AUV Training/Visit to HMC

Hi!

The school year is slowly coming to an end here at Mudd, which is pretty exciting because it means we can all (finally) begin working full time on our research!  We have all been working on our parts of the project throughout the semester, while also getting to know how to operate the Iver AUV.  A couple weeks ago, our fellow ICEX teammates from Cal Poly SLO came down to Harvey Mudd for the weekend to learn more about operating the AUV.  We first tested the AUV in the lab, doing drive by wire tests and looking at some sonar data.  Then, we took the Iver out the Bernard Field Station and ran dive and surface missions with and without sonar.

Unfortunately, some buoys in the middle of the lake kept us from getting a full dive mission in, but overall the deployments were pretty successful!  After lots of good work with the Iver, we all went out to dinner to bond some more and took some pretty great photos (featuring jazz hands).

The next morning, we all went out to breakfast, and then met up with Ambereen to talk about the history and culture of Malta more.  I think we are all really excited to learn more about Maltese culture!

Overall, it was a super fun weekend; can't wait to see everyone again in Malta!

AUV Training at Harvey Mudd College

Hello!

 This last weekend, Cal Poly students traveled to Harvey Mudd College (HMC) to meet with HMC team members and participate in AUV training. We started the weekend off with some bonding experience over lunch. Over the course of the meal we learned of each others interests and aspirations for the project as well as interests outside of school. After lunch, the HMC students were kind enough to show us the AUV and how it operated. We were each able to individually perform a drive by wire test before taking the AUV out for a test drive. Using a previous mission plan the HMC students created, we were able to perform an above water mission, an above water with sonar mission, and an underwater sonar mission. It took myself and my other Cal Poly team members a couple of attempts to get the hang of the AUV steering. After the mission, we all got to enjoy a nice dinner and some more bonding experience. After breakfast the following morning, Ambereen helped us understand the culture of Malta better as well as help us decide on cultural research topics for the trip. Overall, this trip definitely helped with the cohesion of the team and was a fun and knowledgable experience.