I was thinking how easy it would be to build
   an auto land system.

   Anybody know how to program Android apps?

   All you need is a tablet with a USB port and moving map software.

   Then you build a pressure altimeter using a single
   chipper and a pressure sensor with a USB interface.

   The GPS is built into the the tablet.
   You set the coordinates of the end of the runway you want to land
   on and that will put you within 15 feet.

   The last little bit is done with a ultrasonic back up sensor.

   Paul Lamar

 It is not difficult to write program for Android phones up to version 2.30. I suspect Android tablet
 3.0 is similar.
 However, I would not use it to land. The entire system with all the other un-tested apps will be too
 much to be able to guarantee stability.

 Instead, I would build a standalone auto-land system and use the tablet as Human Interface Device to
 present the data.

 Sent from Henry Nee


 Are you building a rotary powered airplane Henry? If so are you planning
 on buying Tracy's EC and EM?

 Is there an app interface call for the UPS port in 2.30?

 Paul Lamar


Paul,

Take a look at the Chumby:
http://www.edn.com/article/519022-Chumby_offers_opportunity_for_home_engineering.php

Lots of interesting applications for that guy!

Tom W

http://store.chumby.com/

Looks very interesting indeed but no built in GPS as far as I can see.
Most Android phones have them as well as the tablets.
It would also be nice if it had a low pressure sensor for altitude.
Not entirely necessary at this point as there is a USB. No need for
the wifi. The third thing missing is no A to D which would really make it
great.

It is a good idea but it needs updating or expanding the features over what the
tablets and smart phones already have. Pressure sensors for an example are
tiny and cheap.

The whole thing is cheap enough so one could have a backup.

Paul Lamar