School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering

Mechatronics Laboratory
Introductory Notes
The Mechatronics Lab is Room 330 in the Link Building, accessible from level 2 of the Electrical
Engineering Building. It is a special purpose computer lab that is provided for mechatronics
students, and can generally be used Monday to Friday during normal business hours. We are
offering you the privilege of working in the Lab with minimal supervision. In return, you must
agree to take all steps necessary to safeguard the lab and its facilities, and to maintain safe and
pleasant working conditions. To begin with, we ask that you read these notes thoroughly, and the
follow the rules set down here.

1 Use of the Mechatronics Lab

 The Mechatronics Lab is generally available (an “open Lab”) for use between the hours of
7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, unless it is booked for a class. Class bookings will
be posted on the Lab door.
 Users are allowed to use the Lab facilities for work in the designated courses only, not for
personal use or for other courses. This is a special-purpose lab supporting specific
microprocessor and computer engineering courses.
 Authorized Lab Users include: any student enrolled in the subjects MTRX1701, MTRX1702,
MRTX2700, MRTX3700, MRTX4700, or MECH4730 in the current semester, or (with the
approval of mechatronics staff) undertaking thesis work in AMME4111/4112 or project work
in AMME4121/4122, plus the Tutor(s) and Academic Staff associated with these courses.
 Physical access to the Lab is by an electronic swipe card. Outside of scheduled class hours,
you can make arrangements with the subject Tutor(s) to let you into the Lab. The Mechanical
Engineering Building Attendants (S142, building J07) can also let also you into the Lab.
 Students enrolled in the above subjects can have access to the Mechatronics Lab added to
their student card. To have this done go the the University Security Service, Level 1 in the
Services Building on Codrington street (corner of Abercrombie Street). The authorisation for
card access will usually have been sent by the school to Security by week 2 of a semester.

2 Rules, Rights and Responsibilities of Users

All Lab Users have certain rights and responsibilities, and must agree to follow the rules:
 For safety reasons there must always be at least two people in the Lab. See the section on Lab
Safety later in these notes.
 You are not permitted to eat or drink in the lab, due to the increased risk of damage to
yourself or the equipment, and because of the mess it inevitably makes. Take a break – go sit
on the lawn, relax and smell the sunshine…
 Respect the test equipment, and be gentle with it. If you don’t know something about a circuit
or electronics hardware, ask before rushing ahead. Some of the equipment is quite expensive,
and (perhaps more importantly) is impossible to replace at short notice.
 You must not open the PC cases or install additional hardware or software on the Lab
computers. If you think that there is a need, please speak to one of the Tutors or Lecturers.
 It is your responsibility to keep the Lab neat and tidy. Electronic prototyping and computer
work tend to generate mess. When you are finished your session, tidy things up for the next

File: Mechatronics Laboratory - Introduction.doc Created: DCR, 08/08/2002 13:06:00 Saved: 08/03/2012 11:41:00 Printed: 08/03/2012 11:41:00
 person who will use the Lab Workstation. Put unwanted papers in the paper recycling bag,
throw out small scraps of wire, replace manuals in the shelves, etc. All benches should be
clear of everything except keyboards and mice. You should aim to leave the Lab neater than
you found it.
 Please report any problem, including damage to equipment, as soon as it occurs. Problems
may involve the network, Lab server, computer workstation, specialized lab equipment,
application software, operating system, usage, etc. It is important that we have as many
details as possible so that the problem can quickly be fixed. To report a problem
o Send a report by email to [email protected] so that we have written
information on the problem. Make sure that you identify which circuit board, computer,
network port, etc. has the fault, and provide as much detail as you can;
o Speak to a course Lecturer or Tutor if one is in the Lab. If the problem is urgent, seek out
and speak to a Lecturer or Tutor;
o If the problem involves the possibility of injury to people or damage to equipment, isolate
equipment involved from energy sources (e.g. 240V AC) and tag it with a warning label.
Warning labels are stored in the small box near the right side of the whiteboard. Please put
your name and the date on any tags that you write.
 The last two people out must secure the Lab, as follows:
o Turn off all PC monitors and instruments – the PCs should remain powered;
o Close the windows;
o Turn off the ceiling fans;
o Turn off all lights;
o Make sure that the door is locked behind you;
o Check the door again.
User behaviour will be monitored by course Tutors/Lecturers. Sanctions may be imposed upon
people who breach the rules, including exclusion from the Lab for a number of weeks, or referral to
the Registrar for further disciplinary action.

