Picking Parts

January 9th, 2023.

As we enter the second half of our capstone project, one of the two main goals for mechanical is to actually assemble the BRD so that Software can test their flight controller, alignment, and localization software. The other is to redesign the EGG in its entirety, but that's a story for another time.

In order to build the BRD, we need parts, which was the plan for today.

Software had already ordered some components, spending $120 USD and $250 USD for the Flight Controller + Electronic Speed Controller (FC+ECS) and various Portenta boards respectively. Electrical had already ordered other components, spending $300 CAD and $550 CAD for various electrical components (including the battery) and the motors and propellers respectively. Fortunately, each team member is allocated $75 CAD per term, totaling to $750 CAD for the team. So, up until this point, we were all out a little over $100 CAD; something we had expected given the scope of our project. Sure, we still had to source and order the mechanical components, but they shouldn't be too pricey, right? ... right?

BOY was I wrong.

$35 CAD for the rods required for the legs.

$100 CAD to 3D print the motor holders for the arms.

$125 CAD for the tubing required for the drone's arms.

$150 CAD to 3D print the parts connecting the arms and body.

$275 CAD for the carbon fiber sheets for the body.

Coming to a grand total of: $685, effectively doubling each of our out-of-pocket expenses.

Oh the joys of student capstone projects...