AbeAnd Log
Thurs Sept, 39 2016
I thought I didn't have enough info on Controller board interface to MOSFETS and Solenoids, but I now think these were false assumptions. I may still need to find more details on sensor input data sheets, Active HIGH/LOW TTL conditions of selector switch circuit, but can program around these improving modularity. The answers may also be in the old code assuming components are the same.
Made first code commit with some initial outline and ideas for motion tracking. Thinking about logic steps for main auto algorithm and any math functions needed for adjustments. Also thinking about interrupt function and timing (no millis()) in function. Considerations need to made for interupt; Since pausing and making manual changes during pause would require manual reset to desired position unless complex NV memory presets could be made, but this seems unnecessary and impossible for current build due to lack of control inputs.
Will double check for any difference in standard arduino vs Teensy 2.0++. Code should be platform agnostic for future versions.
The seperate manual and auto mode design seems optimal. Having to manually reset the default position for any fault condition seems acceptable for this build, but more complex timing tracking may be possible and volatiles might be used for a basic pause ability using mode selector if no changes are made.
Wed Sept 28, 2016
Talked with Marcin about code for CEB Press v16.09 v8 Reviewing Logical operations of CEB Press. I think the operation is fairly simple mainly about the predictable timing of pistons after manual start position setup.
Teensy 2.0 ++ is featured enough, but apparently not open and costs a lot compared to other newer options like adafruit trinket pro 3v. Teensy uses chip like the Leonardo. I don't see how an interrupt for selector switch is avoidable. Especially if a pause functionality is desired for the 3 position switch. I think avoiding complex pause functionality is best for now just to get the Press going ASAP. I am uncertain about possible drift in times/distances of pistons due to earth compression variation and hydraulic fluid flow rates. So auto calibration per cycle post manual setup seems necessary. Difference in timing can be tracked and perhaps if needed code could be modified to auto adjust timing/position drift back towards manual setting. Fixed +-drift percentage min/max variable could be used if needed, but I think simplicity should be tried first.
I setup Github Repo https://github.com/Witz0/OSE-CEB-Press-v16.09 Preparing to outline code with comments and write defines so I can make intial file upload.
Tues Sept 27, 2016
Just noticed Marcin's comment about CEB press code from the 20th. Sending messages and re-examining code status. Working on updates to page to LED's and preparing to create a stub page on PLL's. Also, considering design of more wiki templates. Created a new Notes Doc since I changed the old one to specifically discuss Open Data Management Protocols. Notes https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-rkrX7jc3IYx2Q1Y6v0Aki_WZ4p-sLKZRgoaxTUKOXk/edit ODMP https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Muhy3YMEdps9gixtjR43iWqNXE7bxYZIQoVEfU82edA/edit
Thurs Sept 22, 2016
Continued looking over CEB press docs and plans for the upcoming build. I looked at dozuki more to examine the labeling protocols for the parts I found in the slide about how to make instructionals. I was looking for the protocol for part naming before I am not sure if I missed it elsewhere or it is only listed in the protocols for live build documentation. If it is only listed in the doc I have some wiki editing to do. I also looked at documentation methods such as using kdenlive, which is complex software I have heard of, but I am unfamiliar with. I installed it in my ubuntu VM for future study. It looks like a featured multi-track non-linear video editor I would like to learn, but I doubt I can in time to help this weekend. While reading through existing documentation I keep finding issues that make me think about better data handling protocols. It is difficult to consider what changes and protocols will give the most benefit for the least amount of work spent with training and the effect on speed of workflow. I keep adjusting my view and suggestions positively of existing systems like google docs in general, but I keep seeing examples of less than ideal doc formating that "common sense" protocols would help alleviate.
Wed Sept 21, 2016
Looked at CEB docs more. I finally found CEB press controller code for version 6 and it is more complex than the code on the wiki. Determining differences in v6 to v7 will require deeper understanding of mechanical changes. Commented on Jonathan's Integrative Immersion Training, Volunteers & Work Exchanges doc about clarifying protocols. Read over more OSE/OBI google docs on the Seed Eco Home and responded to emails from Peter Cowman. He wants to help, but I think may not yet grasp the technicalities of OSE/OBI collaboration methods; I still have much to learn myself so it is not always easy to communicate the methods.
