My Black Box, finished and functional

Button pushers
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F2B
Posts: 200
Joined: 16 Feb 2018, 11:23
Location: 20 m NE of Amsterdam

My Black Box, finished and functional

Post by F2B »

Here's my button box in the making. Still needs some holes in the box, shortening some long wires but then it will be ready to go.
Yet I couldn't wait any longer... :mrgreen: (for showing off... :oops: )
Image
Basically I've used Phil's sketch, narrowed down to just a compound single channel emulation, then added Frank's idea for a throttle pointer that I expanded to 4 positions: 0, 60%, 100%, 40%, 0, etc.
It was a bit sensitive to contact bounce, but a 470nF capacitor cured that.
Of course then, when powering up, it switches once (capacitor has to charge). I cured that with a short waiting loop, inhibiting the input at power up.
I also added analog trims (R&E) and travel ( +& -, so it includes reversing too). Those are the 4 pots in a row.
I liked the battery blinking LED from my old Simprop SSM Contest and my buddy's Microprop Variomodul4 so much, that I made a (very basic) sketch when converting the Microprop. Because of all analog inputs being occupied, I decided for a separate ATtiny85. Besides, when working with delays -can you tell how much of a rank beginner I am? :mrgreen: - it would mess up the ppm timing so I kept it a separate system here as well.
The green LED blinks quick when the battery is full and slower, the emptier it becomes.
What the originals didn't have was an 'battery really low, landing imperative' alarm.
Taking a bi colour LED solved that. In that case the LED turns solid red. The tripping point is set with the pot next to the ATtiny.

What more can I say?
That I took the motor LED (pin13) outside to a blazing bright blue one. Blinks quick for 60%, solid for 100%, slow for 40% and off for 0. (Frank's idea!)
HF is a FrSky DHT, that stopped working a while ago when experimenting. Turned out to be the antenna cable. Replaced it and, in range mode, getting at least 60 meters again (couldn't walk any further from my kitchen window - or I'd be entering the neighbours' front garden :lol: ). But it's the same again as with my regular DJT in that location, so I'm confident it'll work as it should.
Tacked the module on four corners with blobs of contact glue and now it's going nowhere.

If things run right, the first outing will be at our June 1st Free Flight and Vintage Radio Assist Meeting.
Yes, there's something going on in The Netherlands as well... :D
But I'm very busy with the music (a.o. Germany, next week) so maybe it won't be ready yet. I'll bring it anyway...

Camera rolling..... Action!
https://vimeo.com/337977171
Last edited by F2B on 27 May 2019, 22:20, edited 3 times in total.
F2B or not to be....
MaxZ
Posts: 330
Joined: 31 Jan 2019, 11:48
Location: Boskoop, Netherlands

Re: Preview: Not entirely finished but functional

Post by MaxZ »

Hey Bruno, if you really want to shine, make sure your picture is visible (at least to forum members) ;) :P

Max.
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F2B
Posts: 200
Joined: 16 Feb 2018, 11:23
Location: 20 m NE of Amsterdam

Re: Preview: Not entirely finished but functional

Post by F2B »

Better now? :lol:
F2B or not to be....
MaxZ
Posts: 330
Joined: 31 Jan 2019, 11:48
Location: Boskoop, Netherlands

Re: Preview: Not entirely finished but functional

Post by MaxZ »

Yes, I can see it now.
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F2B
Posts: 200
Joined: 16 Feb 2018, 11:23
Location: 20 m NE of Amsterdam

Finished and functional

Post by F2B »

Ready to go:
Compound (Rudder and kick up elevator) escapement emulation,
4 position ( 0 - 60 - 100 - 40 - 0%) quick blip throttle.
Blue LED indicates throttle position, Bi colour LED indicates battery state.

Image
Image
Image
Last edited by F2B on 27 May 2019, 22:09, edited 1 time in total.
F2B or not to be....
MaxZ
Posts: 330
Joined: 31 Jan 2019, 11:48
Location: Boskoop, Netherlands

Re: Preview: Not entirely finished but functional

Post by MaxZ »

Nice! 8-)
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F2B
Posts: 200
Joined: 16 Feb 2018, 11:23
Location: 20 m NE of Amsterdam

My Black Box, finished and functional

Post by F2B »

Thanks! :mrgreen:

My personal 'Black Box' so to speak.... :D ;)
Last edited by F2B on 02 Jun 2019, 08:48, edited 1 time in total.
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HenkB
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Feb 2019, 11:19
Location: Harderwijk, The Netherlands

Re: My Black Box, finished and functional

Post by HenkB »

Well done job Bruno,
Now you'll just need a nice vintage model to go with :D
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F2B
Posts: 200
Joined: 16 Feb 2018, 11:23
Location: 20 m NE of Amsterdam

Re: My Black Box, finished and functional

Post by F2B »

Dank je wel! :D

Look here:
http://www.mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?f ... 5474#p5474

Let's hope for your motor to arrive in time... :roll: ;)
F2B or not to be....
HenkB
Posts: 44
Joined: 01 Feb 2019, 11:19
Location: Harderwijk, The Netherlands

Re: My Black Box, finished and functional

Post by HenkB »

It has already arrived. Very fast service from HK. :D I'm busy to replace the burnt out motor in my Keilkraft Supercruiser and it will surely be ready before Saturday. And that's nice because the weather looks promising!
Looking forward to a splendid flying day at the Houtdorperveld.
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