Where ever you are, I'm hoping you are safe!
Many pilots contact me interested in making "home" simulators. Zaharie along with some others pilots actually used my motion controllers to upgrade the realism of their simulators by building motion platforms.
I feel saddened when I hear the news media with their "theories" of suicide and terrorism of Malaysia Flight 370 at the hands of Zaharie.
I have known him for over a year now and found him to be a good man, husband and father. He was proud of his expertise of do-it-yourself constructions, he even shared with me and a colleague (the now infamous YouTube video) that is being splashed all over the news about his energy efficient air-conditioner.
I'm sick and tired of the negativity the media is spreading about this man without any proof; just theories!
Thinking of you buddy!
Some correspondence about adding motion to his "home" flight simulator (Update:added a few more emails I missed):
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: "tronickod@yahoo.com" <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 8:11 AM
Subject: AMC644USB board
To: "tronickod@yahoo.com" <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 8:11 AM
Subject: AMC644USB board
Dear sir,
I was referred to your web site
by Ian of BFF. I am building a 6dof for FSX. Attached some pix. it is a
6monitors setup on 1 pc. I am interested to know if you have a
complete AMC644USB board to support Ian BFF 6dof software.
if you have for sale
what is your price sir.
Thank you
regards,
zaharie shah
ps I didnt get you name
sir. Is it Nick?
From: Thanos
Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 10:49 AM
Subject: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 10:49 AM
Subject: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
Hi Zaharie,
My name is Thanos. Its
actually short for the greek name Thanasis. Your screen setup looks great!
I still have one more prototype
AMC644USB board left. A guy from France was supposed to buy the last one but
haven't heard anything back from him for days now. This board in combination
with the 6DOF extension board can drive industrial VFD inverters with AC
motors.
You can see it here in a
little demo connected to the 6DOF BFF driver for FSX: http://motionsim.blogspot.com/2012/12/a-test-of-6dof-hardware-with-ians-6dof.html
Of course I can help you
selecting correct size VFD inverters, motors and gearheads for your 6DOF
platform as well.
Regards,
Thanos Kontogiannis
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 5:17 PM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Sunday, December 30, 2012 5:17 PM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
Happy new year Thanos,
Thanks for the swift reply. Please
reserve the AMC644USB board for me. Ok I intend to use 12-24v DC
motor approximately 400watts per motor. will your board support it?
1. Do I have to buy a DC
motor controller to couple to your card?
2.Can you send the
Paypal request so I can make the payment immediately.
3. Can you sent the PDF
or something so I can start reading while the board arrives.Or do you have a
website I can collect the info.
regards
zaharie shah
Capt b777 with MAS.
From: Thanos
Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 9:19 AM
Subject: Σχετ: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 9:19 AM
Subject: Σχετ: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
Happy New year Zaharie,
To your questions:
1. Yes, you need to
obtain motor drivers (also known as h-bridges). The only DC motor driver that I
know is compatible with my 6DOF extension is the Sabertooth 2x12 which
has analog input mode. All other known DC motor drivers require PWM that is not
possible for 6 motors in this version. I plan to try to move a bigger
microcontroller that can handle more hardware PWM signals in about one-two
months using ATmega1280 microcontroller. But I can't say for sure yet. Not
until I test the performance of these since they need lower crystal frequency.
The 6DOF extension board
is designed for control signals for VFD inverters that drive AC motors
(110v-220v) but I can adjust the output signal to be compatible with Sabertooth 2x12 in
analog positioning mode.
2. I'll send you a
paypal request promptly.
3. I'll have
documentation about the board available in a few days as I'm changing
information for the new additions I made the last month. I'll send you a copy
as soon is possible. For now you can see in this video most of its
functionality: http://motionsim.blogspot.com/2012/12/amc644usb-6dof-firmware-menu-system.html
Regards,
Thanos Kontogiannis
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 11:15 AM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 11:15 AM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: Σχετ: AMC644USB board
Happy New Year Thanos,
I am afraid the
Sabertooth 2x12 is not good enough . I need controller rated at least 30 amps
to be on the safe side.
