Finding Thermal Vents

October 31, 2005
We used RoboLab Investigator to conduct tests using temperature sensors.  
Program level 4 begins as a template and can be modified to fit our investigation.
The programs on the RCX were uploaded using Ask RCX to be put back on later.  
Holding on the end of the temperature sensor "warms" it up the  so that the reading goes from low o high.
Water with an ice cube, tepid water, and warm water were used for the temperature readings.  
Two different types of temperature sensors were used.  
We used Protemp sensors for one program and LEGO temperature sensor for the other program.  
We wrote programs and uploaded the data from both types of sensors.
Here, our results are uploaded on a  graph.  When the the sensors was placed in the water warm, 
it took some time for them to cool off.  Our graph showed this information, as it 
started high and slowly went to a low.  The same thing was shown on the graph when 
the sensors began cold and were warmed up again, 
only instead it started low and gradually worked its way to a high. 
With the DCP ProTemp sensor we had to do some computation to get our results in degrees F.
Both sensors are being placed in the same temperature water to have the results compared.
 We loaded the saved programs back on to the RCX with no problems.
We working on building an arm/manipulator that 
would work to move the robot's sensor into the water.
The real world goal of this project is to have technology like this could 
be used to preserve our oceans.  By investigating and testing thermal vents,
we can keep from dumping garbage and pollutants into the ocean in its most sensitive areas.
LEGO  Links of Linda Hamilton hamilton@marshall.edu