PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
End Product Design
Senior Design Dec04-08
Client
David Sneitzer
Faculty Advisors
Gerald Sheble
Team Members
Ritesh Desai
Michael Myers
Jacob Huber
Sean Genter
May 5th, 2004
DISCLAIMER: This document was developed as a part of the requirements of an
electrical and computer engineering course at Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa. This document does not constitute a
professional engineering design or a professional land surveying document. Although the information is intended to be
accurate, the associated students, faculty, and Iowa State University make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the
accuracy, completeness, quality, or adequacy of the information.
The user of this document shall ensure that any such use does not violate any laws with regard to professional licensing
and certification requirements. This use includes any work resulting from this student-prepared document that is required
to be under the responsible charge of a licensed engineer or surveyor. This document is copyrighted by the students who
produced this document and the associated faculty advisors. No part may be reproduced without the written permission of
the senior design course coordinator.
Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Table Of Contents
1.
Introduction .................................................................................................... 1
1.1. Abstract .................................................................................................. 1
1.2. Acknowledgment .................................................................................... 1
1.3. Problem Statement ................................................................................. 1
1.3.1. Problem ........................................................................................... 1
1.3.2. Solution ........................................................................................... 2
1.4. Operating Environment ........................................................................... 3
1.5. Intended Users and Intended Uses ........................................................ 3
1.5.1. Intended User(s) .............................................................................. 3
1.5.2. Intended Use(s) ............................................................................... 3
1.6. Assumptions and Limitations .................................................................. 3
1.6.1. Assumptions .................................................................................... 4
1.6.2. Limitations ....................................................................................... 4
1.7. Expected end product and other deliverables......................................... 5
2. Proposed Approach and Product Design Results .......................................... 6
2.1. Approach Used ....................................................................................... 6
2.1.2. Functional Requirements ................................................................. 6
2.1.3
Design Constraints .......................................................................... 7
2.1.3. Technical Approach Considerations and Results ............................ 7
2.1.4. Testing Approach Considerations ................................................... 8
2.1.5. Recommendations Regarding Project Continuation or Modification 8
2.2. Detailed Design .................................................................................... 10
2.2.1. List of Parts ................................................................................... 10
2.2.2. Base Computer Design ................................................................. 11
2.2.3. Data Acquisition Flow Chart .......................................................... 15
3. Estimated Resources and Schedules .......................................................... 18
3.1. Estimated Resource Equipment ........................................................... 18
3.1.1. Personnel Effort Requirement ....................................................... 18
3.1.2. Other Resource Requirements ...................................................... 19
3.1.3. Financial Resource Requirements ................................................ 20
3.2. Schedules ............................................................................................. 21
4. Closure Materials ......................................................................................... 25
4.1. Project Team Information ..................................................................... 25
4.1.1. Client Information .......................................................................... 25
4.1.2. Faculty Advisor Information ........................................................... 25
4.1.3. Student Team Information ............................................................. 26
4.2. Closing Summary ................................................................................. 26
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
List of Figures
Figure 1- 1: Miniature Motherboard for Processing ............................................... 2
Figure 2- 1 : Anemometer ................................................................................... 11
Figure 2- 2: Compass Copyright © 2004 PNI Corp ............................................. 12
Figure 2- 3: PIC 16f8873 ..................................................................................... 12
Figure 2- 4: PDA - Zaurus © 2004 Sharp Electronics Corp................................. 12
Figure 2- 5: Linx RF Module ............................................................................... 12
Figure 2- 6: System Component Diagram ........................................................... 14
Figure 2- 7: Sensor Flow Chart ........................................................................... 15
Figure 2- 8: Display mock up .............................................................................. 16
Figure 2- 9: Display program flow chart .............................................................. 17
Figure 3- 1: Gantt chart - Tasks vs Proposed Project Calendar .......................... 22
Figure 3- 2: Gantt chart - Project Deliverable Schedule ...................................... 24
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
List of Tables
Table 2-1: List of parts ........................................................................................ 11
Table 3-1: Original Personnel Effort Requirements............................................. 18
Table 3-2: Revised Personnel Effort Requirements ............................................ 18
Table 3-3: Original Other Resource Requirements ............................................. 19
Table 3-4: Revised Other Resource Requirements ............................................ 19
Table 3-5: Original Financial Resources Requirements ...................................... 20
