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Project News |
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4.20.08 - X-Pilot Packaged Product Finished X-Pilot's autopilot system was released in its packaged form including the autopilot hardware in a protective metal box, the AGL in a case, and all software released on a CD as well as made available through Direct Download.
3.28.08 - Attempted Flight of X-Pilot During preparation for flight tests on March 1, 2008, it was discovered the battery powering the MNAV had gone bad. For some reason, the battery corrupted the firmware of the unit. After numerous failed attempts to re-flash the MNAV, the team began seeking support from Crossbow. Because the company is discontinuing the product, we could not send it in for repair. 2.19.08 - AGL PC Board Received and Assembled The PC Board was received from Advanced Electronics within a week. Next, assembly began on the board. Below is a picture of the assembled AGL.
2.8.08 - AGL PC Board The PC Board design for the AGL was finished and sent off. This will be the packaged product for the AGL, measuring a mere 3.65" x 2.85".
2.1.08 - External Charging Capabilities External battery charging capablilities were added to the Kadet so batteries no long need to be removed. 1.16.08 - GPS Problem Solved Thanks to the great customer support at Crossbow Technology, the maker of the MNav and Stargate platforms, the GPS connection was able to be repaired thus saving the team time and energy from having to find an alternate solution. More in depth testing of the project is now to begin. 11.14.07 - GPS Problems The project experienced a major setback as the GPS connector on the MNav sensor board broke. At this time, the team is looking for economical solutions such as external GPS modules that would easily interface with the autopilot system in the event that the board cannot be repaired. 10.27.07 - Autopilot Code Finished The autopilot code has been completed and testing has begun. Shortly, integration of both the autopilot and AGL will commence. 10.22.07 - AGL Design and Assembly Completed The AGL sensor has now been fabricated and will shortly begin testing. The goal is to have a range up to 10 ft with an accuracy of 3 in. 9.17.07 - Continued R/C Training Team members continued training for flying R/C aircraft. Both Josh and Chris were able to fly, but due to a premature retirement of the trainer plane, the other team members were unable to fly. 8.28.07 - Project Website Online The new website for the X-Pilot Team is up and running. Check back regularly for updates about our Project. 8.14.07 - Test Plane Constructed
The Sig Kadet ARF aircraft which will be used to test the X-Pilot autopilot was constructed. The plane is made of balsa wood with a MonoKote Covering. |
Project Overview The goal of Team X-Pilot is to use the MNav sensor package with the Stargate computer to build an autopilot system for small to mid-sized fixed wing aircraft which will accomplish tasks such as waypoint navigation and possibly autonomous take-off and landing.
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