Mechanical Team Progress

The mechanical team has completed the design and modeling phase and is ready to begin construction. This week, the team has begun to cut the pieces for the frame and suspension. Later, they will begin welding the pieces into the actual frame and suspension, which should take less than a few days if all the parts are ready and cut.

Electrical Team Progress

The electrical team has been hard at work on the schematic for the car. The team has been working with Orcad Software to produce the final electrical schematic. The team has been working on the auxiliary parts list and schematic as well. Recently, they have ordered many of the main components required for the electrical system, including six Sanyo HIT 195 solar panels, a Compact RIO, and an LCD Driver Display for the driver interface. While waiting for the parts to come in, the team is finalizing the schematic.

Frame Complete

The team is now ready to move to metal!!! The pvc model of the frame is complete and construction of the chromoly frame can begin. The team expects the car to be completed by March 23. The chromoly frame of the car will be welded at The Ratliff Group LLC’s garage. Don’t forget that the Solar Car team will be holding a poker tournament on February 27 if you wish to donate any prizes for the tournament, please contact Mike Yakubovsky at myakubovsky@coppellisd.com. The team will be sending a solid works model to Michael Wise of Trinity Industries, who is helping the team out with welding.

New sponsors

The Solar Car team has gotten two new sponsors. Frito-lay and Ashgrove Cement have both contributed to the Teams’ efforts. We thank these companies and our other sponsors for their contributions. If your company would like to support our team, please contact Mike Yakubovsky at myakubovsky@coppellisd.com

Poker Tournament

The solar car team will be holding a poker tournament on Feb 27th to raise money for the race this summer. Players will pay an entrance fee for the tournament and will be playing for prizes. Buybacks will be available if players run out of money. If you would like to donate prizes for the tournament, contact Mike Yakubovsky at myakubovsky@coppellisd.com.

Car progress

The team has finished the cardboard models of the front and rear suspensions. The angles and sizes of the A-arms on the front suspension were redesigned. Currently the team is constructing the model frame of the car. Two of the team members Kaelan and Rishi, took welding lessons to understand the basics of welding. After the construction of the model car, the team will begin construction of the Cromally frame.

Expo Results

The Expo was a great turn out. A lot of people came to see the various colleges and universities and even our own Engineering students and their projects. It was great to see a lot of young people interested in this competition. This is great as Solar energy is a renewable source we can acquire. Many people were amazed that our high school students were competing in a challenge such as the Hunt-Winston School Solar Car Challenge, a cross country race from Texas Motor Speed Way in Dallas, Texas to Golden, Colorado.