Table 3-6: Revised Financial Resources Requirement ....................................... 21
Table 4-2: Faculty Advisor Information ............................................................... 25
Table 4-3: Team Member Information................................................................. 26
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
1. Introduction
Introductory topics develop an overview of the end product and specify design
issues as given by the user. The introductory section covers seven main areas:
abstract, acknowledgement, problem statement, operating environment, intended
users and intended use, assumptions and limitations, and finally the expected
end product and other deliverables.
1.1. Abstract
The sponsor of this project envisions a system that uses a PDA as a marine
multi-function instrument to display the following functions as a minimum: wind
speed, wind direction, boat directional orientation and true heading, and boat
speed. Additional parameters may be added as determined by the team and
sponsor. The unit shall operate in wireless mode using low cost sensors and
transceivers. The project end product will be a working prototype including both
hardware and software and all design data. The sponsor has available
anemometers, flux detectors, and software tools for use in the project. The final
product may be marketed as a low cost electronic kit and as a slightly higher cost
completed
unit.
1.2. Acknowledgment
The team would like to acknowledge Mr. David Sneitzer for the design input and
the original idea of this project. The team would also like to thank Professor
Sheble for his input and consultations on this project.
1.3. Problem Statement
The problem statement consists of two areas: the problem and the solution.
These statements shall provide the reader with a general overview of the
problem and the approach that will be used to solve the problem. This is
included so that the reader will have the correct conception of the problem and
the solution approach upfront.
1.3.1. Problem
The end deliverable of this project is to provide a unit that measures speed,
direction, and other useful information to correctly and efficiently sail a boat. The
intended user for this unit is an experienced sailor. The design is to withstand a
marine environment, and also allow the user to sail the boat efficiently. The user
interface must allow for the sailor to access the data through a wireless
connection. Also a stand alone display will be included on the unit for sensors to
display their information. In addition to all hardware, a water proof unit must be
designed to protect the circuitry.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
1.3.2. Solution
The overall system will consist of three different components. There will be
sensors, a PIC, and a display unit. The PIC will gather data and send it wirelessly
to the display unit. The PIC and display unit will need to be housed in a watertight, non-corrosive box to protect it from the harsh oceanic conditions.
Off-the-shelf sensors will be used for measuring the various attributes of the
current sailing conditions. An anemometer will measure wind speed and
direction. A knot meter will measure boat speed. A compass will determine the
orientation and heading of the boat.
A PIC will be programmed to collect all of the data from the sensors and send it
to the display unit. The PIC will interface with pulse counting circuits for devices
that output pulses, such as the knot meter. Analog-to-digital conversions will be
performed on the PIC for the anemometer wind direction. The serial input on the
PIC will be used to get data from the compass. The output from the serial port
will be sent to a wireless transmitter.
The display will consist of a wireless receiver connected to a PDA. The display
will give a graphical representation of the measured data. The PDA will be
powered by it’s own batteries, and it not a major concern for power consumption.
The wireless receiver may need a separate battery. The PDA will be similar to
the one shown below.
Figure 1- 1: Miniature Motherboard for Processing
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
1.4. Operating Environment
The PDA-Based Maine Instrumentation is intended to be modular kit which
contains a self-contained system, along with several measurement devices which
are to be placed on different locations on the boat. All circuits will be mounted
into a self-contained water-proof unit which can be placed on or near the controls
of a boat. Possible environmental hazards include excessive rocking and tilting,
heat, cold and condensation, dust, salt air, and dirt. Possible hazards on the
measuring equipment include dust, and dirt build up, salt air, and excessive
environmental conditions.
1.5. Intended Users and Intended Uses
This subsection shall include two separately identified components: the intended
user and the intended use. To properly design an end product that will provide
the maximum satisfaction and perform in the most efficient manner, it is essential
to understand the end user and the associated end uses.
1.5.1. Intended User(s)
The intended users are sailors. Anyone that is seeking to get better performance
from their sailboat should be able to make use of this device and intend its usage
to be straightforward and user-friendly.
The design of this project is mainly oriented towards sailors that do some racing,
as performance is more crucial to these individuals. The device will also be
beneficial to other sailors that seek to save time and effort.
1.5.2. Intended Use(s)
The device will measure many aspects of the current sailing conditions. These
conditions will then be displayed on a wireless display.
The device will be waterproof and rugged enough to operate in a marine
environment that can be harsh on electronics. The device will also need to use
off the shelf components in preparation for the inevitable breakdown due to
conditions.
1.6. Assumptions and Limitations
This subsection describes design assumptions and limitations taken prior to
development. Although these are flexible and may change, the majority shall
remain integral components to the design process. The assumptions are made in
regard to specific uses and functionality, while the limitations are taken in regard
to operating environment and power availability.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
1.6.1. Assumptions
The main assumption with this project is that the algorithms that sailors have
been using are the best since the team currently has no experience with.
Another assumption is that off the shelf electronics will hold up in a marine
environment. If this is not the case it will require some major redesign of the
project as it stands.
The team is assuming that the sailor has knowledge and experience in sailing
and is capable of determining a navigational course. The sailor will be able to
steer the ship according to directions given by a navigation device.
1.6.2. Limitations

