PilotAware
British Forum => General Discussion => Topic started by: JCurtis on August 31, 2015, 05:50:03 pm
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I've been asked by a friend to make him up a PilotAware unit. Reading through the document for these two items I have been mulling over creating a custom shield with a 3.3v regulator to take the ARF board, which then just gets plugged directly onto the GPIO block on the Pi. This would save the making up of IDC cables and gluing various parts to cases etc.
Would anyone else be interested in such a board?
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Put me down for 2 please.
Gerry
G-DACE
07808 402404
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Yes put me down for one please.
Richard
Ps. I will put your charge2 in the post in the morning.
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Certainly be interested.
Just waiting for my bits to arrive from China, but a more elegant solution would be preferable.
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Jeremy,
I have a list as long as my arm of people who have contacted me !
I will email you directly
Thx
Lee
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Jeremy,
I have a list as long as my arm of people who have contacted me !
I will email you directly
Thx
Lee
Indeed, and reply sent. 8)
For everyone else, it will take a few weeks, but I'll pop up updates from time to time.
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Hi Jeremy
Could you put me down for a custom shield with a 3.3v regulator to take the ARF board.
Thanks.
P.S.
Charge 2 Unit works great and now has many faultless hours under the belt.
Regards
Pete
G-BSRI
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Hi Jeremy
just had an eMail conversation with Lee. Not shure whether I am on the big list already, Lee sent to you. So please put me down for two units.
Regards
Mike(@edtg)
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I'd like one (as long as its not a silly price)
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I would like to encourage people who decide to make such adapter boards to make the PCB build files and CAD files available OPEN SOURCED, in the spirit of the way this project is being run. That way people can also take advantage of it.
The idea of open source is to encourage these such improvements, which overall improves the Pilotaware units making it better for all.
As an RF electronics engineer I'm happy to offer a review of the circuit designs where I can.
Rgds
Andy Fell
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Sounds like a significant improvement to the manufacturability of the unit. Put me down for one please.
regards
Chris
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I would like to encourage people who decide to make such adapter boards to make the PCB build files and CAD files available OPEN SOURCED, in the spirit of the way this project is being run. That way people can also take advantage of it.
The idea of open source is to encourage these such improvements, which overall improves the Pilotaware units making it better for all.
As an RF electronics engineer I'm happy to offer a review of the circuit designs where I can.
Rgds
Andy Fell
Hi All,
I see where Andy is coming from here.
I am a little more sanguine about this to be perfectly honest.
So long as the interfaces remain Free and Open (eg RF),
and there is an Open Reference Hardware Platform to which any further improvement conforms,
eg a shield for an ARF, RPi Compute version, ...
then I have no problem with anybody making developments for commercial gain.
I think anyone spending time, effort and money should have the opportunity to be recompensed for their work.
What I am totally against, are attempts to thwart further efforts of improvement or integration,
through the use of exclusivity & secrecy, eg I would not be in favour of a compatible
version with FLARM, if the method of interaction with the FLARM system were not published
somewhere for all to see.
Remember the mantra : Free Speech not Free Beer ;)
Thx
Lee
(PS, just so there is no confusion, I will not refuse free beer)
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I would like to encourage people who decide to make such adapter boards to make the PCB build files and CAD files available OPEN SOURCED, in the spirit of the way this project is being run. That way people can also take advantage of it.
The idea of open source is to encourage these such improvements, which overall improves the Pilotaware units making it better for all.
As an RF electronics engineer I'm happy to offer a review of the circuit designs where I can.
Rgds
Andy Fell
Hi All,
I see where Andy is coming from here.
I am a little more sanguine about this to be perfectly honest.
So long as the interfaces remain Free and Open (eg RF),
and there is an Open Reference Hardware Platform to which any further improvement conforms,
eg a shield for an ARF, RPi Compute version, ...
then I have no problem with anybody making developments for commercial gain.
I think anyone spending time, effort and money should have the opportunity to be recompensed for their work.
What I am totally against, are attempts to thwart further efforts of improvement or integration,
through the use of exclusivity & secrecy, eg I would not be in favour of a compatible
version with FLARM, if the method of interaction with the FLARM system were not published
somewhere for all to see.
Remember the mantra : Free Speech not Free Beer ;)
Thx
Lee
(PS, just so there is no confusion, I will not refuse free beer)
Yep.. fully agree :)
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Can me in too. As a someone who is finding most of this conversation above his head, the more plug and play the better :)
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JCurtis,
Were you planning on placing a screening can over the ARF and regulator board assembly?
It's possible that we may see some self interference effects with digital noise injecting into the radio (with it being so close and not screened at all).. Tests so far seem to suggest this is ok , but it wouldn't surprise me if at some point some performance degradation is seen due to digital noise coming off the Raspberry PI PCB.
Self interference can sometimes be a bit of a difficult animal to track down (can be intermittent and also vary from unit to unit). A screening can over the radio would be a good idea.
rgds
Andy
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I'd like one too (just waiting for some parts to arrive) - I'm curious to get this stuff working
Thanks
Mick
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JCurtis,
Were you planning on placing a screening can over the ARF and regulator board assembly?
