Start • Intro to Bull Riding • Data Collection • PC Interface • Controls • Data Upload • External Trigger • CPU • User & Serial Interfaces • Accelerometers • Wireless Access • Bucking Dummy Interface • Software • Acceleration Capture • Foul • System Test • Data Analysis • Findings • The Buckymeter's Future • Sources and PDF

SYSTEM TEST

I learned several important lessons when I introduced my delicate system to 1,000 lbs. of beef. Prior to testing the system on a live bull, it was obvious that a large breadboard with a wire wrapped prototype just wouldn’t fit the bill. First, there was no way to mount such a large contraption on a bull. Second, the system was too fragile to survive. Thus, I had to securely mount a PCB. It was a requirement, not a luxury.

The first bull rides showed CPU crashes and corrupted data. The problem was isolated to a battery holder with spring compression fittings that held the batteries. Sudden motions (like those caused by a bucking bull) caused the batteries to lose their connection, causing a brownout for the CPU or making it crash. I soldered the batteries in place for further testing. The best solution would be to power the Buckymeter directly from the bucking dummy’s power supply.

The original Buckymeter prototype was controlled by two toggle switches mounted on the PCB. Although this seemed like a good idea at first, it didn’t work too well in practice. To conserve memory space, I wanted to be able to start and stop the recording as close as possible to the beginning and end of the ride. This required opening the bucking dummy enclosure while it was strapped on the back of a bull. I also had to service the Buckymeter shortly after it was released from the bull (usually while someone else was trying to get the bull out of the arena).

A funny thing happened when I was testing the system. The bull I was working with decided to start bucking while I was attempting to activate the Buckymeter. This taught me to forget memory conservation for the day and redesign the system. The bull’s bucking sent pieces flying, including the bucking dummy’s power source. That made it impossible to release the dummy. Fortunately, some brave ranchers untied the electronics by hand. Because I didn’t catch the funny episode on video, I decided to write this article instead.

To stop the data recording process toward the end of a ride, I had to enter the arena quickly after the bucking dummy was released. This taught me another important lesson: Keep your eye on the bull!

I redesigned the Buckymeter so that I can now start recording via an external push button. I can use the bucking dummy’s RC release mechanism to stop recording. Internal timers ensure that the entire ride will be recorded.