We have been working hard testing the new electronic components for Auto Launch. The OpenLog works perfectly and as expected. We have successfully logged multiple hours of data to the device and then have been able to plug the MicroSD card directly into the computer and access that data with absolute ease. We highly recommend this device to anyone looking for an all in one serial logging system.

The Venus GPS is also working as expected, outputting NMEA or Binary GPS data 10 times every second. I can’t wait to see what effect this has on the UAV system.

One small downer is the UAV board, we tried a cheaper programmer for the dsPIC and after many many hours attempting to program the dsPIC we have failed and conclude that the programmer is incapable of programming the UAV board. Our attempt to save money on the programmer was not a major problem other than wasted time. We are looking at better supported programmers now like the picKit2 or picKit3, the cost at the moment is a small hindrance, but we will be purchasing one of these shortly.