It's possible that we may see some self interference effects with digital noise injecting into the radio (with it being so close and not screened at all).. Tests so far seem to suggest this is ok , but it wouldn't surprise me if at some point some performance degradation is seen due to digital noise coming off the Raspberry PI PCB.
Self interference can sometimes be a bit of a difficult animal to track down (can be intermittent and also vary from unit to unit). A screening can over the radio would be a good idea.
rgds
Andy
I was looking at just making the Pi shield with voltage reg to power the ARF, so people would still need to attach that as described before (I would supply the pin headers etc.). It just does away with all the wiring and makes it easier to mount.
Naturally I could also include a mounted ARF unit too which would save people getting out the soldering iron.
Once I have some bits here I can do some EMI tests to see if there is anything going on which may impact the performance. The problem with using cans is finding an off the shelf one of just the right size, and then I would have to also make the shield with ARF as a prebuilt module.
I also noticed that within the ARF documentation on the website it says "The ARF is not 5v tollerant, use 3.3v logic and power", so I might also look at adding a logic level shifter to go between the 5v logic of the Pi and the ARF, just to keep everything within spec.
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I also noticed that within the ARF documentation on the website it says "The ARF is not 5v tollerant, use 3.3v logic and power", so I might also look at adding a logic level shifter to go between the 5v logic of the Pi and the ARF, just to keep everything within spec.
5v tolerant ?
My understanding is that the RPi GPIO pins are 3.3v , not 5v.
Where have you seen that the GPIO is 5v ?
Thx
Lee
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I also noticed that within the ARF documentation on the website it says "The ARF is not 5v tollerant, use 3.3v logic and power", so I might also look at adding a logic level shifter to go between the 5v logic of the Pi and the ARF, just to keep everything within spec.
5v tolerant ?
My understanding is that the RPi GPIO pins are 3.3v , not 5v.
Where have you seen that the GPIO is 5v ?
Thx
Lee
Scrub that, yep they are 3.3v reading the Pi documents. I might have been remembering doing things the other way round, using a 5v logic device on the Pi and popped in a level shifter.
I'll stop thinking about it until the bits arrive and I can have a play with them ;)
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Custom board sounds great, what price point are you thinking?
Thanks
Kev
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Custom board sounds great, what price point are you thinking?
Thanks
Kev
A fair bit depends on the size of PCB, so when everything arrives I will have a better idea of what is needed. Naturally it's cheaper the more PCB's I order, so that's also a factor.
Once I've worked things out I'll update this thread.
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Hi Jeremy,
Could you put me down for 1 off Pi shield/ARF regulator PCB also.
Many thanks,
Chris
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It sounds like a great idea to me as well - put me down especially now I have located a raspberry pie
Iang
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JCurtis: As per my PM, the less I need to do with a soldering iron, the better, so an integrated unit with Regulator and ARF in one would be my preference.....let me know what you want for it and put me down for one.....
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Potentially interested in 1 too
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Please I will have two of you.I can not find any ARF Shield - Digole 5v-3.3v regulator board anywhere can you tell me where to buy one from or does your board would have this built in ?
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Please I will have two of you.I can not find any ARF Shield - Digole 5v-3.3v regulator board anywhere can you tell me where to buy one from or does your board would have this built in ?
WirelessThings have the ARF in stock.... https://www.wirelessthings.net/arf-high-power-radio-transceiver
I was discussing over mounting options with Lee today (*waves*), and it would be a neat solution to design. I am currently mulling the ability to mount your own ARF board and to supply them with the ARF close coupled to it - so people can do which ever they feel is most suitable.
People were asking about cost, I think it would work out ~£10 (£12 with the VAT) + P&P, might be cheaper depending on total numbers etc.
Either way I'll probably order up a small batch of boards this week, I have the other bits 'in stock' as I use them on other projects.
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Please I will have two of you.I can not find any ARF Shield - Digole 5v-3.3v regulator board anywhere can you tell me where to buy one from or does your board would have this built in ?
Payman, see my post here for stock of Digole / other options: http://forum.pilotaware.com/index.php/topic,38.msg454.html#msg454
Thanks
Kev
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Ordered a batch of ARF Pi Shield PCB's, should take about a week to arrive plus a day or so to run them through assembly and test.
These include everything to mount the ARF unit and include a heartbeat LED so indicate it is running.
Also on the board is the barometric sensor that Lee mentioned in another post.
The design permits them to be fitted to the Pi inside the case Lee mentions in the build document.
Looks like they will end up at £12.50 ex VAT (£15 inc VAT) inc P&P. Might be slightly less depending on where I source a couple of the bits I don't have in stock.
I'll probably put them onto the Charge2 website as it's easier to process things then.
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sounds good. will you post a link here when you have it online?
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sounds good. will you post a link here when you have it online?
Yes, will do.
I'll sort out a bundle with a Charge2 unit too, for those interested in both.
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I would be interested in the regulator shield (if that is the correct term!)
