I specialize in bridging the gap between digital logic and mechanical reality. With a foundation in
Navy Nuclear Power as a qualified Reactor Operator and a degree in Electrical Engineering
from NC State, I bring a rigorous, mission-critical perspective to embedded systems and software design.
The VectorFlight Pegasus Control System was an ambitious engineering goal. I wanted to build an IP Controlled drone before drones were a thing. I spent years researching network behavior such as packet loss, misordered, packets, latency etc. I made a responsive, light and yet robost communication protcol.
I made a physics simulation and a flight control algorithm that runs inside it. I discovered years later that NASA calls this "Software in the loop". I build a circuit board with mems gyroscope, acceleratoeter, compass, barometer, and motor controllers. and wrote drivers for each. The next step would have been to build a giant gymbal and begin physical "vector" PID tuning of the parameters. About this same time, drones appeared everywhere and I paused developmentthough it still has unique features to this day.
Ever since my earliest memories, I've been a tinkerer. I spent my high school evenings writing computer programs. Now I own my own company, have a website, and have done at least one substantial job while paying my own taxes. I can assess your situation and quickly provide the custom electronic circuits and/or computer programs to meet your needs. I've written mission-critical software and, having underwater nuclear experience, I understand administration and the effects downtime can have on your operation.
Claims & Milestones:
1999 Western Carolina High School Programming Contest Winner
This control system had half a dozen valves and a variable swashplate pump. Each change of direction felt like a "symphony" and the motion of each unit needed to be coordinated via software.
3D Modelling Examples
Solid Works Example
I did these as a personal hobby while in college at NCSU. I used this with the VectorFlight program referenced above.
Like the in-care MP3 player described above, this drone was before drones were a thing.
I modeled the drone and Logitech camera with SolidWorks based on what woudl be practical to physically buidl with balsawood.
I also modeled, ordered, then personally populated the circuit board which is shown in the circuit thumbnail shown above.
Physical
Modeled
SketchUp and NI Multisim
I did this in SketchUp of a lot I once owned.
I used Lidar data, lastools and python scripts to turn the topography into a Sketchup model.
I then modeled a driveway before abandoning this build and selling the lot.
This is the circuit board in the drone shown above.
Ever since my earliest memories, I've been a tinkerer. I spent my high school evenings writing computer programs. Now I own my own company, have a website, and have done at least one substantial job while paying my own taxes. I can assess your situation and quickly provide the custom electronic circuits and/or computer programs to meet your needs. I've written mission-critical software and, having underwater nuclear experience, I understand administration and the effects downtime can have on your operation.
