Differences Between Analog and Flight Controllers
Many people may wonder about the difference between a computer controlled (CCD) and an analog. The term ‘analog’ is relative, although both control systems do use electrical impulses to transmit information to the device. In the case of CCU’s, there is no mechanical way to transmit information to the device. The term ‘computer controlled’ is used to describe a device that has been programmed in order to send signals to the device as a means of controlling how the device behaves.
When one is referring to an analog, it is referring to the signal that comes from the flight controller. An analog signal is like a digital signal in the sense that they have the same waveform. The difference is that they do not go through a resistor or capacitor when traveling through the air. This is a great advantage for a flight controller, as it does not require any power. The controller only requires that the signal be sent to the device to be read.
The flight controller is connected to a current generator. The controller sends a signal into the current generator. It is this current that is used to power the system.
An analog control is much like a flight controller in that it uses electrical signals to function, but it is not connected to a current generator. Instead, the control utilizes signals derived from electronic logic gates to generate the signals that it sends to the devices.
The functions of an analog and a flight controller are very similar in that both control systems must send signals from the device to the controller in order to generate the control signals. If a signal is not received by the controller, the device will not respond to the commands being sent to it.
One of the main differences between the two controllers is the design. While the flight controller is a more complex device, an analog is easier to program.
In the case of a flight controller, the control is connected to the engine’s throttle, which then sends a signal to the other control unit. The throttle is designed to make the engine fly faster and higher, while the speed and pressure are then calculated by the controller. It is the response of the engine that makes the controller to move up or down on the plane.
For an analog controller, the process is a little different, as the signal is generated in a way that does not require a current generator. For an analog signal, a transistor or diode is used as the source of the signal. There is no need for a current generator, as the signal is generated through a resistor and capacitor.
A flight controller is more complicated than an analog one, as the device needs to be able to transmit signals without taking power from the battery. These signals will either be from the electronic keypad on the control panel, or they will be directly sent to the flight controller. The transmitter will be in the form of a radio signal, and the receiver will be in the form of an infrared tag, but either way the flight controller will require an antenna.
As soon as the aircraft is airborne, the radio signal is sent to the transmitter. The signal that is sent to the controller will consist of data such as altitude, time of flight, GPS coordinates, and the pilot’s time.
With the information received, the controller will then determine if the aircraft is above the horizon and has enough power to remain airborne. The controller will then run some numbers and determine what the best way to land the aircraft is. This is the main difference between the two controllers.
The main advantage of the CCU is that it is more user friendly. No matter the type of flight controller that you are using, there is always the option of plugging in the transmitter and having the transmitter to work with the flight controller. With that being said, it is best to understand what type of system you are using in order to ensure that you are using the proper type of system to be used for your needs.