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Please put me down for one as well, Jeremy. I'd be particularly interested in one including the ARF, too, although I don't mind a little soldering if not!
Also, your idea of a bundle with the Charge2/4 sounds interesting. Will you post here when/if you put these up on your site?
Thanks, Stuart
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Please put me down for one as well, Jeremy. I'd be particularly interested in one including the ARF, too, although I don't mind a little soldering if not!
Also, your idea of a bundle with the Charge2/4 sounds interesting. Will you post here when/if you put these up on your site?
Thanks, Stuart
I will update this entry when they are available on the website. The longest lead are the PCB's, even though they are made in the EU - looking like back end of next week from the progress through the factory. Everything else looks due in to me tomorrow.
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Thanks - looking forward to that!
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Just to confirm that my Regulator Pi Shield for the ARF Board will have the Barometric sensor also fitted (a MPL3115A2). This will all fit within the small rounded case Lee mentions within the build document.
Lee does mention here http://forum.pilotaware.com/index.php/topic,31.0.html that he is now supporting it.
I will update this thread when they are available on the website.
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Just gets better and better!
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Hi Jeremy,
Just a quick question I'm about to solder on the header pins to the ARF so its ready to plug into your board and I noticed in the hardware build manual it states "do not solder pins 15 & 18" Can we solder all pins if using your board or do we still need to not solder 15 & 18?
thanks
Adrian
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Hi Jeremy,
Just a quick question I'm about to solder on the header pins to the ARF so its ready to plug into your board and I noticed in the hardware build manual it states "do not solder pins 15 & 18" Can we solder all pins if using your board or do we still need to not solder 15 & 18?
thanks
Adrian
You can solder all the pins on the ARF with my board, no need to leave out 15 & 18.
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Thanks for the quick reply, I hoped that would be the case.
All pins now soldered! :D
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Hi Jeremy,
Just collecting all the parts ready for my first build, your new shield sounds like a great option, especially if you can provide it with the ARF board as it sounds like these are fast becoming as rare as 'hens teeth' ..
Carl
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Progress, of a kind...
Boards arrived late this afternoon.
Downside there is a problem with them. >:(
Upside is they will be remade on 2-3 day turnaround, which is handy. ;D
As before, I'll update when available, be middle of next week I expect.
Sorry folks, not much I can do without the boards!
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Thanks for the update...
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Thank You "J" Keep us posted
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Quick update.
I've also bought a small batch of ARF boards since they came back into stock, so when the new PCBs arrive this week you can also opt to have one soldered on too - then it is really just plug and play to get the 3.3v reg, ARF, and Baro sensor as a single plug in unit.
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I'm definitely up for one of those single plug and play units!!!
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Look forward to trying a few of these units.
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Just read up on this thread and I think this is an excellent idea. I'll get one or maybe two, to justify postage to Downunder, when available.
Bill
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I'm in too.
Looking forward to them being available soon.
Ian
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Following the recent forum comments over distance issues, before I make some units available I just want to make sure I can squeeze an SMA connector onto an ARF module and still have everything fit, should it be determined that they are required. I expect some deliveries of parts on Friday 2nd October.
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Right, here goes.
I have some Pi Shields available, there are a number of configs available.
Just the shield, where you supply the ARF and solder it on etc. The pic below is it in the case with a ARF loose fitted to give an indication.
(http://charge4.co.uk/_Media/pa-board_med_hr.jpeg)
The shield can be supplied with an ARF, which can be soldered on for you if you don't want the hassle.
I can also solder on an SMA adapter onto the ARF, it will just fit into the Pi case Lee has in the build documents, but will need the end plate drilling to make space for the connector.
(http://charge4.co.uk/_Media/pa-board-with-sma_med_hr.jpeg)
This board, if you choose to also choose to have the ARF mounted, I believe will enable you to build a PilotAware Pi based unit without the need for a soldering iron.
http://www.charge4.co.uk/pilotaware.html (http://www.charge4.co.uk/pilotaware.html)
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Just ordered one - looking forward to plugging it in!
:)
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How far out from the end of the case does the SMA protrude? The image doesn't really give an indication. To attach an antenna it obviously needs to have sufficient thread so the antenna isn't loose and can be done up as tight as possible.
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Just ordered one - can't wait to try everything out as I now have all the other parts.. :)
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How far out from the end of the case does the SMA protrude? The image doesn't really give an indication. To attach an antenna it obviously needs to have sufficient thread so the antenna isn't loose and can be done up as tight as possible.
You will need a hole in the end sufficient to take the knurled end of the antenna, I'll take a pic later and put it on here and the website.
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Ah, OK.
Would one of these perhaps be a better option?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111733871957
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Ah, OK.
Would one of these perhaps be a better option?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111733871957
Could well be, I'll see what I can get hold of, the attached pic is with the ARF supplied antenna on tight.
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I have some longer SMA connectors due tomorrow, so anyone ordering with the SMA attached will get the longer version.
I'll update the pics on the website once they arrive.
Well spotted!
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Is it possible to get a coup,e of the longer connectors with the two boards I've ordered? Or could you provide details of a source for these?
