Brent A. Terwilliger, Ph.D.
The purpose of this blog is to describe my current academic and research pursuits, areas of personal interest, and related activities. Such areas include unmanned development, teleoperation, situational awareness, human-machine interfaces (HMI), simulation, and human-in-the-loop research. My intent is to provide a forum to capture the attention of similar researchers, foster collaborative interest, and provide feedback or editorial responses.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Kylo Ren Helmet - Further Progress
Monday, September 12, 2016
Halloween - Kylo Ren Lightsaber
Applied Ultracote 2X white primer |
Applied Rustoleum Metallic Finish paint |
Added finishing details to give worn appearance |
Reverse details |
Details of top (17mm socket visible) |
Detail of bottom (17mm socket visible) |
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Halloween - Kylo Ren Progress
Applied base coat of white primer, sanded, and reapplied |
Applied next layer of primer, black semi-gloss |
Applied Hammered (Gunmetal) spraypaint (sloppy job covering seams) |
Applied clear, matte finish protector |
Removed painters tape, some slight pickup on edges |
Friday, September 2, 2016
Halloween and More: Star Wars Kylo Ren Costume Build
- Removed stock audio board (clipped connections) and wired speaker to an RCA plug (input)
- Wired ten momentary (tactile) buttons, power source cable (JST input), and an RCA cable to an Adafruit Audio FX Sound Board (2MB; loaded with trigger *.wav files; see their excellent tutorial for details)
- Wired two RCA cables (input and output) and power source cable (JST input) to an Adafruit mono 2.5w amp
- Created Y-adapter for power cables (one JST input, two JST output)
- Created an "audio toggle adapter" using two RCA cables for input; an RCA cable for output; wired to DPDT switch
- Created a USB power adapter; cut one end off USB cable, isolated power and ground, then wired to JST (output)
- Modified 3.5mm Apple headphones (with mic) by clipping LEFT earbud off and soldering signal and ground to an RCA (output; very difficult task); also clipped and sealed right earbud
- Plug all elements together, as follows:
- Adafruit Audio FX sound board to audio toggle adapter input 1
- Apple 3.5mm headphones with mic to audio toggle adapter input 2; slip Apple headphones mic into helmet vocal focus cone (i.e., parabolic dish)
- Audio toggle adapter output to Adafruit mono amp input
- Adafruit mono amp output to speaker RCA input (in helmet)
- Power cable Y-adapter output 1 to Adafruit Audio FX soundboard power input (3-5.5V)
- Power cable Y-adapter output 2 to Adafruit mono amp (2-5.5V)
- Connect USB battery to power cable Y-adapter input
I also drilled out holes for each of the buttons (glued into place) in a plastic project enclosure and then placed the amp, audio toggle adapter, and Audio FX sound board inside, with the power adapter input, audio toggle input 2, and amp RCA output leading out through another drilled hole (for connections, as noted above).
