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
March 3, 2010
Spring Break
This week is Spring Break here at WMU. Many students have gone home for the week, but a few of us have stayed behind to help with the car. Unfortunately, we have not seen the turn out we hoped for. Nick, Megan, AJ, Dr. Engelmann, and myself have been in the lab as often as possible to keep the project moving forward. Over the weekend, we sanded out as many imperfections as we could, and filled others with icing. Then, a light coat of primer was applied to the plug by Dr. Engelmann on Monday. This coat gave us a smooth enough surface to begin the final sanding process. Early mornings and late afternoons have seen much of the plug sanded down to a fairly smooth surface. Once the entire surface is free of most imperfection, we will begin using progressively finer sand papers until the plug is perfectly smooth.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
February 25, 2010
A Breath of Fresh AIr
The spraying and sanding process on the plug is nearing completion. On Friday, Byron and Doc began the applying the final coat of primer to the plug. Several other team members were also present to assist the process. The next day, the team returned to begin sanding the surface in order to eliminate any imperfections. This began with the application of a light coating of spray paint. As the team sands the surface, the paint will be sanded of the high points while remaining in any pits or rough areas. This technique gave the team a bit of motivation as well. It was very easy to follow the progress of the sanding by simply looking at the color of the plug. On Wednesday night, the sanding was completed.
In addition to the completion of the sanding, several other important tasks were completed. Abe took several team members down to the Projects Lab to begin moving many of our materials out of storage. Several rolls of fiberglass and other materials were brought back to the Plastics lab with the hopes that lay-ups can begin early next week. We were also visited by Scott who gave us lots of advice about the work we we're about to begin. He will also be supplying us with some of the chemicals we will need when we begin the mold. The electrical team continued work on the battery modules. We are hopeful that the batteries from the 2008 car are still in good enough condition to use for the 2010 car.
Today our great friends at Entergy paid a visit to the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences here at Western Michigan University. We look forward to working with them again in the future!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
In addition to the completion of the sanding, several other important tasks were completed. Abe took several team members down to the Projects Lab to begin moving many of our materials out of storage. Several rolls of fiberglass and other materials were brought back to the Plastics lab with the hopes that lay-ups can begin early next week. We were also visited by Scott who gave us lots of advice about the work we we're about to begin. He will also be supplying us with some of the chemicals we will need when we begin the mold. The electrical team continued work on the battery modules. We are hopeful that the batteries from the 2008 car are still in good enough condition to use for the 2010 car.
Today our great friends at Entergy paid a visit to the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences here at Western Michigan University. We look forward to working with them again in the future!
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
February 17, 2010
Planning Ahead
The past week has seen the usual sanding on the plug. The job has been long and hard, but it is almost done! Many thanks to the team members who were able to contribute to the task.
At tonight's meeting, Abe and Nick shifted the teams attention to the months ahead. The fact that we are behind schedule was made clear, but there is still plenty of hope for the team. Spring Break will be the team's chance to catch back up and ensure our entry into the 2010 ASC. We also began the process of choosing drivers. Height and shoulder width measurements were taken to the final adjustments to the roll cage design could be made. Brian and Gary spent more time working on the design for the rear suspension arm.
The electrical team began testing the battery cells from the 2008 car. The cells were determined to be in acceptable condition and the process of assembling them into modules will soon begin. Meanwhile, more sanding was done to the plug. Once the sanding was finished on a section of the plug, Tim gave a quick demonstration on how to apply Bondo to the surface to fill in any pinholes and gouges. To finish the night off, the lab was given a thorough cleaning.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
At tonight's meeting, Abe and Nick shifted the teams attention to the months ahead. The fact that we are behind schedule was made clear, but there is still plenty of hope for the team. Spring Break will be the team's chance to catch back up and ensure our entry into the 2010 ASC. We also began the process of choosing drivers. Height and shoulder width measurements were taken to the final adjustments to the roll cage design could be made. Brian and Gary spent more time working on the design for the rear suspension arm.