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Is it possible to get a coup,e of the longer connectors with the two boards I've ordered? Or could you provide details of a source for these?
Anyone who has ordered units with the SMA option will get the longer connecter fitted as default, they should be with me tomorrow.
I'll post up a link to the items for those interested, once I'm sure they *are* the right ones!
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I ordered two boards without ARF's as I already have three of those on the way :-\
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Hi
When you solder the ARF to your board, do you need to solder all the pins or just the one's you need?
Carl
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Hi
When you solder the ARF to your board, do you need to solder all the pins or just the one's you need?
Carl
For my board you can leave all the pins connected, no need to miss any out. I only connect those required for operation, the rest remain isolated.
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J,
Sold out already ? How long befor I can Order? Thank You
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J,
Sold out already ? How long befor I can Order? Thank You
Yes, a bit surprised too.
There will be more of the Shields available tomorrow (just need to make them up), I've ordered some more ARF's too they will take a day or two.
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J
Because you are out of stock, I can't get to the order page to see if VAT is removed for export and what the shipping charge might be to Australia. Can you advise please?
Bill
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J
Because you are out of stock, I can't get to the order page to see if VAT is removed for export and what the shipping charge might be to Australia. Can you advise please?
Bill
VAT would be detected automatically for non EU orders, so divide the shown prices by 1.2 to give the non VAT price.
I haven't edited the non EU shipping yet, so it would currently show the UPS courier option for the other things I make and sell (expensive, but it's much easier for customs and fast). I will look into shipping options to Australia and let you know, I suspect anything postal will take a while to get there.
If you drop me an e-mail or PM with what you are looking to purchase, that will help with packet sizes and weight etc.
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Hi
When you solder the ARF to your board, do you need to solder all the pins or just the one's you need?
Carl
For my board you can leave all the pins connected, no need to miss any out. I only connect those required for operation, the rest remain isolated.
I was thinking that if only the minimum number of pins were soldered it would be easier to remove the ARF board should you ever need to.? For example, if you produced an upgraded board with a onboard gps :D
Carl
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J
Because you are out of stock, I can't get to the order page to see if VAT is removed for export and what the shipping charge might be to Australia. Can you advise please?
Bill
VAT would be detected automatically for non EU orders, so divide the shown prices by 1.2 to give the non VAT price.
I haven't edited the non EU shipping yet, so it would currently show the UPS courier option for the other things I make and sell (expensive, but it's much easier for customs and fast). I will look into shipping options to Australia and let you know, I suspect anything postal will take a while to get there.
If you drop me an e-mail or PM with what you are looking to purchase, that will help with packet sizes and weight etc.
Royal Mail airmail will be fine. That's how the ARF module is being shipped by the supplier. I'll send you an e-mail listing my couple of items.
Cheers
Bill
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Ok, longer SMA connectors have arrived, and look to be just about ideal. Molex ones too, so a decent make.
As I've been asked a few times, I will also make them available as a separate item on the website from tomorrow.
As I was short delivered the 2x10 headers, next window for purchase will be tomorrow once the balance of them arrive - the ARF's will be here by then too. Then it will be early next week when some more PCBs arrive.
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J,
Will there be any ready today for order?
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J,
Will there be any ready today for order?
The cart system is setup to only permit orders for things I have in stock, as it in effect takes immediate payment I don't consider it fair to take payment in advance. So currently it won't show stock until tomorrow once some connectors turn up.
If people were happy to wait a few days, I could alter that to allow people to order, but you might not get them until next week even though payment will be taken at the time of the order? The only issue doing that will be stock of ARF's, I'm assuming Wirelessthings have plenty available and they ship next day. I can also refund if there is going to be any lengthy delays. So it's really down to what would people prefer?
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Hi J
I would say that at this stage it would be good to consider taking orders and payment up front with an approx. 5 day delivery. I would happily support that and I would think it would help you to plan your order qty's to as that could save on postage costs for you from your suppliers.
Cheers
Bryan
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Just put a disclaimer in that delivery may take up to 14 days. That will be true for international orders anyway. When the orders exceed the stock that you ordered for the next batch, put things on hold again.
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Hi Jeremy,
I'll try to order the Pi shield PCB from you tomorrow when you again have "stock". I already have the ARF from wt. I would be grateful if you could send me one long SMA socket at the same time so that I can solder it to the ARF. Could you indicate a price for this latter item, if at all possible.
Thanks,
Chris
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OK, I see you'll list the separate SMA option on your website.
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Hi,
A question for JCurtis - I just bought an ARF from Wirelessthings when I saw that you now offer the combination of ARF with shield and SMA soldered on.
Now I have had a look at the ARF, I am wondering if my soldering skills are up to the job!
Is it possible I could send you my ARF for you to add the shield and SMA and I pay the difference?
Thanks
Jim
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Hi,
A question for JCurtis - I just bought an ARF from Wirelessthings when I saw that you now offer the combination of ARF with shield and SMA soldered on.
Now I have had a look at the ARF, I am wondering if my soldering skills are up to the job!
