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ralphmariafinch(at)gmail.
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 Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 10:42 am Post subject: Another Open Source controller idea |
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I've been following the Open Source controller thread with some interest.
I enjoy seeing the collaborative aspects of the Internet and Open Source
finally expressed in Experimental-Amateur Built Aircraft.
Recently I became aware of another opportunity for a commercial or
open product. I share it here.
Vertical Power until recently made two basic products: the VP-X and
the VP-200. The VP-X, still manufactured and sold, provides full ECB
protection and some extra functions:
* ECB and electrical display on separate EFIS
* Wig-wag automatic operation (and warmup for HID lights)
* Flap and trim motor control (runaway control, variable speed and
cutoff on airspeed, etc)
* More convenient wiring in that there is no separate wiring to
circuit breakers, and wiring to panel switches is low-current,
high-gage wires. This latter provides opportunities, see below.
It is a fair value for the price ($1300-$1800).
VP also used to make the VP-200 until March 2012. It did all the VP-X
does, plus much more.
Specifically, it offered more than 10 Flight Modes, a dedicated
Display Unit (for electrical and engine status), and Soft Keys in a
Switch Panel. The many flight modes could be customized to turn
different devices on and off automatically during different phases of
flight: pre-start, start, taxi, run-up, take-off, climb, cruise, etc.
With the -200 no longer sold, that leaves the only product with those
features the -400, and a huge price gap between the -X and the -400:
$1800 vs. $8000.
Thus there is a need for an intermediate product between the -X and
the -400: one that excludes the Runway Seeker technology of the -400,
but includes as much of the -200 convenience as practicable.
I'll call this hypothetical intermediate product the VP-X Plus. This
is where the wiring of the -X comes into play: It is not necessary to
create a completely separate product. The non-automated parts of the
-X, that is, the usual panel switches, are controlled by low-power
wiring to physical switches. Those physical switches could be replaced
by an auxiliary hardware device with a small LCD screen and 4 to 6
virtual switches. The LCD screen would provide a dynamic menu and
labels to the virtual switches. If the LCD screen were a touchscreen
it would also serve as the virtual switches, otherwise, physical
switches in a single unit, similar to the -200's Switch Panel, would
be necessary.
This auxiliary unit--the Plus--could also have some intelligence,
enough to detect different flight regimes and operate the various
circuits in a user-programmed pattern (again, like the -200). The VP-X
is getting some flight data from its EFIS connection. If this
information within the -X can be accessed it would be quite a help in
giving the Plus the data it needs to offer flight modes.
The nice thing about offering an auxiliary unit is that it could be
fairly easily wired into existing VP-X configurations. The auxiliary
Plus unit would be mounted so its screen is in the panel, and
additional wires run from the existing physical switches to the
Plus. As an auxiliary or additional unit it would not replace any
existing product.
If the auxiliary unit's design and software were open, then its manufacture,
maintenance, and continued improvements could be done by the OBAM
(EAB) community for much cheaper than a commercial product. It would
offer a significant value-added to the existing commercial VP-X product.
Ralph Finch
Davis, CA USA
QB RV-9A
[quote][b]
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juliosalazarc(at)yahoo.co
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| Posted: Fri Apr 27, 2012 11:32 am Post subject: Another Open Source controller idea |
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UNSUBSCRIBE
Julio Salazar Cerda
NO TEMAS; SOLAMENTE TEN FE
San Lucas 8, 50
“Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught will
we realize we cannot eat money."
[quote]
De: Ralph Finch <ralphmariafinch(at)gmail.com>
Para: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com
Enviado: Viernes, 27 de abril, 2012 1:40 P.M.
Asunto: Another Open Source controller idea
I've been following the Open Source controller thread with some interest.
I enjoy seeing the collaborative aspects of the Internet and Open Source
finally expressed in Experimental-Amateur Built Aircraft.
Recently I became aware of another opportunity for a commercial or
open product. I share it here.