Conditions are often hard on electronics. If conditions dictate, specialized
components may need to be used to handle the environmental conditions.

There will be limited power available on the ship. Generators may not
always be used, therefore the device must be low power. The batteries
are marine class, so they are expensive and not economical to add extra
power to a ship.

The unit must be of limited size and weight so that it does not interfere
with normal boat operations. It must not exceed 8 inches wide by 8 inches
deep by 4 inches tall.

The sensors for data acquisition will most likely be permanent due to their
hard-to-reach locations on the ship. The display module will be portable,
but will not work without the sensors.

Power will be available from the battery on the boat. However, the voltage
is only guaranteed to be within 8 to 16 volts. Many boats do not have
battery chargers, so energy efficiency is important.

The compass is limited to 2 degree accuracy. The other sensors should
be within 5% of the actual value being measured.

The device must have a water-tight enclosure to prevent shortages.

The length of a data cycle must not exceed 2 seconds. One second or
less is preferred.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
1.7. Expected end product and other deliverables
The ideal end product will be a kit that is made of off the shelf input components
that will be marketable to sailors. To prevent the design from being “borrowed”
by others, most of the processing on a microcontroller so that the code is not as
accessible. The kit will need a complete set of instructions so that any user can
install and configure it for their boat. Besides the end product, other deliverables
will be produced. This will include a project plan, a project poster, and design
notebooks. A document outlining the overall design will be produced for the
client and for any future development.
Additional deliverables include:
 Weekly progress report to client
 Oral presentation of design results to client
 Bound revised design/progress reports
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
2. Proposed Approach and Product Design Results
This section will address the components of the project that must be met in order
to maintain a high probability of success. Also included in this section will be a
listing of what the end product is expended to do, and not to do.
2.1. Approach Used
The following components are essential to the success of the project. In order to
maintain the highest probability of success, each component will be analyzed
thoroughly.
2.1.1. Design Objectives
The following items will be implemented based on the problem statement in the
project plan document.

Gather input from sensors.
Gathering input from sensors will allow the unit to compute and then
forward the data in the correct format for the display unit. The sensors in
the system are:
1. Anemometer (wind speed and direction)
2. Knot meter (boat speed)
3. Compass

Process input.
The input data will be manipulated and forwarded to the display unit.

Display data.
The display unit will receive data from the central unit and display it for the
user. The user should not have a difficult time reading the display under
operating conditions.
2.1.2. Functional Requirements
The following functional requirements address what the final project will, and will
not, do.

Sensor Readings
The unit should detect wind speed, heading, wind direction, and boat
speed. The inputs provide all the necessary information to map out where
the boat is relative to its surroundings.

