A new software update is available for the Climb_and_Dive Timer.  I recently released v1.3 of the program code.  Note: there’s also revisions to some of the pages of the instructions to incorporate the latest developments.  Please have a look through them.

The Software page of the instructions https://circuitflyer.com/Climb_and_Dive/docs/Software.html has all the details of how to download the new code and update your timer.  It’s just a simple drag and drop.

I have been flying and testing most of the Summer to improve the active output of the timer.  For testing purposes I was able to add data logging to one of my timers to collect more quantitative information.  I spent a lot of time trying different filtering of the accelerometer output.  I finally found some improvements by going with a digital low-pass FIR filter.  I also incorporated a method that should help reduce the filtering delay when making a sharp turn upwards from level flight.

The most notable change is the addition of overhead boost to help improve overhead line tension.  The additional RPM comes on at around 45 degrees and peaks directly overhead.  Originally this had a tendency to add to the climb gain setting and result in too much boost.   I have since altered the code to clip the maximum peak off of the climb gain output and now the two functions compliment each other and both work very well together.

One new thing to note: In order for the overhead boost to work properly, the timer needs to record the ‘normal’ centrifugal force during the flight.  This is accomplished during the first 10 seconds after take-off.  Be sure to always keep the airplane straight and level for about 2-1/2 to 3 laps after take-off while it records some data.  Performing this calculation each flight allows you to make changes to the lap time (change props or try different line lengths) without having to go back and adjust any active function settings.

Give this new version a try and let me know what you think.

Full details here:
https://circuitflyer.com/Climb_and_Dive/

The Climb and Dive timer can be ordered here:
https://www.tindie.com/products/circuitflyer/climb_and_dive-an-advanced-control-line-timer/

It is certainly a possibility as there are several GPIO pins available to use.  The GPIO pins cannot provide enough current to drive an LED so it would be best to control it through a transistor or similar device.  The best option would be a multicolour addressable LED.  Both options would require additional lines of program code to implement.

So, yes, it's possible but it would take a bit of work.

I remember reading somewhere that it is possible to add a light pipe to bring the led to the outside of the fuselage.  Maybe someone remembers this and can give an update on the how-to.   

Inspired by the nice timer of CircuitFlyer, I bought the Seeedstudio XIAO nRF52840 SENSE. It incorporates acceleration sensors and gyros (and a microphone :-)  ).
Using only the acceleration sensors, I wrote an Arduino program that stabilizes the line pull at 3g. No extra settings, only some compensation for tailwind during horizontal flight.
Only extra component is the start button.
[img]https://myalbum.com/photo/Fu7eZjtsSew9/540.jpg/img]
Ground test perfect, flight test when the weather improves.
Ready for comments,

Wolfgang

Hi
I have installed the timer in the vector. I have taken care to have a window to see the LED. But now I have the doubt if it is well positioned.
It is horizontal, with the USB port facing forward. That's right?

Miguel,

It should work well in that position.  You will need to follow the instructions to program the timer how it is mounted in the airplane.
 https://circuitflyer.com/Climb_and_Dive/docs/Programming/Timer%20Mounting%20Position.html 


Wolfgang,

I'm glad I could spark some experimentation and innovation.  I look forward to hearing about your test flights.

Chris,

Good question.  The answer is that it doesn't make any difference which way you fly.  The active timer works the same whether starting any maneuver from upright or inverted.

The instructions for the mounting orientation of the timer are to make sure the timer knows which accelerometer axis is assigned to the outboard wing tip and which is assigned to the nose of the fuselage.  Other than that, it doesn't care if it flies clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Wow, those are tiny.  0402 components measure 0.040" x 0.020".  Unfortunately, an LED is an LED, size doesn't matter.  Depending on colour, they usually require 20mA of current to operate at a reasonable brightness.  The datasheet for the microcontroller lists a maximum current for the output pins of 7 to 10mA.  That's why a transistor or similar is suggested to buffer the output pin and supply the drive current for an external LED.

I'm thinking an addressable LED like Adafruit NeoPixels would work the best.  I just ordered some stuff from Adafruit to test out some ideas.  I'll let you know how it goes.  https://www.adafruit.com/search?q=5mm+neopixel

Assembled my timer today, but its intended airplane is not ready yet. Soon

Would the light be on a separate pc board?

Would the light be on a separate pc board?

A multi color bright LED that I could position separate from the timer would be a huge + to me.  I use the Fiorotti and I can barely see the light on a sunny day with sunglasses.  A color change between segments would be great.  Countdown to start Blue, flying Green and countdown to cutoff red would be my preference.  It would be much easier for me to detect a color change than blinking.  If you include blinking you get 6 options instead of just two.

ken