Gluonpilot

Hi,

I'm using an XBee pro and some self-developped board to see where my plane if flying.
Instead I'd like to have some ready-made boards that everybody can easily use. I'm thinking of the following set:
- 1x FTDI cable or FTDI board (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=9115 + mini-USB cable)
- 2x XBee regulated http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=9132, one for on the ground and one for in the plane. The one on the ground is connectable through the FTDI cable

This packet 2x 7.57€ + 13.65€ = 28.57€ + 2 XBee modules (28.86€ * 2 = 57.72€). Would give you everything you need (except from the Gluon board and a GPS module).

For the GPS module I'm still doubting whether the stock the standard LS20031 or the better ubox5+helical antenna (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=9566)


What do you guys think?

I like it. With the exception of the gps that's the same as I'm presently using!

Do you mean the locosys GPS or the ublox one?

I'm presently using locosys. I can't really comment on the ublox. I think a better antenna that could be disguised or concealed would be a plus!

Mounting is always easiest with a patch antenna.
The advantage of the helical antenna:
- Active, so a lot more sensitive and better filtering out-of-band "noise"
- Helical: Radiation pattern 90°/270° range is a lot better. This is important when our plane is making turns. On my funjet, I typically loose about 2-3 satellites when having a 30° roll angle for a longer period of time.

Disadvantage:
- Not easier to mount (vertical mount needed)

good stuff Tom!
This is what I was thinking of for some time now - I even placed a topic on this forum regarding this:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=25


So to extend your hardware list we would also need following components:
2x XBee Pro 60mW Wire Antenna
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/produc ... ts_id=8665

Above has 1 mile (1500m) range, but not sure if this is sufficient.

For the base station I'm using the xbee with the rpsma antenna. I figured the hardware would allow for an antenna with better gain on the ground end.

I don't know whether I should sell XBee modules as well. Personally I bought the XBee pro 868MHz, because that's the best option when you live in Europe. In the US this frequency is not allowed. I can send 500mW (very long range), but my RC-receiver will go nuts on anything larger then like 100mW.
2.4GHz would be the most commonfrequency, but I guess people with a 2.4GHz receiver won't like that...

In the states, I selected 900Mhz, 50 mw for those same reasons.

Hi Tome (and everyone else!),

I have used the Xbee's with my Quadro and fixed wing UAVs and I think they are great.
I dont believe the range they are claiming (1500m @ 60 mW) but it should be enough for visual range which is enough normally (unless you plan crazy lighthouse missions... ).

I have used both the Sparkfun adapter board and the droids board and they work fine.

Are there any plans for a ground station application?

/Icebear aka Björn