multi drone control?

The XCTU tool for the xbees allow you to configure the modules to do this. In API mode you get an additional level of reliability for communications. You could even configure some xbees as routers to form a mesh network to increase your flying area, but then you also introduce hops and latency. The 2.4 xbees are rated for 1.6 km range, while the 900 xbees are rated as far as 24 km. Only problem may be the legality of the transmitting power. If you're not outputting too much telemetry and only send pos updates at 1 Hz from every drone, you may well be able to support 100-150 drones at the same time, but I've never tested this so far (so it may be lower). The communication protocol needs to introduce the concept of sender/recipient, or use API mode, which uses the configured address from the XCTU tool.

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T3E March 31, 2013 at 7:39am

any more research results in regard to this topic?
Benjamin Tan December 26, 2012 at 9:31pm

Hi, have you managed to control multiple drones with a single ground control station?

I am planning to control perhaps 2 planes with only one control station, would need your help :)
Gerard Toonstra August 20, 2010 at 10:05pm

The XCTU tool for the xbees allow you to configure the modules to do this. In API mode you get an additional level of reliability for communications. You could even configure some xbees as routers to form a mesh network to increase your flying area, but then you also introduce hops and latency. The 2.4 xbees are rated for 1.6 km range, while the 900 xbees are rated as far as 24 km. Only problem may be the legality of the transmitting power. If you're not outputting too much telemetry and only send pos updates at 1 Hz from every drone, you may well be able to support 100-150 drones at the same time, but I've never tested this so far (so it may be lower). The communication protocol needs to introduce the concept of sender/recipient, or use API mode, which uses the configured address from the XCTU tool.
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson August 20, 2010 at 8:46pm

Yes, that's a common research area. The Paparazzi teams has demoed it a few times, too.

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multi drone control?

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