The electrical team began testing the battery cells from the 2008 car. The cells were determined to be in acceptable condition and the process of assembling them into modules will soon begin. Meanwhile, more sanding was done to the plug. Once the sanding was finished on a section of the plug, Tim gave a quick demonstration on how to apply Bondo to the surface to fill in any pinholes and gouges. To finish the night off, the lab was given a thorough cleaning.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
February 10, 2010
A Dirty Job
The past week has been filled with dust! The team has logged countless hours sanding the plug by hand. It is a long, tedious process, but in the end it should all pay off. The better a job we do now, the smoother the body piece will be (and that means better aerodynamics!) At the Wednesday night meeting, the team finished cutting the plywood supports for the female mold, continued sanding the plug, and began setting up the spray booth.
The work continued today when Nick came into the shop early in this morning and attempted to finish off the sanding. He was eventually joined by Tim, Megan, Doc, and myself. Once the sanding was done, we began to apply icing, a compound that will fill any imperfections in the surface. Now that the icing is on the plug, we can sand it down lightly and then prepare to apply another coating of primer.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The work continued today when Nick came into the shop early in this morning and attempted to finish off the sanding. He was eventually joined by Tim, Megan, Doc, and myself. Once the sanding was done, we began to apply icing, a compound that will fill any imperfections in the surface. Now that the icing is on the plug, we can sand it down lightly and then prepare to apply another coating of primer.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
February 3, 2010
Prime Condition
Over the past week a major step has been taken in the production of the body for the 2010 Sunseeker. The foam plug had its first coats of primer applied to it. On Thursday, Dr. Engelmann and several team members began the morning by spraying layer after layer of the primer paint onto the sealed plug. On Friday, we had the chance to see how those first few coats turned out. After some inspection and testing with more primer applied by hand, we determined the course of action for the next few days. Byron, Tim, and myself finished the day by hand sanding the entire surface of the plug.
The work resumed today at the regular meeting. Tim took charge of the task of spreading spackling compound over the primer in order to seal the tiny pits on the surface due to the very nature of the polystyrene plug. Once the compound was used to fill the holes, the team went back through and did touch-up work so that the plug will be ready for tomorrow. The rest of the team worked on various projects around the lab. Some began to prepare the spray tent for tomorrow, while others began building sawhorses. Nathan, Megan, and myself began working on sheets of plywood for braces that will support the negative mold once it is completed.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The work resumed today at the regular meeting. Tim took charge of the task of spreading spackling compound over the primer in order to seal the tiny pits on the surface due to the very nature of the polystyrene plug. Once the compound was used to fill the holes, the team went back through and did touch-up work so that the plug will be ready for tomorrow. The rest of the team worked on various projects around the lab. Some began to prepare the spray tent for tomorrow, while others began building sawhorses. Nathan, Megan, and myself began working on sheets of plywood for braces that will support the negative mold once it is completed.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
January 27, 2010
The Little Things
The past week has been filled with all of the little tasks that need to be accomplished in order for the work on the plug to be completed. Saturday, Nick, Tim, and myself worked on installing lighting and paper flooring for the spray tent. We also hosted tours for prospective Broncos. Several more layers of the release agent we placed on the plug, including what we hope to be the final layer, which was added tonight.
The meeting got off to a slow start, but soon the team found direction. Nick and Dr. Kapenga gave the entire team updates about progress and goals on both the mechanical and electrical sides of the project. Once the Sparky's (Nick's name for the electrical team) headed up to their lab, the rest of us set to work on preparing the lab for the work to come in the next few weeks. The spray tent's wiring was worked on, the plug was test fitted into it, and the floor and walls were re-papered. Extra pieces of plastic were cut and installed to finish sealing gaps in the roof panels.
Meanwhile, Tim and a few other members made a run to the hardware to purchase plywood sheets for the table. After they cut them to size and installed them, the entire team helped as the plug was carefully placed onto it. Another side project that fell into Megan's hands was the task of creating a small collage of photos on the lab door. It turned out great, and we hope it helps create a little buzz on campus, as we rapidly approach our deadline for completion.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
The meeting got off to a slow start, but soon the team found direction. Nick and Dr. Kapenga gave the entire team updates about progress and goals on both the mechanical and electrical sides of the project. Once the Sparky's (Nick's name for the electrical team) headed up to their lab, the rest of us set to work on preparing the lab for the work to come in the next few weeks. The spray tent's wiring was worked on, the plug was test fitted into it, and the floor and walls were re-papered. Extra pieces of plastic were cut and installed to finish sealing gaps in the roof panels.
