*******************************************************************************
name1: 
name2: 
C1:    
B1:    Submit
Date:  04/22/2009
Time:  14:33

lastweek:


thisweekplan:


outsideclass:


Equipment:


progress:

*******************************************************************************
name1: Hornstein
name2: Ammons
C1:    
B1:    Submit
Date:  04/22/2009
Time:  14:35

lastweek:

Last week we obtained and cleaned our aquarium, and took the necessary measurements for our setup.  We also collected the components and diagrams for hard-wiring our extended photogate and waterproof pressure sensor.  We began soldering the pressure sensor, but we are not finished.  We also communicated with the local fish store regarding our specimens.

thisweekplan:

We plan to finish hardwiring our circuits and to waterproof he relevant parts.  Upon completion of this goal, we will collect the filter, bait stand, and shrimp house, and caulk the stand and shrimp house to the bottom of the aquarium.


outsideclass:

Unless we fall behind, we should not need to do any further work outside the lab periods.  We have circuit diagrams in our lab notebooks, and materials ready.


Equipment:


progress:

We expect to reach our goal of capturing images of the shrimp, but if we do not meet this goal we will have to complete it outside of class to be ready 
for next week's final setup and testing.
*******************************************************************************
name1: Ammons
name2: Hornstein
C1:    
B1:    Submit
Date:  04/27/2009
Time:  14:28

lastweek:

Last week we progressed on the circuits.  Max learned how to solder and the photogate is almost finished.  The pressure trigger 'EC' component was misconnected and a new one will be required to finish the circuit.  The pressure trigger is partially waterproofed, with hot glue on every finished joint.  We will make up the time on the circuits by coming in on Tuesday and Thursday during lab periods.

thisweekplan:

Once the circuits are completed we will caulk a bait stand and pvc hide tube to the bottom of the tank so that our setup will be stable.  We will then fill the tank and begin cycling.  Then, we will pick up the shrimp once it comes in.

outsideclass:

We will have materials to collect before some classes, and we will be coming in to make up time.  Eli will drive to pick up the shrimp.

Equipment:

An EC SCR component.

progress:

We can still keep to our schedule.
*******************************************************************************
name1: Ammons
name2: Hornstein
C1:    
B1:    Submit
Date:  05/04/2009
Time:  14:58

lastweek:

Last week Eli and I completed both the photogate and the pressure sensor. The photogate was successfully tested through a tank of fresh water.  However, the waterproofing on the pressure sensor was apparently incomplete, ad water quickly infiltrated the piezo saran wrap pouch.

thisweekplan:

We will re-waterproof and test the pressure sensor.  Once the sensor works, Eli will pick up the shrimp at the fish store, and we can begin testing.

outsideclass:

Pick up the shrimp when the time is right.

Equipment:

Saran wrap
Possibly more hot glue

progress:

We are still doing well; the setback with the circuit is relatively minor and we can still reach our goal in time.
*******************************************************************************
name1: Ammons
name2: Hornstein
C1:    
B1:    Submit
Date:  05/11/2009
Time:  14:37

lastweek:

Last week we completed the setup for our arena tank in the lab. We setup the photogate and tested it to make sure that it will work through the salt water. We finally found a way to to waterproof the pressure sensor by covering the piezo-electric sensor with aquarium caulk. The biggest thing we acquired last week was our mantis shrimp. After settling in for the first day, the shrimp began attacking cocktail shrimp.

thisweekplan:

This week we plan to take pictures of our shrimp in action. This will be accomplished by using our photogate and pressure sensors to trigger flashes during the strike and upon actual impact of the bait. Also we hope to take video of the shrimp during the strike sequence. 

outsideclass:

We need to find a time we can meet outside of class, so we can make up the lab block Max won't be here.

Equipment:

none

progress:

We should still be able to reach our goal. We will know by the end of the week whether we will be able to achieve our goal.
*******************************************************************************
name1: Hornstein
name2: Ammons
C1:    
B1:    Submit
Date:  05/18/2009
Time:  11:33

lastweek:

Last week we got the shrimp in the tank several times and tried taking pictures with both sensors.  Unfortunately, between the sensors' imperfect functioning and the shrimp's lack of cooperation, we did not get a suitable image and we determined that our original goal was unfeasible.

thisweekplan:

This week we will use high speed video to examine the shrimp's swimming motion, crickets jumping and landing, a hamster's facial expressions, and various freshwater fish.  We will then analyze some of our captured video for motion sequences and patterns, preserving some of our original intent.

outsideclass:

We may need to take extra lab time in order to have enough data for analysis.  Max will get some crickets.

Equipment:

We need a new bulb for the lamp we use with the high speed video camera.

progress:

Our new goal is very open-ended, so we should be able to write a coherent paper.