Re: TECH: Aerial robots

Eugene Leitl (Eugene.Leitl@lrz.uni-muenchen.de)
Sun, 29 Jun 1997 20:49:17 +0200 (MET DST)


On Sun, 29 Jun 1997, Michael Lorrey wrote:

> Its rather intetresting that this subject has come up, as I just started
> on a collaborative project to build a small robotic aircraft. I am

Sounds intriguing...

> trying to find an inexpensive source for wireless ethernet or modem
> links that have long range (10-20 miles). Also, any source of Win 3.1 or

You might want to settle for a cellmodem, which is not so cheap, but has
unlimited range. Running (Realtime) Linux on an embedded PC appears the
simplest and cheapest solution. You might want to check out the el cheapo
QuickCam, which may give you semirealtime video feed if you use heavy
compression. You can supply DGPS corrections (from the ground stattion)
via PPP to the aerorobot. You can use ssh for a secure link. I've got a
Garmin card, but I'd use Sirf's OEM board if I were you.

> 95 compatible software that can be used with joystick and servo I/O
> devices to control the plane and put on autopiloted guided preprogrammed
> courses using a GPS card for positioning would be helpful....

This is pretty trivial to implement in Linux. But you'll certainly will
need DGPS, possibly augmented with inertial guidance (solid-state
acceleration sensors). Putting in a geomagnetic field sensor may also
appear wise. Take care you not to lose the final gadget, as it will
eventually become encrusted with all kinds of unique, expensive gadgetry.

'gene

> --
> TANSTAAFL!!!
> Michael Lorrey
> ------------------------------------------------------------
> mailto:retroman@tpk.net Inventor of the Lorrey Drive
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> #!/usr/local/bin/perl-0777---export-a-crypto-system-sig-RC4-3-lines-PERL
> @k=unpack('C*',pack('H*',shift));for(@t=@s=0..255){$y=($k[$_%@k]+$s[$x=$_
> ]+$y)%256;&S}$x=$y=0;for(unpack('C*',<>)){$x++;$y=($s[$x%=256]+$y)%256;
> &S;print pack(C,$_^=$s[($s[$x]+$s[$y])%256])}sub S{@s[$x,$y]=@s[$y,$x]}
>
>

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