Arduino-based mode switch

First, I used combinations of switches to select the mode of my APM. But IMHO, there is hardly anything more counter-intuitive and if things hit the fan, you can be sure to switch to the wrong mode out of pure hectic.

Next, I replaced a pot of my transmitter with a 6-position switch and variable resistors. That is already better, but to get to one mode, you likely have to switch through other modes. Also, without any markings, again, not very intuitive and it's impossible to see at one glance which mode you are in.

Finally, I hacked together a small board with 6 pushbuttons, 6 LEDs and an Arduino Pro Mini. The Arduino creates an 8-channel PPM stream of which channel 1 contains the data for the mode. The whole thing connects to the trainer port of my 9x. Additionally, I steal 5V from the display output of my FrSky module but theoretically, the Arduino could also be powered by the 3S transmitter LiPo. The program is pretty easy. Check the buttons and set the respective PPM value. The LEDs are not set by the buttons but by the actual value of PPM1 - just to be safe, in case e.g. the Arduino resets or something.

Here's the schematic:

I'll attach design files for the PCB and the source code in the comments then.

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Comments

Developer

Jani Hirvinen December 18, 2013 at 6:45am

Christmas greetings to all... First model of our ModeSwitch was just revealed to public. Check out jDrones ModeSwitch post.

As said, we have two models coming. One with normal LEDs and marker labels, another with OLED display and programmable functionalities.

I will post tomorrow or so details of that OLED version. Both of them are fully solderless addons to basically all radios.

They have normal 3.5mm Jack output that hooks to your radios trainer port. For power input there are 2 choices, +5v direct or +7 - 16v raw input (2-3S mostly)

Some of our test pilots already are using those and feedback is positive.
Developer

Jani Hirvinen October 3, 2013 at 11:02pm

We have two models coming. One with displyand one with just leds. I will post pictures as soon theair electronics are ready. Currenty waiting pcbs to arrive.
MV Reddy October 3, 2013 at 9:49pm

Thanks for the heads up Jani. Look forward to placing order when you ship.
Developer

Jani Hirvinen August 8, 2013 at 7:04am

Stefan, let's talk tomorrow more about it. Contact me on PM to get my skype id
Stefan Gofferje August 8, 2013 at 1:59am

@Jani:

Sure.

@Hugues:

I don't follow. Schematics are in the blog post and in my first comment are links to PCB layouts and the source code. The only thing you have to do is solder a cable with a 3,5mm stereo plug to the PCB and find 5-12V from somewhere. Then, in OpenTX go to mixes and in the mix for the mode (ch 5 for copter) choose PPM1 as source.
MR60

Hugues August 8, 2013 at 12:59am

My questions were about your setup in more details, using opnTX, not stock firmware.
I would like schematics and or schemas to be able to do the same on mine. Thx
Developer

Jani Hirvinen August 8, 2013 at 12:55am

Stefan, i've been working with similar board and doing some sourcing for keyboards. Do you mind to start working together with this? Plan is to have fully standalone board for this type purpose.
MV Reddy August 8, 2013 at 12:17am

Thanks Stefan, I agree your logic for coming up with this jewel. The BOM for this goes on my shopping list.
not2fast August 6, 2013 at 4:58pm

I see the advantage of your panel. Portability. Great idea.
Stefan Gofferje August 6, 2013 at 4:52pm

It's doable but it's a different concept. This panel can be used with various transmitters and without opening the tx. If you don't want to use it, you just disconnect it.

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