I’m an intern\u00a0at Digilent working on\u00a0converting a\u00a0dune buggy to electric power. \u00a0This started out as a senior design project at Washington State University about\u00a0three years ago, but was left unfinished by\u00a0the graduating class. \u00a0With access to Washington State University’s facilities, the project was\u00a0revived starting this past February.<\/p>\n
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Once the buggy is complete, the operator will have the options to use\u00a0either remote control or autonomous operation and will exemplify the functionality of Digilent products. \u00a0The overall goal is to create something fun yet safe that will encourage innovators to go out and build something awesome.<\/p>\n
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Below are some of the recently completed sub-projects:<\/p>\n
-Manual steering replaced by 18 N-m DC motor with accompanied H-bridge controlled by chipKIT Max32<\/p>\n
-Added feedback resistor to rack and pinion to provide position control of steering via analog input<\/p>\n
-Added Roboteq motor controller for drive motor (operable with RS-232 link from Max32)<\/p>\n
-Salvaged hydraulic brakes from a scooter for manual override of drive motor<\/p>\n
-Used Washington State University’s water jet to create brake mount, motor mount, and battery box pieces for assembly<\/p>\n
-Replaced 6.5 horsepower gas motor to a 6 horsepower electric permanent magnet DC motor<\/p>\n
-Created custom made battery box to house 131 amp-hours of batteries at 24V and all electrical components<\/p>\n
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Here are some images of some of the\u00a0project!<\/p>\n
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