Rube Goldberg

yesterday we had our test run for our Rube Goldberg machine.
we were very unfortunate.
the object for the sliding motion (which we used pebble) turned rough.
so, it couldn't slide down the ramp smoothly.
we tried many times to get it to work but we failed.
moreover, the oscillation motion problem wasn't solved too.
oh damn it..

since we had 3 tries for our test run,
we gave a shot for the first one.
I was in charged of the oscillation motion.
and.. it failed. =(
the oscillator failed to trigger the pebble to slide down the ramp.
our tutor allowed us to continue.
so, I'm supposed to trigger the sliding motion by myself.
and.. I failed to do it.
I didn't use much force to hit the pebble and so it failed to slide down again.
in the end our first try was horrible.
it was my fault.
we requested for more trial runs before we proceed to the second try.

and then, for the second try.
it failed again. =(
the oscillator managed to trigger the pebble to slide but in opposite direction. =.=
so, both the oscillation and sliding motions failed.
I was supposed to continue the run by triggering the rotational motion.
and I failed to do so again.
I mishit the ruler so it couldn't rotate properly and so it failed to hit the marble for rolling motion.
our second try was a total failure.
it was my fault again.

I was very demoralized.
I refused to trigger oscillation motion for the third try.
well, since I had the most experience in triggering this motion,
I was forced by Zi Wei to do it again for the third try. =(
alright.. after numerous trial runs again,
we braved ourselves for the third try.
this time we prepared ourselves already that the sliding motion will fail.
just for your info, we will be penalized 2 marks for every motion failure.
so.. our third try began.
I released the oscillator.
it oscillated and it hit the pebble..
and omgness this time the pebble slid down the ramp and and hit the ruler!!
the ruler rotated and hit the marble.
the marble rolled all the way to the bottom of the ramp and hit the rubber.
the rubber fell under gravity and stopped the alarm clock.
all of the motions are completed!! yay!!
what a huge sigh of relieve at the end of this try.
PHEW~~!
so, in the end we got full marks for completing the motion. YES~!!
it was pure luck I have to admit.
well, if the third try fails.. I will feel guilty for the rest of my life. =(