Hi guys,

Well... My kid passed a cold onto me... and I just couldn't drag my butt out of bed... so I took a sick day.

After taking a shower, and a fist full of cold meds... I wondered down into the garage to tinker with my toys. As I was looking over my Falcon... I started to think that I really would like the data terminal for the AT-180 engine... but US MicroJet gets $300 for it. (Crazy since it's just a display) So... I went to the electronics junk draw, and started looking. I found a 4x19 LCD, a BS2, and a project case. (Yes, I like microcontrollers too)

After about an hour of digging around for sych'ing data... I started to write code.

Version 1 of my home made Data Terminal works great. It has all the basic info... and it can even decode the error messages.

If I bought all the stuff new... it would have only been about $75... and if I would have done it with an Arduino... it would have been less than $40. (but I had the stamp)

If anyone would like my code, and build info... let me know.


Oh... FYI... since my engine is old... this code only works with the "Old Style" data stream that the ECU puts out.


I don't think I did too bad for 4 hours work, and using stuff out of the junk drawer, but Let me know what you think.

You need more sick days
Brilliant work ,looks like one from the factory.
can you also make one where you can read 4 times the data you have now?

Regards,

Martin.

I feel a little sarcasm here.


From what I can tell... the original AMT data terminal would change screens depending on what it was doing. But after looking at what it can display... I put it all in one screen. The only time the screen on mine changes, is if there is an error.

Honestly... the 3 voltages (battery, pump max and pump idle), and the switch (Sw) don't change once it starts. Also... the "Ready" line is just info that is obvious while it's starting. It will change from ready, to Calibration, to Running.

So... really just the EGT and RPM's is the info needed while running the engine in the pits.

Looks good! You wouldn't happen to know of someone who would be interested in designing and building a servo control box, or know of a DIY kit out their that can accept a PWM input and then do a PWM output do you? I've got a cool little idea for my F-14 project that would allow even those with a 9 channel radio to fly it, but finding someone willing to help me with this electrical box is painful.

Shoot me a PM, and give me the details. Sounds like it may be an easy PIC or Aduino project.

I understand. Most guys with an EE degree don't want to be bothered with hobby stuff. I have a degree in Physics (and a few others) but while working on that... I had to take a bunch of classes in instrumentation... and they were basically EE classes.

Tony,

Frema did mot mean any sarcasm, he simply has a project where he would like to be able to view all the data for four turbines at once. A least this is what I gather. Frema is big into tractor pulling utilizing turbine power.

hee , thank you , yes thats what i mean , next year i want to start with the tractor with 4 turbines.
and made there is a solution to avoid 4 data terminals to look at , but just one .

Regards,

Martin.

Got it. That's cool. I thought you were pokeing fun at me since I had a ton of info on my screen.

I may be able to help you out, and build you a single 4X display. If the data stream on the terminal is known... then I can write the code for it. It would make for a good winter project.

This is your boss. YOU are fired.

Check my signature line... I am the boss.

Wow great work!, I wish I knew how to do this stuff ... I have an AMT Mercury and do not have a data terminal ... how difficult is it to do and would this project EDT be compatible for my AMT?

Im a computer engineer, mainly Hardware and virtualisation ... but have done some object orientated coding ...

Best regards,

Scott.

I think last year, I posted that I was going to build one from an ESC programmer. I bought a cheap programmer, but I wasn't able to ID the microcontorller. I was also going to convert my AT-180 to electric start... but it's already a heavy engine... so I'm just going to keep it air start.

This one is easy to build, and you are more than welcome to my code.

You will need:

1) an "OEM" basic stamp 2 ($29)
2) a 20x4 display ($13)
3) A serial to LCD converter. ($14)
4) Misc parts. battery, switch, wire, solder, serial cable (for programming), etc.

You can save $14 if you don't want to use the serial to LCD converter... but the code needed to make the BS2 talk to an LCD is a pain in the butt. It's well worth the $14 to simplify the code, and to remove some of the overhead from the BS2. This is one place an Arduino is better. It can control an LCD directly, with simple code.

Anyway....

The BS2 isn't a very powerful microcontroller... but the "OEM" version is set up where you don't have to buy any other carrier boards, power supplys, or own a "Chip Programmer". If you want to build it... let me know what engine you own, and I'll tweak the code. The only real differences in the AMT engines is how the math is handled in the output of the ECU. Once you get your parts, I will walk you though a build.

Oh... the above prices are retail from a couple shops I buy from. You may be able to get stuff cheaper local, or on eBay. (BS2 @ Parallax, and the other parts from Gravitech)

Sounds like a plan . . . I'll be honest I have not a clue what a "an "OEM" basic stamp 2" is ... if you can post a link to all the components that you would buy from the USA I can use the them as a reference to finding the equivalents in the UK.

Quite exciting ...

Scott.

Sick day! I like the bearing press tool you sell. Wonder if it would work with my RC engines?

Geez, why don't you ask him to build it for you....

Dr Honda, What you did is no less than great.Glad to see someone like yourself show every body else that all this tech gear is in the reach of a DIY.Thanks for sharing it with us.Now if your looking for winter projects...let us know and we will start a line or pick a number lol Thanks again.

The "Stamp" is a old family of microcontrollers aimed at the hobby market. Since they are old, they aren't very powerful by today's standards. The easy place to buy it in the states is directly from the manufacture.

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Microc...1/Default.aspx

The other parts can be bought at any electronics or robot hobby shop. I get my stuff from Gravitech.

http://www.gravitech.us/



Thanks for the pat on the back. I don't always do things like this for myself... but in this case... the AMT display was $300, and unlike a Jetcat or xicoy... the AMT data terminal doesn't do anything other than show you stuff. (you don't change the ECU program with the terminal)


Who knows... my shop has slowed down with the bad economy. Maybe I should change from motorcycle parts to RC jet stuff.

siddus74: Sending a PM.

"Who knows... my shop has slowed down with the bad economy. Maybe I should change from motorcycle parts to RC jet stuff."


If you start your own shop let me know.I'll send you a resume and come work for you...we have a lot in common.BTW well deserved pat on the back