Lidar Electronics

Three small DC motors powered off 5v spins the whole contraption. In order for the Lidar Lite v3 to get power and send data while spinning, we used a slip ring contact. A photo interrupter was also used to determine the LIDAR’s position.

Catapult Electronics

One motor controller powers the 3 winch motors, while another motor controller powers the pan motor. Two potentiometers give us the angle of the pan, and the other potentiometer gives us the angle of the arm. A limit switch on the catapult acts as an emergency stop. If the limit switch is pressed, the arm of the catapult has reached its maximum distance. This information can be used by the arduino to tell the winch to stop running. Finally, two servos are controlled by the arduino which activates our hook.