11 replies to this topic

[Plank]

The flight control project to date.

 

Still using the 4x2 wooden frame.

Bicycle parts and hot glue etc.

 

I ditched the flight chair and throttle as it kept on snagging on things.

but I am using a hastily cobbled together small throttle and extra buttons.

( less snaggy...)

 

The bicycle bottom bracket rudder bar is still bashing on with no sign

of falling to bits or wearing out. It's brilliant. and stupendously cheap.

 

The one addition that really kicks this upstairs is the even more stick extension.

 

and oh yes,

 

I rearranged the pitch magnet, from side on to the sensor to edge on, 

this is crucial as the face of the detector needs to be inbetween the

magnetic flux fields square on. not all wonky like I had it before.

 

This has increased it's working angle and that coupled with the stick extension has

really made controlling DH2,N11,N17, Camel and Dr1 much more delightful.

 

Here are some new pics of the in daily use setup:

 

 P1110713.JPG   1.03MB   1 downloads

 

and my head cam...

 

 P1110714.JPG   1.06MB   1 downloads

 

and my IR target:

 

 P1110715.JPG   801.57KB   1 downloads

 

 

I cannot extol the virtues of the "headcam". from an engineering PoV it makes much more

sense than the IR targets on the head.  It's to do with viewing angles etc.

 

but anyway, we all make do with what we have.

 

I suppose if I pulled my finger out I could manufacture a kit form of the pendulum stick

for other DIY chaps to tinker with.... at cost with a small developers fee and postage...

 

Salute!

 

plank.

[GrahamshereGT]

I forget how to insert an image

[Plank]

Dear G,

 

1. Click on "more reply options".

 

2. Then the "browse.." button under Attach files.

 

3. Select a picture file to upload off your PC. ( If you find one on the interweb then download it to your PC first.)

 

4. Click "Attach this file" ( It will upload the picture.)

 

5. Then place your cursor at the point where you want the picture in your post.

 

6. Then click "Add to post"  ( On the right ) You will get a line of code inserted in your post.

     If you then post your post you will see your picture.

 

 Picture of a picture.jpg   214.44KB   1 downloads

 

 

to get pics nicely space out you need to new line ( Return ) after inserting a pic.

 

Then you can go bonkers.

 

If you picture is too large ( Over 5 meg) it will not load up .

 

I use irfan view to resize pics and you can batch process a lot to resize in one go.

 

http://www.irfanview...anview.com/    it's free and I have been using it successfully for ages.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Salute!

 

Planky.

[GrahamshereGT]

For some reason when I think of plank I get this.

[GrahamshereGT]

Oh thanks Plank for the help, couldn't remember how to do that , old age creeping up I guess.

[Plank]

Dear chaps,

 

Full size. No mucking about.

 

700mm/27 and bit inches.

 

 700mm stick.jpg   113.61KB   1 downloads

 

Proper Planky business.

 

It's experimental etc and it's sturdy, no slop and amazingly cheap.

Four precision bearings per axis.

 

the final resting place for the springs will be decided after a lengthy period

of use and experimenting/developing. none of this "I hope this works" C.A.D twaddle.

 

So far wiggling it about is quite good. The spring tension is discernible and

of a rising rate. ( I think...) Larger springs in the works etc.

 

Salute!

 

Plank.

[GrahamshereGT]

Are you getting 360 degree movement on the stick, looks to me you will only get forward backward and side to side movement .

 

You are that bee that chased the boy, the busy bee lol. you know I'm only having fun with you right?

[=HillBilly=]

Graham  Plank's stick design is almost the same as any stick and cable design.

 

Moving the stick to the side still lets you move it back and forth,(oops Camel spin recovery )   

[GrahamshereGT]

Sorry Plank . continue , hope I didn't mess you up.

[Plank]

but wait, their is more:

 

Went to the waste recycle place today while getting my car W.O.F ....

and got some Trampoline springs. Wow so many to chose from....

 

Ta dah:

 

 Plank control systems_full size 01 close up on the bench.jpg   184.6KB   1 downloads

 

 Plank control systems_full size 01.jpg   105.48KB   1 downloads

 

so yes, there is a whole load of repurposed stuff in this stick.

 

The list might be quite long.... I will skip that bit.

 

I am thinking the X axis will be stronger than the Y axis as I quite

like fast roll and less stick, and I like slow pitch with more stick...

 

But I can swap out springs with a bit of fiddling and adjust the tension etc.

 

The 8mm steel wire shaft is a bit bendy, so I might find a hardwood round

from somewhere, an rake handle? or something like that. Hmm...

 

super cheap and pretty good. ( So far...)

 

Salute!

 

Plank.

[GrahamshereGT]

So what pots will you be using. will it be from an old jstick ? 

[Plank]

My dear Graham,

 

what is all the rage these days are hall effect sensors and magnets.

 

Or Halotrons as some chap in chat once referred to them as... I did chortle a bit.

 

so we grab the old pot with a vicegrip give it a viscous twisting yank, toss it over y' shoulder

and then slap in the magnet and build up some kind of bracket with the hall on and then

do a bit of soldering ( being mindful of pin outs, current direction and potential etc...) and then when the

whole thing don't work we sit down have a cup of tea and wonder if we put the hall sensor in the wrong way round.

 

As my stick building is particularly haphazard I have managed to kick my pitch magnet a few times while

in a fit to get air bourne and have had to re calibrate the stick with an actual voltmeter while in the air. 

( I then discovered Auto pilot which made things much easier... then I can do the whole thing while smoking...   not  having to constantly put your my cigarette down.)

 

I did take off with my pitch inverted once and ploughed across the AF and into the AAA truck while furiously

stick backing the entire time, swearing like a sailor...  ( I should of engined off immediately... but I was pouring my "taking off" brandy.)

 

oh I know, I will draw a picture!

 

back in a tick....

 

 Hall effect primer v1.jpg   235.7KB   1 downloads

 

 

It's a bit rushed but I hope it's interesting to some budding D.I.Y enthusiast.

 

I managed to attach three of these to my logitech 3D pro printed circuit board with a bit of fuss. But it works. : )

 

Salute!

 

Plank.