INTRODUCTION/ORIENTATION

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How Labs are going to work:

1. After you finish each lab tell an instructor and we will randomly ask you to show/explain one/two tasks from that lab
2. If a task ever says, show instructor, we need to see this before you move on to the next step
3. If you don't finish something during the allocated lab time it is your homework for next class

This is a unique class, and things might not work immediately, but by using a methodical approach to your circuits and design, errors are minimized. It also allows for much easier troubleshooting when you ask for help. The laboratory rules laid out below are mainly for this reason and to ensure that the equipment is well maintained.

Lab Rules

• Clean up after yourself
• Do not go in restricted chips drawer or any STAFF only drawer
• Do not bring your equipment to other benches
• Do not remove equipment from the lab
• Do not bring circuits/chips to other benches to "test" them
• NO binders/papers/anything on any electrical equipment (circuits, railroad, etc.)
• Do not strip wires over boards/keyboards
• Turn things off when you are done
• Power supplies, both the large lab adjustable power supply AND the unregulated power supplies
• Some of the bench programmers require you to quit/exit/close their respective software to turn off the power
• If you think something is broken ask for help, don't switch lab benches
• Remove power before altering ciruits
• You will be asked to rewire a circuit before getting help if the wiring is not organized and methodical. This is done to allow instructors to efficiently help the entire class
• Remove chips with screw-driver or pliers to not bend the pins

Lab Tips

• Keep your workspace clean, you will notice the mood of staff is inversely exponential to the amount of mess on the desk
• Prior to computer/train set building, use a conventional wire color code (i.e. red = +power, black = -power, green = earth ground, etc.)
• Circuit discipline, contol the spaghetti!
• Don't get far behind in your work or you will find the time having to be made up when you don't have the time!

Lab Tour

• Computers - Dell running a 32-bit Microsoft OS, AIM-65, EMP-21, Hornby, FMPU PC
• Binders
• Data sheets
• Tool Boxes - See lab handouts for some videos demonstrating tool use
• Lockers
• Boards
• Horses
• Drill press
• Mill
• Tool Room
• Laser Cutter
• 3D Printers

Demo of the Hornby System and Train Setup if there is enough time