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

I am still learning do I have not started building yet. But i agree with you that rotary may be the best choice for safety.

Actually I thinking about a new ECU with dual circuits. The A computer will be a processor based design with similar function to Tracy's ECU, and a B computer using 555 timer as you have suggested.

Google announced an ADK, or Android development kit and it uses the Adruno processor kit. At the same time Android added USB host support. Host support means Android device can control other peripherals. I need to check which version of Android will support host function. Most likely version 3.0 or latter.

I am not sure what you mean by UPS. Or do you actually mean USB? UPS is for AC power backup.

Sent from Henry Nee



Typo  UPS should be USB :)

The reason I mention that is Tracy's EM2 is in dire need of a larger screen
so all the various numbers can be labeled and a small tablet would be ideal.

Logging the data for later download would also be possible. Tracy uses an
RS232 to output the data to the small limited size current smart?:) screen.

Give you some income and you can legally write off the cost of your airplane :)

Paul Lamar