Is it possible I could send you my ARF for you to add the shield and SMA and I pay the difference?
Thanks
Jim
Probably can work something out, drop me an e-mail jeremy.curtis at harkwood.co.uk
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As some have already seen I've opened up the on-line cart even though some items are on order to me. I have enough items on order to cover all orders placed at the current time, with everything due to me by Tuesday 13th (most more PCBs as they take a week).
I have ordered enough to create a buffer stock from then onwards.
Please be aware for orders placed at the moment they won't be shipped until middle of next week.
I didn't realise just ho many units were being built out there...
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My hardware arrived today with arf and sma. ....very nice!
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My hardware arrived today with arf and sma. ....very nice!
:)
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Mine arrived today also - very nice indeed. Swapped it into my unit (to replace the Slice of POD board) and it works a treat!
:) :)
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Mine arrived this afternoon - very nicely made, glad I didn't attempt to solder that together myself!
Still waiting on most of the other bits (ADS-B dongle, recommended WiFi dongle, case, micro SD card from the recommended suppliers, plus the GPS module on the slow boat from China) but wanted to give it a try so borrowed a WiFi dongle & SD card from a previous Pi project, plugged everything together, downloaded the installation image and gave it a go.
Installed PilotAwareAndroid on my Nexus 7 (2012) running KitKat 4.4.1, minor issues setting up Skydemon (needed to turn on data when flying, keyboard hides the Air Connect Key box making it difficult to be sure its accepted the 6000 imputed), ran through the first time boot sequence with the Pi... got a licence key nice and quick from Lee...
And it all works as it should! The Nexus tablet connects as it should, not seeing any traffic until my ADS-B dongle arrives but the unit is transmitting a nice strong 'blip' on my scanner every 2 seconds on 869.4, which reaches to at least the top of the garden ;D
Very pleased so far, especially since its been a simple plug together operation, looking forward to getting it finished and taking it flying.
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Hi Jeremy,
Looking at the pictures of the shield, it seems there's physical room to add another hardware function. How about adding space to put a u-Blox GPS module next to the ARF? The u-Blox NEO modules support USB, UART, I2C and SPI connectivity. The UART pins on the GPIO port are already taken, and I2C is probably used for the pressure sensor? I2C could be shared, or you could use SPI if the kernel supports it. Add another SMA connector and the whole thing is plug-and-play. Would that be possible?
Rob
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Hi Jeremy,
Looking at the pictures of the shield, it seems there's physical room to add another hardware function. How about adding space to put a u-Blox GPS module next to the ARF? The u-Blox NEO modules support USB, UART, I2C and SPI connectivity. The UART pins on the GPIO port are already taken, and I2C is probably used for the pressure sensor? I2C could be shared, or you could use SPI if the kernel supports it. Add another SMA connector and the whole thing is plug-and-play. Would that be possible?
Rob
Technically anything is possible...
It isn't something I'd looked at but could do going forward, it would depend on Lee adding in the software to support it. Interesting though I have a uBlox dev kit around here somewhere...
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As I was short delivered the 2x10 headers, next window for purchase will be tomorrow once the balance of them arrive - the ARF's will be here by then too. Then it will be early next week when some more PCBs arrive.
Would it be possible to order a couple of the basic boards without the headers soldered to them? - I'd like to use the longer pin style of headers with a view to stacking an I2C GPS prototype HAT on top of the ARF regulator board.
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As I was short delivered the 2x10 headers, next window for purchase will be tomorrow once the balance of them arrive - the ARF's will be here by then too. Then it will be early next week when some more PCBs arrive.
Would it be possible to order a couple of the basic boards without the headers soldered to them? - I'd like to use the longer pin style of headers with a view to stacking an I2C GPS prototype HAT on top of the ARF regulator board.
Yes, in the additional notes bit in the shopping cart put that you don't want the 2x10 headers on. Then as a backup when it sends you the confirmation send it to me to ensure I don't miss the note! More boards are expected early next week.
I would not put anything between the ARF and Pi CPU - it's tight in there and warm with lots of RF plus it's hard to get the connector out.
Note do not add any pull up resistors for the I2C bus, the Pi has them already on board.
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As I was short delivered the 2x10 headers, next window for purchase will be tomorrow once the balance of them arrive - the ARF's will be here by then too. Then it will be early next week when some more PCBs arrive.
Would it be possible to order a couple of the basic boards without the headers soldered to them? - I'd like to use the longer pin style of headers with a view to stacking an I2C GPS prototype HAT on top of the ARF regulator board.
Yes, in the additional notes bit in the shopping cart put that you don't want the 2x10 headers on. Then as a backup when it sends you the confirmation send it to me to ensure I don't miss the note! More boards are expected early next week.
I would not put anything between the ARF and Pi CPU - it's tight in there and warm with lots of RF plus it's hard to get the connector out.
Note do not add any pull up resistors for the I2C bus, the Pi has them already on board.
