SAFA Skysailor Magazine

19 July | August 2023 SKY SAILOR When you have the board, the first thing you need to do is flash it with GxAirCom. The instructions to do this are pretty easy to follow and can be found here . This includes links to download the required communications soft- ware driver, and the software tool to flash the hardware. The only slightly confusing bit is that these were written a while ago and have not kept pace with software upgrades. The settings for the software flashing tool are a bit different to those described. Here is what I used: Figure 5: flash_download _tool 3.9.4 settings Note that your file location and COM port settings will be different from mine. Otherwise, just follow the instructions. Then take it outside and fire it up. The first time you do this it will take a few minutes for the GPS unit to acquire the satellites, update the onboard almanac and start giving you position data. At this point you need to think about a housing for your board. Buy some beers to give to a mate with a 3d printer. Or if you have said printer, buy yourself some beers and get has the option of four frequencies, including the three FLARM frequencies. Cost? Around $68 from AliExpress. When ordering you need to specify the frequency you want (select 923MHz for Australia), and whether you want a small OLED screen soldered on. I would recommend choosing that option. When it arrives (took under a fortnight) you will need to get a battery. This needs attention. You need a 18650 3.7V 2600mAh Li-ion cell. However, it must be the version without the raised terminal on the positive side. The battery holder will only accept a 65mm long cell; the version with the raised terminal measures 69.5mm and will not fit! If you order from a relatively well-known electronics supplier, check before you walk out of the store when you do a click and collect. I would definitely not just order it and have it delivered! Another very important piece of information: Never , under any circumstances, power up the board either via the battery or USB connection, without having the antenna fitted – you will destroy the board. My advice is to never fit the battery or plug it into a computer before fitting the antenna, and always remove the battery or cable before removing the antenna. It’s just too easy to press the power button by accident. Charging of the battery can be done by USB connection (5V 1A), but don’t use your high-powered phone charger. Figure 4: Battery without raised positive terminal