Meanwhile, Tim and a few other members made a run to the hardware to purchase plywood sheets for the table. After they cut them to size and installed them, the entire team helped as the plug was carefully placed onto it. Another side project that fell into Megan's hands was the task of creating a small collage of photos on the lab door. It turned out great, and we hope it helps create a little buzz on campus, as we rapidly approach our deadline for completion.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
January 20, 2010
Visible Progress
The past week has shown signs of progress for the team. The make-shift ventilation shaft for the sanding tent had filters installed, making the tent safe for its intended use. The holes in the plug were completed and the PVC pipes were installed for the mold release system. Nick, Mitch and myself spent time Monday giving the mold a delicate sanding to remove any imperfections and prepare it for the first coating of release film, which Nick then applied on Tuesday night.
Tonight saw much of the same. Before the work began, Abe took pictures of each team member so we can make a visual roster of the team. Mitch, Megan, and Tim worked on attaching casters to the table so the plug can simply be rolled around the shop. Nick and Byron placed another coat of the release film on the plug. They also got a visit from an expert on the fabrication process. I began making measurements for the plastic screen that will seal off the spray booth, which will hopefully be ready for use by next week. Byron, among other tasks around the lab, started thinking about building the manifold that will feed the PVC exhaust system.
Last Saturday, WMU hosted informational tours for grade school kids. I set up a booth in the Bernhard Center and spoke to the kids about the Sunseeker project. Their interest in the car was absolutely astounding! It was very fun to interact with these kids and explain the basics behind the team and the car. And a quick thanks to Scot Conant for helping me get the display ready for the kids.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Tonight saw much of the same. Before the work began, Abe took pictures of each team member so we can make a visual roster of the team. Mitch, Megan, and Tim worked on attaching casters to the table so the plug can simply be rolled around the shop. Nick and Byron placed another coat of the release film on the plug. They also got a visit from an expert on the fabrication process. I began making measurements for the plastic screen that will seal off the spray booth, which will hopefully be ready for use by next week. Byron, among other tasks around the lab, started thinking about building the manifold that will feed the PVC exhaust system.
Last Saturday, WMU hosted informational tours for grade school kids. I set up a booth in the Bernhard Center and spoke to the kids about the Sunseeker project. Their interest in the car was absolutely astounding! It was very fun to interact with these kids and explain the basics behind the team and the car. And a quick thanks to Scot Conant for helping me get the display ready for the kids.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
January 13, 2010
Spring semseter begins
Work in the lab has resumed. Nick and Tim began the work last Friday and Saturday by working on assembling parts of the spray booth. On Sunday and Monday, several more of us came out to help test fit the pieces and begin making adjustments to them.
Today was the first official meeting of the semester. Nick began the night by laying out the time line for this semester. We now have tentative deadlines by which we should have different aspects of the build completed, including having a fully functional vehicle. Once the formalities were taken care of, the electrical team moved to the electronics lab to continue their many projects, while the rest of us prepared for another shift of manual labor.
Tim briefed us on the work for the night. 3 different tasks were in need of being accomplished and soon everyone was at work. Abe, assisted by Tim, Nick, and Alex began drilling holes in the plug for a ventilation system. Mitch, Megan, and Mike began tearing the old table apart so that they can build 2 smaller, portable tables for moving the plug around the shop. I worked on the spray booth and it is now ready to be installed.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
Today was the first official meeting of the semester. Nick began the night by laying out the time line for this semester. We now have tentative deadlines by which we should have different aspects of the build completed, including having a fully functional vehicle. Once the formalities were taken care of, the electrical team moved to the electronics lab to continue their many projects, while the rest of us prepared for another shift of manual labor.
Tim briefed us on the work for the night. 3 different tasks were in need of being accomplished and soon everyone was at work. Abe, assisted by Tim, Nick, and Alex began drilling holes in the plug for a ventilation system. Mitch, Megan, and Mike began tearing the old table apart so that they can build 2 smaller, portable tables for moving the plug around the shop. I worked on the spray booth and it is now ready to be installed.
Bronco Pride,
Joshua
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