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Functionality
Heli Software
Airplane Software
Constraints

Note that all requirements are split into three groups - those expected in the first 'proof-of-concept' version, those expected in the first 'release' version, and those hoped for in future versions (i.e. "wish-list" items).




Functionality

prototype goal wish-list
6 channels 8 channels 9 or 10 channels, selectable
two gimbals, switches for flight mode, throttle hold, digital trims, engine kill. add switches for dual rates and mixer control, add two knobs for aux-channel control additional knobs or buttoms?
FM/PPM only FM/PPM only, phase selectable FM/PCM (depends on someone's ability to decode the PCM protocol used by existing receivers)
one model memory memory for ~100 models memory for ~1000 models
Servo reversing, ATV, Expo ...and dual rates ...and triple rates
no programmable mixing percentage and 5-point mixing, unlimited mixers user-definable mixing points, a la JR 10-series
numerical display graphical display external display
awkward, large, heavy enclosure comfortable case avant-garde case
uses Futaba frequency modules unchanged uses custom-made synthesizer
no PC interface PC interface and software to upload and download model files PC software to view and edit model files
no external storage transmitter-to-transmitter data exchange swappable memory modules
Digital Trims Digital Trims Single-button trimming, a la Ace MicroPro 8000
and of course, software upgrades



Advantages

Virtually unlimited model memory and mixing options
Currently available radios are limited to roughly 10 models. Mid-range radios have two to five mixers available. In light of today's memory prices, these constraints seem awfully artificial. You should never run out of mixes, unless you've run out of system memory. You shouldn't run out of system memory for a long time, with two to eight megabytes installed.
PC interface
JR is getting with the program here (so to speak) but Futaba owners are still waiting for an enterprising hobbyies to decode the data in their (ridiculously expensive) memory modules.
Upgrade Path
The transmitter need never be obsolete, as new software will be downloadable from the net and installable via PC interface.



Heli Software

prototype goal wish-list
three heli flight modes (normal, stunt, throttle-hold) two stunt modes additional flight modes, limited by the switch configuration
no tail rotor mixing tail rotor mixing via programmable mixers independent tail rotor mixing for each flight mode and gyro mode



Airplane Software

prototype goal wish-list
no mixing built-in mixing for v-tail, elevon, flaperon, aileron differential bulit-in mixing for wings with four control surfaces (crow, drag rudder, etc)



Constraints

Frequency Module       Unless someone wants to take over the RF section, I think that building atop a Futaba or JR frequency module is the fastest way to get a working system.

Prefabricated Single Board Computer       Multiple vendors offer SBCs with built-in analog-to-digital converters (for the gimbals) and digital I/O lines (for dual rate switches, etc). Again, unless someone wants to reinvent those wheels... Note however that customized boards might be a good idea later on if we need to reduce the case size or weight.

Prefabricated Gimbals       Again, off-the-shelf components will speed development time.

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