Hi all,
It is much simpler than it seems: all requiredhardware is already available on the market. All we need is a ‘piece’ ofsoftware (OK, it can be more than just a piece).
For illustration here is a typical device scheme:
The PowerFLARM sends the GPS coordinates and trafficinformation via RS 232 to the RxD port of the AIR CONNECT. From there the data goesvia WLAN to the Tablet -> SkyDemon. So far so good.
The EFIS receives the data sentences $GPRMC and $GPGGAin accordance with the NEMA1083 format. These data usually come from the GPSmouse. This makes it possible to fly in connection with the AUTOPILOT CONTROLUNIT in heading/tracking holding mode (but not in the navigation mode).
To fly to a certain waypoint or to track a flight routein the navigation mode, we need the $GPRMB data set in addition!
Therefore the solution would look like this: SkyDemonprepares the NEMA datasets
- $GPRMC
- $GPGGA
- $GPRMB
The GPS coordinates itself can either come from anexternal source (FLARM) or from the internal GPS receiver of the tablet, liketoday.
Only the sentence $GPRMB is added. This stands for"recommended minimum navigation information when following a route".The exact structure is defined in NEMA1083. The details are publicly available.
SkyDemon would only have to SEND these three data setsvia WLAN to the bidirectional AIR CONNECT. From there they would be forwarded via the TxD portof the RS232 interface to the EFIS. That would be all!
On the hardware side, everything is available. Only the implementation of the algorithm isrequired to prepare the $GPRMB data set.
@Tim: It would be great if you could take a look atthis suggestion. It would be extremely helpful in practice if we could use theNAV function of the autopilot and follow the currrent SkyDemon routeautomatically. Today you have to trim the autopilot by hand and change thecourse manually fter the next leg. Not really practical.
From my point of view this would be a further great featurefor SkyDemon!
Mike