At last, I was able to get the payloader into the field today! A good day for it too - moderate breeze, so a good test of 3.1.2 loiter as well. It flew great - the hex barely even noticed the weight, and Nicadrones magnet worked perfectly with a sub kilo load - was able to sling it about no problem.
So spent a couple of packs doing practise runs (only a few were filmed), but it's becoming obvious that to deliver payloads, you need a very clear technique - for one, you need to be near to target ground level - 2-3 metres being ideal. Any higher and you will be off target, or worse - damage the contents. And to deliver it with precision, you *definitely* need a board cam and an FPV switcher! Once I get my DVR replaced, I'll do a shot from the two onboard board cameras, so you can see what I mean
But so far - it's coming together well. Next prototype will have the full length strengthening bar to make the light and board cam easier to use - while better, it still bounces a bit. The other option is to strip the light down to it's component parts - of the 180g it weights, most of that is the metal case.
I'm also not happy with the light itself - I'll post the second dark video from the stabilised spotlight. Yes, it works, but it's not good enough for me. I want better stability, more range (it only has about 70' range of travel in tilt), and the light itself is not good enough - one bright spot, and weak edges. I want a more even beam.
Onwards to the next prototype and full auto testing! Next test - full APM auto mission with waypoint payload drop. Also and increase in weight to 1.5kg.
Comments
Yes, but would be happy for unit to be demonstrated outside of Switzerland.
When I get round to running a batch of production versions (ideally around the time arducopter 3.2 is out), I'll send them out to volunteers.
Of course servo version have been round a while, but their reliability for release is not great, as it's a physical action. Guaranteed it will jam, just when you don't need it to.
This version does not jam as it has no moving parts.
The mount itself is a simple "4 poster", which will fit anything from 35x35 to 55x55. If you have a 45x45 Alexmos or Martinez controlled gimbal, this will slot right in place there.
Nicely done, Euan, thanks for sharing. Are you in touch with and Search & Rescue teams who may be interested in piloting your payloader?
Agreed re a warning beeper/buzzer, and maybe flashing lights.
This seems alot simpler to use/retro fit to any multi
http://www.infinity-hobby.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=10535
http://www.infinity-hobby.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=10471
Might be nice if you could delay the actual drop to be 5 seconds or so after you engage the switch, accompanied by a warning beeper/buzzer. That way if you somehow flip the switch, you have 5 seconds of warning beeps to flick it back before you prematurely drop your bandaids and fail the mission.
Cool, thanks Randy.
@ Akrcguy - I ran a few packs of tests, doing on/off cycles, and had *zero* interference in flight. Maybe the logs will show something, but I had zero issues with it, and I used Loiter exclusively for all the drops. I would have expected to see some strange yaw events during the drops, but the hex was rock solid the whole time. Not even that much movement in the z axis either - I was expecting a bigger lurch as the weight suddenly changed, but the APM had it well under control. Having said that, my compassmot was 0% before I fitted the magnet, and you can see the height I have the GPS/compass at.
@ John - Yes, the maxxeon spread is *exactly* what I want! The two images are exactly my issue... I have the one on the right, but I want the spread from the image on the left...unfortunately, that light is not powerful enough.
Very nice demonstration video! I've stuck it at the bottom of the wiki page as well as a reference.
@AKRCGUY,
The EPM will be fully supported once AC3.2 is out but we have set-up instructions on the wiki ahead of that including how to connect it directly to your receiver (as long as it's not a ppmsum receiver). The creator did some testing on magnetic interference as well and as long as you keep it 10cm from the compass you should have no problems.
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