Durable, Accurate, and Low Cost
The unit must be able to survive in a marine environment. It has to be
accurate for the user to even want it. The complete cost of the unit should
be reasonable and competitive.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation

Provide wireless graphical output to the user
There will be a wireless transfer of sensor readings to a PDA for the user
to read.
2.1.3. Design Constraints
In the development of the project there are several constraints that need to be
considered. Each constraint causes a limitation on the design and functionality of
the project.

Cost
The system shall be at reasonable price to the consumer who is in search
of a multi functional unit. It shall be priced competitively along with similar
products with less or few features as the proposed design.

Power Consumption
The system must have minimal power consumption since marine batteries
are expensive, and hard to change while sailing. The power consumption
is also limited by the usage of the unit while sailing.

Size
The main source to display will be the screen of a PDA. These
dimensions vary depending on the PDA, however the data being
wirelessly sent will be the same
2.1.4. Technical Approach Considerations and Results
There are several aspects to the system that required further research. For all
components of the system, each component will optimize cost, mobility and
performance. Some considerations are the following:
Display:
Display
 PDA-based display
A PDA could be purchased and a simple display application built. The
disadvantage of this approach is it requires more communication than a
custom display. It is also more expensive. The advantage is that the PDA
is portable, so the display can move anywhere on the boat. The display
application could also be designed separately from the data acquisition
unit. This is the preferred approach for the display.
Data Acquisition:
 PIC-based
A PIC will be used to collect data from all of the sensors. In the cases of
pulse outputs of a sensor, a separate pulse counting chip will be used to
reduce the amount of complexity in the PIC. Analog-to-digital, serial, and
digital inputs will be used to get the data. The advantage of this approach
is a very simple design for the program on the PIC.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Communication
 Serial cable
Using a serial cable for communication between the data acquisition unit
and the display is the easiest. The disadvantage of this approach is low
mobility. The display would only be able to travel as far as the cable
allows. The cable could also get tangled on the boat, or cause a safety
hazard.

