I want to build my own customizable Quadcopter, as a research platform for indoor outdoor autonomous flight.
I already own a Hubsan mini quad, Eachine 250 FPV racer, and a 3DR Solo. I am proficient pilot for all 3 platforms.
I have already customized my 3DR Solo with a FPV camera rig that works quite well (utilizing the video monitor/receiver that shipped with my Eachine 250).
But I am finding the 3DR Solo difficult to customize (still waiting on my Accessory Bay Breakout Board order), e.g.finding info on deeply interfacing with the on-board Pixhawk 2 is so far scarce, mounting options seem limited, its a bit heavier than I had hoped. Regardless I do not regret my Solo purchase, as it is a wonderful quad to fly, especially with my FPV mod, and flying is of course part of the fun :).
I plan to mount an RGBD sensor, Optical Flow sensor, 4 sonar units, and a Nvidia TX1 (with a much smaller carrier board) in my current design, and want to build a quadcopter that could handle the weight of these components and their power supply(s) (for a system with at least 10 min flight time).
But first step would be to build the quadcopter (without the above mentioned components), so that it can be flown via RC outside (stabilized flight, akin to the Solo, but I am not expecting as stable).
So far I am looking at these part/kits for my build:
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G4A2RBU/ref=crt_ewc_img_srh_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1JL84PCMGC6ZI
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HGXIOUQ/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2FG8KPLUUWDS9
- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0176EJ58U/ref=crt_ewc_img_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A36JHG7Q6UUJF
I would like to use the Eachine I6 2.4G RC Transmitter from my Eachine 250 FPV Racer for manual control, but I need a Pixhawk compatible receiver.
Would this one work?
I also own 3 11.1V 1500mAh 25C 3S LiPo batteries and chargers.
I would like to stick with a Quad as opposed to Hex or Oct copter, due to size (something that could potentially fit thru a standard doorway). I am professional engineer (Software and mechanical) and I am proficient in soldering, wiring, and general electronics troubleshooting. But I have never built a quadcopter (I have built several wheels robots, and RC planes).
I am sure this will be an iterative process, and that my first quad build may not be a feasible platform for my end goal, but if anything i can use it as a learning a experience.
Are there any components I am missing to complete the build? Any recommendations on substituting for different component given my end goal? E.g. better batteries, different motors, etc.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanx,
-Ryan
Replies