The Test Rig is REAL
The Test Rig Has Been Assembled
The test rig parts all arrived over the last 2 weeks and the rig’s assembly went quiet smoothly. I did need to figure out the final design for the take up reel, however, once those parts were 3D printed and installed everything else fit together as planned. And we now have the machine that can take the Alpha Leash through its paces.
BUT, now I have to create the programming and data management system to make sure it can run 24hrs a day and simulate 5 years of use in just over a month!
That’s where National Instruments comes in. They have an amazing control module and software system that lets you create a control panel, data logging and most importantly a USB based controller that will manage the inputs from the load sensors and the outputs that control the application motors.
And I need to learn how to use it. :-S
So far the panel is done, the easy bit, and the programing is well underway! A BIG thanks to my Dad who knows LabVIEW very well.
Design
Our Ergonomics Analysis is complete! Some great information came back on how to make the Alpha Leash even more user friendly and as comfortable as possible. Thank you soooo much Rebecca for your amazing support and for taking the time to help in this critical work. Once our the test rig is up and running the improvements will be integrated into the design along with any initial lessons learned from the Test Rig.
Demo Days
It’s tooooooo cold. Sadly our demo days have wrapped up for the year. We will of course be back in the spring as soon as the days get warmer. We plan on not only visiting new parks far and wide, but also revisiting our original parks as well to show our early supporters that we’ve listened to their feedback and to make sure we got the changes right!
Test Leashes
Our test leashes have been doing well providing great feedback on brake feel and also driving some additional design changes.
Sadly, old age caught up to one of our testers, Timber, Mark’s black lab, who passed away last week. She was getting on in years but she was still young at heart and we are sad to see her go.
—Ed