But dont you worry about
my problem. I can adapt my plan to suit your original setup i.e " The 6DOF
extension board is designed for control signals for VFD inverters that drive AC
motors (110v-220v)."
So you dont have to
make any adjustment from your original setup, thank you.
1. Is this for AMC644USB board only?
2. What about the 6dof extension board. Do I have to buy separately?
3. Can you please amend the invoice to reflect no adjustment made
for sabertooth 2x12.
rgds
zaharie
~
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 7:22 PM
Subject: Shanghai dawn
Morning Thanos,
Thanks for working with me on this project.
Yes , please send me the new board AMC1280USB controller.
I will complete the transaction as soon as I get home to Malaysia.
Question
1. Will the new board work with( MD03 -
24Volt 20Amp H Bridge Motor Drive by Devantech)?
2. Is there any other DC motor drive
that will work with your board with higher Amp rating.?
rgds,
zaharie
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 11:27 AM
Subject: BFF
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 11:27 AM
Subject: BFF
Additionally all I want
is a controller that can read BFF 6dof fsx by Ian and deliver ac motor
output as you mention
regards
zaharie
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 9:25 PM
Subject: VFD INVERTER
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, December 31, 2012 9:25 PM
Subject: VFD INVERTER
Thanos,
from what i understand about VFD INVERTER it
is only to save energy which I m not interested because
motion platform usage limited to half hour. Any thing more that that will give u motion sickness.(no
longer fun)
Trust me on this haha.
question
1. Can your
6dof extension board be connected directly to AC motor with
potentiometer control couple to the mechanical arm to
control the motor output?
Please correct me
where I am wrong.
regards zaharie
From: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 7:48 PM
Subject: Σχετ: VFD INVERTER
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 1, 2013 7:48 PM
Subject: Σχετ: VFD INVERTER
Hi Zaharie,
The VFD inverter is
primarily used to soft-start AC motors for big loads. But in the newer VFD
inverter there are extra functions to reverse the motor direction or even set
PID parameters to fit your motor. You can fully adjust how strong the motion is
going to be or even limit the max speed of the motors.
To your other questions:
1. No, the 6DOF
extension board produces the analog and digital signals required from the VFD
inverter. It can produce signals for up to 6 VFD inverters. You cannot connect
the AC motor directly on the 6DOF extension board.
2. You still use a
potentiometer connected on the motors mechanical arm to provide position
feedback to the AMC644USB board.
And some sad news, the
last AMC644USB board was sold this morning. The French guy finally made
the payment so I had to give it to him as he inquired for it months ago. I'll
order tomorrow morning the production of some prototypes of my newer model the AMC1280USB that
will be able to handle 6 PWM and/or analog control modes as well and double
serial communication speed (500kbps). Same price. It should be ready within a
month. You can pre-order this prototype model if you like.
Regards,
Thanos Kontogiannis
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 1:27 AM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: VFD INVERTER
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 1:27 AM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: VFD INVERTER
Hi Thanos,
Thanks for the info. Now its a
bit clearer as to the AMC644 SETUP. I am now in Shanghai (work related). Pretty
cold ya.
As soon I get back
home I will get to our transaction ok.
The sad news could be a
blessing maybe. Now I can get your new AMC1280USB ,hahah
Question
(6PWM
and/or analog control modes). Isnt that for DC motor control ?
If yes, can it take on
RC SERVOS DIRECTLY?
REGARDS,
zaharie shah
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 6:03 PM
Subject: FW: aircon
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 6:03 PM
Subject: FW: aircon
hi Guys ,
How u today. I just finish
making video on how to save electricity with aircon unit. enjoy !!!!!
check link part1......http://youtu.be/Qykj3FeG-p4
part2........http://youtu.be/ep2-sNzLq_4
regards,
zaharie
From: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 7:09 PM
Subject: Σχετ: aircon
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2013 7:09 PM
Subject: Σχετ: aircon
That's really cool. Good
job! Most of the houses here have central air or window
units air-conditioners and its not so easy to access
the pressure tank like this.
