Soar All Day FPV

SoarAllDay

Junior Member
I'm a full-scale pilot that started out a quarter century ago on R/C. I've seen some impressive stuff on LR-FPV gliding. I'd like to duplicate those setups. For the ship, I want a big 4-5M, something like:
Flyfly DG-808S 4m

There are several challenges:
- Duplicate an existing LRS setup (most are European)
- Add a sensitive variometer (again European)
- Add x/c-glider features to the system

The first two I can probably copy. The last one, I probably need to build myself. It will need these common glide computer features;

- Speed to fly (McCreedy no)
- Task/Waypoint assist (distance to next waypoint, etc)
- Final Glide
- Thermal Assist

Full scale open-source project

I'm a software engineer with lots of Arduino/MP project experience. What would be the best system to use for this? I need the AP for RTH, attitude-hold and thermal-circle hold.

Most existing very long range systems use the [URL="http://www.rangevideo.com/index.php/rangevideo-osd.html"]RVOSD
with the IMU for RTH/AP. It is PIC based, and I know that processor pretty well. Some have added on to it. Not sure if it has the headroom.

Where can I go to find experts?

Thanks,

-Bruce
 
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earthsciteach

Moderator
Moderator
Welcome to the forum, Bruce!

Well, you certainly aren't messing around, are you? Ha ha. Sounds like you have the expertise to pull this off. Personally, I'm an idiot when it comes to electronics :p, so I certainly can't help you (mechanical engineer, here). You may want to check out this site: http://fpvlab.com/forums/forum.php?

Not saying we don't have knowledgeable people on FT (we do), but it seems you really want to push the envelope.

I wonder if someone on adafruit would be able to offer advice?
http://forums.adafruit.com

Arduino experience, eh? I have a box full of Arduino goodies and a Mega 2560 controller in my RC workshop downstairs. I really need to set time aside to go through tutorials and teach myself some control stuff. That's where its really at, these days.

Please keep us posted on your progress. Sounds like you will be a great addition to the FT forum!
 

earthsciteach

Moderator
Moderator
Cool! Any idea of how much of a crosswind that was on landing? I've never flown a sailplane (its on my list of things-to-do), but I imagine they are quite influenced by even light wind.

And, building a home built is one of my long-term goals. I downsized my income by leaving engineering for teaching, so that complicates things a bit. Much happier, though. I really like the Kitfox. Maybe someday...

VanGrunderfersersenursenferse (or however you spell the name-ha ha) really has some nice designs. One of my student's dad is almost finished with a tricycle gear RV-7. It has a pretty funny story behind it. His mother-in-law moved into their house so they had to convert the garage to a living area. With no where else to build, he started assembling it in his below grade basement. When it was to the point of putting the major parts together, he dug out a ramp, knocked out the basement wall and pulled the plane out. It made the local news - talk about dedication!

What are you looking to downsize into?
 

xuzme720

Dedicated foam bender
Mentor
So, slipping it in like that is standard for a sailplane? Bleeding speed?
Must have been bleeding speed because the tattletale shows the wind direction blowing straight back over the canopy after he lands and is pointed straight down the runway...
I missed it on the first viewing. :black_eyed:
 

pgerts

Old age member
Mentor
Sorry - It is not easy to get the right translation It is called side slipping.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdkwDZeON4c
I learned always NOT TO side slip and keep the cotton thread lined up on the window in all turnes when i learned to fly - many years ago. But it is nice to do a little "ugly flying" with the model when trying not to go to fast without an ugly harrier hanging the *ss down.