Jinx wrote:
>
> I've been asked to look at a cruise control for a single-
> engined light plane. I got the request via an intermediary,
> who doesn't know a lot of details except that
>
> (1) the micro should maintain the sensor input at 200Hz by
>
> (2) sending a DC pulse to a pitch-control servo on the propellor
>
> It seems "simple" enough, under ideal conditons anyway, but
> if any of the licenced pilots on the list have any comments I'd
> be glad to hear them. There will be real life factors to take
> into consideration, eg buffeting, plane loading, time needed to
> change pitch etc

I just passed my private pilots licence on Friday :-)))

I'd be cautious about doing anything "automated" to an aircrafts engine.
If an accident occurred and your device was the suspect.... the mind
could only boggle at the legal implications that would follow.

Imagine the 'box' taking control of the engine speed on short final, or
worse, just after leaving the ground, due to some weird software bug, or
some wiring fault - in the end, who's to say. Was it caused by you, the
installer (owner), or both.

Personally, I'd pass on the project, especially as there are a lot of
unknowns, and leave it to a company with mega bucks available for
possible law suits.

My limited experience with "real world" projects is that they take a lot
of time to debug and fine tune. Aircraft time is "expensive".

--
Best regards

Tony

mICros
http://www.bubblesoftonline.com
mailto:sales@bubblesoftonline.com

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