Errata v1.0¶
There are a three main problems with the current design that will need to be addressed in future iterations (v1.1+).
- The drawer guide that is being used as a linear guide is not properly shielded from motor exhaust particulates, and thus the guide's bearings tend to foul after less than 30 test firings.
- The data acquisition system is not capable of sample rates in excess of 15 samples per second. This is due to the fact that the thermocouple amplifier requires 70 to 100 milliseconds to do a temperature conversion (A to D). This is an unacceptably slow sample rate. The target for future iterations up to version 2.0 should be a minimum of 150 samples per second.
- The Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) used will not measure forces in excess of 10.0 Newtons. Some of the motors that this stand tests can exert a trust of 25 to 30 Newtons, so this is unacceptable as the full range of thrust cannot be measured.