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Assembling FORCE

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qmcgrath edited this page Feb 15, 2022 · 32 revisions

Software Instructions

  1. Download Arduino IDE First, install the FORCE library from the Arduino IDE. This is done by searching for the FORCE library in the Arduino library manager and installing the latest version. If prompted, allow Arduino to install all dependency libraries. The library manager is opened using Tools > Manage Libraries. You can explore the example programs by clicking File > Examples > Force.
  1. Install relevant Arduino boards to run the Adalogger MO and Feather m4 You will also need to add the board being used, the AdaFruit Feather M4 Express. Tools > Board: > Board Manager > And then search and install AdaFruit SAMD Boards.
    Then select Tools > Board > AdaFruit Feather M4 Express. If the appropriate board is not selected there will be errors when compiling, most likely concerning the analog resolution.
  1. Install Dependency libraries If the dependency libraries were not automatically installed, you will need to install them individually using the library manager. Required Libraries
    • HX711 Arduino Library (v0.7.4) by Bogdan Necula, Andreas Motl
    • SdFat - Adafruit Fork (v1.2.3) by Bill Greiman
    • RTClib (v1.13.0) by Adafruit
    • Adafruit ST7735 and ST7789 Library (v1.7.2) by Adafruit
    • Adafruit seesaw Library (v1.4.2) by Adafruit
    • Adafruit Neopixel (v1.8.0) by Adafruit
    • Adafruit GFX Library (v1.10.7) by Adafruit
    • Adafruit Adafruit_SPIFlash (v3.4.1) by Adafruit

Assembly Instructions

  1. Order the PCB FORCE uses a custom printed circuit board (PCB) to minimize wiring and increase reliability of the electronics. The BRD file (what you use to order the PCB) is in the files area.

  2. Populate the PCV Start by soldering on all seven headers. These include:

  • two short female headers for the Adalogger (one 12 pin, one 16 pin)
  • one short female headers for each Load Cell Amplifier (5 pin)
  • one male header for the solenoid power (two pin)
  • a six pin (3 x2) header for the beeper
  • one female aux header (?) (3 pin)
  • An optional switch can be added at sw1 IMPORTANT! Solder all of these onto the BACK of the PCB, the side that says FORCE in white lettering and has no individual pin labels. Next, solder the desired number of BNC headers.
  1. Solder headers onto Adafruit breakout boards Solder male headers onto 3 Adafruit breakout boards: each Load Cell Amplifer and the Seesaw feather screen. Solder male stacking headers unto the Feather m4 Express and the Adalogger. Put the coin cell battery into the Adalogger breakout at this point. In the final device, the break out boards will be stack: PCB -> Adalogger -> Feather m4 -> Seesaw screen.

  1. Solder the load cells to the Load Cell Amp breakout boards. Each wire of the load cell should be soldered into the appropriate connection in the Load Cell Amp, indicated by color. This can be done by stripping a 1.4'' of wire and placing it through the whole, similar to a normal pin header. image

  2. Assemble the sipper apparatus. The sipper apparatus consists of a solenoid, two sections of tubbing, a small metal sipper pipe, a syringe, and a syringe connector. First, cut a 5 cm section of the thin metal pipe, from which the mouse will lick. Cut the rubber tubing into one 2 cm section to connect the sipper tube to the solenoid. Cut one 3 cm section of the rubber tubing to connect the solenoid to the syringe. The solenoid consists of two parts, a thinner and taller cylinder with 2 male headers for wire connections (A) and short cylinder with a hole in the middle (B). The rubber section of cylinder A must be placed in the hole in cylinder B. Take care to align the small hole in A with the holes in B. It is a tight fit, and can be aided by wetting the rubber section slightly and bracing against a desk. A small click can be felt when the pieces are properly put together. Finally, Put the components together as shown below.

  1. Assemble the electronics. Place all boards into their respective headers.

  2. Download FORCE sketch and flash FFED3 Before assembling the device into the 3D housing, you should confirm that it works. Extract the latest FORCE Arduino Sketch (in the files area) and the sketch "??" to where ever you like to keep Arduino sketches (for me it's: /Documents/Arduino).

Open the FED3_SetClock_063019.ino sketch in the Arduino IDE and flash this code to the M0. You should see a message on the screen that the RTC was set correctly.

Before assembling the device, make sure the components are working by flashing the device with FORCE_RandomOut. The home screen should appear, giving you the options to set several variables. You can explore these variables in the Code Documentation tab. The program begins by pressing the joystick button. When the program is running, you can see the load cell readings and confirm they are connected. In addition, the solenoid will make a small click when its engaged.

  1. Print 3d Parts The 3d part stl files are available in the files area. It will include one main piece and one device cover.

  2. Mount PCB Board Screw the PCB board into the 3d housing using the appropriate M2 screws.

  3. Secure the sipper apparatus Slide the syringe and solenoid into the respective holders on the 3d print.

  4. Secure the load cells The load cells should be screwed in place with the appropriate M3 crews. They should be screwed snug.

  5. Glue in the front magnet

  6. Run your device. You device should be ready to go!

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