Wireless communication
A serial-wireless-serial chipset will be used in place of a physical serial
cable. This allows high mobility without the inconveniences of a cable. The
disadvantage of this approach is making the system more complex and
costly. This is the preferred approach for communication in the system.
This is the preferred method of communication.
2.1.5. Testing Approach Considerations
The PIC will be tested by attaching a function generator or a variable voltage
supply to its inputs. The data output onto the serial connection will contain the
values that the PIC is receiving. These values may then be compared against the
actual input as measured by an oscilloscope or voltmeter. If the values are
incorrect, some calibration values may be applied to the input values to get more
accurate output.
The output values from the compass will be compared with a mechanical
compass to ensure that the values are correct. If there is any discrepancy, a
calibration may need to be applied. The compass will be tested at different
orientations, and tilted angles to ensure that its output is accurate if the boat is
not perfectly vertical.
The anemometer wind speed and knot meter will be spun at multiple specified
speeds. The output will allow the team to determine if the pulses portray the
speed correctly.
The anemometer wind direction will be tested at many orientations to ensure that
the output is correct. The output relies on an analog device to output a voltage.
Since it is analog, it is likely that the output is not perfectly linear. Because of this,
the limits of the output will need to be determined, fit to a line and a calibration
equation created. This equation will then be applied to the output and compared
to the actual position of the vane.
2.1.6. Recommendations
Modification
Regarding
Project
Continuation
or
The project should be possible to complete without many modifications. Original
specifications stated that navigation would be part of the system. Current
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
analysis has determined that it would be very difficult and time consuming to
produce such an algorithm. Navigation will not be part of the end product. A
PalmOS based PDA was supplied at the beginning of the project. This PDA is
severely outdated and may be difficult to program. A newer Windows CE or Linux
based PDA would allow a higher quality program to be developed. The
recommended PDA for this project is a Sharp Zaurus since it runs Linux for its
operating system. The user interface uses Qt from Trolltech
(http://www.trolltech.com). This would allow rapid development of the user
interface allowing for more time to be spent on calibrating the data.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
2.2. Detailed Design
This section provides a detailed description of the chair mounted workstation and
its parts. The following text is broken into groups: list of parts, base computer
design, and wireless design.
2.2.1. List of Parts
In Table 2-1 below, a detailed list of parts is shown. Headings for this table
include “Part Type”, “Part #”, “Part Source”, and “Cost”. (Note: “Cost” is an
estimated value based on current price quotes.)
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Table 2-1: List of parts
Part type
PIC
Anemometer
Knot Meter
Compass
Wireless
chipset
PDA - Zaurus
Breadboard
Part #
PIC16F873
Part Source
Quantity
1
Cost
$10.00
7911
www.davisnet.com
1
1
1
1
$120.00
$150.00
$50.00
$20.00
1
1
290.00
$10.00
Total:
$650.00
Vector 2x
www.precisionnav.com
TXM-433-LC-R www.digikey.com
SL-5600
2.2.2. Base Computer Design
This section contains information relating to the core components, display unit,
and case/mounting apparatus of the computer mounted workstation.
2.2.2.1.
Core Components
The chosen components that were within the budget of what the client
considered reasonable but would still meet the performance levels required from
the operating system and applications planned for installation and use. Many of
these parts are standard and can be purchased from a computer store or online.
The anemometer senses both wind
speed and wind direction. It was
provided by the sponsor.
Figure 2- 1 : Anemometer
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
The Vector 2X is smaller in size, consumes less
power, and is much less expensive than
alternative compasses or magnetic sensors. It
is a complete compass or magnetic sensor
module that easily integrates into any system.
The module will apply correction for hard iron
distortion to compensate for magnetic
interference in harsh environments.
Figure 2- 2: Compass Copyright © 2004 PNI Corp
The PIC16F873 meets all the requirements
for our multi-sensor prototype. It has a
program memory of 4K words, RAM memory
of 192 bytes, and EEPROM of 128 bytes. It
has three kinds of timers, AD converters, and
a Universal communication port.
Figure 2- 3: PIC 16f8873
The Sharp Zaurus SL-5600 is the preferred
PDA. The end-product of the design will not
be limited to this PDA model or platform. It
provides the display we will use for the
prototype.
Figure 2- 4: PDA - Zaurus © 2004 Sharp Electronics Corp
The Linx LC series RF transmitter and receiver offers
a large reliable range and ease of use.
Figure 2- 5: Linx RF Module
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
2.2.2.2.
Serial Packet Definition
The communication between the data acquisition unit and the display will be a
serial connection. A text packet will be assembled with hexadecimal values.
There will be a header on the packet which is always set to 0xFF, or all bits on.
All of the values will be in big-endian form (most significant byte first). Each value
