Revision 7.10
2/28/2012
10. How to use Glider Simulators
Glider simulators are very useful for testing glider missions before deployment on an
actual glider and for training glider personal without risking an actual glider. Glider
simulators can be controlled through Dock Server similar to a real glider. Dock Server
makes no distinction between real gliders and glider simulators.
Two basic types of glider simulators are available – a pocket simulator and a shoebox
simulator. The pocket simulator only contains a flight persistor processor; there is no
freewave transceiver, iridium modem, or science persistor processor. The shoebox
simulator has a flight persistor with optional freewave transceiver, iridium modem, or
science persistor.
The following sections describe connecting glider simulators to Dock Server’s hardware
and the important behavior differences between simulators and actual gliders from a
Dock Server viewpoint.
10.1 Pocket Glider Simulators
10.1.1 Connecting to Dock Server Hardware
Pocket glider simulators can be connected to Dock Server hardware by direct serial
cable. To connect a pocket simulator to a Dock Server machine, follow these steps.
1.
Connect one end of a serial cable to the RS232 port on the simulator and the other
end to a Dock Server machine serial port. Figure 101 shows a direct connection
between a pocket simulator and a Dock Server machine.
NOTE: Pocket simulators must be connected to a serial port configured as a “direct”
device. Serial port 4 on the 4port USB serial adaptor is factory configured as a
“direct” device. Refer to section 2.6 to change the factorydelivered serial port
configuration.
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