Ruby Simulator

You can simulate a mission in Ground Control, with Ruby hardware "in the loop", connected via the USB port.

This can be helpful for practice and teaching demonstration.

Overview

In simulation mode, the Ground Control software will act as a flight simulator. For operation, it currently requires that the Ruby autopilot be connected. ("Hardware in the loop"). Instead of obtaining position, orientation, and sensor information from actual sensors, Ruby will receive simulated values from Ground Control software via USB port. Ruby will send its normal telemetry stream back to Ground Control through the USB connection.

Servos, motor, handheld receiver will remain active.

Because the motor will be active, *** disconnect motor or remove propeller or before simulation!

Install the driver

It's necessary to install a driver to enable Windows to connect to Ruby via the USB port.

Be sure that USB is disconnected from Ruby

** Remove propeller

Apply power to Ruby

Plug in USB [after powering up Ruby]

In Windows, open up control panel: Device Manager

If the driver for Ruby USB has not yet been loaded, it will appear as "USBSerial" under "Other Devices":

Right-click on USBSerial, select "update usb driver..."

"Browse my computer for driver..." (not "Search the internet")

Navigate to:

C:\Program Files\uThere\uThere Ground Control\usbser_driver_installer

Press "OK"

You will see a warning about the driver not being verified. Press "install this driver anyway"

You should then see: "Windows has sucessfully updated your driver software": uTHERE Ruby direct connect

In the Device Manager, you should now see:

 

 

Run simulator

You'll want to run the sim using USB connection to Ruby rather than radio modem. You might as well also use USB to load the configuration.

** The USB interface is currently very picky about how and when it is connected:

) If connected to Ruby in Ground Control, close the connection, unplug USB from Ruby, and cycle Ruby power.

) Don't plug USB cable back in until you see red or green blinking lights.

) Click "Connect" again in GC.

) Open desired displays in GC (avoid HUD for now).
To display map, select Position display and right click on it to select one of the "107th" overlays. Right click again and select "show all map".

) Select Developer: Run/Restart Simulator. This will place the plane 600 ft above a home position in farmland.

) You should see the plane come to life at this point, maintaining altitude, airspeed,, and circling position.

) Be sure to click on "arm throttle" at top right, otherwise the sim will just glide to the ground.