Thanks - will order now with the note. The plan is to stack the I2C GPS HAT on top of the ARF board, hence putting the long-pin header on the ARF board. Interesting point about cooling - once I have the boards set up will whip together a suitable 3D printed enclosure with additional venting both for a Pi with your board and also with the GPS board on top and post up the .py/.scad/.stl files.
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As I was short delivered the 2x10 headers, next window for purchase will be tomorrow once the balance of them arrive - the ARF's will be here by then too. Then it will be early next week when some more PCBs arrive.
Would it be possible to order a couple of the basic boards without the headers soldered to them? - I'd like to use the longer pin style of headers with a view to stacking an I2C GPS prototype HAT on top of the ARF regulator board.
Yes, in the additional notes bit in the shopping cart put that you don't want the 2x10 headers on. Then as a backup when it sends you the confirmation send it to me to ensure I don't miss the note! More boards are expected early next week.
I would not put anything between the ARF and Pi CPU - it's tight in there and warm with lots of RF plus it's hard to get the connector out.
Note do not add any pull up resistors for the I2C bus, the Pi has them already on board.
Thanks - will order now with the note. The plan is to stack the I2C GPS HAT on top of the ARF board, hence putting the long-pin header on the ARF board. Interesting point about cooling - once I have the boards set up will whip together a suitable 3D printed enclosure with additional venting both for a Pi with your board and also with the GPS board on top and post up the .py/.scad/.stl files.
If you go...
My Shield
ARF
GPS
Then things are tight space wise and you will sandwich the GPS between the Pi CPU and ARF
If you mean...
GPS
My Shield
ARF
That would be better, but you need a taller case...
The 3.3v regulator I use is rated for 950ma constant with a max of 1.3A, so should be OK.
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If you go...
My Shield
ARF
GPS
Then things are tight space wise and you will sandwich the GPS between the Pi CPU and ARF
If you mean...
GPS
My Shield
ARF
That would be better, but you need a taller case...
The 3.3v regulator I use is rated for 950ma constant with a max of 1.3A, so should be OK.
Certainly the latter! - to give the GPS as clear a view of sky as possible if for no other reason. Regarding enclosure, as per previous will be custom 3D printed. Having all of the components fixed in a single enclosure preferable for the aerobatic brigade as the potential for bits falling out and getting jammed where they shouldn't.
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Hi, I'm currently working on an off the shelf case for my PAW which is much better than the one currently been used. If you can hang on a little longer until I have the prototype all sorted I will post pictures and Ideas for everyone. Just thinking forward on the case...... Can a 3D printer work to produce a case on a small scale. A large company would want a run on many thousands to even be interested.
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Jeremy,
I ordered a couple of ARF boards a few ago (awaiting re-stock), but I've noticed that I requested the MCA connectors attached and soldered; what I meant to order was the ARF board soldered and the antenna pigtail as normal (allows for more flexibility when drilling the hole for the connector).
Any chance of changing the order?
Hugh
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Can a 3D printer work to produce a case on a small scale. A large company would want a run on many thousands to even be interested.
Absolutely - head over to Thingiverse http://www.thingiverse.com/ and search for 'Raspberry Pi' - loads of case designs of all types.
Designing one without access to a printer, or experience of using one, might be time consuming as there is a learning curve as to what structures are feasible to 3D print (you can't print on thin air using the widely used Fused Filament Fabrication style of printer...at least, not for very far...although more sophisticated printers can use support materials which can be dissolved) and then you get into what can often be a black art of finding a combination of materials and temperatures which will stick to the print bed when you want it to, not stick to the print bed when you don't want it to, and not warp as different parts of the print cool. Finally, some materials don't react well to being placed in direct strong sunlight.
There are many tools you could use for the design - some folk use Google Sketchup - http://www.sketchup.com/ - but coming from a software development background I prefer OpenSCAD - http://www.openscad.org/ - which uses a declarative language with a syntax akin to C to define solids, and more lately Solid Python, a Python library which compiles designs into OpenSCAD.
Regardless of what you use, if you can end up with an STL definition of your design send it over and I'll have a go at printing it for you.
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Jeremy,
I ordered a couple of ARF boards a few ago (awaiting re-stock), but I've noticed that I requested the MCA connectors attached and soldered; what I meant to order was the ARF board soldered and the antenna pigtail as normal (allows for more flexibility when drilling the hole for the connector).
Any chance of changing the order?
Hugh
If you ordered the board, with ARF soldered on and the SMA connector that would normally be soldered on too. The pig tail is still available for use, it doesn't get removed, you get that and the antenna as part of the ARF kit. So you end up with both options available, downside is the SMA will stick out the end of the case even if you don't use it.
Happy to change it if you drop me an e-mail with the order number and what you would like.
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Thanks Jeremy,
I'll probably change the order.
Can you PM me your email address please?
Hugh
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Thanks Jeremy,
I'll probably change the order.
Can you PM me your email address please?
Hugh
jeremy.curtis at harkwood.co.uk
Or hit reply to the order acknowledgement.
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Can a 3D printer work to produce a case on a small scale. A large company would want a run on many thousands to even be interested.
