CrashingDutchman
Aug 14, 2008, 11:28 AM
This thread will discuss software that helps to manage files and settings for Dean Goedde's AttoPilot product. The software will NOT be part of AttoPilot but will probably be available as 3rd party software.
I have been part of the beta-testing group for Dean's AttoPilot discussed in this (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734456) thread. I didn't always want to bring my laptop to the field, especially when it had rained or when nobody was able to join me to have a look at my stuff while I was keeping attention to the plane. I thought it would be nice to be able to change settings on the SD card that AttoPilot uses with my mobile phone. My phone is equipped with a SD slot, so at first I started using an editor to change settings.
After a while I wanted to do more than changing settings. I wanted to be able to move files from one directory to another and more things. So, I started thinking about writing software to make this easier.
After some brainstorming I came up with a few ideas that I suggested to my fellow testers. I got some positive responses and Dean said 'yes, do it by all means'. After a few weeks of programming, I think that the most important features are included. Here is a list:
1. AttoPilot needs 1 file (well, currently 2 files, but that will be 1 file for the final product) from which it gets its settings, for example servo gains, etc). AttoPilot Manager (APM) shows the contents of the file and allows you to edit values and save them
2. APM allows you to make it easy to exchange AttoPilot between different airplanes. One airplane might need different settings than an other airplane. Of course, if needed, you can change settings for this plane too.
3. While at home you can create different tracks on the SD card. With APM you can easily change from one track to the other. Before actually sending your plane in the air, you can review the track.
4. AttoPilot adds all kinds of valuable information to a log file on the SD card. You can review the data in the log file with APM. Every time you power on a new, what I call section, is created in the log file by AttoPilot.
5. You can make backup's of the log-file and have AttoPilot start with a new, clean log file.
6. Create a Google Earth KML file from GPS data available in the LOG file. If you have a mobile data connection, you can use this KML file on various website that can work with KML files (for example: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com)
7. It is possible to have APM create a track from a previous flight logged by AttoPilot. APM takes once every 10 seconds data from the LOG file and writes it in a waypoint file (see point 3 again).
I am evaluating more possibilities for this software. As soon as I have decided, I will post more information here.
During development I have been using my HTC P3600 PDA for testing APM. This device has a 320x240 screen and AttoPilot Manager is designed for this resolution. If desireable, I will have more resolutions available later.
Please find attached a preview of some of the screens (AttoPilot Manager running on Windows Mobile emulator).
I have been part of the beta-testing group for Dean's AttoPilot discussed in this (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734456) thread. I didn't always want to bring my laptop to the field, especially when it had rained or when nobody was able to join me to have a look at my stuff while I was keeping attention to the plane. I thought it would be nice to be able to change settings on the SD card that AttoPilot uses with my mobile phone. My phone is equipped with a SD slot, so at first I started using an editor to change settings.
After a while I wanted to do more than changing settings. I wanted to be able to move files from one directory to another and more things. So, I started thinking about writing software to make this easier.
After some brainstorming I came up with a few ideas that I suggested to my fellow testers. I got some positive responses and Dean said 'yes, do it by all means'. After a few weeks of programming, I think that the most important features are included. Here is a list:
1. AttoPilot needs 1 file (well, currently 2 files, but that will be 1 file for the final product) from which it gets its settings, for example servo gains, etc). AttoPilot Manager (APM) shows the contents of the file and allows you to edit values and save them
2. APM allows you to make it easy to exchange AttoPilot between different airplanes. One airplane might need different settings than an other airplane. Of course, if needed, you can change settings for this plane too.
3. While at home you can create different tracks on the SD card. With APM you can easily change from one track to the other. Before actually sending your plane in the air, you can review the track.
4. AttoPilot adds all kinds of valuable information to a log file on the SD card. You can review the data in the log file with APM. Every time you power on a new, what I call section, is created in the log file by AttoPilot.
5. You can make backup's of the log-file and have AttoPilot start with a new, clean log file.
6. Create a Google Earth KML file from GPS data available in the LOG file. If you have a mobile data connection, you can use this KML file on various website that can work with KML files (for example: http://www.gpsvisualizer.com)
7. It is possible to have APM create a track from a previous flight logged by AttoPilot. APM takes once every 10 seconds data from the LOG file and writes it in a waypoint file (see point 3 again).
I am evaluating more possibilities for this software. As soon as I have decided, I will post more information here.
During development I have been using my HTC P3600 PDA for testing APM. This device has a 320x240 screen and AttoPilot Manager is designed for this resolution. If desireable, I will have more resolutions available later.
Please find attached a preview of some of the screens (AttoPilot Manager running on Windows Mobile emulator).