from a sensor will have 16 bits of data space which occupies 4 bytes of character
data. At the end of each packet there will be an 8-bit checksum. This will be
calculated using Formula N.1. The total packet size is 20 bytes.
Header
Format:
0xFF
Knot
Anemometer Anemometer Compass Checksum
Meter
-Speed
- Direction
16-bit hex 16-bit hex 16-bit hex 16-bit hex 8-bit hex
Formula N.1: Cn = ( Cn-1 + dn ) mod 256
2.2.2.3.
Data Acquisition System Diagram
The data acquisition system will be composed of four different modules. The
main component in the system is the PIC (programmable interface controller). It
will have multiple analog-to-digital inputs and digital input/output ports. It will also
feature a serial port interface. The compass will connect to the serial port input.
The anemometer has two parts, the wind speed will connect to a pulse counter
and the direction will be connected to an A/D input. The knot meter will also be
hooked into a pulse counter. The PIC will then process the information and send
a packet over the serial bus to a display unit.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Figure 2- 6: System Component Diagram
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
2.2.3. Data Acquisition Flow Chart
The program on the PIC will be extremely simple. Figure N.X shows a flow chart
of the program that will be run on the PIC. The unit will be powered on and start a
repeating timer. When the timer is signaled, the PIC will get the data from all of
its inputs. The input data will then be converted into hexadecimal ASCII for
transmission over the serial port. Before the packet is sent, a checksum will be
calculated and attached to the end of the packet. After the packet is sent, it will
wait until the timer has expired again to repeat the process.
Figure 2- 7: Sensor Flow Chart
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
2.2.3.1.
Display Application
The display will be a PDA. There will be no user input at this time. Data will be
displayed graphically, and as text. Figure N.X shows a possible version of the
user interface. There are four display areas, each displaying an attribute
collected by the data acquisition device.
Figure 2- 8: Display mock up
2.2.3.2.
Display Program Flow Chart
The display program will startup and wait for incoming data on the serial port.
After a packet has been read, the program will check the checksum of the
packet. If the checksum is incorrect, then the data will be ignored. If the
checksum is correct the data will be displayed.
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Figure 2- 9: Display program flow chart
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
3. Estimated Resources and Schedules
Knowledge of estimated resource requirements and the project schedule are
essential to the proper evaluation of a project plan. This section will discuss both
topics in detail.
3.1. Estimated Resource Equipment
Three separate resources make up the estimated resource requirements:
personal effort requirements, other resource requirements, and financial
requirements. These three topics will be discussed and evaluated in this subsection.
3.1.1. Personnel Effort Requirement
Table 3-1Error! Reference source not found. displays an in-depth estimate of
the personal effort of each team member in this project. Error! Reference
source not found. Table 3-2 is a revised estimate of the original table. These
tables display this personal effort on an individual basis as well as a total of all
efforts required per task item. An estimate of one hour per meeting with the
adviser and the special group meetings over the length of the course are the
factors included in the meetings column. The project reports column will include
each project report that the group has to collaborate and write as well as the
weekly progress reports. Other project documentation that may be involved is
also included. The project column is for the actual project work, including parts
ordering, poster construction, testing, and assembly. In addition to the previous
list, a buffer has been added for emergency tasks that may arise. The estimates
are also based on the projected effort required to perform the task correctly.
Table 3-1: Original Personnel Effort Requirements
Personnel Name
Ritesh Desai
Michael Myers
Jacob Huber
Sean Genter
Totals
Meetings
Project Reports
Project
Construction
Totals
45
45
45
45
180
40
35
50
35
160
65
65
55
60
245
150
145
150
140
585
Table 3-2: Revised Personnel Effort Requirements
Personnel Name
Ritesh Desai
Michael Myers
Jacob Huber
Sean Genter
Totals
Meetings
Project Reports
Project
Construction
Totals
45
45
45
45
180
30
35
40
35
140
75
75
60
65
275
150
155
145
145
595
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
The changes between the two tables have occurred because of various reasons.
First, the hours for the meetings have increased because of more than expected
unscheduled meetings to make sure certain deadlines are met and all members
are agree on critical issues.
3.1.2. Other Resource Requirements
Table 3-3Error! Reference source not found. shows the original other resource
requirements whereas Table 3-4 shows the revised other resource requirements.
The cost of the project poster was lower than projected and adjusted according
to what the actual cost was as well as the hours associated with it.
Table 3-3: Original Other Resource Requirements
Item
Project Poster
Mounting Equipment
Totals
Team Hours
10
3
13
Other Hours
0
0
0
Cost
$65.00
$45.00
$110.00
Table 3-4: Revised Other Resource Requirements
Item
Project Poster
Mounting Equipment
Totals
