DF mods - smart lights
10-23-2006, 02:17 PM
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DF mods - smart lights
okay, someone out there must be geeky enough for this. The idea is to have a light on each motor mount. The lights are wired to the gyros such that they light up depending on the tilt of the DF. An alternative might be for them to flash in proportion to the degree of tilt. So if you are hovering and start into forward flight, the forwardmost motor light will illuminate (solid or flashing).
This would be extremely helpful in maintaining level flight at altitude without TI .
just an idea.
This would be extremely helpful in maintaining level flight at altitude without TI .
just an idea.
10-23-2006, 06:15 PM
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RE: DF mods - smart lights
I think it's a great idea, and have had similar thoughts myself. Ignoring TI for the moment, the problem is that the DF does not have the information you need to run the lights. The gyros have no idea whether the DF is level or not. They only know whether the attitude is currently changing. The piezo gyros are simply rotational accelerometers, not real gyroscopes. They measure angular momentum, not position, and are used to resist uncommanded changes in attitude (regardless of whether that attitude is "level" or not). That's why TI is needed in the first place.
Running the lights off the TI sensors could be interesting, but you'd have all the same problems that TI itself has when the infrared horizon isn't clear...And if you're running the lights off TI, you may as well let TI do the self-leveling.
I'm keen to find a replacement for TI which uses a real attitude gyroscope...Everyone derides "mechanical" gyros, but they do have their advantages, the ability to measure angular position being one of them.
Will
Running the lights off the TI sensors could be interesting, but you'd have all the same problems that TI itself has when the infrared horizon isn't clear...And if you're running the lights off TI, you may as well let TI do the self-leveling.
I'm keen to find a replacement for TI which uses a real attitude gyroscope...Everyone derides "mechanical" gyros, but they do have their advantages, the ability to measure angular position being one of them.
Will
10-23-2006, 11:11 PM
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RE: DF mods - smart lights
very informative. Thank you.
I suppose it would work to install a mercury/tilt switch for each LED. the wiring would be simple, but of course you couldn't make it blink at a rate which indicates degree of tilt.
actually, it would be a neat training tool to have the OPPOSITE LED illuminate. It would teach you which way you need to push the sticks...
I suppose it would work to install a mercury/tilt switch for each LED. the wiring would be simple, but of course you couldn't make it blink at a rate which indicates degree of tilt.
actually, it would be a neat training tool to have the OPPOSITE LED illuminate. It would teach you which way you need to push the sticks...
10-24-2006, 12:06 AM
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RE: DF mods - smart lights
ORIGINAL: jodaboda
very informative. Thank you.
I suppose it would work to install a mercury/tilt switch for each LED. the wiring would be simple, but of course you couldn't make it blink at a rate which indicates degree of tilt.
very informative. Thank you.
I suppose it would work to install a mercury/tilt switch for each LED. the wiring would be simple, but of course you couldn't make it blink at a rate which indicates degree of tilt.
The problem with mercury switches is G forces. Under sufficient acceleration, you'll get false readings out of the switches...That could just add to the "art" of interpreting the lights, though.
Will
