A.R.F.

9.19.2009

I made a few changes to how things will be done.  First the technical:

> The on-board GPS is not going to be optional.  Its output will be brought to the connector, as always.  The thinking here is that I need to keep options to a minimum in order to manage this.

> There will no longer be an on-board FLASH device.  You will need to either purchase a microSD card or use one you already have.  This allows the device a LOT more flexibility.  I can have larger databases, store logging data if I choose and add more features more easily.

> The initial sales of the units will be as complete boards, without a case.  The case is up in the air as to whether I will initially offer a pre-machined one, depending upon demand.  I may in fact ONLY offer a complete unit in a case.  There are some details yet to be worked out here.  Depending upon demand, I may offer the kits at a later time.  The issue is related to how to make the surface-mounted components easy to deal with.

> Both the microSD and GPS are now located on a daughter card.  These are small surface-mount components and this allows me to produce this card independent of the main board in case I do offer the kit.

> The microSD card is formatted in FAT16 or FAT32 so that it is PC compatible.  This will make putting new firmware and databases onto ARF *MUCH* simpler!  You don't have to remove the unit, only the card.  Take it to your PC and copy the files to the card.  Put it back in ARF and you're good to go.

2.24.2009

I've come to feel that one more change is truly necessary before releasing ARF.  I need to eliminate the need for a serial cable attached to your PC to update the firmware and database.  To that end, I'm removing the on-board FLASH and replacing it with a micro-SD card.  That way, one can simply copy files from their PC to the card, put it in and go.  While in that process, I will be replacing the GPS with an optional hybrid module, since the one I use now is too expensive.  These changes will make ARF a much more desirable product.