Absolutely - head over to Thingiverse http://www.thingiverse.com/ and search for 'Raspberry Pi' - loads of case designs of all types.
Designing one without access to a printer, or experience of using one, might be time consuming as there is a learning curve as to what structures are feasible to 3D print (you can't print on thin air using the widely used Fused Filament Fabrication style of printer...at least, not for very far...although more sophisticated printers can use support materials which can be dissolved) and then you get into what can often be a black art of finding a combination of materials and temperatures which will stick to the print bed when you want it to, not stick to the print bed when you don't want it to, and not warp as different parts of the print cool. Finally, some materials don't react well to being placed in direct strong sunlight.
There are many tools you could use for the design - some folk use Google Sketchup - http://www.sketchup.com/ - but coming from a software development background I prefer OpenSCAD - http://www.openscad.org/ - which uses a declarative language with a syntax akin to C to define solids, and more lately Solid Python, a Python library which compiles designs into OpenSCAD.
Regardless of what you use, if you can end up with an STL definition of your design send it over and I'll have a go at printing it for you.
Thank you for your reply. I have no experience in this area at all. If I have a prototype can it be scanned into a CAD program for printing? This would make it easy to reproduce.
I'm getting out of my depth now
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Thank you for your reply. I have no experience in this area at all. If I have a prototype can it be scanned into a CAD program for printing? This would make it easy to reproduce.
I'm getting out of my depth now
No problem - if you post up some pictures of the completed prototype case - sounds like you're building it by hand - I'll ask you for dimensions of specific features and see if I can recreate it in OpenSCAD. There are 3D scanners which can digitise existing objects, but a) I don't think they work well with objects that have significant internal voids and b) I don't have one.
Probably scope for a thread on enclosures as I think we've hijacked the Regulator and ARF topic enough now!
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I also think it would be a nice idea to have the GPS on the ARF shield board...all in one plug in unit, if the interfacing (I2C bus?) allows it. It would be neat to have it all inside the case. I mentioned modules to Lee at the LAA rally, but I was told the USB one would suffice for the moment.
Don't know if this sort of thing is any good?
http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2200a/gps-module-rom-based-mini-outline/dp/2281694 (http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2200a/gps-module-rom-based-mini-outline/dp/2281694)
Or maybe this, which has the antenna built in - the equivalent of previous posted GPS modules?:
http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2235h/gps-module-mini-outline-w-ant/dp/2281695 (http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2235h/gps-module-mini-outline-w-ant/dp/2281695)
Anyway, another thought I had was for the TV dongle. Most PCs these days have headers on the motherboard for plugging in case mounted USB ports. Perhaps we could persuade the Raspberry PI people to feature these on a future PI, which would make integration within one case easier.
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Both options of boards arrived today, thanks Jeremy. All fitted spot on.
Just a tip for anyone putting their existing ARF board onto Jeremy's shield.
Take your time aligning the pins and hopefully if your are doing a retrospect fit from Lee's original setup, you soldered the pins in a straight line (didn't you?) in the first instance as per the manual, otherwise you may have to very gently persuade the pins to come into perfect alignment.Take your time and no shaky hands when soldering the pins in place :P.
Have fun. ;D
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Don't know if this sort of thing is any good?
http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2200a/gps-module-rom-based-mini-outline/dp/2281694 (http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2200a/gps-module-rom-based-mini-outline/dp/2281694)
Or maybe this, which has the antenna built in - the equivalent of previous posted GPS modules?:
http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2235h/gps-module-mini-outline-w-ant/dp/2281695 (http://uk.farnell.com/maestro-wireless-solutions/a2235h/gps-module-mini-outline-w-ant/dp/2281695)
Neither of those support DGPS (WAAS/EGNOS), so they will always have less accuracy than DGPS-based modules. Especially altitude which is important for our purpose.
I would prefer something based on uBlox NEO 7- or 8-series. Very sensitive modules, small footprint and support for all GPS technologies.
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Jerramy,
Are you still awaiting parts to complete some orders? Did you get my email about soldering the board and launch?
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Jerramy,
Are you still awaiting parts to complete some orders? Did you get my email about soldering the board and launch?
I've just had the shipment notification for the PCB's, so should be with me tomorrow. Depending on when they arrive I might get some out tomorrow, I hope to have all backorders shipped by Wednesday.
Now, remind me what needed to change.... if you can let me know which order it relates to and what need altering via e-mail. There have been a number of tweaks to orders, and there is more than one Richard!
Note to others, if you have sent me an e-mail via the forum it *may* not have arrived, so if you did and I haven't replied please e-mail direct...
jeremy.curtis at harkwood.co.uk
Or reply to your order acknowledgement and I'll get it.
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My PCBs arrived this morning by 1st class post and very nicely made they look too. Nice one Jeremy!
As already noted, the base of the SMA socket needs to stand about 2mm proud of the ARF board edge in order to clear the edge of the regulator board. I'll have a go at the soldering work shortly and post some pics/words later.
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OK, I've got the first of these boards up and running. Anyone who happens to be committing aviation over sunny Cumbria is welcome to listen out for ident 406178 (on the ground)!
