Re: [Paparazzi-devel] Critical conditions for IR thermopiles

[Andrew S]

Hello Reto
yes, IR thermopiles have some problems. Sometimes there are angles estimation 
inaccuracy and low contrast. They are unusable in the rain, snow. When snow is 
falling, temperature of the sky and ground are the same. When one side of the 
sky is rainy and another clear, you can get bad angles estimation. In the rain 
forward thermopiles get some water on the glass, and you have pitch error. The 
most reliable fly you can get only in the good weather conditions.
Andrew

23.08.10, 18:37, "Reto Büttner" <address@hidden>:

> Hello all,
>  
>  has anyone experienced problems with IR thermopiles in flight?
>  
>  I am thinking of exotic meteorological conditions where the IR
>  contrast between sky and earth might be to small. Or when flying in
>  fog or clouds. Or when flying in mountains close to terrain. My
>  paparazzi planes with IR thermopiles have worked fine until now, but I
>  just have been flying in nice weather conditions. I have read a lot
>  how robust IR thermopiles are to various meteorological conditions,
>  including flights in the arctic.
>  
>  On the other hand many people in the community are not quite sure,
>  prefer IMU solutions and there are rumors of projects that have not
>  worked due to IR thermopile issues. I appreciate the efforts of
>  numerous people to integrating an IMU into paparazzi, but for my
>  project I am not sure if it is worth the effort.
>  
>  Has anyone experienced the limitations of IR thermopiles?
>  
>  Reto
>  
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