Since the term is just getting started, the group has not made any significant progress. Late during the previous term we started using a new system for tracking tasks and the group members responsible for them. We are continuing to get familiar with this system, though no real tasks have been started / finished yet.
The only problem we're facing so far is that the weekly TA meeting is practically impossible to schedule between the 3 group members and the TA. We are looking into contacting Dr. Winters to inquire about meeting online, which will significantly simplify matters.
The plan is to start prototyping the application / software / hardware next week (week 2). The term is just getting started, and the team is settling into their new schedules.
Good progress was made by the team this week. On my end, the API server and Android Application were both prototyped, and tested together. My teammates continue to work on the collar <-> gateway communication protocol. We seem to be on track to complete all the features desired for the project by the end of next week.
\subsubsection{Problems}
It turns out that LoRaWAN requires a multi-channel LoRa receiver / transmitter. We don't have one, and can't use LoRaWAN with the single-channel receiver and transmitter that we have. This means that we will simply use LoRa in single channel mode instead of LoRaWAN for the alpha. We will attempt to get the multi-channel receiver/transmitter for the future.
\subsubsection{Plans}
The plan is to add a map to the Android application, and hook the android application to the collars and the LoRa gateway by next week. We're on track.
\pagebreak
\subsection{Week 6}
\subsubsection{Progress}
No significant progress to be reported; after the completion of the initial Android application prototype, I have focused on creating the poster. The rest of the team are making minor changes to the hardware portion of the project, but nothing particularly noteworthy has occurred.
\subsubsection{Problems}
No problems. As far as alpha functionality, we're good - we have an application and a server, and soon a way of communicating between the server and the collars.
\subsubsection{Plans}
We intend to get the communication between the server and the collar working by Monday, for our presentation on Tuesday morning. Other than this, the project has the majority of the required functionality. The further plans are to include a map and notifications into the Android application, and retrieve a multi-channel LoRa radio.
\pagebreak
\subsection{Week 7}
\subsubsection{Progress}
While working on the presentation, we managed to fix the majority of the project. We have a way for the server to write to the database, a way to display this information, and a way for the collars to communicate location information to the gateway.
\subsubsection{Problems}
We have fried a significant portion of the hardware we have. Matthew Sessions has been able to make a new prototype with non-fried hardware, but this delayed us from completing the project (we are nearly done otherwise, at least with the single-channel LoRa communication)
\subsubsection{Plans}
Over the weekend, the plan is to finish up Client <-> Server communication on the unfried hardware. After this, we can start looking into multi-channel hardware and into wrapping the LoRa library in Python, to enable the Android app to push new boundaries to collars.
\pagebreak
\subsection{Week 8}
\subsubsection{Progress}
Progress has slowed down a little now that the presentation week is over; I am not aware of any work done for the project. This isn't an issue, though - we are close to done, and further real progress will require further hardware.
\subsubsection{Problems}
No problems; we are waiting on hardware, which we have already ordered from the capstone management. Once hardware arrives, it shouldn't take us long to get most of the functionality required out of the project done.
\subsubsection{Plans}
We plan to meet our client on the Tuesday of next week, and discuss the current state of the project. We also plan to do more "real-world" testing of the project (i.e., integrate the GPS with the LoRa transmitter) once hardware arrives.
\pagebreak
\subsection{Week 9}
\subsubsection{Progress}
We have received the new transmitter, capable of multi-channel LoRa communication. Therefore, we will shortly be able to resume our work on the project. We have also met with our client ,who was happy with the project, and made suggestions to improve our presentation at the expo. We plan to integrate all that feedback into our project in the near future.
\subsubsection{Problems}
No problems at all!
\subsubsection{Plans}
As mentioned above, we plan to integrate the tips given by our client into the project , as well as resume work on multi-channel communication. We also plan on testing an experimental method for communication between our two server-bound pieces of software, which, if successful, will make our project nearly complete save for the presentation aspect.
\pagebreak
\subsection{Week 10}
\subsubsection{Progress}
Progress has been largely halted due to the coronavirus situation. The team is unable to meet, and thus, is having trouble working on the hardware and recording the demo video. We did, however, finish an updated draft of the poster.
\subsubsection{Problems}
Since our hardware is divided into several components, each of which is managed by a different person, we are having a difficult time working on the project while maintaining "social distancing". We are in touch with Dr. Winters to determine the best course of action.
\subsubsection{Plans}
We are planning on doing as much work as possible independently to minimize contact and prevent the spread of the now-pandemic disease. We can still do some work, such as updating documentation and independent video editing + voiceover, so that's the plan for the near future.