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add fpv repair blog post

Thomas Buck 11 months ago
parent
commit
f4a7a31cba
35 changed files with 202 additions and 10 deletions
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      macros.py
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input/blog/2023/2023_05_14_repair.md View File

@@ -0,0 +1,136 @@
1
+title: Blog
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+post: Flying again after five years
3
+description: Returning to the FPV hobby after a long hiatus
4
+date: 2023-05-14
5
+comments: true
6
+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs
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+show_in_quadcopters: true
8
+---
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+
10
+<!--% backToParent() %-->
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+
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+Due to a combination of various reasons I haven't actually been doing any [FPV flying](quadcopters.html) for the past five years or so.
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+
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+This had to change!
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+
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+## Taranis Firmware
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+
18
+My [Taranis X9D+](https://www.frsky-rc.com/product/taranis-x9d-plus-2/) has been running [OpenTX 2.2](https://www.open-tx.org/) up to now.
19
+But there's a new fork around, called [EdgeTX](http://edgetx.org/).
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+From a user perspective it's basically the same.
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+It is useful for potential future use of [ExpressLRS](https://www.expresslrs.org/).
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+
23
+So I upgraded my transmitter.
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+This brought some headaches, as it turned out because I was trying to flash with a faulty USB port on my PC.
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+Fortunately even with a completely erased flash the STM32 bootloader is still available via USB, so you can always revive a bricked Taranis without special hardware.
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+
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+<!--%
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+lightgallery([
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_1.jpg", "Taranis X9D+ opened" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_2.jpg", "Closer look at Taranis X9D+ RTC battery" ],
31
+])
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+%-->
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+
34
+They also added a check for the voltage of the RTC battery, which promptly informed me that it is empty after upgrading the firmware.
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+Luckily I still had a spare CR1220 watch battery in a drawer, so I just replaced it.
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+
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+The MicroSD card was also broken, so I had to prepare a fresh one with the usual [LUA scripts](https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight-tx-lua-scripts) and the [Mia Winter voice pack](https://miawinther.bandcamp.com/album/mia-taranis-voicepack).
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+
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+## New Copter Batteries
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+
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+The one thing that was really totally unsalvagable after the five year break was the batteries.
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+Most had at least one cell completely dead.
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+I actually tried flying with one of the remaining batteries.
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+The copter did take off but the voltage immediately sagged to unhealthy levels.
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+
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+So I got three [Bonka U2 Series 4S 1400mAh 130C](https://www.mylipo.de/Bonka-Lipo-Akku1400mAh-148V-130C-260C-FPV-XT60) LiPos.
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+Quite pricey but they work fine.
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+
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+With these I could take my [LX5](lx5.html) out to fly properly again.
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+
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+<!--%
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+lightgallery([
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_11.jpg", "New set of batteries" ],
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+    [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRrjPk51ng0", "Flying below a bridge, over a creek" ],
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+])
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+%-->
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+
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+The copter still pretty much worked fine.
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+It had some configuration issues, so Smartaudio and the Telemetry UART did not work, but this was already the case when I built it in 2017.
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+
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+## Upgrading Betaflight
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+
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+Of course I also had to upgrade Betaflight.
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+I was still running version 3.5.0 from 2018.
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+The current version is 4.4.1 which comes with a whole bunch of improvements.
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+
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+I also took this opportunity to finally put all my old and current [Betaflight config dumps in a Git repo](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs).
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+
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+Some slight fixes to the hardware were also needed.
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+One of the metal stand offs has already sheared, I had to cut a slot into the small remaining thread to get it out.
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+
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+<!--%
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+lightgallery([
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_5.jpg", "Copter with electronics stack half-way disassembled" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_3.jpg", "Sheared metal stand-off" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_4.jpg", "Metal stand-off with slot cut into thread" ],
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+])
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+%-->
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+
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+I also noticed that the UARTs for Smartaudio and Telemetry were simply swapped in the config.
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+After fixing this they both seem to work fine.
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+
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+## Spectator Monitor
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+
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+One recurring problem was the power switch of my spectator monitor accidentally getting switched on when putting it back into my backpack.
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+So I replaced the switch and added an improvised "roll bar" to avoid this issue.
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+
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+<!--%
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+lightgallery([
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_12.jpg", "Power switch on spectator monitor" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_7.jpg", "Look inside the spectator monitor (flash)" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_6.jpg", "Look inside the spectator monitor (no flash)" ],
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+])
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+%-->
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+
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+While doing this I also noticed that there is also an Arduino in there.
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+It is used to automatically switch the FPV Receiver on after powering on the whole device.
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+Unfortunately I can't find the source code, but it is simply toggling a GPIO after some time, so nothing too difficult.
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+
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+## More Flying
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+
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+So with the tweaks to my transmitter and copter done I headed off to try it out again.
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+
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+<!--%
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+lightgallery([
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+    [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh9_t0R_MWw", "First flights after BF 4.4.1 upgrade" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_8.jpg", "Setting up for a flight outdoors" ],
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+])
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+%-->
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+
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+This flight was cut short a little by a local resident.
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+They informed me that I shouldn't fly there to not interfere with local wildlife.
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+I was not up to arguing, so I left after only two out of three batteries, or in other words eight instead of twelve minutes of flight time.
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+I also didn't want to stress the point that this was next to a local small-scale airport, where propeller airplanes like Cessnas regularly take off and land (but not in use on this day).
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+So I don't think my twelve minutes would have done much harm, relatively speaking.
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+
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+What can you do?
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+At least they were nice about it.
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+🤷
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+
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+## Cat Content
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+
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+Also I kinda lost possession of [my FPV backpack](https://www.lowepro.com/global/quadguard-bp-x3-lp37090-pww/).
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+The cats just have to occupy any available surface.
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+There seems to be no way around it.
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+
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+<!--%
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+lightgallery([
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_9.jpg", "Ares on my copter backpack" ],
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+    [ "img/2023_05_13_fpv_10.jpg", "Ares sleeping on my feet" ],
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+])
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+%-->
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+
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+But that's ok.
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+It's just all the hair that's a bit annoying...
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+😒

