Lots of progress was made today.
- Created sub-team assignments:
- Michael & Marshall -> User management system
- Adam & Jim -> RFID to PIC communication
- Owen -> PIC to Motor control, timing and methods for detecting a closed door
- Owen and Michael got the motor to go both directions by using an 18V (2×9V) drop and activating one transistor at +5V to go forward. The trick was backward, which we solved by activating the second transistor at -5V using an inverting op-amp.
- Jim created an antenna that works with the RFID, so we were able to obtain the hex IDs for the keys we use over RS232.
We decided to break into the groups to hopefully work in parallel with one another and get moving on the project. Things are looking much better now that we have working RFID and a working motor. A potential problem we have to solve is the fact that dead-bolt knob on our door is incredibly difficult to turn (even by hand). Our power amplifier can turn it, but slowly.
Below is a beautiful schematic Owen made for us in M$ Paint.