Project Eclipse: Dec 8 to Dec 15 Update

As the Christmas season draws near and the weather gets colder, Car Club students and Mr. Da Silva focus on reaching the goal of getting the rear audio video system started on the rear of the BR Spirit Car.

First, we had to decide on some sort of relationship between an electric linear actuator and the lever system which holds the TV screen. With some brainstorming, we came up with a rough sketch:



We also spent some time looking at more of Mr. Mule's tech design class submissions for the layout of the audio system and how it would all fit into the Eclipse.



After constructing a rudimentary lever and frame system, Mr.  DaSilva showed his students how it would hold the screen, and actuate in a forward motion from an acute angle in the trunk to a 90 degree angle for upward viewing.



While he outlined the motion of the actuator on the screen, a senior Car Club member removed and reconditioned the front tablet holder to even out any residual bumps that might have shown in the earlier paint job. We primed it to match Mr. DaSilva's hair before painting it black.





Minutes later, Car Club split into two teams. One team resoldered a missing coil pack on our demo engine on a stand- a 1995 Dodge Neon DOHC 2.0 litre engine. With the coil pack wiring soldered in place, the engine once again roared to life, now usable by senior students for tune ups and compression tests.



Mr. DaSilva often enjoys seeing older students mentor younger ones in the auto shop. This promotes interest in the course as well as sets good examples on how to work wisely and safely in the shop with tools and equipment.

Back at the drawing board, the other team of Car Club students were given a quick lesson in relay control and then wired up a simple module which will control the linear actuator from a single three way switch.





By the end of the class, Car Club students had the automation system wired up and temporarily fitted into the back of the Eclipse. From here, we can now design and construct the sound system around the motorized screen.



With the control switch flicked, the screen motorized flawlessly out of trunk! Well done students of 114!

As classes wind down in preparation for the Christmas holidays, Mr. DaSilva's Car Club wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to resuming Car Club in January where we will shift gears and continue construction of the rear audio system in the BR Spirit Car!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!