UCSD Physics 120B Projects from Winter 2013

Manav Singh and Mike Chu: Darryl the Maglev Train
Levitated on permanent magnets, and nudged around by electromagnets
Devon Murphy and Zak Kmak: Sketch an Etch
Accelerometer-controlled etch-a-sketch using stepper motors; Winner of Most Awesomest
Chris Parzyck, Eric Cotner, Nara Fayzulina: Killer Quadro-dactyl-copter
A quad-copter with on-board accelerometer/gyro for stability control; Winner of Most Impressive
Jon Eliashiv and Minyoung You: Dog on an Optical Leash
Car that would follow a bright beacon around the room
Priscilla Kelly and Sacha Casciato: Marble Chromodynamics
Sorted marbles by color into separate bins
Ben Hass and Matt Morales: Triangulating Laser Tracker
Video capture identified red target and moved laser to track said target
Mark Kattus: Rock Bottom Boulder Spotter
Cart moved below a "climber" using ultrasound to judge relative position
Lije Delorenzo: Tilt, Aim, Fire!
Nerf gun controlled by hand-held accelerometer and trigger to aim/fire remotely
Angelica Gilroy and William Lim: Zoolander, the Lost Puppy
Car with microphones to judge direction of sound; would drive toward clapper
Melissa Dunn: Don't Spill the Beans!
Cup-holder that sensed acceleration and tilted a cup accordingly to avoid spillage