Tues Sept 20, 2016
Reading about CEB Press lately just trying to get some knowledge of functionality and changes. I got curious and thought I would glance at the controller code, but so far I am not sure where/what appropriate version of the code is. The git repo doesn't look updated recently and has comments multiple versions are floating around. I am not very experienced with git myself, but I will look around see if I can find what code version is being worked on currently and hopefully learn about git repo's some. Also received more emails from Peter Cowman he is in South America, but still seems motivated to help with design in some way. 'Email me or write to me on my log if you want to help update the code. -MJ
Wed Sept 14, 2016
Busy with farm issues lately, but I did work on FreeCAD on Monday and figured out the steps up to starting part pads more clearly. I just need to repeat it more to internalize the steps and find the most efficient work pattern for making a simplified step by step script. I also just noticed some updated files for the CEB press have been uploaded; I am examining them to try to compare to what I thought would be correct. I see the parts are all back in one file. I do not understand the relabeling yet either. I saw it mentioned, but I am uncertain what is being referenced for labels. So I will search for more info because it will be important in addition to just converting parts and files. I am a little concerned I am not catching up on how and what to do fast enough. There is so much to figure out and it is changing as well. At least I can document the process and maybe improve documentation for future reference. A bigger picture will help with prioritizing as well.
Thurs Sept 8, 2016
I have been looking over many interesting OSE documents and information on libreCAD & FreeCAD. Lots of new information to process. I also made progress using libreCAD/FreeCAD. I am planning for tutorials. I started more docs for notes, found and added existing links for references; See Notes doc [1]
Tues Sept 6, 2016
Looked at more CEB Press info. Figured out some settings and how to do basic tasks in LibreCAD and FreeCAD. Figured out Google docs and found lots of OSE related files I wasn't aware of. Need to verify I am working with the correct files and doing the export/import steps right by comparing to someones work with experience. My image of OSE structure and methods keeps shifting. Definitely need more documentation on the wiki about basic how to's. On going google doc notes here: [2]
Mon Sept 5, 2016
It's Labor Day, and we have a new WWOOFer arriving today, but I'd like to note some of my learning mistakes for future reference. The Noob perspective. When I saw the video for the sept 3 CEB design sprint pop up on youtube today I was not surprised, but annoyed I didn't get in after preparing to do so. I was not familiar enough with the google hangout protocols; I thought the software was telling me it was full; I wasn't aware of the fixed hangout link; So PEBCAK. Of course, I also assumed wrongly I wouldn't know enough FreeCAD to help. At that time I suppose I did not, but spending a lot of time this weekend figuring out many of the things covered in the meeting on my own afterward was not the most efficient learning method. Software familiarity matters. So, better training docs are needed for new people. With the interest in improving HR I think a big part of that needs to be improving documentation for training protocols. The current HR protocols are simply the discouragement created by a lack of cohesive training information. The wiki may be a filterable db, but when it hurts instead of helping learning efficiency it is an HR problem. Therefore I will make it my mission to add notes to the wiki where applicable to make it easier for new users. Also, I will turn youtube inside out to try fixing the video sync problems. Software is highly visual and I think I learn a lot about how things are getting done from the videos, so the bad video can be extremely annoying. Last week I realized the videos being CC makes them editable by anyone, so I think it may be possible to at least resync them better. Missing audio is just unfortunate. Perhaps better protocols for usage of bandwidth in the hangout such as only enabling HD cameras when necessary and lowering bandwidth settings when good enough for screen sharing. Finding better software may not solve bandwidth issues entirely anyway.
Sun Sept 4, 2016
Periodically looking for logistics on workflow processes and guides for using google docs and Dozuki I found a few other things I was unaware of. Google hangouts on air is the standard for recording and uploading hangouts directly. I was suspicious that was the case. It means the annoying sync issues in the youtube videos are likely either upload bandwidth issues or youtube's fault. Looked over libreCAD and at CEB press FreeCAD file a little more. Interesting legacy file issues/bugs causing the two applications to be used in a collaborative, but not the most efficient manner. Exporting and Importing files could use more explanation and I will work on adding some documentation on that this week if that method will continue to be used in the future.
Sat Sept 3, 2016
I sent more emails to potential SME's mainly to colleges of architecture in states closer to FeF. reviewing more FreeCAD info in prep for today's Design Sprint. Preparing a list of questions about OSE structure and tools using google docs so I can search for answers or ask the OSE community. Looked at CEB Press content to try to gain functional understanding; Made some progress. I noticed functions in the google docs for collaboration I was not aware of before possibly new, but I need to brush up on Google docs. Reviewed CEB Press Design Sprint instructions. Downloaded and viewed files and watched beginners tutorials on FreeCAD. Informative, but I need a lot more practice with FreeCAD interface. Then there is all the prior build content on the CEB Press I am ignorant of.
