RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR
In this project we assembled our own random number generator to learn its components and the process of soldering.
Data
Conclusion Questions
1. My numbers were not evenly distributed well. The number rolled the most was a one, occurring 32% of the time. The rest of the numbers were fairly well distributed, each occurring close to 15% of the time. I do not think my random number generator is fair because some numbers (i.e. one) were rolled more times than the other numbers.
2. The term debugging was coined during the 1940s when Admiral Grace Hopper was working on a Mark II Computer at Harvard University and discovered a moth stuck in the machine, preventing operation. She remarked that they were "debugging" the system.
2. The term debugging was coined during the 1940s when Admiral Grace Hopper was working on a Mark II Computer at Harvard University and discovered a moth stuck in the machine, preventing operation. She remarked that they were "debugging" the system.
Reflection
I found this project enjoyable. It taught me the process and importance of proper soldering. I learned about the components used in a simple circuit and how to "read" them. Some of the components included resistors and capacitors, which can be read using different techniques. Resistors are read using the different colored bands around it and measured in ohms. Capacitors are read using the number and letter combination on the side and measured in Farats. When my random number generator was completed I had a few errors. The first was that two of my LEDs did not light up which was a result of a poor connection. The second problem I had was that it did not choose two of the numbers when rolled. This was also due to a poor connection. I fixed my problems by rechecking the connections of the LEDs and the 555 timer. Another issue I had was that when inserting the ICs into the IC sockets I did not pay attention to which one I was putting in each socket. I realized I was doing it wrong halfway through and had to take them out and restart. Other than these three issues I think my process went well. I found soldering quite easy once I got the hang of it. The first day I was only able to make one connection, but with a little practice I was done within the next two days.