Author Topic: Timer started by Bluetooth (Read 27059 times)

Wolfgang Nieuwkamp · « **on:** February 19, 2024, 10:13:29 AM »

Recently I developed a timer with the SEEED Xiao nRF52840 Sense.
Reason. It incorporates acceleration/gyro sensors, so no additional electronics are needed. Originally, I incorporated a start button on the printed circuit-
Since he Sense version also has a tiny Bluetooth antenna, I checked the range when you contact it with an iPhone.
There is a simple Bluetooth app for iPhone. Lightblue (also for Android). at 21 meter distance, no problem.
Starting by Bluetooth is allowed by the FAI, since it uses the 2,4 Ghz band.

I only use it to start, as soon as the signal is given, the connection is disabled.
Comments welcome,

Wolfgang

Crist Rigotti · « **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2024, 05:50:59 PM »

Nice. More details please.

Wolfgang Nieuwkamp · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2024, 02:19:41 AM »

Hello Christ,

the timer is programmed with Arduino. After pressing DONE on the iPhone there is a 10 seconds delay, to put the iPhone in your pocket. Then the timer starts regulating the motor, trying to keep the line pull at 3g. Only the acceleration sensors are used.
That regulating system has one drawback: Flying horizontally downwind, the motor speed would become very low, and the airspeed would be too low. To solve this, during horizontal flight the minimum pulse duration is set higher.

Please note that the only setting is the desired line pull. The propeller should be chosen, so that at maximum load the ESC is not overloaded.
Adjustment for line length and lap time is done automatically.
If you want to try the system. I can build one for you.

Best regards,

Wolfgang

Dennis Toth · « **Reply #3 on:** April 26, 2024, 07:25:04 AM »

Wolfgang,
Can the system also be setup to stop the flight on demand? This would be great added safety feature for those that fly alone or just do short trim flights.

Also, what ESC's does it work with?

Best, DennisT

Wolfgang Nieuwkamp · « **Reply #4 on:** May 27, 2024, 08:44:03 AM »

Dennis,

sorry for the late answer.
The system can only start, so no stooge is needed when flying alone. After the start pulse, the bluetooth connection stops.
It works wit any ESC. The program is written in Arduino, so it can always be adapted if needed.

Regards.

Wolfgang

Mark wood · « **Reply #5 on:** May 27, 2024, 08:59:32 AM »

Two thumbs up Wolfgang. I have been looking at the SEED microcontrollers myself but I haven't been working on my timer software for over a year now.

Wolfgang Nieuwkamp · « **Reply #6 on:** May 27, 2024, 10:11:16 AM »

Hello Mark,

if you do not like soldering. I can send you a spare one. At the moment it has 3 options:
- Standard flight, 330 seconds
- Test flight, 60 seconds
- Demo mode, for bench test

Regards,

Wolfgang

Mark wood · « **Reply #7 on:** May 27, 2024, 11:56:49 PM »

Quote from: Wolfgang Nieuwkamp on May 27, 2024, 10:11:16 AM

Hello Mark,

if you do not like soldering. I can send you a spare one. At the moment it has 3 options:
- Standard flight, 330 seconds
- Test flight, 60 seconds
- Demo mode, for bench test

Regards,

Wolfgang

I can solder ok. However, that doesn't imply I wouldn't be interested in giving you system a test run. I have a key fob based unit that works on the bench but haven't yet incorporated into a flying timer. With 4 buttons on the fob there are lots of conceptual things one could do in terms of trimming. A phone app could work but reading the phone could be a bit sketchy.

I sent you an email earlier.

Mark

Steve Manganelli · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2024, 01:39:24 AM »

Wolfgang-

Wow! This is cool. The Climb and Dive Timer uses a uses a SEED Studio Blue Tooth device with a daughter board for the 6 DOF sensor and Power Supply. This new nRF SEED -Sense device could eliminate the extra board. Except may I ask how you handled the Power Supply? Its datasheet says all it's I/O pins are 3.3 volts yet it's going to get 5 volts from the USB programming connection, hmm. I've never set the BEC voltage on a speed control below 5. Will a 3.3 volt servo pulse be processed by the Speed Control? 2/3 VCC is...