3 Lab Safety1
It is said2 that the “accident rate in schools and colleges is 100 to 1000 times greater than [in
industry]”. As you learn about engineering and scientific principles it is also important that you
learn about safety. To work safely in the Lab means that
 You know the hazards;
 You know the likely and worst incidents that could happen;
 You know what to do and how to do it if they should happen;
 You know and use practices and protective equipment to eliminate or control the risks.

The main hazards in the Lab are

 Danger of slips, trips and falls;
 Electrical hazards.
The probability of either of these happening is assessed as small, provided that safe practices are
observed. This section describes some of these practices.

3.1 Slips, Trips and Falls

Injuries in the workplace are most likely to be caused by very common hazards – the ones that no
one thinks about. The danger of slips, trips and falls is one such hazard, and is probably the highest

1
Some of this material is abstracted (with permission) from a document prepared by Michigan State University.
2
http://www.labsafety.org/

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risk present in the Mechatronics Lab. This hazard can easily be minimised through some simple
“housekeeping” rules
 Keep walkways clear of obstructions. In the Lab, this means placing your bag and
jacket/jumper well under the bench or off to the side of the Lab where it is not in anyone’s
way. There will not be enough space on or under the benches for everyone’s gear.
 Never run inside the Lab.
 Wipe up liquid spills as soon as they occur.
 Do not leave extension cords, leads, etc. trailing across walkways.

3.2 Electrical Hazards

The severity and effects of an electrical shock depend on a number of factors, such as the pathway
through the body, the amount of current, the length of time of the exposure, and whether the skin is
wet or dry. Water is a great conductor of electricity, allowing current to flow more easily in wet
conditions and through wet skin. The effect of the shock may range from a slight tingle to severe
muscular contraction, to severe burns to cardiac arrest, depending on the voltage, current and the
duration of the shock. Table 1 shows the general relationship between the degree of injury and
amount of current for an 110V AC hand-to-foot current path of one second’s duration of shock.
While reading this chart, keep in mind that normal 240V AC electrical circuits are rated to provide
10 A of current. Voltages as low as 40V can be dangerous. Human skin resistance is typically
between 10 kOhm (dry skin) and 1 kOhm (damp or sweaty skin).
Table 1: Response of the human body to current – 110VAC for 1 second.
Current Reaction
1 mA Perception level
5 mA Slight shock felt; not painful but disturbing
6 – 30 mA Painful shock; "let-go" range
50 – 150 mA Extreme pain, respiratory arrest, severe muscular contraction
1,000 – 4,300 mA Ventricular fibrillation
≥ 10,000 mA Cardiac arrest, severe burns and probable death

The major hazards associated with electricity are electrical shock and fire. Electrical shock occurs
when the body becomes part of an electric circuit, either when an individual comes in contact with
both wires of an electrical circuit, one wire of an energized circuit and the ground, or a metallic part
that has become energized by contact with an electrical conductor.

3.2.1 Electrical Hazard Reduction

There are various ways of protecting people from the hazards caused by electricity, including
insulation, guarding, grounding, and electrical protective devices such as fuses and residual current
devices3 (RCDs). This section provides a set of simple rules aimed at reducing electrical hazards
within the Mechatronics Lab. Most of the hazards relate to 240V AC mains-powered equipment.

DANGER! Students are not permitted to work on circuits that are energised by 240V AC or 415V
AC power under any circumstance. The phrase “work on” shall include activities such as
opening the cabinet of a mains-powered instrument, and measuring mains-powered circuits with
test instruments.

3
Formerly known as earth leakage circuit breakers (ELCBs)

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Electrical hazards can be reduced significantly by taking some basic precautions:
 Know the location of, and how to operate, the emergency electrical power isolator – it is
tripped by either one of the red Emergency Stop buttons which are located on the
1. Front wall of the lab just to the right of the whiteboard and
2. Left wall at the rear of the Lab.
Use either button to instantly shut off all electrical equipment in the Lab in the event of
electrocution or fire.
 Before each use, visually inspect wiring of mains-powered equipment for defects such as
faulty insulation or loose connections. Do not use damaged or frayed electrical cords. Tag and
report them as unsafe immediately.
 Remove metal jewellery, watches, rings, etc., before working on electrical circuits.
 Minimize the potential for liquid spills on or near electrical equipment. Never place
containers of liquid, including beverages, on or near electrical systems.
 Always know the electrical ratings of equipment you use, and be sure you use that equipment
within its ratings. Never overload circuits.
 Turn off power and unplug equipment before checking or replacing fuses. Locate and correct
the cause of a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker before replacing the fuse or resetting the
circuit breaker.
 Never defeat the purpose of a fuse or circuit breaker. Never install a fuse of higher amperage
rating than that specifically listed for the circuit.
 Complete all your wiring and check it carefully before turning on the power supply. If you are
at all uncertain, have it checked by someone else – preferably a Lecturer or Tutor.
 When a setup or circuit is to be reconfigured or rewired, turn the power supply off. It is also
good practice to disconnect it physically from the power supply.
 Make sure metallic equipment chassis or cabinets are earthed. Never cut off or defeat the
protective earth connection on a plug.

