5th yr DCG

Game Controllers

Towards the end of term students are given assignments which help prepare them for the project work that is part of their Leaving Certificate. Based on the LC assignment of 2010 students were given the following task.

There have been many changes to handheld electronic game controllers over the last thirty years. These developments consist of changes to shape and form as well the addition of new features. Such features include cordless technology, integral speakers, inbuilt screen and console, etc.

Carry out a design investigation of the physical form and features of handheld game controllers to include their development since the late 1970’s.

Using the following format, students presented their assignments as shown below.

Page 1: Introduction to topic including (historical) development of item to present day, key features of item with specific reference to shape and form in its design. Reflect personally on this with photos, pictures, sketches etc.

Page 2: Choose two designs, one modern and old. List features/specifications and sketch outlines (pictorials/orthographic views) with key dimensions

Page 3: Graphically compare and contrast three main features of the previous two designs with sketches, render/shade as appropriate and add main dimensions.

Page 4: Freehand drawing of modern design

Page 5 & 6:Solidworks modeled views and orthographic drawing (2pgs)

Student Solutions

 

2nd Year Technology

Cars - The movie

2nd Year Technology

Cars Cars and more Cars !!!

With lots going on in each year group, its with due accord that the next post looks at what the 2nd year technology class has been getting up to. Designing and making cars is a regular favourite with 2nd year students. No doubt each student will enthusiastically attest that their design, based on a combination of pulley mechanism and Doble Pole Double Throw switch, is by far the best designed and fastest car of them all. Let the race begin....

 

1st Year Desktop Lamp

The Lamp Update !!!

After all their hard work and a belated post regarding how the students got on, we can finally reveal their finished lamps. Good work guys.

LC Technology

Villier's Sumo Roboteers

Congratulations to all the 5th year technology students who took part in the inaugural Irish Mini Sumo Robot Tournament which was recently held in Galway. Thirty two teams from all over Ireland took part and battled it out to capture the bragging rights to be recognised as the best Mini Sumo Robot in Ireland. Considering all the programming difficulties and last minute adjustments to the robots, it was a great achievement by everyone who took part especially those who reached the finals of the competition. Special congratulations to Jonathan Powell, Kerrie Ahern and Niamh Kennedy in reaching the semi-final and final of the competition respectively.

 

Roboteers: Prince Bossman, Senan Moore, Paul Byrne, Niamh Kennedy, Kerrie Ahern, Javier Gil, Giorgio Hartmann, Niall Poff, Evan Kennedy, Conor Grace, Jonathan Powel and Pablo Llovet.

 



 

JC Technology

Picaxe 8 Pin Proto Board Wiring Diagram (8m2 chip)

A lot of confusion exists for students when wiring this project board.  Of course it can be configured for numerous input/output options but generally I advise Junior Certificate students to set them as explained in the diagram below. It allows for a good range of output options specifically suited for their JC projects.

5th DCG

Sketching Exercises

Students never fail to impress in demonstrating natural and attained skills in the art of freehand sketching. Learning this lifelong skill helps students in communicating their ideas while reflecting on geometry which exists in everyday items.