+ 3
- 1
input/projects/quadcopters.md View File

@@ -14,8 +14,10 @@ Of course I'm not flying illegally, I have a model flight insurance and I am a r
14 14
 printQuadcopterMenu()
15 15
 %-->
16 16
 
17
-The following projects are also related to my Quadcopter endeavours.
17
+The following projects and blog posts are also related to my Quadcopter endeavours.
18 18
 
19 19
 <!--%
20 20
 printQuadcopterRelatedMenu()
21 21
 %-->
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+
23
+You can find all my Betaflight configuration dumps and related files [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs).

+ 3
- 0
input/projects/quadcopters/aurora100.md View File

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ description: 3S LiPo, 100mm frame, 1104 6500KV motors
3 3
 parent: quadcopters
4 4
 position: 20
5 5
 date: 2017-07-17
6
+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/4_aurora100
6 7
 comments: true
7 8
 ---
8 9
 
@@ -58,3 +59,5 @@ tableHelper([ "align-right", "align-last-right", "align-right monospaced"],
58 59
 %-->
59 60
 
60 61
 This write-up was first published on [Rotorbuilds](https://rotorbuilds.com/build/5577).
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+
63
+You can find my Betaflight configuration dumps [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/4_aurora100).

+ 3
- 0
input/projects/quadcopters/aurora90.md View File

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ description: 2S LiPo, 90mm frame, 1103 8000KV motors
3 3
 parent: quadcopters
4 4
 position: 30
5 5
 date: 2017-03-07
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+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/3_aurora90
6 7
 comments: true
7 8
 ---
8 9
 
@@ -112,3 +113,5 @@ lightgallery([
112 113
 %-->
113 114
 
114 115
 This write-up was first published on [Rotorbuilds](https://rotorbuilds.com/build/2428).
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+
117
+You can find my Betaflight configuration dumps [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/3_aurora90).