Fri Sept 2, 2016
Started to review information about FreeCAD and tutorials. I have much to learn, but timing fits with my goal to learn FreeCAD this fall/winter. I am trying to understand FreeCAD limitations. I wonder if its python code base and scripting system can be used to overcome some shortfalls with plugins. I may need to get back to learning Python as well.
Thur Sept 1, 2016
After emails with Peter Cowman I think his living architecture philosophy may be helpful to OBI/OSE's design goals. Especially with the dilemmas around designing the Seed Eco-Home as an open source prototype show casing various technologies and the need to design the structure so it fits the needs of the individuals using the structure at Factor e Farm. Designing the structure so it is modular and can be adapted to other peoples' different needs in different locations where varying environmental conditions require variations on the structure and included technologies is important to OBI/OSE's overall goals. Peter's living architecture concepts remind me of elements in permaculture and natural designs used in earth ships as well. Peter says he is interested in sharing these ideas openly.
Further email with Peter Cowman reveals he is leaving soon for a trip to Bolivia. I emailed Marcin to inform him of the situation.
Wed Aug 31, 2016
Searched wiki for various information; Google doc wiki insertion/sharing protocols found nothing of significance. Since they are technically tied to an individuals google account they need to be shared & copied to OSE's account to eliminate possible loss of data I think.
From my experience needs at least one locally licensed & bonded architectural engineer. Presumable there has been previous experience with some for other projects, but I haven't found clear documentation on that yet. In searching the wiki for any reference to Seed Home rough blueprints CAD files etc. I don't see anything other than some slide shows and rough ideas mostly related to previous projects. So I am guessing what is meant by getting the calculations done is really finding engineers to create blueprints similar to imagery that can pass code and include prototype technologies.
Since Peter Cowman is not local (Ireland) I am currently thinking he may be most useful to advise on more general design aspects and improving home functionality through his living architecture design philosophy. I have seen many earth ship videos that show how they employ more efficient natural methods of ventilation and combining greenhouses to reduce heating and cooling as well. If there is enough interest from OBI/OSE community maybe he can do some general video conferencing lectures etc. I am searching for more detailed wiki links to Seed Home for Peter to look over so he will be prepared to consult with OBI/OSE management in whatever capacity possible.
I also emailed Community member Anthony for advice as well continuing correspondence with Peter Cowman on his possible role as a SME. He is interested and reviewing existing content on the Seed Eco-Home. I am also informing him more about OSE/OBI's design process and open source methodology.
I am searching for more architectural SME's that are more local to Factor e Farm's location and experienced with CEB construction. Possibly at more local colleges of architecture like the UO links.
Tue Aug 30, 2016
Creating work log to enter communications with architect Peter Cowman related to SME Design Sprint for designing OBI building prototype.
Peter is interested in working with OSE and thinks he can work within OBI/OSE open source rules, but is uncertain how his living architecture design philosophy can integrate with OBI and its open source deign process. Living architecture is about humans learning to build their structures sustainably, in harmony with the surrounding environment, and designing them to better fit humans natural needs. It generally involves the use of natural local materials to build small custom homes. Peter Cowman is currently located in Ireland, but has traveled and lectured extensively.
One dilemma of open source is how to design prototypes so that users can take the underlying designs and adapt them to suit their personal needs and local environment. The prototype home OBI will build needs to both demonstrate a broad variety of easy to use sustainable technologies and fit the specific needs of Factor e Farm and those who will utilize it. Not all technologies are a good fit for everyone in any environment. The adaptability of open source is its biggest advantage, but flexibility and modularity must be designed in.
Also searching for other contacts within OSE for further guidance on Peter's possible role.
I've also searched for architecture with CEB's and found some links to schools of architecture in areas closer to Factor e Farm and will continue searching for more since I do not see many triple green check marks on the SME page and I assume more local engineers and architects will be needed for hands-on assistance and lectures.
http://www.ou.edu/content/architecture/centers/ceb/ceb-photos1.html
http://www.ou.edu/architecture/centers/ceb/ceb-and-cchh.html