Altimeter and AIS-sensor

[skogsvargen]

Just a quick question:
If i want to measure both altitude and IAS, i guess i require both a differential preassure sensor for the IAS and a static sensor for the altitude. If that is correct, can just connect the static port on the pitot to both the static sensor and the "static side" on the differential sensor?

An alternative solution is to use two static sensors and calculate the difference in preassure, but my guess is that this will give me calibration problems unless the two sensors are VERY similar in their output.

Comments?

UAV-builder wannabe

/Magnus

[LukeZ]

If that is correct, can just connect the static port on the pitot to both the static sensor and the "static side" on the differential sensor?Yes, in fact, I believe that is the most common way of doing it. That is perfectly fine.

An alternative solution is to use two static sensors and calculate the difference in preassure, but my guess is that this will give me calibration problems unless the two sensors are VERY similar in their output.Hmm... not sure about calibration problems, would have to think that through. But the biggest argument against this setup, to me anyways, would be the unecessary work. Decent, affordable, compensated differential sensors are readily available, and they do the "differentiating" for you. So to me at least that seems like less trouble than using two static. However, conceptually there is no reason why you couldn't do so, and it should work.

I have a bit of info on measuring altitude and airspeed on my site, KansasFlyer.org (http://www.kansasflyer.org). Not sure if any of it would be of use to you, but feel free to browse.

Luke

[Tom Harper]

Luke,

Very impressive web site!

Tom

[skogsvargen]

Luke, thanks for confirming my thoughts. And I must agree, you have a great looking site with lots of good content. Good luck with your project!

/Magnus, Stockholm, Sweden