Since we launched FlightBox last January, the most frequent request – by far – has been to add AHRS capabilities. We started working on a design as soon as we dug out from under the avalanche of Kickstarter orders in March. After nine months of designing, re-designing, refactoring and prototyping I am happy to announce that now have a final design. We will begin taking pre-orders on Monday, November 28 (“Cyber Monday”) and expect to deliver in January.
The board includes a number of sensors:
The data provided by these sensors will allow FlightBox to create an accurate estimate of your aircraft’s attitude, position, and cabin altitude. The attitude data can be used to drive attitude and synthetic vision displays on compatible1 EFB applications. The barometric sensor provides accurate cabin altitude – typically within 25′ of barometric altitude in unpressurized aircraft. The GPS – our first internal GPS since we dropped the VK-172 in May – assists in the attitude solution and provides highly accurate position information.
The board also includes a set of status LEDs and a fan speed controller. The LEDs show power status, GPS lock status, and ADS-B reception status. The fan controller adjusts fan speed based on system temperature, saving battery power.
The new board is built as a “shield” for the Raspberry Pi computer. It attaches directly to the 40-pin option header on the Pi, making installation very easy. As we’ve done for our other accessories, we will publish a video that takes you through the installation process step-by-step.
We will be offering the new board in two configurations. For FlightBox owners we will have a complete upgrade kit that includes the board, a new top, and an new fan. Stratux DIY users (who are not using a FlightBox case) will be able to order just the board. The complete FlightBox upgrade kit will sell for $160. The board-only kit will sell for $140.
AHRS requires a combination of hardware and software. The hardware on the new board will require a FlightBox update which we will release when the boards start shipping in January. The update will also include the serial output feature and an automatic flight logging feature.
For those who would prefer to leave the installation and the update to the professionals, we will be offering an update / upgrade service for an additional $25. Send in your existing FlightBox and we will send it back with the AHRS board, new top and updated firmware.
1. The FlightBox attitude feature is not currently compatible with ForeFlight.
Will The FlightBox attitude feature be compatible with ForeFlight by the January timeframe?
Steve do you know if it will work with the Ifly 740 and FlyQ? The ADSB works on both now.
Thanks It sounds great.
Is this AHRS system going to play with foreflight or are they still proprietary?
Steve, since this is a beta version I’d like to confirm that once the final version is available there will be no update costs for those who chose to purchase the beta. My assumption is that it would just be a download of new firmware?
With the new AHRS board will it still be necessary to have the External (USB) connected GPS?
Steve, I am currently using the Ifly740 gps and the Ipad 3 gps, with the new hardware and software will this still work or is the new gps more accurate?
Does this board suffer from the same problems as the original Kickstarter flightbox that led people to want to use an external GPS? Does this support the external GPS at all (is the external GPS connector just for an antenna? From your description, it appears that way)? Also, is it dual band?
HI Steve,
Is there any specific mount or orientation that will be required?
Thanks.
If I wanted to buy a fully configured new implementation, when will that be available and for how much?
I have remote antennas and GPS, the box containing the computer being mounted below the glove box. I really do not want to move the box to the glare shield. I would appreciate consideration for allowing selection of a remote GPS, or better, defaulting to a remote GPS should one be plugged in. Thanks!
With the baro function, is there any ability to set an altitude alarm? For instance in the iOS interface setting a cruise alt with +-200 feet to trigger a tone would be great for those without altitude hold.
Steve:
Does the VK-172 GPS have to be removed from the box to use the new one? Or does the board default to the new GPS. Thank you for your wonderful work.
I use ForeFlight almost exclusively so please continue to work on them to accept this newest update. I just put in my pre order for Flight Box hoping AHRS will come to fruition!
Thank you.
Hi, are you writing your own sensor fusion algorithm or relying on the InvenSense data? Will attitude be reliable in prolonged turns? Will it be open source?
There are lots of questions regarding ForeFlight compatibility. How about Garmin Pilot compatibility (both iOS and Android versions)?
Thanks,
Dave
Will you be providing updates as you test the various EFB software out there? I use Naviator, but also have a few others loaded on my tablet.
About the Author