Define a Problem:
Generate Concepts:
This project deals with electronics and circuit design by having us construct our own random number generator. In order to complete this project, we had to learn how to properly solder and place components so that the generator would function once complete. The main goal of the project is to create our own circuit that can replace a 6-faced die. We also learn how to solder and different circuit components in the process.
Develop a Solution:
Construct and Test Prototype:
Evaluate the Solution:
Conclusion Questions...
1. How evenly distributed were the numbers for your Random Number Generator? If your game was perfect, then each number should have come up approximately 16.67% of the time. Do you think your Random Number Generator is fair? Why or why not?
My random number generator distributed numbers pretty evenly. My generator "rolled" a 1 a little more often than predicted, but I still think my random number generator is fair. This is because, compared to a normal 6-faced die, it is just as equal. When a person rolls a die, there is a chance he/she is cheating or manipulating the die to land on a certain number, cheating is not possible when using the random number generator. Therefore, my RNG is fair.
2. Another word for troubleshooting is debugging. Do a little research to determine the origin of the term debug and who was the person to coin the phrase.
The origin of the term, "debug" comes from a problem involving Harvard University's Mark II calculator. On September 9, 1945, a Harvard technical team found a moth in between points in the system. The person to coin the phrase was Grace Hopper, who removed the moth and taped it in the log book with the caption, "First actual case of bug being found".
1. How evenly distributed were the numbers for your Random Number Generator? If your game was perfect, then each number should have come up approximately 16.67% of the time. Do you think your Random Number Generator is fair? Why or why not?
My random number generator distributed numbers pretty evenly. My generator "rolled" a 1 a little more often than predicted, but I still think my random number generator is fair. This is because, compared to a normal 6-faced die, it is just as equal. When a person rolls a die, there is a chance he/she is cheating or manipulating the die to land on a certain number, cheating is not possible when using the random number generator. Therefore, my RNG is fair.
2. Another word for troubleshooting is debugging. Do a little research to determine the origin of the term debug and who was the person to coin the phrase.
The origin of the term, "debug" comes from a problem involving Harvard University's Mark II calculator. On September 9, 1945, a Harvard technical team found a moth in between points in the system. The person to coin the phrase was Grace Hopper, who removed the moth and taped it in the log book with the caption, "First actual case of bug being found".
Reflection...
This project has taught me a lot in terms of soldering and components, and also in terms of patience. I first had to learn about the different components that would be a part of the generator and how to read them. For example, I had to learn how to decode the colored bands on the resistors to figure out what each measured out to. I also had to learn a whole new skill, how to solder. Before starting, I was really worried I was going to burn myself or a component and that my number generator wouldn't function properly once built. However, I am happy to say that I assembled the circuit board correctly the first time and didn't have to undo any mistakes. I did, however, minorly burn myself while trying to solder a red LED because I placed my hand a little too close to the soldering iron. Going into this project, I thought it was going to take me a week to complete and that I was going to ruin my project while burning myself in the process. Thankfully, none of these predictions ended up becoming a reality. Instead, I found that I really enjoyed learning how to solder, and found the act of soldering components to be quite relaxing and methodically work. I hope I get the chance to solder more in the future.
This project has taught me a lot in terms of soldering and components, and also in terms of patience. I first had to learn about the different components that would be a part of the generator and how to read them. For example, I had to learn how to decode the colored bands on the resistors to figure out what each measured out to. I also had to learn a whole new skill, how to solder. Before starting, I was really worried I was going to burn myself or a component and that my number generator wouldn't function properly once built. However, I am happy to say that I assembled the circuit board correctly the first time and didn't have to undo any mistakes. I did, however, minorly burn myself while trying to solder a red LED because I placed my hand a little too close to the soldering iron. Going into this project, I thought it was going to take me a week to complete and that I was going to ruin my project while burning myself in the process. Thankfully, none of these predictions ended up becoming a reality. Instead, I found that I really enjoyed learning how to solder, and found the act of soldering components to be quite relaxing and methodically work. I hope I get the chance to solder more in the future.