Hey guys,
I came across this site from a link on reddit, and I immediately became interested in this project. I think my dad and I are going to try and build an ArduCopter, but there are a few things I need to know...
- Of all the kits to build it with, which is the most complete, and what else will we need to get with it? We want to be able to use the Telemetry kit, and possible sonar if it doesn't get too pricey.
- We would like to be able to have a live camera feed (possibly two if possible - one on the bottom that gives the live image, and another in front to see what's ahead, but the former is more important). It would be nice if we could control that camera to tilt too.
- Are there any ways to extend the range that the telemetry kit provides? I've read it gets a little under a mile, but if there's a way to make it higher than that it'd be cool.
- How reliable are these? Just curious, because it would suck to put all that time and money into something for it to end up malfunctioning and crashing!
We're trying to keep the cost low as well. This is more of a hobby thing, so the camera wouldn't have to be professional grade (although ideally the quality wouldn't be bad).
Thanks so much, looking forward to starting this project!
Replies
You want range over a mile? What are you planning to use as a radio to control it with? Most of your normal 2.4ghz systems are not going to work if you are trying to control it that far. Same with a video transmitter so that you can see the live view off of your cameras, if you are planning on flying that far away you will definitely be trying to fly it via the view out of the cameras so you had better have a pretty reliable video transmitter/receiver.
None of this is cheap. The dragonlink tx module and rx is one way to get that kind of control range, but that alone is going to run you over 500 bucks. Plus a transmitter to put them into.
Also - over a mile in range, most of the multi rotor copters fly for about 8-12 minutes depending on payload being carried (cameras, video transmitters, battery size, etc). And they don't fly fast, 15-20mph maybe. So you aren't going to get all that far away on a single flight unless you try carrying lots of really big batteries, which reduces the amount of payload carrying capacity to use for cameras and such.
You mentioned keeping the cost low. What is low to you? Given your goals I would expect to be spending in the $2000 range at least.
@Cory,
This kit from the diydrones store has much of what you want. I'd recommend starting with that..plus perhaps the sonar, get that working and then add the telemetry and camera later.
The code is pretty stable but everybody crashes eventually. They're more durable and cheaper to repair than a standard RC helicopter..but still, you'll likely crash so you better be prepared to buy some spare parts.
@Willy,
You need the compass for loiter (i.e. position hold) and way points. Basically for any kind of autopilot type function you need the compass. It can't rely on the gps for direction (like you can see in your car) because quads can go in any direction and a gps actually calculates the direction, not from the way the quad is facing but from it's direction of movement. You really need a compass.
Hallo,
I am a bit new on UAV and like to buy a total sytem to make the gaui 330 i did buy stabil and most of all save. I mean that i can make preselections like return to home fly to waypoints and autoleveling.
I supose with the ArdupilotMega 2.0 i will have a total syteem.
I like task why the external compas is need for.
I also like to ask about the telemetry kit why that item can be used for. I supose to give instructions direct from the laptop. Is there need for some more items to manage that.
Can somepeople with more expierience give info nabout that.
Or if there are some extra's needed to have a excellent result let me know.
Willy