Today I was came aware of the ESPcopter crowdfunding on Indiegogo. The Espcopter is a unique small size mini drone that is a wirelessly networkable, interactive and programmable drone and what’s more Espcopter is suitable for IoT applications you can develop whatever you want to make.

Specifications:

Should drone owners be able to fly their drones wherever and however they want to? This is the question increasingly asked by the consumer drone community as drone giant DJI tightens flying restrictions on its customers.

This was the first paragraph in an article I found here: https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/article/drone-pilots-are-buying-russian-software-to-hack-their-way-past-djis-no-fly-zones

A spokesman of Coptersafe, the company that sells these modifications, explains to Motherboard that is understandable that DJI takes safety measures, but those measures do not always comply with local laws. The idea for software modifications was created because the founder of Coptersafe was unable to film with his DJI in certain areas, although he had been authorized by the local authorities.

An interesting discussion I think

The Mobius docking station takes the ActionCam to a new level and makes it even more versatile. Now very easily you can enable it to transmit the live video to a receiving ground station via the docking stations built-in 5.8GHz 32ch 200mW mini transmitter. 

Slide your Mobius  camera into the docking station with video transmitter to make it compatible with popular video receivers as Fatshark and Skyzone. The transmitter has a range of about 1.5km / 0.9 mile and adds 30 grams to the total weight of your plane. The dock features a JST female connector for easy connection of the supply voltage (6-30V).

Mobius camera not included.

More details on the page at HobbyKing: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=78401&aff=5361

Remember the first version of the Quanum Goggles (see blog post here)? they were quit popular and now they are even better, according to HobbyKing.

This new version features a 5” TFT monitor with 3X-magnifying lens and a 800 x 480 super pixel display. In addition, the screen does not turn blue when signal is getting weak or lost and this is must have feature for FPV.

Other changes are a better fit to your face contour, pockets for Head Tracker, switcher, FPV receiver and small Lipo pack.

More details at the HobbyKing website: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=78125&aff=5361

Hobbyking has released the Turnigy Fabrikator 3D Printer in all their warehouses today. Some people have been eagerly waiting for what they come up with, but now we know. I ordered mine, together with a role of fillament and looking forward to receive it. It will be my first adventure with 3D printers, so I am pretty excited to start printing my own aircraft- and quadcopter parts.

No longer is 3D printing technology the exclusive realm of hard-core technophiles and industrial designers, it is now accessible to anybody with a computer and the ability to put flat pack furniture together. Whether you are into planes, multi-rotors, cars, boats, helicopters, robotics, trains or even anime figurines the Fabrikator will soon become your most versatile tool. Can’t find that rare part for your old model or you just want to modify an existing piece? Now you can print what you want, when you want it

Features:
• Ball bearing liner rods
• Rolled lead-screw with anti-backlash drive
• Phenolic heat stabilized bed W/removable Glass print area
• Heated print bed
• NEMA 23 and 17 motors
• 4 rod supported print plate for high speed printing
• 6 sided full printer support for high accuracy
• SD card cable free printing|
• PLA and ABS filament compatible
• Top feed anti-bind spool feed
• Twin print cooling fans
• 2A Heat sync stepper drivers with active cooling
• 220~110V A/C compatible
• Homing and Limit switches
• Full LCD GUI with on the fly tuning
• Large 150x150x100mm print area
• Dual bearing supported twin belt Y axis drive
• Heavy Duty 12Volt 29Amp Power supply
• Open Source control Architecture and support 
• Full Parts support and future expandability platform

Specifications:
Overall size: 360x400x600mm
Print size: 150x150x100mm
Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
Filament diameter: 1.75mm
Print speed: up to 300mm/sec
Print platform: Phenolic heat stabilized bed with removable glass print platform
Filament type: ABS and PLA

More information and (get it from your favorite or local warehouse) through the links below:

Hongkong warehouse (UK plug)

United Kingdom warehouse (UK Plug) 

European warehouse (EU Plug)

United States (East - US Plug)

United States (West - US Plug)

Seems that the 3D printer is not (yet?)available from the Australian warehouse.

I was surprised that I had not seen it here. I think it is a wonderful machine to have.

Quote from the Kickstarter page:

Stepcraft 2 is the world's first universal desktop CNC solution designed to turn your ideas into reality.  It is the only machine that can Mill, Carve, Engrave, 3D Print, Laser Engrave, work as a Vinyl/Craft Cutter, Plot and more...  Stepcraft 2 will be the ONLY desktop CNC system with an ATC (Automatic Tool Changer), making complex jobs even easier.