BTW its freezing here
for California, its down to 3 Celsius tonight!
Regards,
Thanos Kontogiannis
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 5:17 AM
Subject: RE: ????: aircon
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 5:17 AM
Subject: RE: ????: aircon
What! in california?
OMG. All this while I thought u r in Greece. Hehe LOL !
Sent from my Nokia phone
Sent from my Nokia phone
From: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 7:39 AM
Subject: Σχετ: ????: aircon
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 7:39 AM
Subject: Σχετ: ????: aircon
Yes, I have been in
southern California for 1.5 years now. I wish I would have known about this
while I was in Greece, I had an aircon like this! :P
Regards,
Thanos Kontogiannis
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 6:49 PM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: ????: aircon
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, January 11, 2013 6:49 PM
Subject: RE: Σχετ: ????: aircon
Morning Thanos,
My mistake for assuming you are in Greece. Should have asked that way
before.
I am being nosey
here .LOL. But do work for some electronic or software firm in California?
Regards,
Zaharie
From: zaharie
shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 7:57 PM
Subject: AMC 644
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 7:57 PM
Subject: AMC 644
Hi
Thanos,
Received the package today.
Nice packaging. No damage as to my earlier fear.
Busy upgrading my pc
with new motherboard Rampage extreme. Will test AMC soon after.
cheers,
thks again.
regards,
zaharie
(EDIT by Thanos: I happen to find some photos of the actual package I sent him!)
http://murobbs.plaza.fi/1712893472-post3745.html
~
From: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 4:50 AM
Subject: RE: contactless position sensor
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 4:50 AM
Subject: RE: contactless position sensor
THANKS A LOT. Without
that diagram I doubt I could find the terminals because I was looking at
the edges of the board.
This should keep
me busy for two weeks at least.
One final question
DIP 1,2,4 What should it be ? on or off. And
what are they for ?
cheers,
Zaharie Shah
From: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7:46 PM
Subject: Re: contactless position sensor
To: zaharie shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 7:46 PM
Subject: Re: contactless position sensor
Hi Zaharie,
Dip1: enables/disables
the LCD menu. Its a little bit faster if its disabled, so when you are ready
with all settings you can disable this (off position)
Dip2: Selects Serial
speed (ON: 125kbps, OFF 256kbps)
Dip4: Can't remember
right now, I have it do something but I have to go back in the code to have a
look... Really need to put together that file library for the AMC1280 with
proper documentation.
Regards,
Thanos Kontogiannis
From: zaharie
shah <zaharies@hotmail.com>
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 2:20 AM
Subject: RE: contactless position sensor
To: Thanos Kontogiannis <tronickod@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 10, 2013 2:20 AM
Subject: RE: contactless position sensor
Thks alot Thanos,
I think I hv enough on my
plate for now. I will send u the video once a get the motor running.
cheers,
zaharie
~
(EDIT by Thanos: I happen to find some photos of the actual package I sent him!)
http://murobbs.plaza.fi/1712893472-post3745.html
From his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/zaharie.shah.3?fref=ts
Thanos, 2014
Wow, somehow, your post managed to tear me up a little. I'm just thinking about how this man's family and acquaintances are going to feel when they hear about everyone pointing fingers on this guy who seems to be so nice and friendly!!! I can only imagine the heart break they all have.....
ReplyDeleteMay allah saves him and the crew n passengers
ReplyDeleteTq for this. Im really hope people who talk negative about him will read this.
ReplyDeleteWow... from the emails, I know now Captain Zaharie is a good and passionate man. No wonder he can built that simulator. I understand from engineering sense of view, what he had built is really an art. And both of you are an artists. I really hope journalists stop speculating things and some people should stop trusting FB and othe social media. We know nothing about aircraft engineering and shouldn't try to be smart. We are just ordinary people. A million thank you again to Mr. Thanos.
ReplyDeleteVery Impressive article. I honestly appreciate for your article.
ReplyDeletefeel positive energy.