LC Technology

Runaway Alarm Clock

Students always seem to come up with great ideas that make you smile. When a student asked me could he make an alarm clock that would 'runaway' when the alarm activates I was truly inspired. Integrating an alarm clock with a microcontroller was the way forward but certain challenges were faced on the way. We were able to reuse an old clock radio and use the alarm speaker as an input on the microcontrol board (Genie E18) to make the motors function. The student gained inspiration for his design from a landrover but with caterpillar tracks. The body was vacuum formed which allowed for the components to be housed inside the vehicle. A digital sensor was placed on the front to detect obstacles in its path. Check out the video below.

1st Year Technology

Bridge Project

After settling in and learning about structures, our first year students set about designing and making a lightweight bridge. There were certain criteria however they had to design within. It had to span 600mm, be capable of sustaining a mass of 5kg and be made only from 6 one meter lengths of MDF, 6mm square in section. After great effort and excitement the bridge construction got under way and were tested to their limits. Two teams came out on top both capable of holding 14kg. Well done to all!

Bridge Design and Construction

Finished Bridges

Testing

2nd Year Technology

Power Boats

Having worked on them for a few weeks, it was time for our 2nd year Technology class to show of their boats. Below are a sample of some of the projects the students produced.

LC Technology

Perpetual Motion

Its a very interesting concept to be able to create motion that continues indefinitely. Understandably this is hypothetical and depends on the energy input as a source for energy output but all the same, it is a very unique way of generating rotary motion. Maybe it might spark an idea for application in some of our Leaving Cert Technology students' final year project...

1st Year Technology

Yo-Yos

Our first year students sampling technology. We've had great fun making yo-yos the last few weeks. Its a very simple project that gives the students a taste of some of the practical experience they will get when they come back from their mid-term break. They all did a great job.

LC Technology

Picture Frame

Back to school and its always nice to start the term with a practical exercise. Our new 5th year class have been learning the skills associated with CAD/CAM. This allows students to gain experience with design, IT and manufacturing as well as fine finishing techniques of plastics which they will use in future projects going forward during their LC programme. Some of the designs are shown below which have been changed since last year to accomodate a 6"x4" Photo.

LC Technology

Irish National Sumo Robot Competition 2014

Congratulations to all the 5th year technology students who took part in the second Irish Mini Sumo Robot Tournament which was held in Galway. This year saw a doubling of the number of teams competing from all over Ireland and the standard of the competition was very high.  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. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and gained a lot from the experience. The planning now starts for next year.

Roboteers: Christian Cano, Miguel Saez, Alonso Dominguez, Stephen Bracken, Gregory Lotter, Paul Sutton, Maeve Higgins, Sarah Oxley, Patrick Lu, Stefan Gode, Aoife Malone, Caitlyn Parkinson, Alvina Zykov, Kimberly Kietel.