End of Semester Review

When I enrolled in AT-209, I was expecting this class to be a continuation of AT-119, which was more in-class instruction and less hands-on learning. That class focused more on aviation safety and theory rather than hands-on experience like AT-209. Instead, AT-209 was almost entirely hands-on learning, and the ability to create my own e-portfolio for internships was very helpful and refreshing to see compared to previous courses and labs. At first, I thought I would be doing more assignments that were already pre-planned with certain restrictions, but it turned out to be the complete opposite. I was able to build and modify a DATX transmitter and contribute to assembling a Believer drone with little to no instruction from the instructor. This class was probably the most fun I have ever had in a lab, and I learned the most by building and modifying these pieces of UAS technology.

Throughout the semester, the labs gradually built on each other and became more complex in understanding UAS hardware and integrating different systems. In the beginning of the course, I focused on different components like the DATX controller, understanding firmware flashing, and individual components for configuration. As the course progressed, I became more familiar with these concepts and learned key skills from this course, such as modifying a controller, soldering lap joints, and working on the Believer drone. Each lab I did required problem solving and troubleshooting, which helped me see how different components reacted when troubleshot. These labs were important because it purposefully builds on important skills for troubleshooting, configuring, and integrated.

During the beginning of the semester, me and my classmates started on a blank slate which meant that we had to build from the ground up instead of having some work pre planned and pre programmed for us. This method actually hpled us fully understand how different UAS components worked together rather than assuming they would function automatically. The plug in play systems would not have fufilled our learning in the course and it woukd have made things easy. Using this blank slate helped us learn more about firmware flashing, sensor configuration, and manual troubleshooting when issues occurred. This method gave us a real world perspective when going into the industry. UAS engineers use this method over plug in play in order to get accurate data and fugure out issues ealry on unlike having plug in play systems.

While progressing throughout the semester, I gained key problem solving skills in this class that I’ve never learned before. I learned how to modify hardware components, solder lap joints, and work with UAS systems such as the Believer drone. I also gained experience with firmware flashing, configuring sensors, and troubleshooting systems when they did not function as expected. One of the msot important skills that I learned in this class was how to solder different joints an dthe procedure used to properly fuse two wires together. Skills how how to properly use a solering iron and creating lap joints by using the iron and tip as adhesive. These skills, as long with using troubleshooting and configuing hardware made me more confortable and profecient in my craft and helped me for future internships and careers.

One thing that surprised me in AT-209 was how challenging certain tasks were that I thought were easy at first. Firmware flashing, sensor configuration, and troubleshooting were simple at first but after finding and solving diferent problems with these systems, it became clear that these were a lot more comlex to properly use than before. These were a lot harder than I expected. In the beginning of the semester, these challenges were frustrating, but as the course progressed, I became more comfortable with using them. I also learned that small mistakes in wiring could lead to larger problems when it comes to wiring aircraft. These experiences helped me understand how important It is to be patient when working on hardware when it comes to UAS systems.

Out of this semester, one skill I would say im most proud of is how confident I am of myself when it comes to soldering and modiying certain UAS systems. I was able to contribute by helping modify components, troubleshoot issues, and assist with assembling the Believer drone when problems came up. One problem I contributed into solving was when me and my team were workoing on modifying the parameters. I looked online different manuals and conveyed important information to my classmates on how to find the coreect parameters. . Being able to apply what I learned from earlier labs to later projects showed me how much I had improved throughout the course. Overall, I am proud of how much Ive improved in my confidence in solving different UAS problems.

In summary, AT-209 was one of most valuable hands on lab that Ive ever worked on before. From learning about configuration to building UAS systems, this entire course has benefitted my learning and my understanding of UAS technology than I had before. By the end of the semester, I felt more confident working with hardware, firmware, and systems without using instructions. These skills that I learned in AT-209 will further benefit me in internship application, jobs, and careers in the UAS industry. Overall, this class gave me a professional perspectif of UAS and how trial and error is stepping stones for further success.

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