Halcyon

[bertrand35]

Hi All,
Just a little topic to introduce a new project which is coming. We will soon have a better vario and a lightweight system for vario / GPS / acceleration as a FrSky Hub replacement. And using the open source way as we do like here...
http://code.google.com/p/halcyon/
Thanks Max for sharing it!
Bertrand.

[DHDSP]

Too bad I just bought the Hub

Good luck!

[Crashj007]

Anxiously awaiting. I've ordered a 9X from R2hobbies just for this project.

[Rob Thomson]

Right Max...

What is the hardware base for this system?

I am gathering you already have something in the works?

Rob

[bertrand35]

I believe yes
Bertrand.

[MaximK73]

Right Max...

What is the hardware base for this system?

I am gathering you already have something in the works?

Rob

All is Atmel based (i have choosen atMegaXX8 family, for baro sensor will need at least 168 or maybe 88 if baro only version) and yes i have working prototypes and ordered 2 layer pcb from factory for final prototyping...
Cam introduced some ideas to be added and started to convert schema to KiCad.
And there expansion cascading introduced by Romolo.

Many thanks to You and Bertrand who help me a lot with current open9x code

this way i think we can cover any needs and even not only frsky protocol, probably other systems can be covered too!

i have published already working baro code.
other sensors need to have filtered outputs too!

also i have put remainders about vario settings into open9x project, now it as flex as real vario

you are welcome too!

Max.

[Rob Thomson]

Nice. Do we have circuit diagrams?

Or too early for that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MaximK73]

Nice. Do we have circuit diagrams?

Or too early for that


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes we have!
Cam working on KiCad version right now Thanks Cam!

just check http://code.google.com/p/halcyon/

and what do u think about logo my wife found this name and i have done fast drawing colours little incorrect - halcyon has brown or red hat

[Rob Thomson]

Ooh... I last looked a few days back. Much more to see now


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[jhsa]

+1 lol

[cre8tiveleo]

Ready to order... *taps foot*.... okay, money gone, just bought a few cases of beer to drink while I wait...

[MaximK73]

Ready to order... *taps foot*.... okay, money gone, just bought a few cases of beer to drink while I wait...

Nice to hear that

[Rob Thomson]

Hey Max,

I am keen to get moving on this.

What's the state of play

Rob


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MaximK73]

Hey Max,

I am keen to get moving on this.

What's the state of play

Rob


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey!

All is very close! Halcyon PCB in Moscow but still in post routes, GPS sensors on table, baro sensors unfortunately still on the way...

other parts i have... so i hope next week i will start tests, i have one sensor for tests

Unfortunately i have broke my FrSky transmitter and new one on the way...

anyway i will start test very soon...

so, nothing to say right now, but very close...

Max.

[cre8tiveleo]

Saved more money, and now enough for beer and this *grins*

This sounds like an excellent project, keep us posted.

[MaximK73]

Just got 1st assemblied Halcyon device

Hardware almost ok - some BOM changes only
and one short circiut need to be - my fault, but maybe not fault at all, there are RF_IN and ANT pins not shorted on PCB, so need small piece of solder to short them. Now GPS works.

bmp085 sensor tested and works,
accelerometer sensor tested and works,

Unfortunately i still not received extra BMP085(russian post delay it as always) and cannot to provide complete soultion....

Chineese guys from iteadstudio.com makes me very happy with PCB build quality, all soldered without any problems!

so, i have to send only PCB right now... also i need to complete BOM and provide an assembly documetation - there are some IC completly not soldering with soldering iron, hot air only.

Bertrand? Cam? Peter? Rob? Romolo? anyone, welcome!

Max.

PS: firmware of course still very bugful, need to test and fix. hardware seems ok.

[Rob Thomson]

Happy to get involved... although I have never used a hot air only method. Good a time as any to learn!

[MaximK73]

Hi Rob!
It is really simpler than many people thinking! i want to write an document with pictures, an "howto"...

here is some update - as GPS module has no backup battery it always starts cold, but starts fast enough on open air - but yes it is not real indoor gps module in comparison i have others. it is very small! very light! assembled device with all sockets and all chips 6.2gr! now i'm thinking how to load nose of my DLG many upgrades came on, LiPo + frsky receiver + Halcyon cannot give all load i need

Max.

PS: i think it is simpler than iron works!

[Romolo]

Maxim , yes really interested...
i will start ordering GPS and the two sensors...

[Rob Thomson]

I will start by ordering a rework station!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kilrah]

I'd be up for one too!

Nothing a good old iron can't do as far as I can see

[MaximK73]

I'd be up for one too!

Nothing a good old iron can't do as far as I can see

there are 2 IC i think you will not able to solder with iron there are no direct contact from side... not BGA but not for iron

Max.

[Rob Thomson]

Just ordered a nice and shiny hot air rework station

[DHDSP]

Hi Max !

Great to hear your Halcyon is alive This is great news.

Of course I will take one ! - but I don't have the slightest idea about what I will need (BOM, Schematics, component placing?)
And if I don't find someone to do the hot-air soldering, I will need to buy myself a rework station Would a cheap one do ?

[MaximK73]

Hi Max !

Great to hear your Halcyon is alive This is great news.

Of course I will take one ! - but I don't have the slightest idea about what I will need (BOM, Schematics, component placing?)
And if I don't find someone to do the hot-air soldering, I will need to buy myself a rework station Would a cheap one do ?

Hi, Peter! Hi All!

how i have understand there is 2 people set sorry my bad english...

1st one can build Halcyon from empty PCB - not very hard but hot air need

2nd cannot( have no reworks station, expirience etc)

i think to provide 2 options, maybe 3:

1) just pcb and documentation from googlecode
2) presoldered sensor(s) - it is heaviest part for 2nd people, unfortunately i have no spare sensors right now, but i have ordered some, but not so fast
3) soldered all - same reasons as 2)

What do you all think?

PS: i have ordered sensors 30 days ago still not here

[MaximK73]

Just ordered a nice and shiny hot air rework station

Congratulations! i think you love it!

right now i have cheapest ans smalliest chinees rework station: KADA 858(~50usd!) and i'm very happy! soldering everything with it! even resistors!

soldering iron has very limited work now!

Max.

[DHDSP]

I started looking for the components (Sensors, IC) - it's not as easy as I thought.
Maybe you can give us the shop links ?
Has anyone looked for the components in Europe ?

[MaximK73]

I started looking for the components (Sensors, IC) - it's not as easy as I thought.
Maybe you can give us the shop links ?
Has anyone looked for the components in Europe ?

use ebay.com as source for "Bosch BMP085" and "Fastrax UC430"
other parts available from farnell.uk

but please wait to order parts from farnell - i need to compile all and provide BOM with links, there are changed something

Max.

[DHDSP]

Would that be this part:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fastrax-UC430-t ... 2a197909e4

because it seems to a break-out version?

[MaximK73]

break-out? not sure what do you mean?

it is exactly same i have soldered, and link is same where i have found it, seller name - reyax.
it is complete module, includes antenna, very small but i have found not very sensitive, on window it works not too frequent, i have not tried yet with open sky .... i think it will works.

Max.