Starting the Third Week: Busy and Short

After reading through the papers that Prof. Battat handed to me in regards to his 2-bit counter, I finally understood how this design would connect to the overall 4 x (4:1) config and set out to design. However, the more I drew, the more I realized the less I actually understood. So, I put the schematic on hold and re-directed my attention until Prof. Battat returned. Eventually, I met with him and asked him about how A0 and A1 would connect in replacement of the 4 inputs planned for the 4-bit gray code counter. After a mini lesson in op-amps and gain control, I finally started drawing a more cohesive diagram that ended up like (upper-left)


Machine Project: Plan B

During my wait for Battat's help, it was just my luck that the machinist Mr. Knowles had sent me an email about not being able to make the Ships Wheel or the Marine Desk Lamp. I went down to speak with him about potential projects, but neither a meat tenderizer nor a hammer seemed as exciting as before. I looked through all the technical drawings and not one really gave me a "wow" factor... I wanted something aesthetically pleasing, challenging and somewhat useful. However, after expressing my dissatisfaction, it was Jolene who suggested that I look into gyroscope -- and do I thank her for that? It is the most beautiful, perfect idea and I immediately emailed Mr. Knowles about the outside option, providing a few links to tutorials.

Crossing my fingers, I opened his reply and then released a "squeal" to express my delight at reading a "yes." I then found a technical drawing with dimensions for the gyroscope pieces. Now, I can work towards a beautiful, scientific desk decoration.

 

Work Cut Short

On top of all of this and since meetings were pushed back due to Battat's earlier engagement, I had to run out of the lab to attend the summer PLTC, 2-hr tutor training for the fall semester.... So far, so good.

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