Hi Guys,I am a final year Mechatronics Engineer at Curtin University in Australia and am look for some advice on autopilots. I have decided to create one as my Project this year. I have recently discovered that there are two possible ways to do this, either using thermopiles, or building an IMU unit with the UAV DevBoard. My question is, would I be biting off more than I could chew to contemplate creating an IMU unit? I have basic programming skills and fairly decent electronics skills. I have never looked at anything like this at all though so I dont know which way to go with this.Thanks in advance,Will
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Ok, my project has now been finalized and narrowed down a little. The main objective is now to implement a 6-DOF IMU (which I am building from individual breakout boards and an AVR ATMega8535 Chip) for under $500. The secondary objective, which does not necessarily need to be accomplished (depending on how complex the first task turns out to be) is to use this system to control something. The main components I have selected for the IMU are listed below:
3 x Gyros : LISY300AL (Seems to be popular + easier to deal with analogue outputs than PWM)
1 x 3-Axis Accelerometer: MMA7260Q
GPS Module: EM-406 (For Yaw Compensation)
Other assorted parts such as voltage regulators
Micro-controller will be the ATMega8535 which runs at 8MHz on its internal clock.
I chose this processor because I am familiar with AVR programming. I am not sure how much processing power will be required for a 6-DOF IMU unit. I plan on using a Kalman Filter which I am aware requires a fair bit of processing power. Would you guys recommend that I look at a more powerful chip? This chip can also be run at MHz using an external oscillator which is another option. My last question is if there is any open-source Kalman Filter Code available for a 6-DOF system?
Hey Will.
As it happens I'm an EFY student at Curtin and considering mechatronics next year.
I have all the required gear for the ardupilot except an airframe (just waiting on and order from HobbyCity)
I would be happy to meet up and show you everything if you are interested. You can email my Curtin address: nicholas.sargeant"remove me"@student.curtin."remove me"edu.au
Cheers,
Nick
I should also add that I am a relatively experianced pilot. I own an F16 EDF and a HET Super Tucano. The Super Tucano flys at about 90km/hr and is what I will be attempting to control. I would like to control it with ailerons and elevator alone. The final product does note require node tracking. It will simply be a stabalisation/return to base autopilot designed to save your plane in the event of radio drop out etc...
The UAVDevBoard is pretty easy to use (it's prebuilt--you don't need to assemble anything), but it's not a full autopilot (just RTL; no waypoints or ground station).
Replies
3 x Gyros : LISY300AL (Seems to be popular + easier to deal with analogue outputs than PWM)
1 x 3-Axis Accelerometer: MMA7260Q
GPS Module: EM-406 (For Yaw Compensation)
Other assorted parts such as voltage regulators
Micro-controller will be the ATMega8535 which runs at 8MHz on its internal clock.
I chose this processor because I am familiar with AVR programming. I am not sure how much processing power will be required for a 6-DOF IMU unit. I plan on using a Kalman Filter which I am aware requires a fair bit of processing power. Would you guys recommend that I look at a more powerful chip? This chip can also be run at MHz using an external oscillator which is another option. My last question is if there is any open-source Kalman Filter Code available for a 6-DOF system?
Regards,
Will
As it happens I'm an EFY student at Curtin and considering mechatronics next year.
I have all the required gear for the ardupilot except an airframe (just waiting on and order from HobbyCity)
I would be happy to meet up and show you everything if you are interested. You can email my Curtin address: nicholas.sargeant"remove me"@student.curtin."remove me"edu.au
Cheers,
Nick
:)
Thanks