MASSIVE-ANT: Airsoft Gun Modifications, Testing, Mount; Nerf Gun Modifications; Capacitor Bank; IR Mount; Gimbal Testing

Friday 4/18

After the airsoft gun was mounted, Matt was able to test the shooting mechanism by "shooting blanks," or giving power to the gun with the trigger pushed, safety off and no BBs. Sometimes the gun would get stuck; we aren't sure why. He also tested the gimbal to see if it could still move with the gun on it; it was able to move. An issue with the gimbal kept causing problems. The gimbal, despite being geared down, still had a lot give and sway to it. The gun was then all over the place.

As a backup to the airsoft gun, Mike continued to work on the nerf gun. He cut it to make it as small as possible. Mike then soldered a capacitor bank for the alkaline batteries. While in the soldering state of mind, he also soldered leads to the metal springs on the airsoft gun (for the batteries normally) and to a transistor so the gun would not need batteries to fire.

Patrick cut the airsoft to be as small as possible taking off unnecessary plastic including the battery cover, the fake magazine, buttstock, and sight. I also made sure the safety was always off and trigger was pushed to ensure the gun would always fire when given power. I used zip ties and a rubber band. I then drilled holes in the airsoft gun so it could be mounted to the side of the gimbal. I mounted the gun to the gimbal so it could be tested. I then was able to mount the IR sensors to the front plate/cover.