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Week 4: Optimization and Reliability

Schedule constraint: Mon/Wed/Thu 2:30–6:00 pm (~10.5 hrs).

Goals​

  • 30-minute burn-in pass with temps logged; no brownouts.
  • Cycle time improved 10% vs Week 3 baseline.
  • L3 tested (if chosen) and documented; otherwise L2 locked.
  • Inspection checklist completed (bumper gap, PD/radio, consent, load-in).
  • Re-weigh plan documented.
  • Burn-in report template completed (temps/currents over time).
  • Pre-inspection photo set checklist completed.

Plan & time budget (ETA ~10.5 hrs, Thu as buffer)​

  • 2.0h: Burn-in (30 min) with telemetry capture; review temps/voltage.
  • 1.5h: Cycle-time tuning; run timed drills to shave 10%.
  • 1.5h: Climb L3 test (if applicable) or finalize L2; log results.
  • 1.0h: Inspection checklist run; fix findings; document re-weigh plan.
  • 1.0h: Debrief and doc updates.

Checklist​

  • 30-minute burn-in with temps logged
  • Cycle time improved 10% vs Week 3
  • L3 attempt tested (if applicable) and documented
  • Inspection checklist completed (bumper gap, PD/radio, consent, load-in)
  • Re-weigh plan documented
  • Burn-in report saved
  • Pre-inspection photo set captured
  • Risks/dependencies updated

Owners​

  • Reliability Lead: burn-in, inspection checklist
  • Mech Lead: climb finalize
  • Drive Coach: cycle-time drills
  • Electrical Lead: monitor temps/voltage

Risks and mitigations​

  • Risk: Overheating. Mitigation: add fans, detune acceleration, swap gearing.
  • Risk: Inspection fail. Mitigation: rerun checklist nightly; rebuild bumpers if needed.

Priorities (P0 must, P1 should, P2 stretch)​

  • P0: 30-min burn-in pass; cycle time +10% improvement; inspection checklist done; re-weigh plan.
  • P1: L3 test documented (or L2 locked); burn-in report saved; pre-inspection photos.
  • P2: Extra optimization passes if time remains.

Time tracking tips​

  • Log burn-in start/end and ambient temp; review data immediately after.
  • Track cycle-time drill durations; compare against Week 3 baseline.

Tips for students​

  • Label any changes made during burn-in so you can revert if needed.
  • Keep inspection photos organized (angles/labels) in a shared folder.

Tips for mentors​

  • Watch for subtle brownouts; adjust current/ramp limits if needed.
  • Use a checklist during burn-in to note any rattles/loose hardware for quick fixes.