A lot of folks have been working on their own Kylo Ren costumes and are amazing contributors to this massive fanbase. If you would like to learn more, I recommend starting with the following:
- Adam Savage's Ted talk on Costuming: http://www.ted.com/talks/adam_savage_my_love_letter_to_cosplay?language=en
- Knights of Ren Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/KnightsOfRen/?ref=bookmarks
- RFP, Knights of Ren Forum: http://www.therpf.com/forumdisplay.php?f=94
- Rebel Legion Forum: http://www.forum.rebellegion.com/forum/index.php?sid=8aee847b5bea4f55fc3b66193adf09cf
- 501st Legion: Vader's Fist (they do awesome charity work): http://www.501st.com
- Hasbro Kylo Ren Black Series Voice Changer Helmet: http://www.hasbro.com/en-us/product/star-wars-the-black-series-kylo-ren-voice-changer-helmet:4C13DCD2-5056-9047-F51B-D4B60F4D37B1
- Adafruit Audio FX Sound Board: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2133
- Adafruit Mono 2.5W Class D Audio Amplifier: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2130
- Overview of Common Switches: https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/switch-basics/poles-and-throws-open-and-closed
- Hacking a Headphone Jack: http://www.circuitbasics.com/how-to-hack-a-headphone-jack/
- Velleman MK171 Voice Changer: http://www.vellemanusa.com/products/view/?country=us&lang=enu&id=522368
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
FAA Releases Part 107 and Discusses Details at UAS Stakeholder Telecon
Part 107 will be enacted 60-days after publication of the rule in the Federal register (5-7 days; late-August)
Related Documents and Materials:
- Press Release – DOT and FAA Finalize Rules for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- FAA Part 107 documents
- New FAA sUAS (Remote Pilot) Certification webpages
- Significant day in aviation; fundamental change in aviation
- Less than 55 pounds, 400 feet above ground level (AGL) maximum altitude, 100mph/87kts, daytime (some accommodation for 30+/- minutes dawn/twilight with lighting), 16 yrs old minimum age, flight only over participants, Remote PIC (control authority), and accident reporting (within 10 days for $500 or more damage)
- Carrying load/cargo permitted (if secured and no adverse impact to flight performance), but only within a State (intrastate operations)
- Compensation permissible
- Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight (MTOW) cannot exceed 55 pounds
- Visual line of sight (VLOS) operations only (unless waiver received for extended or beyond VLOS)
- Testing to occur at existing knowledge testing centers (for non-Part 61 pilots), otherwise completion of an online course (no student pilots, must be 24mo current in aircraft)
- Airworthiness certification not required for UAS
- Part 107 rule does not apply to model aircraft (they follow Special Rule 336)
- There will be waiver provisions (to permit operations from moving aircraft or vehicle, extended/BVLOS, multiple-UAS, near other aircraft, flight over people, maximum speed/altitude, minimum visibility, and distance from clouds)
- Section 333s are still applicable (current applicants will be sorted into categories: Tier I – those that fall under 107, Tier II – those covered by waivers, and Tier III - further exemptions that exceed 107 provisions); will help alleviate backlog of current applications (1k+; 90% expected to be covered under Part 107, applicants will be notified of status and any required action, if needed)
- Micro Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) recommendations (flight over people) are currently being evaluated (see https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=85327)
- Additional detail to be made available at https://www.faa.gov/uas/
- Will operators still need to report under NTSB requirements? Yes
- What does the FAA define as serious accident or injury? Level 3 or higher (according to abbreviated injury scale)
- How do Part 61 operators remain current for sUAS? Participate in an online knowledge course every 24mos, will also need to remain current in aircraft
- Is Part 107 exclusive, how does it interact with Part 91? Most requirements are applicable (copied), otherwise treated as exception in 107
- Can 333 holders still operate, until exemption expires? Yes, they also have option to choose to operate under 107 (select one). Pending petitions are continuing to be evaluated (by categories) and if applicable, Tier I will be recommended to operate under Part 107; Tier II waiverable petitions will be transferred directly into waiver process (no action needed by petitioner); and Tier III will continued to be processed as 333s.
- When will Part 61 exam be available? On implementation date (late-August), training course material is available today (no examination, complete course and then apply for certificate)
- What about operations in non-Class G airspace? Risk-based procedures for operations in airspace are in development (starting with E and D, then C and B).
- For damage requiring accident reporting, how is $500 defined, does it include sUAS? Damage to aircraft is not included in this total
- Where will Part 61 knowledge test materials be found? Yes, at https://www.faasafety.gov/
- Will pesticide application (spraying) be permissible? Part 137 still applies, there is one UAS that has demonstrated this use case
- Inter/intrastate operations, what is distinction for operations? Intrastate is only applicable for carrying cargo/ external load, otherwise interstate operations permissible
- Part 61 pilot testing, where will testing be provided? It will not be a test, just completion of an online course
- Are Aeronautical Test Centers ready now? They cannot give tests until implementation date, they will be ready by date
- Why was 500ft AGL maximum altitude reduced to 400ft? To provide buffer between general aviation and sUAS operations
- How does rule prevent unauthorized flight over facilities (e.g., temporary flight restrictions [TFRs])? UAS not permitted to fly in same areas where manned aircraft are prohibited
- How does 500ft setback apply? It does not, must ensure no flight over non-participants (people)
- Would closed set movie making Section 333 (over people) be permissible under 107? Yes, with waiver for flight over people.