Vertical Power until recently made two basic products: the VP-X and
the VP-200. The VP-X, still manufactured and sold, provides full ECB
protection and some extra functions:
* ECB and electrical display on separate EFIS
* Wig-wag automatic operation (and warmup for HID lights)
* Flap and trim motor control (runaway control, variable speed and
cutoff on airspeed, etc)
* More convenient wiring in that there is no separate wiring to
circuit breakers, and wiring to panel switches is low-current,
high-gage wires. This latter provides opportunities, see below.
It is a fair value for the price ($1300-$1800).
VP also used to make the VP-200 until March 2012. It did all the VP-X
does, plus much more.
Specifically, it offered more than 10 Flight Modes, a dedicated
Display Unit (for electrical and engine status), and Soft Keys in a
Switch Panel. The many flight modes could be customized to turn
different devices on and off automatically during different phases of
flight: pre-start, start, taxi, run-up, take-off, climb, cruise, etc.
With the -200 no longer sold, that leaves the only product with those
features the -400, and a huge price gap between the -X and the -400:
$1800 vs. $8000.
Thus there is a need for an intermediate product between the -X and
the -400: one that excludes the Runway Seeker technology of the -400,
but includes as much of the -200 convenience as practicable.
I'll call this hypothetical intermediate product the VP-X Plus. This
is where the wiring of the -X comes into play: It is not necessary to
create a completely separate product. The non-automated parts of the
-X, that is, the usual panel switches, are controlled by low-power
wiring to physical switches. Those physical switches could be replaced
by an auxiliary hardware device with a small LCD screen and 4 to 6
virtual switches. The LCD screen would provide a dynamic menu and
labels to the virtual switches. If the LCD screen were a touchscreen
it would also serve as the virtual switches, otherwise, physical
switches in a single unit, similar to the -200's Switch Panel, would
be necessary.
This auxiliary unit--the Plus--could also have some intelligence,
enough to detect different flight regimes and operate the various
circuits in a user-programmed pattern (again, like the -200). The VP-X
is getting some flight data from its EFIS connection. If this
information within the -X can be accessed it would be quite a help in
giving the Plus the data it needs to offer flight modes.
The nice thing about offering an auxiliary unit is that it could be
fairly easily wired into existing VP-X configurations. The auxiliary
Plus unit would be mounted so its screen is in the panel, and
additional wires run from the existing physical switches to the
Plus. As an auxiliary or additional unit it would not replace any
existing product.
If the auxiliary unit's design and software were open, then its manufacture,
maintenance, and continued improvements could be done by the OBAM
(EAB) community for much cheaper than a commercial product. It would
offer a significant value-added to the existing commercial VP-X product.
Ralph Finch
Davis, CA USA
QB RV-9A
[b]
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gregmchugh
Joined: 03 Apr 2012
Posts: 42
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 6:41 am Post subject: Re: Another Open Source controller idea |
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Ralph,
Looks like an interesting project. Without seeing more detail on the
various functions and the interfaces between the modules it is
hard to assess what might be needed for the application. My initial
reaction is that it would be a candidate for using an Arduino based
module. Arduino is an open source hardware/software design with
just about any type of interface and graphics display already
designed and readily available. If you want to proceed with the
project I would recommend putting together a simple system
block diagram showing the interfaces between the various
system components and some idea of the information passed
through the interfaces. If you take a look at info on Arduino
options you should be able to get an idea of what can be done
with off-the-shelf hardware and software. Especially for a touch
screen display you will find the hardware and software drivers
already done for Arduino. Take a look at Sparkfun or Adafruit
websites for a good overview of what is already available.
I expect you could also use one of the PIC processors and a
specific controller design but it might be hard to beat the
fast time-to-complete you would get with Arduino. The price
of Arduino hardware is generally pretty good also.
How big of a touch screen display are you considering? If it
gets large you might also consider the possibility an
off the shelf Android Tablet for the display. The price of generic
Android tablets is getting pretty low.
