Define a problem
Generate concepts
For this project, we were to follow instructions given to create a device that would illuminate light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a pattern from which we could determine a number. The number would be 1-6, like on a standard die.
test prototype & evaluate the solution
Conclusion Questions:
1.) How evenly distributed were the numbers for the RNG? Do you think your RNG is fair? Why or why not?
The numbers with my RNG are not very evenly distributed, but I think it is still considered to be fair. This is because the behavior is similar to if a person rolled a normal die. While the perfect 16.67 percentage is logic for a fair number of rolls on each side, it is unlikely to be that perfect.
2.) Another word for troubleshooting is DEBUGGING. Research to determine the origin of the term and who was the person to coin the phrase.
The term "debugging" is from a calculator problem at Harvard University. When technicians investigated, they discovered a moth between two points in the system. Thus, the term became a pun of sorts. It was coined by Grace Harper, the one who removed the moth from the system.
Reflection:
This project was first and foremost very enjoyable! I have never soldered before, so that was a new experience. I also was taught about the components that were being attached to the circuit such as the small 555-timer, which changes the analog signal from the batteries to a digital signal used by the LEDs. While I was the slowest at completing the project due to my absence the day it started, I am happy with the product I know have finished. I faced many problems with the project, such as time constraints and learning how to solder. Then, once I finished my soldering, I discovered that I had incorrectly placed the battery pack on the circuit. (The RNG then proceeded to short circuit and now part of the pack is slightly melted.) I also discovered that I had forgotten to solder one of the LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and quickly went to remedy the problem. Before turning in the final product, I also went back and touched up my soldering with a thinner soldering rod, which made a great difference. (Note to self: Use a thinner soldering iron when working on not-so-big circuits.) All in all, I had fun with this project and learned a lot about the components used as well as the assembly that goes into electronic products.
1.) How evenly distributed were the numbers for the RNG? Do you think your RNG is fair? Why or why not?
The numbers with my RNG are not very evenly distributed, but I think it is still considered to be fair. This is because the behavior is similar to if a person rolled a normal die. While the perfect 16.67 percentage is logic for a fair number of rolls on each side, it is unlikely to be that perfect.
2.) Another word for troubleshooting is DEBUGGING. Research to determine the origin of the term and who was the person to coin the phrase.
The term "debugging" is from a calculator problem at Harvard University. When technicians investigated, they discovered a moth between two points in the system. Thus, the term became a pun of sorts. It was coined by Grace Harper, the one who removed the moth from the system.
Reflection:
This project was first and foremost very enjoyable! I have never soldered before, so that was a new experience. I also was taught about the components that were being attached to the circuit such as the small 555-timer, which changes the analog signal from the batteries to a digital signal used by the LEDs. While I was the slowest at completing the project due to my absence the day it started, I am happy with the product I know have finished. I faced many problems with the project, such as time constraints and learning how to solder. Then, once I finished my soldering, I discovered that I had incorrectly placed the battery pack on the circuit. (The RNG then proceeded to short circuit and now part of the pack is slightly melted.) I also discovered that I had forgotten to solder one of the LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and quickly went to remedy the problem. Before turning in the final product, I also went back and touched up my soldering with a thinner soldering rod, which made a great difference. (Note to self: Use a thinner soldering iron when working on not-so-big circuits.) All in all, I had fun with this project and learned a lot about the components used as well as the assembly that goes into electronic products.