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News
December 25, 2004
New look to the MicroStar web site!
September 15, 2001
Fixed the link to my resume.
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GAA Custom Electronics
Establishes Internet Presence
March 25, 2007
Release of revision 4.0 of the Encoder!
October 28, 2006
Updated the following pages:
This area will indicate the revision levels of our hardware and software products.
December 25, 2004
I have been busy with a number of projects and this update to by web sites presents all of the projects and the current status. The status is discussed on each project page. Major releases at this time include:
The MicroStar 2000 have been updated to version 1.1a. This is a major upgrade with a number of new features including:
High and low rate expo on aileron, elevator, and rudder.
Throttle idle adjust feature, press auto trim and preset then use the elevator stick to set the idle point.
Added second alternate aircraft switch.
Set aircraft to default parameters function.
Shortcuts to set servo values in min and max, use snap right and snap left buttons.
Transmitter on battery timer.
Add FMS flight simulator support.
Channel trigger points, allows using the stick position as a switch.
Add battery alarm level adjustment.
Reorder the menus into a more logical order.
Increased the number of translation tables to 8.
Moved modulation Shift setting to Aircraft area.
Upgraded the mixers.
The MicroStar 2000 PC interface application has been redesigned and to support version 1.1a. The new PC application now contains the ICP function.
The MAESTRO has been released and is in stock for immediate delivery.
December 27, 2003
Its been a while sense I last updated my web site! I have been busy with a number of projects and below is a list of projects and the current status:
April 6, 2002
I have added version 1.0H of the Encoder firmware to the download page. This version fixes a couple of bugs in the timer and a problem with the throttle trim control. I will update your version of the firmware if you send me your PIC and $3.00 for postage.
I have built the prototype receiver and discovered a few problems. I will be building a new revision of the PC boards and I will post an update as soon as I have the new receiver tested. The code for the ATMEL decoder is functional but additional developments are needed to add all of the unique features.
Feburary 3, 2002
I have updated several files to show how to use a Futaba transmitter as a slave or student transmitter when in the Buddy Box mode. Here is an outline of updates and what you will need to do to use this option:
1.) The Encoder Drawings pdf file has been updated to show the modifications required to the transmitter. The Encoder PCB does not need any modifications. The Transmitter accessories connector is changed from a 7 pin DIN to a 8 pin DIN. The new pin is used to send battery voltage to the Futaba slave transmitter. Changing this DIN plug does not affect any of the other accessories you may have build. The 5 and 7 pin DINs will still mate with this new 8 pin DIN.
2.) The Accessories pdf and the Accessories Drawings pdf have both been updated. These files will show you how to build the Buddy Box cable.
3.) After completing the hardware mods you will need to configure the MicroStar for Futaba style Buddy Box mode.
These documentation upgrades are new and I have not fully tested the documentation, so if you find bugs please let me know. I have a few parts on order that I need to fully test these instructions. As soon as I have the testing complete I will post my results.
December 22, 2001
I have built and tested the ICP using the new PC boards. There are a few changes and I have updated the documentation on the products and services page. Below is a list of the changes and upgrades:
1.) Updated the parts list to include a lower cost power supply.
2.) Added a 0.1 uF capacitor in parallel with D102.
3.) Cut a trace on the back of the PC board and added a 27 ohm resistor across the cut trace. This is documented in the new ICP pdf files.
4.) Updated the ICP driver software, available with the source code.
November 11, 2001
I have built the first rev 3.0 RF Deck. The deck I built is the version designed to run with my Encoder. I have not yet tested the standalone version but I expect to finish this version in a week or two. I have updated the pdf file that contains the RF Deck drawings and parts list, you can find this pdf file on my products and services page. Here is a list of the things I have changed and problems I found:
1.) I changed the value of C11 to 20 pF
2.) I removed RN1, C47 and D1 from the parts list, they are not used and should not be installed.
3.) C48 was on the parts list twice, I fixed this problem.
4.) I changed the parts number on item 24, the 10uF caps. The ones I listed do not fit the PCB foot prints very well. You can use the parts on the original parts list but use extreme caution when installing the parts and use an ohm meter to check for shots.
5.) I changed the part number of C9, the PCB foot print is for a 1205 part and the parts list had a 805 size part. You can use the part on the original parts list but use extreme caution when installing this part.
I have added a typical spectral output of the RF Deck to RF Deck drawings pdf file so you can see its performance.
November 2, 2001
The RF deck, ICP, and Memory Expansion PC boards have arrived and they are ready for immediate shipment! I have updated the design documents on my products and services page. The ICP documentation has also been updated. I have not yet built these new boards, I do have parts coming from Digi-Key and Mouser. As soon as I build and test these PC boards I will post my results.
I'm going to raise the Encoder PC board price to $12 each. I priced them too low and I have to do this to break even, sorry.
