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Configurable Radar Altimeter For 1x1 Monitors

• radar altitude above land & water
  
• 3 different sensor variants, independently laid out
  
• configurable multi scale dial
  
• working decision altitude setting including a warning light that automatically turns off when on the ground
  
• test function
  
• touch screen controls for decision altitude and test functions
  
• analogue needle "physics" - It wobbles!

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left example


This is the most capable setup; up to 4km AGL, gimbal range of 45° in all directions, no moving parts.
I have pre-configured it to only show up to 1500 feet for better usability.

The digital readout will turn off when the distance sensor is exactly 0 - when the sensor isn't powered or turned on.
When the distance sensor is on it will make you a beacon in IR, so there's that.

I might include invisible sensors in the future.

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middle example


This is somewhat outdated now, unless you want a precise AGL readout up to 500m without shining a laser around.

The inside of the orange blocks marks the size the selection tool has to be to copy & paste every block of the gimbal.
Blue signals critical sensor and logic blocks other than the gimbal.
White blocks represent the bottom of your vehicle.

There is a visible version of the gimbal you can try out by using the levers in front of it. It uses the same gimbal safety limit the MC uses by default.
Make sure the gimbal has at least half a block of clearance to the left and right so it doesn't collide.

When gimbal range is exceeded the instrument turns off to show that there is no accurate reading possible.

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right example


For best results keep the distance sensor and fluid meter blocks very close together and on the same plane horizontally. The distance sensor needs to have line of sight to the ground.

When the distance sensor is maxed out due to flying inverted for example the instrument will show height above water level if below 500m.

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There are options you can configure to your preference / use case by using the select tool on the microcontroller.

To control the decision altitude setting touch the screen on the lower left knob - the upper half will increase and the lower decrease the setting. You can simultaneously push the red test button on the lower right to give a live readout of the setting. (e & q interact keys)

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If you want to publish a creation that uses this radar altimeter, I'd appreciate a shout-out or link. Thank you!

I'm neither a pilot nor a programmer, so if you notice anything misbehaving let me know and I'll try to fix it!

@TheDEA forced me to make this thing.

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Step-by-step installation guide, more pictures and a demo video coming soon

Have fun! <3