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Introduction
One of the outstanding educational projects at the Hungarian Universities (Eötvös University, Pécs University, Óbuda University) includes the construction of an educational space probe model Hunveyor. The concept of Hunveyor is based on the space probe Surveyor of NASA. The Hunveyor name is coming from the Hungarian University Surveyor.
The construction has a number of objectives. The main focus is on teaching by construction. One objective is to build up a relationship between technology aspects of modern electronic and informatic machines and connect this activity with application this robotics with science: for example in the planetary geology. It is also an important aim of the project to help students in learning the associated principles, such as measurements, technologies, instruments systems and computer technology on one side and testing the robots in real geographical conditions, together with increasing knowledge on physical, chemical, geological characteristics of the environment. Whoever works through the construction of the electronic system will gather enough experience which will be enough to introduction in understanding operations in an industrial plant, because a space probe consists of a series of assembled miniaturised technologies (Drommer et all, 1999, Bérczi et all, 1999).
By placing the space probe on a test terrain, yet another objective is served, i.e. to show the students how our measuring system merges with the surface processes of the environment. Environment may be our local land, farther landscape or even an alien planet. If a student learns how the measuring technologies select the predetermined details from the many interdependent processes, then he/she will be able to find fascinating analogies with the many problems encountered when trying the resolve the environmental issues on earth. In this way the student get acquainted with the complexity of the natural processes in addition to learning the complexity of a data processing system.
During the measurements it will be possible for the students to have an understanding of how the many interwoven processes merge with the natural processes when establishing a technological facility. Working with the experimental space probe is always an interesting challenge because of its complexity. The many principles to be dealt with include analysis, designing, construction, measurement, and with this complexity of activities the experimental space probe is an outstanding teaching aid...