The Stepcraft is available in 3 sizes and plenty of pledges to choose from. The project has reached it's target on Kickstarter already (by 3 times). More at the Kickstarter project page: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/224743317/stepcraft-2-universal-desktop-cnc-3d-printer-for-e?ref=nav_search

The Mini Talon FPV V-tail Drone is the new little brother of the popular Talon FPV plane. The all EPO moulded airframe  comes in kit form and due to its smaller size is great for packing with you on your favorite FPV gear. The kit comes un-assembled with EPO and laser cut plywood parts. A spare camera nose bubble is included should you damage your Talon. Also notice the nose wheel for smooth landings on tarmac and protection of the bottom of the Talon.

The video clearly shows the massive amount of space for your FPV gear. The wing breaks down in 2 pieces, connected with carbon fiber rods. The center piece of the wing can be removed for easy access to your gear. 

Specifications:

Wingspan: 1300mm
Length: 830mm
Flying Weight: 1000~2000g
Wing Area: 30 sq. dm.

Required to complete the kit:
4+ Channel Transmitter and Receiver w/ V-tail mixing
4S 14.8V 5000-10000mAh LiPoly Battery
4 x 9g Servos
2814 1000KV Brushless Motor
40A Brushless Speed Control
9x4.5 propeller

The mini Talon is available from Hobbyking for US$ 81.89 (or less, depending on your membership level)

Just as other 3DR products appeared as copies in all kinds of web stores, now also the Pixhawk starts to show up in the same stores. The one pictured above is available from DealExtreme for US$ 126 including worldwide shipping (US$ 280 in 3DR store)

Advanced 32 bit ARM Cortex® M4 processor running NuttX RTOS;
14 PWM/servo outputs
Abundant connectivity options for additional peripherals (UART, I2C, CAN)
Integrated backup system for in-flight recovery and manual override with dedicated processor and stand-alone power supply
Backup system integrates mixing, providing consistent autopilot and manual override mixing modes
Redundant power supply inputs and automatic failover
External safety button for easy motor activation
Multicolor LED indicator
High-power, multi-tone piezo audio indicator
Micro SD card for long-time high-rate logging
Hardware Parameters: Processor: 32 bit STM32F427 Cortex M4 core with FPU
168 MHz / 256KB RAM/2 MB Flash
32 bit STM32F103 failsafe co-processor Sensors: ST Micro L3GD20H 16 bit gyroscope
ST Micro LSM303D 14 bit accelerometer / magnetometer
MPU6000 6-Axis Accelebrator/magnetometer
MEAS MS5611 barometer Interfaces: 5 x UART (serial ports), one high-power capable, 2 x with HW flow control, 2 x CAN
Spektrum DSM / DSM2 / DSM-X® Satellite compatible input
Futaba S.BUS® compatible input and output
PPM sum signal
RSSI (PWM or voltage) input
I2C
SPI
3.3 and 6.6V ADC inputs
External microUSB port

Specifications seem pretty much the same, so I guess they are comparable. According to the product page it comes with the board and a shell. No mentioning of cables (that seem to be included in the box of the Pixhawk from 3RD). At moment of writing no accessories seem to be available.

Also no mentioning of 3DR on the product page.

Today an article appeared in one of the Dutch news papers (NRC Handelsblad, warning: Dutch language) in which was written that the Dutch Ministry of Justice is looking for ways to take over control of drones, jam the frequency on which the targeted drone is flying or locate the pilot of the drone.

Ministry of Justice started a tender (warning: Dutch language) on which companies (and private persons?) can make proposals to achieve the above. Below the introduction (Google translate) of this tender.

Unmanned systems are now relatively cheap and easy to buy. A typical example is a 'unmanned aircraft' or 'drone'. The Ministry of Security and Justice, along with the Royal Military Police and the National Police, looking for innovative solutions that can be used to protect against cell systems used. For example, they are thinking of solutions that control checks take over the system or interfere mislead or indicate the location of the driver of the system. However, any other part of a solution that contributes to the detection, identification or the controlled removal of an unmanned system is welcome. This SBIR focuses on developing protection against flying, driving and sailing systems. Systems that are commercially available or can be produced from commercially available components. Relatively easily assembled

Google translated version of news paper

Google translated version of the tender

I think a nice goggle set for beginners, the Quanum DIY FPV goggle set with monitor. Not with dual glasses, but a single display that shows the live feed from your video/transmitter set (not included). The resolution is 480p (640x480 pixels) and you can use it with one of the 3 lenses it comes it, whichever fits you best. The goggles can be switched between 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios. The molded housing is made from EPP foam allowing you to carve and adjust the fit just right to your face and finishing it off with foam strips for a light tight seal.

