Katics.com
A step in the long road to new fun with giant scale R/C airplanes includes the need for data acquisition. A PIC18LF4550 processor was chosen to do all of the heavy lifting. Various sensors are needed to gather empirical data on flight loads for implementing some innovative dynamic flight control concepts for "3D" maneuvers. A future daughter card is planned to nest above the processor with an XBee radio card. The processor board must also be a good general purpose unit for quick use in the next odd project that comes around.
The v1.0 board was ordered and assembled. The v1.0 was a successful first step. The board is fully functional but some improvements will be incorporated into the next version. The biggest issues are that the programmer covers RC0-2 and a more robust power supply is required with reverse current protection. An electronics bench barbeque reminds one of the need for a robust system.
A second board was set up to address the issues with the previous board and also add screw terminals for most of the inputs, while still fitting inside of an Altoids project box. Expected arrival of the v1.1 board is February 2010.
The second version of the processor board. The board has worked well for several projects beyond the initial scope. The board has proved more robust than the first version. The only prototype board damaged was on damaged in an in-flight fire. Data was being recorded in a Sig 4 Star 60 when the speed controller caught fire resulting in data loss, not to mention other losses.
R.I.P. Tri Valley, The U of M terminated the lease on the club field.
Flying a 40% Extra 300 the last day, October 31st 2010, with half the runway removed. The Tri Valley field will be missed.