We have just had our first meeting with our project manager (Chris Morgan) since beginning our project. In this meeting we identified three areas to work on before our next meeting on Tuesday.

The first area is determining what we want to do concerning video. This is a low priority as far as the project goes but has been a real hang-up as we have tried to find suitable parts. We are currently investigating the possibility of converting the signal into NTSC analog, transmitting, and then converting to digital and modifying.

Second, we need to decide on what platform we are going to use. One of the other groups will be using a RC tank. We were thinking of using either the same one, or one that is similar for our project. The advantages to this type of platform is many fold. First, the platform is more manuverable than an RC car and second it is potentially more stable. Since we are planning to put hundreds of dollars worth of sensor equipment on it stability is important. The disadvantage is the cost. The other group's tank cost around $100 and we have no idea what our other equipment will end up costing at this time.

Lastly, we need to layout the user interface. We are already planning to use a keyboard and a monitor for output and input and we do have some experience using keyboard signals from last quarter.

We talked a little bit after meeting with our project leader and are planning to meet again on Saturday. Until then, Daniel will be working on a general GUI layout as will Brent. Daniel will also be looking at the specifications for video parts and the RF specifications for the boards that we have in the lab already. Brent will also be continuing his investigation of the Sonar Range Finder. Curtis will be designing some graphics for our webpage and also looking over video specifications to investigate our options. Curtis has been focusing on getting the video cameras working and understanding them. We have decided to wait on the platform decision until we know our options a little better.

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