October 21, 2001
I have released a new version of the Encoder firmware, version 1.0G is the latest version. This new version contains the following upgrades:
1.) Output channel order is now user programmable. You can define any order you like you can even repeat a channel if you like.
2.) Trim channel is now user programmable. You can program any trim channel to work with any of the four main flight controls.
3.) The Futaba style buddy box is now supported. I will be adding a application note on how to use this feature in a few weeks.
4.) The timer now supports up or down counter modes. You can now start and stop the timer with a switch and you can set a throttle threshold for the timer as well.
5.) I have added a new Auto Trim mode. In the new mode, when you press the Auto Trim button the full correction is made and the buzzer sounds to let you know the adjustment was completed.
6.) A transmitter voltage alarm has been added.
You can download the new version hex files from my download page. If you do not have any way of reprogramming the PIC in your Encoder, I will be glad to do this for you, please see my products and services page for details.
September 15, 2001
The Encoder documentation has been updated and new versions are available for download on the Products and Services page of my web site. These updates are a results of my building and testing of the new Encoder rev 3.0. Below is a list of the updates you will find in the new documentation:
1.) The Mouser display has special connector wiring and this is documented in this release.
2.) The on-glass display interface PCB needs a couple of jumpers installed due to a design error. This is documented in this release. Also, changed the part number for the 24 pin connector for the on-glass display. The new part number is for a right angle version of the connector.
The Tachometer documentation has been updated and new versions are available on the Products and Services page of my web site. These updates are a result of my building and testing of the new Tach PCB. Below are a list of the updates:
1.) Corrected several errors on the parts list.
2.) Design error was corrected my the addition of a resistor.
If you are using the LCD-53 display from AllElectronics, you can improve its readability by driving the backlight. To do this connect a jumper from pin 1 to pin 16 on the display. Place a 47 ohm resistor from pin 2 to pin 15 on the display. Pins 15 and 16 were not used because they are for the backlight. Another trick you can try is to reverse the polarity of the bias. To do this remove R15 on the Encoder PCB and install R39. Then adjust the contrast pot for the best image, this mod will give you a negative display and you may prefer the look.
AllElectronics has a new surplus display that has just become available. It model number LCD-64, the cost is $5.25 each or 10 for $4.50 each. This is a very nice 2 line by 16 character per line display. Its a miniature display and will fit nicely in a small transmitter. I have tested this display and it words with the LCD52 version of the MicroStar software. Check it out! there is a link to Allelectronics on my home page.
The resistor networks used on the Encoder are no longer available from Digikey, there is no substitute and Mouser does not have a substitute for this part. I have purchased a bunch of these from Newark and I will sell them for 0.50 each and 0.50 shipping. If you order these parts with a PCB order then there will be no shipping charge.
Please let me know if you find a good supply of parts or any parts that are hard to get!
August 18, 2002
I have designed and built an airborne device that supports a number of functions including automatic flight leveling. You can learn more by reading the MagicBox abstract (pdf) , or download the full details (pdf) including the schematic. This design was done for an entry into a Cypress Microsystems design contest. The contest was sponsored by Circuit Cellar. I did not win but I thought some of you may be intrested. If you would like a copy of the source code please let me know and I will email you the source.
February 3, 2002
My receiver PC boards are due the 6th of Feb. I will post pictures as soon as they come in and I will post my progress on the initial testing of the PulseStar.
January 5, 2002
I have the draft design and technical write-up ready for my PulseStar receiver.
Technical description: PulseStar.pdf
Schematics and parts list: PulseStarDrawings.pdf
November 2, 2001
I have just obtained a RF spectrum analyzer! A HP 8558B that I bought from Ebay, it seems to work just fine and this will allow me to step up my RF deck design work. I can also use this spec ana to test your RF decks. I will provide you with a hardcopy of the RF spectral output of your transmitter or RF deck for the cost of shipping plus $2 for the service.
October 21, 2001
I have added details on the new in-circuit-programmer module. This device will allow you to upgrade the firmware in your Encoder. See the details on my products and services page.
September 15, 2001
I have built and tested the new Encoder version 3.0 and there are no PCB errors!
I Have built and tested the Tachometer module and updated documentation is available.
December 22, 2001
Check out the LUGH, using my link on my home page!
I have started the development of my receiver, keep checking this web site for more details. I hope to have a prototype built in January.
October 21, 2001
Coming soon... the LUGH...I'll have a prototype running before Christmas! You will want one of these!!!
September 15, 2001
I have several projects I'm working on, here is the status of each of these projects:
1.) The Design is finished for the new RF Decks, ICPs, and the SPROM expansion modules. These PC boards will be available very soon.
2.) I'm working on a new Encoder software release with lots of new features.
3.) I have developed a micocontroller based decoder using an ATMEL controller.
This will be the heart of my receiver design. This receiver will allow channel
hold and fail safe features as well as a host of unique capabilities!
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Copyright
© 2004,2005,2006 GAA
Custom Electronics.
All rights reserved.
Revised:
11/24/07
.