Senior Design Dec04-08
Team Hours
12
3
15
Other Hours
0
0
0
Cost
$55.00
$45.00
$100.00
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
3.1.3. Financial Resource Requirements
Table 3-5Error! Reference source not found. includes an item-by-item cost
estimate in addition to the original overall project cost estimate. Error!
Reference source not found. Table 3-6 s an item-by-item cost estimate that is a
revised version from the original. These tables includes all items needed to
complete the project successfully; hardware, software, and miscellaneous.
Table 3-5: Original Financial Resources Requirements
Item
Hardware:
Accelerometer
Wireless Transmitter
Knot meter
Anemometer
PIC
Subtotal
Price
$100.00
$100.00
$100.00
$140.00
$100.00
$540.00
Software:
Wireless Software
Subtotal
$175.00
$175.00
Miscellaneous:
Project Poster
PDA
Fabrication Materials
Subtotal
$60.00
$200.00
$65.00
$325.00
Total
$1040.00
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Table 3-6: Revised Financial Resources Requirement
z
Hardware:
Compass
Wireless Transmitter
Knot meter
Anemometer
PIC
Subtotal
Price
$50.00
$20.00
$150.00
$120.00
$10.00
$330.00
Miscellaneous:
Project Poster
PDA
Fabrication Materials
Subtotal
$55.00
$290.00
$65.00
$415.00
Total
$745.00
The cost of the project poster was lower than projected and adjusted according
to what the actual cost was as well as the hours associated with it. All of the
major system components have been specifically identified and thus a more
static cost has been associated with them, all reflected in.Error! Reference
source not found.
3.2. Schedules
A realistic, well-planned schedule is an essential component of every wellplanned project. Most scheduling errors will occur as a result of either not
properly identifying all of the necessary activities or not properly estimating the
amount of effort required to correctly complete the activity. Two types of
schedules are shown in this section. The first schedule is Error! Reference
source not found., a Gantt chart showing tasks versus the proposed project
calendar. The second type of schedule, Error! Reference source not found., is
a Gantt chart that indicates when each project deliverable will be delivered.
These Gantt charts will cover the entire project, from beginning to end.
For Figure 3-1, all projected tasks so far have been met on time and the team is
continuing on schedule. One variance between the original schedule and the
new projected schedule is the design process. Previously this was scheduled to
start in early April end in late April, however, the design report is done in the
beginning of April, thus the change in schedule. All other dates at this time
require no modification to the original projections
For Figure 3-2, all deliverables up to this date have followed the original schedule
and there are no foreseeable reasons for changing the future projections. Thus,
the original schedule is the current schedule
Senior Design Dec04-08
21
Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Figure 3- 1: Gantt chart - Tasks vs Proposed Project Calendar
Senior Design Dec04-08
22
Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Figure 3- 2: Gantt chart - Project Deliverable Schedule
Senior Design Dec04-08
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
Figure 3- 3: Gantt chart - Project Deliverable Schedule
Senior Design Dec04-08
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Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
4. Closure Materials
The following section contains information for closure on the project plan
including client, faculty advisor and student team information. It also contains a
closing summary of the project plan.
4.1. Project Team Information
Project team member information is outlined below in tables. The information
within these tables includes addresses and numbers of people involved with the
project.
4.1.1. Client Information
Client – David Sneitzer
drsneitzer@rockwellcollins.com
4.1.2. Faculty Advisor Information
Figure 4-2 lists information pertaining to faculty member of Iowa State University
that will be assisting us in our design.
Table 4-1: Faculty Advisor Information
Advisor Name Office/Mailing
Address
Office Number
E-Mail Address
Dr.Gerald Sheble
(515)294-3046
gsheble@iastate.edu
1115 Coover
Ames, IA 50011
Senior Design Dec04-08
25
Project Plan – PDA Based Marine Instrumentation
4.1.3. Student Team Information
Table 4-2: Team Member Information
Member
Name
Major(s)
Mailing Address
Phone
Number
E-Mail Address
Ritesh Desai
Computer
Engineering
Computer
Engineering
Computer
Engineering
Computer
Engineering
211 S Kellogg Apt #4
Ames, IA 50010
1300 Coconino #133
Ames, IA 50014
7436 Frederiksen
Ames, IA 50010
1306 Iowa Circle
Ames, IA 50014
(913)-219-2679
ritesh04@iastate.edu
(515)-231-7281
myersm@iastate.edu
(515)572-8111
huber@iastate.edu
(515)292-8175
sgenter@iastate.edu
Michael Myers
Jacob Huber
Sean Genter
4.2. Closing Summary
Current management of marine instruments while sailing involves multiple
instruments with no central display. The end deliverable of this project is to
provide a unit that measures speed, direction, and other useful information to
correctly and efficiently sail a boat. Off-the-shelf instrumentation will be used to
collect data. An interface unit will have to be developed to allow communication
between all the instrumentation and a computer. The system is designed
specifically for sailboats. The project will provide a user interface that displays
readings from several instruments to increase sailing efficiency.
Senior Design Dec04-08
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