- Any specific provisions for research faculty and post-doctorate at Universities? No specific provisions, but waivers and 333 available to support.
- Does rule apply to recreational operators not flying under community-based organization (CBO) guidelines? Yes, it applies to all operating outside of special rule 336
- If a current 333 requests to operate under Part 107, will it be granted? Yes, one or the other
- Will a licensed pilot need a sUAS rating? Yes, will need to take online training course (available now) and then apply for certificate/rating (available when enacted)
- Will authorization be required to enter non-Class G airspace? Yes, FAA is developing risk-based procedures and requests will eventually be made through a web-based portal
- Are notice to airman (NOTAMs) required for routine UAS flights? [NOT ANSWERED]
- Is there an ability to fly above 400ft and within 500ft of a structure (e.g., tower)? Yes, within 400ft of top of tower (structure)
- Is there an insurance requirement, similar to part 135? None, no insurance required
- Are there any provisions for operating near airports outside of controlled airspace? No requirement to coordinate with airport, if in class G, but if any other (B-E) then must not interfere with airport operations (Part 107.43)
- Is part 61 license at risk, if operating sUAS (UAS certificate or all licenses)? Yes, but it will be dependent on the situation. The FAA will investigate, if operating in irresponsible manner that poorly reflects on aeronautical decision making, FAA will take appropriate action.
- Will UAS commercial training be allowed (for compensation) under 107? Yes, a non-licensed pilot can operate under supervision of licensed Remote PIC.
- How are UAS operations in congested areas handled under Part 107? 107 prohibits flight over people (unless waiver approved); exempt from most requirements of Part 91
- Will FAA form 7711-2 be used for waivers? Yes, but online processes are being built to apply and process (no need to fill out form, FAA will complete on applicants behalf)
- Will rule allow flights in National Parks? No FAA rules prohibit such operations, but National Park Service prohibits takeoff and landing from their land (same true for any landholder)
- Should state agencies pursue Part 107 or COA? Will require analysis on part of agency to determine which is preferable
- Are there any provisions to support University research? Part 107 is less burdensome than existing process, but nothing specific addresses research at Universities
- What are examples of 333 that are not waiverable under 107? Example, MTOW exceeding 55 pounds
- Under Part 107 are visual observers required and what requirements will they need to meet? They are allowed, not required
- Will ATC issue a clearance near airport or will pilot advise of intentions? Under 107, it is not advised, it requires positive authorization. This is currently being worked internally and hope to have application and receipt of approval resolved within the next 60 days (i.e., development of online portal to apply for approval).
Saturday, October 24, 2015
ERAU-W sUAS Buyers Guide - Crowdfunding Campaign
- ERAU-W sUAS Consumer Guide: http://worldwide.erau.edu/Assets/worldwide/data/erau-suas-consumer-guide-june-2016-release.pdf
- ERAU-W sUAS Consumer Guide - Operational Test Plan: http://worldwide.erau.edu/Assets/worldwide/data/erau-suas-suas-consumer-guide-otp-srb-final-release.pdf
Friday, March 20, 2015
Amazon Awarded Experimental Airworthiness Certificate to Pursue UAS R&D
Aeronautics and Space, 14 C.F.R. §21.191 (2004a).
Aeronautics and Space, 14 C.F.R. §21.193 (2004b).
Aeronautics and Space, 14 C.F.R. §21.195 (2004c).