Leave no SK behind

This week we are focusing more of our attention to SK2 by mounting the Outback and motor controllers.  The controllers will be one of the first piece of hardware added to the actual frame.  After they are mounted we will be able to add other pieces to SK2, such as the motor and steering aparatus.  With that said, we plan to get SK2 rolling by next friday. It is a tall order but we are confident that we can do it. 

 On the other hand we are also waiting the new bearings for SK3's wheels.  Our overall goals this week are . . .

a) Find the hardware to mount controllers

b) drill the holes for the controllers

c) mount the controllers

Peter Drilling holes in SK2 for the motor controller

Zach looks for the right bolts to mount the motor controller and charge controllers

Tie Bars and Brake Lines, Oh My!

This week we cleaned the brake system on SK3 until they were spotless.  We were also successful on researching new brake lines for SK3, but according to Matt and Mr. Martin, we are waiting for money from the county before we continue.
The tie bars for SK2 were too small, so next week we will have to look again for ones that fit.  We also decided where to place the Outback and motor controller and have begun drilling.
This week everyone learned about soldering wires together from Jaret, which is an important skill when it comes to repairing motors.

Cleaning brake pads with degreaser and microfibers



Jaret teaches us how to solder wires together

Getting Down to Solar Business

This week we plan on continuing the construction of SK2.  We also need to continue cleaning the brake system for SK3.  The details of our plans include . . .

a) Placing the charge controller and motor controller on SK2,

b) Cleaning the brake pads on SK3,

c) Researching new brake lines for SK3,

d) Placing the tie bars on SK2.

Our Monday meeting going over the plans for the week.



Me and Jack researching HOPE C2 brake lines

Both front wheels have been disassembled on SK3 and the process of rigorously cleaning is almost done, if we leave any dirt or grime it could lead the way to rust and or degrading of the brake's.

Jack Cleaning the last of the brake/brake pad's

Cleaning SK3

Since SK3 is the main competition solar car, it takes a lot of work to keep it up to standard. This week we need to take of the wheels and completely clean the axle and bearings of brake fluid that had leaked out during competition.

The First Axle ready for cleaning

Setting up solar

We spent the majority of this week cleaning up the work area and getting the solar car prepared for the visitors on Friday.  All we were able to get done on SK2 was the addition of the back wheel.

Although we did nor make much progress on SK2, we were able to learn how to assemble the existing solar car by attaching the hood to the body of the car with zip ties.  We also cleaned the individual cells so that they could absorb more energy.

Kirsten cleans a layer of Texas dust from the solar cells.



Jason secures the top of the car to the bottom with a zip tie while everyone watches.

Clean up time

The plan for this week is to make further progress on the construction of SK2.  What needs to get done this week is . . .

A) the placement of the back wheel

B) the placing of the charge controller

. . . and if there is time we will try to connect the steering.  Later this week, important people from the school board will be coming so we will also be cleaning up the work area.

Clearing off the work table and separating the woods from the metals from the plastics.



Jaret dusts off the heavy machinery