I am calling the ZBasic system the
"Home made comprehensive engine control system."
and I have uploaded it to the web site for
the new subscribers so they can see the back ground.
It is very much a work in progress.

http://www.rotaryeng.net/web-site-ver.pdf

Kind of like the unified field theory for engine control :).
It does it all! EFIS and unlimited engine data acquisition.

Read this first so you can understand what we are working
on for open source ignition systems and fuel injection.

Paul Lamar

Hi Paul!

Just for discussion: Automotive Controller Area Network
(CAN) usage in aviation (not just for homemade FADEC but
also for other devices).

On the market there are small format motherboards with CAN
port installed onboard. By my opinion PCI slot contacts are
too sensitive for aviation usage. Also the orthogonal
position of PCI card regarding to motherboard is not the best one.

B.r.

Viktor


I have moved away from the PC mother board solution for other
reasons. I think I could have solved the PCI contact problem with
a bit of innovative mechanical support for the PCI board position.

The rotary vibration level is very low. Perry Mick has been flying
for 16 years with the rotary engine solidly bolted to the air frame.
Not only that he has a stock Mazda RX7 instrument panel solidly
bolted in as well.

I do agree the form factor is less than ideal.

I don't see the need for CAN. Am I missing something? What
application did you have in mind? The Atmel board has one
USB and two RS232's which looks like enough communication right
at the moment.

BTW I am updating http://www.rotaryeng.net/web-site-ver.pdf
on a daily basis.

I have no intension of doing a FADEC as there are situations
that require pilot adjustments. Even though there will be
auto lean the pilot will be able to over ride that.

This system is so modular however that someone could
implement that if they wished. Both the ignition system, injector
system and RPM counter will work with any computer that has
parallel port capability. The current Atmel board will not
be around forever. In fact there is a more powerful version
in the works as we speak.

Paul Lamar