+ 3
- 0
input/projects/quadcopters/brushed_micro.md View File

@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ parent: quadcopters
4 4
 position: 50
5 5
 date: 2016-10-09
6 6
 update: 2022-05-24
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+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/2_brushed
7 8
 comments: true
8 9
 ---
9 10
 
@@ -55,3 +56,5 @@ tableHelper([ "align-right", "align-last-right", "align-right monospaced"],
55 56
     ]
56 57
 )
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 %-->
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+
60
+You can find my Betaflight configuration dumps [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/2_brushed).

+ 7
- 2
input/projects/quadcopters/lx5.md View File

@@ -3,7 +3,8 @@ description: 4S LiPo, 220mm frame, 2205 2300KV motors
3 3
 parent: quadcopters
4 4
 position: 10
5 5
 date: 2017-11-01
6
-update: 2022-05-23
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+update: 2023-05-14
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+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/5_lx5
7 8
 comments: true
8 9
 ---
9 10
 
@@ -35,7 +36,9 @@ In real-life, the picture doesn't look *that* bad.
35 36
 lightgallery([
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     [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Fv40mtiXZU", "img/xylx5_test_flight_thumb.jpg", "LX5 Quadcopter Test Flight"],
37 38
     [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xgcp8qG9qD8", "img/xylx5_chase_thumb.jpg", "LX5 Quadcopter chase" ],
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-    [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUiboR8pkoA", "img/xylx5_range_thumb.jpg", "LX5 Quadcopter range" ]
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+    [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUiboR8pkoA", "img/xylx5_range_thumb.jpg", "LX5 Quadcopter range" ],
40
+    [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRrjPk51ng0", "Flying below a bridge, over a creek" ],
41
+    [ "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh9_t0R_MWw", "First flights after BF 4.4.1 upgrade" ],
39 42
 ])
40 43
 %-->
41 44
 
@@ -79,3 +82,5 @@ I have 3D printed the following parts for this copter:
79 82
  * ["GEP LX TBS Unify Pro VTX Antenna Holder" by SnappyFPV](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2544507)
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  * ["Adapter for Runcam Micro to Full Size" by phezter](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2616057)
81 84
  * ["FrSky XSR stack mount with holes for zip ties" by tozes](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2171446)
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+
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+You can find my Betaflight configuration dumps [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/5_lx5).

+ 1
- 0
input/projects/quadcopters/rc_equipment.md View File

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ comments: true
10 10
 <!--% backToParent() %-->
11 11
 
12 12
 Over the years of flying quadcopters and other stuff I have grown quite the collection of self-made or customized gear.
13
+I transport it all in a [Quadguard BP X3 backpack](https://www.lowepro.com/global/quadguard-bp-x3-lp37090-pww/).
13 14
 
14 15
 ## Spectator Monitor
15 16
 

+ 3
- 0
input/projects/quadcopters/trifecta.md View File

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ description: 3S LiPo, Quanum Trifecta frame, 2204 2300KV motors
3 3
 parent: quadcopters
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 position: 60
5 5
 date: 2016-05-25
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+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/1_tri
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 comments: true
7 8
 ---
8 9
 
@@ -83,3 +84,5 @@ lightgallery([
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     [ "img/quanum_trifecta_3.jpg", "Poorly 3D printed camera holder" ]
84 85
 ])
85 86
 %-->
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+
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+You can find my Betaflight configuration dumps [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/1_tri).

+ 3
- 0
input/projects/quadcopters/x666.md View File

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ description: 3S LiPo, HobbyKing X666 frame
3 3
 parent: quadcopters
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 position: 70
5 5
 date: 2015-09-28
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+git: https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/0_x666
6 7
 comments: true
7 8
 ---
8 9
 
@@ -66,3 +67,5 @@ tableHelper([ "align-right", "align-last-right", "align-right monospaced"],
66 67
     ]
67 68
 )
68 69
 %-->
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+
71
+You can find my Betaflight configuration dumps [here](https://git.xythobuz.de/thomas/copter-configs/src/branch/master/0_x666).

