Laps!

After hours of rewiring and following wires yesterday, the team finally got the car running. We would like to extend thanks to all the solar teams, mentors, and judges whose combined help and advice allowed us to get our car running.
The car ran two laps, and is charging to due an issue with the panels. They are currently taking in only 5% of what they should. We plan to continue to charge and run laps throughout the day.
Finally, we would like to extend thanks to the Houston, Mississippi solar car team again for giving us the trophy they won for the most laps in our division yesterday. They have been a huge help, and we cannot thank them enough for their parts, advice, and overall support.

Fried

After a close inspection, we have pulled out three of our 4 gauge wires that melted, as well as our motor which fried. Luckily we were able to get replacement wires and connectors, and are currently working to put them in. The team remains determined to put in extra hours to get the car up and running.

Most importantly, we would like to give a shout out to the Houston, Mississippi solar car team who lent us an extra motor they had. Without the motor and their help continuing the race would be near impossible. Thanks Houston!

Smoked

We would like to apologize for the late update, we have been working nonstop to fix the car. Last night we left at nine after working with the car to fix the voltage going through the frame. Twice today we attempted to run the car to test the fixes made, getting in a lap each time before having to bring the car in.  The team, counseled by two electrical engineers, has spent the day troubleshooting. On the third run today, part of the car began to smoke due to a short. Our safety crew and driver did a great job, keeping everyone safe and again retrieving the car quickly. We are now making plans to repair the wiring and are looking further into possible causes for the electrical failure.

Obstacle

We have encountered an obstacle in the race. The voltage of the car began to drop quickly, and the car stopped after the third turn. The pickup of the car went quickly and smoothly, and the team is working hard to isolate the electrical problem with the help of the choctaw team

Qualified!

We just finished Scrutineering, and were role we are the first team to be qualified to race this afternoon!

Just arrived!

After an early start at five, we headed out for the track. The garage has been set up and the team continues to work diligently as they finish scrutineering and set up the tent. Everything is great, breakfast is cooking and its pleasantly cool

Yesterday Recap and Scrutineering

Hello all!
Yesterday was a busy day, and we didn't get around to blogging. To recap, Dr. Marks invited us to be one of the Solar Cars used to train the judges for the scrutineering on Sunday (today). Our drivers did great on the slalom course, and the car successfully completed the U turn and brake tests. By the end of the day, we had those completed as well as the endurance portion, due to the past Plano race. It was a great opportunity we were happy to have.

Today, the team got up bright and early and was first in line at the track to do the last two stations for scrutineering- the Mechanical and Electrical stations. Once there, the judges pointed out some changes we needed to make to the car to prepare it for the rigors of the race, such as strengthening our rod for the pedals and securing the electronic equipment for the likely rains this week. The team finished up early and was home a bit after 10:30 to begin the changes to the car. We are about to head home to change for the opening ceremony tonight- everyone is excited for the ceremony and for the race to begin tomorrow!