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Lab 07 - DATX Setup and Modification

Overview

In this lab, we had to modify a DATX controller to meet Windracers' operational standards. Because there are significantly more switches on the DATX controller than on the Windracers controller, we needed to remove some switches and update the software on both controllers. We do this because having an unnecessary number of switches can pose a safety risk due to pilot workload overload. We are doing this to mimic the Windracers flight controllers, which will be used on the Believer drones, which are trainers for the Windracers Ultra.

In our group, we divided into two subgroups to take on the controllers: one worked on the software and the other on the hardware. The hardware team had to remove/secure the unused controls to mimic the Windracers controller layout. Whereas the software team will migrate the controller's firmware from OpenTx to EdgeTX 2.7.1 and adjust key settings for compatibility.

Resources We Used

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Loading manual.edgetx.org⁠

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Hardware Modification

Goals

Identify which switches are standard in Windracers' operations

Disassemble controller

Successfully remove non-standard switches

Place switches inside the shell and glue them out of the way

Reassemble controller

How we did this

We started by comparing the two remote controllers to eachother to find out what we needed to remove.

We then took the controller apart to get inside, starting by removing the switches on the top and then the ones facing you, and secured them inside the controller. and then reassembled the controller

Why we did this

I was a part of the Hardware modification group. We removed these switches to reduce pilot workload and the likelihood of cognitive overload by using simpler controllers. Additionally, if you have too many switches, you are at a higher risk of flipping one, creating unnecessary hazards.

Software configuration

Goals

Using the OpenTX to EdgeTX guide, we successfully flashed our desired software version onto the controller.

How we did this

Make sure the controller is off

Plug-in controller

Go to the edge TX website

Move the binary file from the TA-provided version to the radio, then select the System 32 boot loader.

Flash USB

Why we did this

The other part of our team was responsible for the software side of updating the controllers; they needed to flash the controllers with the new software — specifically EdgeTX version 2.7.1 —to make them ready for use in accordance with Windracer Standards. they were also responsible for inspecting Windracers' controller settings to check for a key difference between them. We did this in order to get these controllers to pair and be on par with Windracers' settings.

Reflection

I was not very familiar with any controller software or hardware modifications before this. It was interesting to see the controller's circuitry, how the parts are organized and operate, and how the software can vary significantly between controllers.

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