+ 24
- 5
macros.py View File

@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import os.path
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 import time
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 import codecs
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 from datetime import datetime
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+import urlparse
10 11
 
11 12
 DEFAULT_LANG = "en"
12 13
 BASE_URL = "https://www.xythobuz.de"
@@ -16,8 +17,17 @@ BASE_URL = "https://www.xythobuz.de"
16 17
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
17 18
 
18 19
 def backToParent():
19
-    url = page.get("parent", "") + ".html"
20
-    posts = [p for p in pages if p.url == url]
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+    # check for special parent cases
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+    posts = []
22
+    if page.get("show_in_quadcopters", "false") == "true":
23
+        posts = [p for p in pages if p.url == "quadcopters.html"]
24
+
25
+    # if not, check for actual parent
26
+    if len(posts) == 0:
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+        url = page.get("parent", "") + ".html"
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+        posts = [p for p in pages if p.url == url]
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+
30
+    # print if any parent link found
21 31
     if len(posts) > 0:
22 32
         p = posts[0]
23 33
         print '<span class="listdesc">[...back to ' + p.title + ' overview](' + p.url + ')</span>'
@@ -304,14 +314,23 @@ def lightgallery(links):
304 314
     for l in links:
305 315
         if (len(l) == 3) or (len(l) == 2):
306 316
             link = img = alt = ""
317
+            style = img2 = ""
307 318
             if len(l) == 3:
308 319
                 link, img, alt = l
309 320
             else:
310 321
                 link, alt = l
311
-                x = link.rfind('.')
312
-                img = link[:x] + '_small' + link[x:]
322
+                if "youtube.com" in link:
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+                    img = "https://img.youtube.com/vi/"
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+                    img += urlparse.parse_qs(urlparse.urlparse(link).query)['v'][0]
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+                    img += "/0.jpg" # full size preview
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+                    #img += "/default.jpg" # default thumbnail
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+                    style = ' style="width:300px;"'
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+                    img2 = '<img src="lg/video-play.png" class="picthumb">'
329
+                else:
330
+                    x = link.rfind('.')
331
+                    img = link[:x] + '_small' + link[x:]
313 332
             lightgallery_check_thumbnail(link, img)
314
-            print '<div class="border" data-src="' + link + '"><a href="' + link + '"><img class="pic" src="' + img + '" alt="' + alt + '"></a></div>'
333
+            print '<div class="border" style="position:relative;" data-src="' + link + '"><a href="' + link + '"><img class="pic" src="' + img + '" alt="' + alt + '"' + style + '>' + img2 + '</a></div>'
315 334
         elif len(l) == 5:
316 335
             v_i += 1
317 336
             link, mime, thumb, poster, alt = videos[v_i]

+ 16
- 2
static/css/style.css View File

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
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-@import "sh_bright.min.css";
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-@import "sh_darkness.min.css" (prefers-color-scheme: dark);
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+@import "/css/sh_bright.min.css";
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+@import "/css/sh_darkness.min.css" (prefers-color-scheme: dark);
3 3
 
4 4
 body {
5 5
     font-size: 1.2em;
@@ -239,6 +239,20 @@ span.font-small {
239 239
     cursor: zoom-in;
240 240
 }
241 241
 
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+.border .picthumb {
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+    position: absolute;
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+    top: 50%;
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+    left: 50%;
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+    transform: translate(-50%, -50%);
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+    transition: transform 0.1s;
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+}
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+
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+.border:hover .picthumb {
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+    transform: translate(-50%, -50%) scale(1.1, 1.1);
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+    filter: brightness(75%);
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+    cursor: zoom-in;
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+}
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+
242 256
 .collapse {
243 257
     cursor: pointer;
244 258
     padding: 15px;

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