Althold referencing the ceiling

Hello,

I'm just starting up with a project where the copter has to fly under the ceiling and holding a certain distance ~20cm.

One solution could be, to do that manual or in Standard Alt-Hold mode using barometer. But the much better solution would be to hold a certain height referencing the distance to the ceiling by using a sonar.

Does anybody have experiences in doing that?

Do you think I'll need to setup a new flight mode? "reversed alt-hold" ;)

Thanks for your replies in advance.

Cheerz

Daniel

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  • Hey daniel , we have done this  for our patented airborne barcode scanning system with downward facing sonar/SF10 liaser. check out these videos, currently works with maxbotic sonar and/or lightware laser. 

    We could easily transfer it to the top for you.

    we used a simple method: we have our own dronescan board which goes between the RC receiver and the APM. When you flick a switch on your TX, it engages our dronescan autopilot. 

    The dronescan autopilot in turn engages alt-hold on the APM. Then dronescan checks the SF10/maxbotic and sends up/down throttle commands to the APM. It lets through your left/right stick movements straight to the APM

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjRofmJjq68

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZByx9MLFdo

    • Hello Jasper,

      thanks for your reply.

      The videos look really impressive!

      I'm pretty sure, this would also work for our application.

      But first, I'd like to try just the laser-rangefinder with inverted output. This could be the easiest way if it works.

      It's better for us, to reach the goal with a minimum of different components... Or what would be the advantage in using the dronescan board for my application?

      Best regards

      Daniel

      • Daniel - KISS - Keep it simple.

        the direct laser is the best way if it works. if not then contact me.

        The dronescan board has telemetry back to a pc and you can set the height remotely from a windows app. not sure if you need this feature, if you do i am sure you could accomplish the same using  APM mission planner . 

  • 20cm is mighty close to the roof. Have you considered the reverse ground effect? I'm not familiar with it in aircraft (not a common problem) but it's a big issue in nautical systems where moving close to a fixed boundary lowers the pressure and induces a very strong pull. Rotor marks on the ceiling? Maybe use a 20cm rod with a switch on the end to sense the roof. That way it can also act as a safety device. :)

    • yeah it is... manually flying works but it's not that easy and you need a high mental presence... ;)

      That's why I was thinking about a solution that offers a more "guided" variant for the application.

      maybe I will try a mechanical solution with some elements on the copter to keep the distance...

      But I can't stop thinking about a copter which hold the distance automatically using a sensor. That's why I'm looking for someone to give me a hint, where to start. :)

      • It might be possible to invert the output from a sensor so that the controls come out the correct way around.

        If the sensor has an analog output (eg SF10 laser) then you can feed this through an inverting amplifier.

        If the sensor has a PWM output (eg Maxbotix ultrasonic) then you can use a digital inverting gate.

        Of course this assumes that the sensor chosen will operate down to <0.2m so you will need to confirm this first (the SF10 will operate down to zero distance).

        • Thanks for the reply and the hint.

          I think the laser will be better... is it possible to invert the output range in the firmware?

          i just found the formula V=a*2.56*c but this will not suit... changing the formula will not work? ^^ like

          v = 2,56 / ( a * c )

          If not, do you know a suitable inverting amplifier?

          Is lightware your company?

          • Yes, the firmware can be changed to give an inverted output. The reason why I'm interested in your project is because there may be other people who also want to use inverted controls and, if that's the case, we could add the inverted output as a standard option. Could you give us an idea of why you need to follow the ceiling and not just follow the floor?

            FYI, I work for LightWare but don't own the company.

            • Cool! So that's maybe a win-win situation. :)

              I've got a customer who needs to do measurements in buildings. Therefore he needs to hold a certain distance to the ceiling. Floor is not possible, because there may be furniture or production machines...

              so how shall we proceed? wmeasurable range should be 0 (ceiling) - 20m (floor)...

              You can also contact me by mail. dschmitt@rotorkonzept.de

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