Senior Design Week 5: Mark Figueroa

This week, significant progress was made on the rover’s power and control systems. I completed wiring the power module using 16-gauge wire for all connections directly linked to the battery to ensure sufficient current capacity and safety. A 30-amp inline fuse was installed between the battery and the main safety switch to protect against excessive current draw. The safety switch was strategically placed on top of the rover to allow quick and easy access in case an emergency shutdown is needed. Additionally, I integrated an inline charging cable, which eliminates the need to remove the battery for charging, simplifying maintenance and operation.

On the control side, I successfully wired the motor drivers and the rocker-bogie suspension system, setting the stage for upcoming navigation and mobility tests. Each motor driver requires power from the battery, so I used inline 20-amp fuses for safety. To support the rover’s electronics, both the 5V and 6V buck converters were wired and tested to power critical components including the Maestro servo controller, Sharp distance sensors, Raspberry Pi main controller, and the external ADC.