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PAX River Competition 2006. Ground Station Team Ben Redmon Robert Koontz Shadab Ambat Sam Hishmeh Nick Mattei. Objective. Maintain Piccolo II Autopilot and Ground Station for Flight Testing and PAX River Competition. Piccolo Overview. Key Features Small size: 4.8” x 2.4” x 1.5”, 233g
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PAX River Competition 2006 Ground Station Team Ben Redmon Robert Koontz Shadab Ambat Sam Hishmeh Nick Mattei
Objective Maintain Piccolo II Autopilot and Ground Station for Flight Testing and PAX River Competition.
Piccolo Overview Key Features • Small size: 4.8” x 2.4” x 1.5”, 233g • Real-Time Data Logging • Manual piloting over the integrated UHF ground station link • End-user programmability • Highly integrated –Includes sensors, GPS, enclosure, and communications link • Utilizes CAN protocol for servo control • Flexible drag and drop flight plan generation and updates
Constraints • The Piccolo avionics accept 8-20 VDC input. Nominal power consumption is approx. 300 mA @ 12 VDC in. The ground station hardware can be powered via 120 VAC or 12V car battery. • The Piccolo system currently only supports autonomous takeoff in conjunction with a catapult system.
Risks / Concerns • May need to determine if autonomous takeoff is possible without catapult. • As of 3-8-2006, neither the ME group or the PAX River group have attempted a flight test with the Piccolo. • Micropilot may still be considered as an alternative to the Piccolo system as a last resort.
Recommendations • Attempt flight tests as soon as possible (3-8-2006)