I would like to build a UAV
First of all thank you, this is a great website and will help me loads :)
And also can I say, I admit. I am a complete noob to this forum, which is why I didn't know where to post this topic. Sorry.
Anyway, on with my project:
I plan to build a relatively cheap UAV which can fly around 2 miles away, with a wireless camera mounted, and a reciever which connects to my laptop via USB and has the ability to record. I don't want anything too fancy, no auto-pilot or anything. just the basics
Here's what I propose to use
A scale predator UAV RC Electric airplane with a 74.8in wingspan
A 2.4GHz Wireless Camera (note I will not be using the Reciever that comes with it)
A 2.4GHz Wireless USB camera reciever & recording Software
TP Link 2.4GHz 15dbi Outdoor Omni-Directional Antenna
Now, here are my problems and questions.
I understand that the USB reciever needs a power source, but because I plan to set up the station outside, I was thinking either somehow getting solar power or using power from the laptop via USB. So what should I use to power it? Also I am British, so it would need to configure with british outputs etc.
Would this camera and reciever work together? What range would they have?
I understand that I need a radio, any reccomendations?
Would all this equipment work smoothly together?
How long would the batteries last in the UAV?
What modifications would i need to make in order to make the camera fit the UAV?
Is there anything else I have missed? any reccomendations?
And finally, is this worth it?
Thanks for all your time, and your help would be greatly appreciated
Ash
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Torella on -
we use this site for gear and electronics..... but this transmitter works for long rang i think its rated for use in the uk as well.. http://www.sparkfun.com/products/9411 . it has a usb kit linked and i belive it also works with digital video
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Permalink Reply by Jeffrey Torella on
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i just use one in my home desktop. linked to my car pc. plus a few other things. ive linked to a simple video digicam. i have security issues
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Quick answers:
Don't use USB stuff in the air. Autopilots don't support USB and there are much better camera/wireless solutions designed for aircraft that you can find linked here.
Don't start with a Predator. It's a huge pain to build and you'll probably crash your first UAV (everybody does). Start with a smaller foam plane like an EasyStar
You can't fly 2 miles away in the UK. It's illegal. You have to stay within sight.
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Permalink Reply by Ash Stone on -
i've flown a UAV before, and i'm not using an autopilot. but i agree that the predator is a bit big.
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Permalink Reply by Johann Van Niekerk on -
Your building a UAV but not using a Autopilot?
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Yes, I'm confused, too. Ash, what do you mean by "UAV"?
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Permalink Reply by Johann Van Niekerk on
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Are you planning on flying the plane manually all the time?
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
All UAVs have autopilots, which is why we're confused. If you just want to fly a RC plane with video, that's not a UAV.
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Permalink Reply by Ash Stone on
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oh. well that shows how much of a noob i am. sorry for the wasted time. how much does a cheap autopilot cost then?
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Permalink Reply by Johann Van Niekerk on
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On main page Ash FAQ for nebies everything you need .
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