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

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

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