RC Control through PC of Plane

[Keith Sevcik]

Im an undergraduate working on the construction of a low velocity
autonomous plane. The project is still in its fledgling stages.
However, for the final product we would like to be able to transmit
and receive data from the plane through a PC, and be able to override
the autonomous functionality of the vehicle and control it remotely
with a joystick. The vehicle is a fixed wing craft wih tail and
rudder flaps. This necessitates two analog inputs from a joystick.

I was wondering if anyone knew of cheap and simple transmiters,
recievers, and joysticks that could be easily interfaced with a PC
(preferably through serial or USB). I was looking to purchase parts
to practice with and later purchase the final parts. So something
thats standard (i.e. that would ease transition from the practice
product to the final product) would be nice. I will be communicating
with the devices through C++. Does anyone know of a source for sample
code?

Thanks,
Keith Sevcik

[Jean-Michel Friedt]

I've just been looking at http://vpizza.org/~jmeehan/balloon/
which does include a wireless connexion from balloon to PC
(apparently commercialy available).

I've been thinking of the idea of autonomous RC plane for a
while, have the Atmel ATtiny15l based switch from RC to
on-board controller saying who is controlling the servo motors
(and which also acts as a data logger). I was about to add
the accelerometers at the ends of the wings ... and to try
to get the glider not to crash at take off.

Also have a look at http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/teams/western/glidersonde/
which I find very impressive.

Jean-Michel

[Maarten Zanders]

I don't know of any transmitter that directly connects to a PC - other then
data transfer cables for µP transmitters.
The best option (I think) you have is to try and build an interface yourself
(or perhaps by someone who knows something about it).
What you'll need:
- a transmitter that accepts a buddy-box (this is used in training people to
fly RC planes).. Lotsa transmitters can be modified, even the cheepest 4
channel tx's (might be illegal depending on the country you're in..). Take a
look at this:
- some electronics (I'd go with a PIC for processing and something like the
MAX232 for communications)
You'll need to be able to simulate a buddy box signal with the PIC which is
controlled from the EIA232 port (easy accessible in C++..)
take a look at this: http://users.belgacom.net/TX2TX/
http://www.mh.ttu.ee/risto/rc/electronics/pctorc.htm
This is far more advanced then you need I think but it'll give you an idea
of the PPM signal you'll need to create.

here's a link: http://www.u-nav.com/ you can have a look at as well...

I know it all sounds a bit complicated.. Probably cuz I'm quite a fuzz-head
when it comes to explaining. If you need some directions/help: always
welcome to mail me.

Cheers,
Maarten

"Keith Sevcik" <Keithica@aol.com> schreef in bericht
news:dfeacc15.0301280011.1e264c33@posting.google.c om...
> Im an undergraduate working on the construction of a low velocity
> autonomous plane. The project is still in its fledgling stages.
> However, for the final product we would like to be able to transmit
> and receive data from the plane through a PC, and be able to override
> the autonomous functionality of the vehicle and control it remotely
> with a joystick. The vehicle is a fixed wing craft wih tail and
> rudder flaps. This necessitates two analog inputs from a joystick.
>
> I was wondering if anyone knew of cheap and simple transmiters,
> recievers, and joysticks that could be easily interfaced with a PC
> (preferably through serial or USB). I was looking to purchase parts
> to practice with and later purchase the final parts. So something
> thats standard (i.e. that would ease transition from the practice
> product to the final product) would be nice. I will be communicating
> with the devices through C++. Does anyone know of a source for sample
> code?
>
> Thanks,
> Keith Sevcik

[Don Stauffer]

What I would recommend is to leave autonomous autopilot in loop, and
bias its commands in order to control it. This eliminates any
possibility of glitches as you switch modes. Also, complete manual
control at any distance takes a LOT of skill.

So you do not need any sort of electromechanical systems beyond what is
there for autonomous operation. However commands are set for autonomous
control, allow a mode to bias these commands.

Keith Sevcik wrote:
> Im an undergraduate working on the construction of a low velocity
> autonomous plane. The project is still in its fledgling stages.
> However, for the final product we would like to be able to transmit
> and receive data from the plane through a PC, and be able to override
> the autonomous functionality of the vehicle and control it remotely
> with a joystick. The vehicle is a fixed wing craft wih tail and
> rudder flaps. This necessitates two analog inputs from a joystick.
>
> I was wondering if anyone knew of cheap and simple transmiters,
> recievers, and joysticks that could be easily interfaced with a PC
> (preferably through serial or USB). I was looking to purchase parts
> to practice with and later purchase the final parts. So something
> thats standard (i.e. that would ease transition from the practice
> product to the final product) would be nice. I will be communicating
> with the devices through C++. Does anyone know of a source for sample
> code?
>
> Thanks,
> Keith Sevcik


--
Don Stauffer in Minnesota
stauffer@usfamily.net
webpage- http://www.usfamily.net/web/stauffer

[GuW]

A radio that can "talk data" is basically what the ham's call a
packetradio, there are tons of them out there, ranging from small tiny ones
to big hefty homebuilt ones, there is also "packet radio modems" that you
connect to any radio you might have around. (diffrent laws for different
countrys here)
Most of the modern packet radios have something called APRS Automatic
Positioning Radio System built in, great thing if you want to hook up an GPS
to track the plane.

If your'e not a ham you cant use their radiofrequency, but if you only want
to eperiment, team up with someone at your local ham-club, they can lend you
the equipment and you can use their callsign (as long as they supervise the
use)
The great thing about becoming a ham, or teaming up with one is that you get
to use high power radios with greater range, there is good directive
antennas and you could even use a repeater/ digipeter that rebroadcast the
transmission further.

You know, It aint rocket science...

[risto]

Here's a new version of the PC Interface:
http://www.mh.ttu.ee/risto/rc/electronics/pc2rcv2.htm

Risto