A Canadian Boffin: Not dead yet, just resting.

Not dead yet, just resting. · Nov 01, 2005

There’s been a bit of a slow-down; I have a great new job, plus a course or two to finish up. The result is, only an afternoon or so a week left to work on the new glider.

But there has been some progress on finishing up the airframe, and more on the software. The ground software can now talk to the autopilot, and all of the autopilot hardware drivers work (not perfectly, but they do work). Mostly higher-level stuff to go. Doesn’t generate too many riveting new photos though. I might post one after it’s painted.

Things should move along better as well, as Owen Walsh has taken on the task of completing the ground software! Wooo! Nothing like a bit of collaboration.

Now, to answer (very late) some of the questions posted:

Q: “why have you decided to go with Windows again, rather than Linux?”

A: I still struggle with this. In the end, it came down to wanting to use OziExplorer moving-map software, and off-the-shelf USB drivers. Reliability of the ground software is nice, but not critical. This project’s goal is an autonomous-return micro UAV.

Q: “What about using a cell phone as a comm system?”

A: The glider goes up to 30km high, which means it would see every cell for hundreds of kilometres, probably causing problems. I also don’t think cell radio-modems have the same range (they don’t have to).

Q: “Did you happen to see the gumstix computer?”

No I hadn’t, and it looks pretty cool, I might use it in future. But microcontrollers are just about a one-IC solution (well, two with a flash disk) for $20, and can carry the load with a very integrated system resulting. Not to say I don’t wish I had a more PC-like system on there…

Q: “You mentioned you have a ‘hopper’ radio on the ground for receiving telemetry, but no mention of what is on the glider.”

I’m using ACC4490 1 watt, 900mhz data radios from Aerocomm at both ends. They have been extremely easy to get working, I’m quite impressed. Haven’t checked out the real-world range yet though.

Q: “Currently, I am in need of assistance from someone who has programming background…”

Sorry, I’m too overwhelmed at the moment to help much with other projects 8-P

Q: “I have a cleared block of land for you to land it on too.”

When it’s done and the weather clears I might check back on that…

* * *

I SHURE LIKE THE AUTO NAV SYSTEM. I LIVE HERE IN ARIZONA , TUCSON. MY SON LIKES BALLONS AND GLIDERS. I HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN HIGH ALTITUDE BALLONS AND GLIDER FOR ABOUT A YEAR. WHEN I READ KD7LMO REPORT ON HIS ATTEMP’S OF GLIDERS AND BALLONS SYSTEMS, WITH GPS AND RADIO / T.V. TRANSMISSION.

BEST REGARDS

CHUCK KOERBER
— chuck koerber Mar 15, 10:05 AM #
Still resting? The weather is finally warm here in BC, so I was hoping to see some updates on your project. BTW, I’ve send you an email offering my Canon S400 if you want to use as a camera (because of the small weight and the high quality pictures). I haven’t received a response yet, but I still have it I am successfully using it for aerial photography (see http://hoods-up.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34) . I hope to hear from you soon.
— Nikolay May 17, 02:10 PM #

A Canadian Boffin

It's not quite flying, closer to falling with style.

Not dead yet, just resting. · Nov 01, 2005