Greg McHugh
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juliosalazarc(at)yahoo.co
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 8:39 am Post subject: Another Open Source controller idea |
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UNSUBSCRIBE
Julio Salazar Cerda
NO TEMAS; SOLAMENTE TEN FE
San Lucas 8, 50
“Only when the last tree has died, the last river has been poisoned, and the last fish has been caught will
we realize we cannot eat money."
[quote]
De: gregmchugh <gregmchugh(at)aol.com>
Para: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com
Enviado: Sábado, 28 de abril, 2012 9:41 A.M.
Asunto: Re: Another Open Source controller idea
--> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "gregmchugh" <gregmchugh(at)aol.com (gregmchugh(at)aol.com)>
Ralph,
Looks like an interesting project. Without seeing more detail on the
various functions and the interfaces between the modules it is
hard to assess what might be needed for the application. My initial
reaction is that it would be a candidate for using an Arduino based
module. Arduino is an open source hardware/software design with
just about any type of interface and graphics display already
designed and readily available. If you want to proceed with the
project I would recommend putting together a simple system
block diagram showing the interfaces between the various
system components and some idea of the information passed
through the interfaces. If you take a look at info on Arduino
options you should be able to get an idea of what can be done
with off-the-shelf hardware and software. Especially for a touch
screen display you will find the hardware and software drivers
already done for Arduino. Take a look at Sparkfun or Adafruit
websites for a good overview of what is already available.
I expect you could also use one of the PIC processors and a
specific controller design but it might be hard to beat the
fast time-to-complete you would get with Arduino. The price
of Arduino hardware is generally pretty good also.
How big of a touch screen display are you considering? If it
gets large you might also consider the possibility an
off the shelf Android Tablet for the display. The price of generic
Android tablets is getting pretty low.
Greg McHugh
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=371994#371========================http://www.matronics.com/N= -->
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ralphmariafinch(at)gmail.
Guest
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| Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2012 4:48 pm Post subject: Another Open Source controller idea |
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Thanks for the comments and ideas. I would like to learn enough about
modular electronics and controllers and the current Wig-Wag thread is
interesting.
I found a hint of what the Arduino can do investigating LEDs for cabin lighting:
http://www.ladyada.net/products/rgbledstrip/
And the beginnings of an account of one fellow's Arduino learning adventure:
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2012/04/bitten-buy-the-maker-bug-one-mans-first-steps-with-arduino.ars
As to the Vertical Power application, of course I need to get more
information about the VP-X's inputs and outputs. I hope to keep
pursuing that idea as the company has no interest in it and I think
there is a lot of potential.
RF
On Apr 28, 2012, at 7:55 AM, gregmchugh <gregmchugh(at)aol.com> wrote:
| Quote: |
Ralph,
Looks like an interesting project. Without seeing more detail on the
various functions and the interfaces between the modules it is
hard to assess what might be needed for the application. My initial
reaction is that it would be a candidate for using an Arduino based
module. Arduino is an open source hardware/software design with
just about any type of interface and graphics display already
designed and readily available. If you want to proceed with the
project I would recommend putting together a simple system
block diagram showing the interfaces between the various
system components and some idea of the information passed
through the interfaces. If you take a look at info on Arduino
options you should be able to get an idea of what can be done
with off-the-shelf hardware and software. Especially for a touch
screen display you will find the hardware and software drivers
already done for Arduino. Take a look at Sparkfun or Adafruit
websites for a good overview of what is already available.
I expect you could also use one of the PIC processors and a
specific controller design but it might be hard to beat the
fast time-to-complete you would get with Arduino. The price
of Arduino hardware is generally pretty good also.
How big of a touch screen display are you considering? If it
gets large you might also consider the possibility an
off the shelf Android Tablet for the display. The price of generic
Android tablets is getting pretty low.
Greg McHugh
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=371994#371994
|
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http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List |
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