3.2.2 Electrical Emergency Response

The following instructions provide guidelines for handling three types of electrical emergencies.

3.2.2.1 Emergency Electrical Power Cut Off (Isolator)

In the case of an electrical emergency, such as electrocution or fire, all 240V and 415V general
purpose power outlets in the lab can be isolated (turned off) by pushing either of the two red
Emergency Stop buttons in the Lab.

3.2.2.2 Electric Shock

If someone suffers serious electrical shock, he or she may be knocked unconscious. If the victim is
still in contact with the electrical current, immediately disconnect the electrical power source using
either of the red Emergency Stop buttons: front wall of the lab just to the right of the whiteboard
and left wall at the rear of the Lab. If the supply does not disconnect, try to separate the victim from
the power source with a nonconductive object, such as a wooden-handled broom.
Important: Do not touch an electric shock victim who is still in contact with a power source;
you could electrocute yourself.
Have someone phone for emergency medical assistance immediately (0-000 from an internal phone
or 112 from a GSM mobile phone). Administer appropriate first-aid. Notify the University
Emergency Service by internal phone on 1-3333, or 9351-3333 from a mobile phone.

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3.2.2.3 Electrical Fire or Other Fire.
If an electrical fire occurs, immediately disconnect the electrical power source using either of the
two red Emergency Stop buttons in the Lab, but only if you can do it without endangering
yourself. If the fire is small, you are not in immediate danger, and you have been trained in fighting
fires, use any type of fire extinguisher except water to extinguish the fire. The Lab is fitted with one
CO2 fire extinguisher that is suitable for most types of fire, including electrical fire.
Important: Do not use water on an electrical fire.
If the fire is not controlled, activate either of the Break Glass Alarms which are located just inside
the Lab entry door and on the left wall towards the rear of the Lab. Both the Fire Brigade and the
University Emergency Service will respond immediately.
If the fire is of sufficient size that you cannot safely exit through the main Lab door, the Break
Glass near the rear door will release the door, allowing you to exit through the Rio Tinto Centre.

3.2.2.4 Live Conductors, Including Power Lines

Stay away from live conductors and downed power lines. Be particularly careful if a live conductor
is touching a body of water. The water could conduct electricity. If a power line falls on your car4
while you are inside, remain in the vehicle until help arrives.

4 Laboratory Facilities
The facilities available to Authorised Users of the Mechatronics Lab are described in a companion
document, “Mechatronics Laboratory – Facilities.doc”. This document is available in Adobe PDF
form on the Lab website, http://www.aeromech.usyd.edu.au/MTRXLAB/.

5 Teaching and Assistance in the Lab

5.1 Scheduled Classes
Course Tutors and Lecturers will be available to provide assistance in the Lab during scheduled
classes. This teaching assistance relates to the laboratory exercises, use of specific hardware and
software, etc. We are also happy to answer ad hoc questions.

5.2 “Open” Lab Time

During “open” laboratory periods when no class is scheduled, Tutors or Lecturers will usually not
be available in the Lab. Assistance should be sought by contacting your course Tutor by email or
phone. Please be aware that you will not get immediate assistance, as we all have many
commitments in addition to teaching. If you know that you will need assistance, it is wise to arrange
a meeting in advance at a mutually convenient time.

6 Technical Support
Technical support for the Mechatronics Lab is provided by technical and professional staff of the
ACFR on an as-needed basis. If you have a technical support question, please email it to
[email protected] so that your question can be directed to the person best able to
answer it.

4
Hopefully not in the Lab!

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7 Document Improvement
Should you discover errors, omissions or unclear information in this document, please report these
deficiencies by email to [email protected] so that this document can be improved.

David Rye, Steve Scheding

July 2002

Revised March 2012

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