Here's how I put the AFF/regulator board together. There'll be other ways that may be just as good or even better but this worked for me.
1. Using the two small header strips, "dry" assemble the ARF and regulator boards. The ARF component side faces away from the regulator board.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/d5gdqi89jkrsj2k/DSC04526.JPG?dl=1)
2. Turn the assembly upside down and place it on a flat surface. The large IDC connector is taller than the boards, so I sat the board an the edge of my table with the IEC connector over the edge. The objective is to get the ARF board and regulator board tight up against one another with the header pins fully inserted in both boards.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/fwz5yf4p097rmvd/DSC04511.JPG?dl=1)
Now solder the pins at the end of each header strip, four in total. Use the minimum amount of solder possible and beware short circuit bridges - the pins are rather close to one-another!
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/7b5fyyzmgqaxix6/DSC04512.JPG?dl=1)
Now gently remove the ARF board and check that the header is fully seated. If not you can resolder the pins whilst pushing the header down.
Solder the remainder of the pins on the regulator board, again being careful to avoid solder bridges.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/9g8o6iewmmp16ck/DSC04513.JPG?dl=1)
Put the ARF back in place and carefully align the SMA connector, noting that it won't slide fully home onto the ARF board because the regulator board is about 2mm longer. I used some electrician's tape to hold everything in place.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/pmhk94s3za1t5q7/DSC04516.JPG?dl=1)
Gently solder tack the two earth pins on the SMA connector to the lands on either side of the pigtail connector. This will hold the SMA socket in place and you can now remove the ARF from the regulator board and solder the two earth pins and centre pin to their respective lands on the other side of the ARF board
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/hvgbih4mzky39i1/DSC04519.JPG?dl=1)
Finally set the ARF fully home onto the header pins on the regulator board and carefully solder all pins on both headers. If necessary, tidy up the solder tacks on this side of the SMA socket.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/wr50szgh5kqwt9q/DSC04521.JPG?dl=1)
That's it! Do one more check that you've not inadvertently bridged and connections and that all pins have been soldered properly, then plug into your RPi and apply power. Within a few seconds you should see the green "Heartbeat" light flashing every second on the regulator board, signalling that all is well.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/2xz2s8brgpu2epr/DSC04524.JPG?dl=1)
Edit: Corrected first image :)
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I didn't solder all the pins from the ARF board to the shield only the power, earth and data pins and a couple on the "other" side just to hold the unit down ... just in case I ever need to remove the board. Seems to work Ok?
Carl
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OK, I've got the first of these boards up and running. Anyone who happens to be committing aviation over sunny Cumbria is welcome to listen out for ident 406178 (on the ground)!
Here's how I put the AFF/regulator board together. There'll be other ways that may be just as good or even better but this worked for me.
1. Using the two small header strips, "dry" assemble the ARF and regulator boards. The ARF component side faces away from the regulator board.
(https://www.dropbox.com/s/q0mfin5bajnzv9l/DSC04510.JPG?dl=1)
Well that had me worried, in this first pic the ARF is on the wrong way round!
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That's probably not a bad idea Carl. I've not seen a circuit diagram... which pins are used?
I suppose in practice a failure of the ARF section would be easiest to fix by just replacing the whole assembly but I don't suppose we have any reliability info yet. Certainly as a field replaceable unit I'd lump the ARF and regulator together as one unit.
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Well that had me worried, in this first pic the ARF is on the wrong way round!
Oops, so it is :). Of no importance at that stage in the construction, of course but perhaps I ought to replace that pic!
Edit: Pic changed to avoid confusion. More haste less speed, as usual... mutter mutter...
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Jon, What is your regulator board?
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Ian:
http://www.charge4.co.uk/pilotaware.html
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Following on from the forum announcement posted today http://forum.pilotaware.com/index.php/topic,150.0.html ...
Anyone who has an order that has yet to ship, which will be orders number RC18333048 or above, and would like to amend their order to exclude the ARF board please let me know by the end of the weekend. I will hold all shipping until the after weekend to allow people to amend orders as required.
I will e-mail those who have placed orders too...
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Thanks Jon, was hoping to find one without the baro as I have that unit.
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Quick question on the ARF board. I ordered mine with the SMA connector installed. Can I still use the pigtail that came with the board or will the unused SMA connector mess up the RF? If so, do I need to terminate the SMA connector (50 Ohm dummy or so)?
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Quick question on the ARF board. I ordered mine with the SMA connector installed. Can I still use the pigtail that came with the board or will the unused SMA connector mess up the RF? If so, do I need to terminate the SMA connector (50 Ohm dummy or so)?
You get the kit from WirelessThings, so you can use the pigtail if you want.
Leaving the SMA open won't be a problem, don't put a 50 Ohm load on it, you could put an SMA dust cap on that will shield the end of the SMA, but as the whole board is unshielded it won't really do anything.
edit: Correct typo
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I see WirelessThings are out of stock of the ARF again.
I have put the ARF modules that I have up on the Charge4 website, for those who might be looking for a standalone module.