MicroPython Forum (Archive)

This is a huge project w/o any guarantee to be completed. But it's a very cool idea that consists of:

1) Make autopilot controller from PyBoard
2) Test it with FlightGear
3) Test it with real EDF jets (say hello to electronics, wirings etc)

Right now I'm able to poll FG for my jet position and send it via USB_VCP to PyBoard. PyBoard thinks that it is a real GPS data coming from GPS module (UART object is just replaced with USB_VCP). That way I can use simulated jet to work on AutoPilot logics without crashing real jets ))

Current status: VIDEO
There is a real IMU sensor attached for "N" value, while LAT/LON are fake from FlightGear

Added datetime on the screen, adjusting RTC from GPS data. Video
Code is available HERE

First PoC manual throttle control for both engines by pressing a USR button on PyBoard: VIDEO

Added stupid version of a PID controller for speed/throttle. HERE it tries to maintain 600 kts speed.

Yes, this is still a lot of "pc simulation side" progress, not PyBoard. But without this part it will be a nightmare to "debug" via REPL if possible at all. So I'm coupling PyBoard UAV part (runs on PyBoard) with FlightGear simulator via my own UAVSim stuff.

A little bit of updates:

1) Added interactive map to track current position
2) Storing some telemetry in HDF5 file, showing speed in UI
3) Positioning jet at any location by clicking on the map

TBC.