ErikMB

Hi Folks,

I'm new, just starting to learn to make wood and paper aircraft.

I'm an embedded systems engineer and would like to quickly move into making my own RCaircraft, more to learn about how all the electronics work and how to construct airplanes than to fly them.

Next step will be to make a microprocessor controlled quad-copter, but one thing at a time.

Iam also a big airplane and history buff. If anyone needs German or French translations Ican help.

Erik

jetmech05

Welcome to the forums.....if you are near some clubs go and pay them a visit as well

Kaos Rulz

Welcome Erik! We have a wealth of information here. Feel free to tap into it.

Lnewqban

Very welcome to the site, Erik!

What embedded systems are?

opjose

Pretty much anything that has a programmable micro-controller.

Your computer controlled TX uses an embedded system.

ErikMB

People seem to disagree about this, but my definition is that Embedded Systems are low-level SW and HW for a single-purpose device (as opposed to a PC that is meant to do everything). 

Low level means manipulating hardware.  High level would be databases, video games, artificial intelligence (which is what I did in school, go figure), and/or web programming.

My input is an interface with certain microchips, bus specifications, and the like.

My output is firmware (SW for controlling specific devices).

This is interesting for making self-directing model aircraft because there would be a single-purpose (just for flying that one aircraft) microprocessor interacting closely with certain HW like a GPS, accelerometer, and, of course, motors and control surfaces.

I hope that makes sense. 

Live Wire

HEY
RCU needs you

Lnewqban

Thanks; it sounds complicated to me.

These two links may help your first steps as a model builder:

http://www.easybuiltmodels.com/tips.htm

http://www.airfieldmodels.com/site_map.htm

Best!

ErikMB

Thanks, Live Wire.

That's a good friend of mine's nickname.  I used to train with him.  This goofball (and wonderful friend):
http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Jason-Von-Flue-549
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Von_Flue

Anyway, I'm a SW writer, not an EE, so I'm not yet sure what I can contribute.  My main purpose in working toward this project is to improve with the circuits.  As for code, I'll be glad to help.

Live Wire

I have been in this hobby 65 yr's and still don't know what I am doing here 500 and time out sounds like a ball game