Dueling DragstersDueling Dragsters

Thomas VermeerThomas Vermeer

Mike PridgenMike Pridgen

EEL 5666CEEL 5666C

Spring 2007Spring 2007

IMDLIMDL

The CarsThe Cars

The design we created is The design we created is built from a custom Plexiglas built from a custom Plexiglas frame. It is powered by a 6 frame. It is powered by a 6

cell NiMH battery and acell NiMH battery and a 660 amp IntelliSpeed motor 660 amp IntelliSpeed motor

driver. We use a single driver. We use a single HiTek servo for steering.HiTek servo for steering.

Thomas Vermeer’s Dragster.Thomas Vermeer’s Dragster.

The CarsThe Cars

The dragster is controlled by a The dragster is controlled by a bdmicro Mavric running bdmicro Mavric running an Atmel atmega128. an Atmel atmega128.

The range finding is done with The range finding is done with a single side-mounted a single side-mounted

Devantec sonar. Devantec sonar.

Mike Pridgen’s DragsterMike Pridgen’s Dragster

The TrackThe Track

The track’s main controller The track’s main controller is the “tree”. The tree has is the “tree”. The tree has

been programmed to been programmed to exactly the same timing as exactly the same timing as

in professional races. in professional races. When the lights turn When the lights turn

green, the dragsters are green, the dragsters are signaled to GO!!!! signaled to GO!!!!

The RaceThe Race

Both cars move up to the ‘stage’ position. When both are Both cars move up to the ‘stage’ position. When both are set, the track lights turn green and the cars launch.set, the track lights turn green and the cars launch.

The HeartbreakThe Heartbreak

After this collision with a curb, the car is nearly destroyed. After this collision with a curb, the car is nearly destroyed. Fortunately, due to our modular design, the car was reassembled Fortunately, due to our modular design, the car was reassembled

into ‘good as new’ condition in a few hours.into ‘good as new’ condition in a few hours.