define the problem
generating concepts
This project was all about soldering, electronics, and accuracy. We were tasked to build and test a random number generator from a kit. We were required to solder the pieces into place and in sequence with each other, so that energy would be able to flow through the circuit properly. The instructions were easy to follow and precise. Once completed with our random number generator, we would test it to see how well it works and if it is truly "random".
develop a solution
Demonstration Only.
construct and test a prototype
TESTING TABLES
evaluate a solution
CONCLUSION QUESTIONS
1. How evenly distributed were the numbers for you RNG? Do you think the RNG is fair? Why or why not?
The RNG was not one-sided at all, but the numbers were not distributed completely evenly. The number that was generated the most was number 1, while the other numbers were all fairly similar in generation. I do not think that the RNG is fair because it follows an algorithm in order to generate the numbers. Nothing is ever truly random. |
Determine the origin of the term "debug" and who was the person to coin the phrase.
The term "debugging" was coined by Admiral Grace Hooper. She was a Harvard student who was working on a Mark ll computer. Hooper and her associates discovered a moth stuck in the system, thus preventing the computer from functioning properly. It was here where Hooper coined the idea of "debugging" electronic systems.
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REFLECTION PARAGRAPH
I liked this project very much because I find soldering very enjoyable. I think that once you got the hang of soldering, it was very easy to complete the project in a timely manner. I found that it was very important to thoroughly read through the instructions because they contained important information that must be followed exactly. I made sure to keep the components in an isolated section so that they would not be misplaced. I feel that the hardest part of the project was to fit the IC pins into the sockets. I did not want to bend the pins too much because then the circuit would not function correctly and the random number generator would not be able to generate numbers. I encountered a few problems along the way. When I thought I had finished, the LEDs were not lighting up. It was because some holes were not soldered into place firmly that the LEDs were not illuminating. I had to fix these holes so that the circuit was complete. I also found that one of my battery springs was off-centered, so when I go to use my RNG, I have to press on the batteries so that the RNG functions. In conclusion, I thought that this project was very fun.
present the solution
Lab cleanliness