I am versed in Arduino and am willing to give it a go if I can obtain the code. I'll keep it private, no commercial use.

Thank You Very Much for Your Innovation!

UPDATE 6-24-24 : I studied the datasheet for the Seed XIAO nRF52840 Sense device : not only does it have the 6 DOF sensor, it has microphone! Ponder this : "Motor Arm!" <prop makes a few revolutions> "Motor Start" <motor accelerates to full throttle and flight commences>. Controlling with your phone, OK. Controlling with your voice, Better...maybe...maybe not (?)

Carlos Diaz · « **Reply #9 on:** November 07, 2024, 07:31:56 AM »

Quote from: Wolfgang Nieuwkamp on February 19, 2024, 10:13:29 AM

Starting by Bluetooth is allowed by the FAI, since it uses the 2,4 Ghz band.

I have been working on something similar but I was concerned that the rules prevented the use of 2.4Ghz during competitions. My intention is to build a timer with remote on/off, so that I can take off from the ground without assistance but also stop the flight if necessary.

Would FAI and AMA approve this?

Igor Burger · « **Reply #10 on:** November 07, 2024, 07:53:05 AM »

FAI allows remote emergency cut off, but should not be used for planing landing position, or replace other safety rules.

However such thing exists, also as an stand alone C/L timer, also like a remote throttle (for cathegories where it is allowed) or as an hook up device between active timer and ESC for emergency cut off in F2B.

Carlos Diaz · « **Reply #11 on:** November 07, 2024, 03:08:57 PM »

Quote from: Igor Burger on November 07, 2024, 07:53:05 AM

FAI allows remote emergency cut off, but should not be used for planing landing position, or replace other safety rules.

However such thing exists, also as an stand alone C/L timer, also like a remote throttle (for cathegories where it is allowed) or as an hook up device between active timer and ESC for emergency cut off in F2B.

I am asking because i have been working on this for a while

Igor Burger · « **Reply #12 on:** November 07, 2024, 11:49:10 PM »

That handle can be useful for scale, carrier or some sport models, but I cannot imagine having such thing in stunt circle, so it does not matter if F2B allows it or not, better to check if scale and carrier allow 2.4 throttle. It will also depend on country, for example our Slovak rules limit stranmission only by wires and band is limited to few kHz, means you cannot trick it by pushing 2.4 from anthena to lines and tell "it is by wires" ... you really need insulated lines and correctly transfer it galvanically.

Carlos Diaz · « **Reply #13 on:** November 08, 2024, 01:19:33 PM »

Quote from: Igor Burger on November 07, 2024, 11:49:10 PM

That handle can be useful for scale, carrier or some sport models, but I cannot imagine having such thing in stunt circle, so it does not matter if F2B allows it or not, better to check if scale and carrier allow 2.4 throttle. It will also depend on country, for example our Slovak rules limit stranmission only by wires and band is limited to few kHz, means you cannot trick it by pushing 2.4 from anthena to lines and tell "it is by wires" ... you really need insulated lines and correctly transfer it galvanically.

Yes, this handle is for scale and carrier pilots, i was just asking for ideas. thanks!

Author Topic: Timer started by Bluetooth (Read 27059 times)

Wolfgang Nieuwkamp

Timer started by Bluetooth

Crist Rigotti

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Wolfgang Nieuwkamp

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Dennis Toth

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Wolfgang Nieuwkamp

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Mark wood

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Wolfgang Nieuwkamp

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Mark wood

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Steve Manganelli

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Carlos Diaz

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Igor Burger

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Carlos Diaz

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Igor Burger

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Carlos Diaz

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