RepRap: Builders

I should have started this blog when I started the project last January. My interest in this project is twofold. First, I am a teacher at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota (USA), and I've decided to use the RepRap project as a class project. The class I will use this project for is Industrial CAD Project. The RepRap printer will represent the product created by our "company", so I would like to have a working version for the students to study, document, and innovate. Secondly, I like tinkering with electronics, computers, and programming. This project has provided me growth opportunities in all of these areas.

Since this is my first blog (ever!), I thought I should start with a summary of what has happened so far:

• Built rapid prototyped parts in February.
  
• Bought structural components in March.
• Built more rapid prototyped parts in March.
  
• Bought electronic components in March.
• Cut steel pieces to length in April.
• Built more rapid prototyped parts in May.
  
• Bought miscellaneous components in June.
• Asked a co-worker to cut threaded rod to length in June.
  
• Soldered PowerComms board, Stepper testers, and Opto Endstop boards in June.
• Soldered Universal Controller Boards in July.
• Asked a co-worker to create the Bed in July.
  

Here's where I stand today. I am unable to establish functional software using a Windows based machine. I can't crack the java classpath code to get all the components to work together. I have downloaded the Live CD and it works well. I've tested the PowerComms card and it seems to be functioning properly. I have verified that one Universal Controller is working. I have failed to verify the other four are working. (I'm guessing that manhandling a PIC processor is bad, as now the working Universal Controller is not working.) Lastly, I have started this blog.

This morning, I am going to create the in-circuit programming cable for my PICKit 2 programmer. I actually bought two programmers for this project and the Ramsey Electronics kit worked to program the first PIC processor, but I really want to know both programmers work. The accessories that I bought for the PICKit 2 have not worked and do not have pin 1 labeled. Therefore, I've tried programming a PIC right-side up and upside-down with no results. I at least had the foresight to buy way too many PICs. Wish me luck...

Rick.

Labels: summary of events