Specifications:

Monitor screen: NON-Blue screen custom TFT LCD
Screen size: 4.3in (6:9 or 4:3 switchable)
Format: PAL/NTSC supported
Supply voltage: 7~13V
Resolution: 480p
Fresnel lens: 3X and 4X included
Size: 140x95x120mm
Weight: 195g

Please note that a battery to power the goggles is not included and you have to use your own video transmitter/receiver set.

Available for US$ 29.99, available from Hobbyking here: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=53706&aff=5361

Moderators: Do not approve until consensus is reached. TCIII

An interesting interview with the CEO of Pal-V on a local radio station this morning making the statement that the flying car will be available for purchase at the end of this year. The first version, limited edition, will set you back about 500K Euro (a little less than 700K US$). A car license and a license for flying Gyrocopters is required to use the Pal-V

On the ground this slim, aerodynamic, 3-wheeled vehicle has the comfort of a car with the agility of a motorcycle thanks to its patented, cutting-edge, ‘tilting’ system. It can be driven to the nearest airfield and take off just like any other airplane. The single rotor and propeller are unfolded to make the PAL-V ONE ready to fly.

When airborne, the PAL-V usually flies below 4,000 feet (1,200 m), the airspace available for uncontrolled Visual Flight Rules (VFR) traffic; so there will be no interference from commercial air traffic. Furthermore, the PAL-V is powered by a very robust, flight certified aircraft engine. It runs on gasoline. It can reach speeds of up to 180 km/h (112 mph) both on land and in the air.

The PAL-V ONE has a very short take off and landing capability, making it possible to land practically anywhere. When not using controlled airspace, you can take off without filing a flight plan. Flying a PAL-V is like a standard gyrocopter. It is quieter than helicopters due to the slower rotation of the main rotor. It takes off and lands with low speed, cannot stall, and is very easy to control. The gyroplane technology means that it can be steered and landed safely even if the engine fails, because the rotor keeps auto rotating.

For more details, images and video's, head over to the Pal-V website: http://www.pal-v.com

With the above video above, Hobbyking announced last Saturday that they are getting into 3D printing. Since last Tuesday the products are gradually added to their site.

First item that was added was the 3D Printer Hot Plate MK2B Dual Power RepRap Mendel and RAMPS Compatible. The PCB Heatbed MK2 is a dual power “hot plate” for 3d printers, helping in adhesion and to prevent “curling” as the plastic cools down.

Next item that was added the the site is the 2A Micro-Stepping Stepper Motor Driver A4988 ( Pololu Compatible ). The A4988 micro-stepping stepper motor driver is a Pololu format compatible driver, ideal for Shield and breadboard compatibility. A little down the post I your will find 2 versions the PCB that these drivers need to be added to.

The 3D Printer RAMPS 1.4 Control Board Arduino Mega Shield is one of the 2 available control boards that can be used as the heart of your 3D printer. This PCB allows for 5 stepper motor driver boards as shown above. The bottom pins allow you to place this board on your Arduino Mega.

The product page has links to more details for this board.

The 3D Printer-Ultimaker V1.5.7 PCB Main Control Board DIY ( RAMPS compatibilitable) is your other option as a controller for a 3D printer. The Ultimaker 1.5.7 board is an Arduino Mega shield, geared for the DIY 3D printer market and has some great features not found on the RAMPS compatible boards such as higher input voltage ability and power connectivity options.

More details on how to use this board at: http://reprap.org/mediawiki/index.php?title=Ultimaker%27s_v1.5.7_PCB

The 3D Printer RepRap Smart Controller ( Ramps LCD Control ) r is a graphical user interface to control your 3D printer without the need of a direct computer connection. It can be plugged into the 3D printer control board mentioned above.

See also the big brother with a better interface of this LCD below.

The bigger 3D Printer Full Graphic Smart Controller ( RAMPS RepRap ) has the same functionality as the LCD mentioned above.

In the next days we will have to find out if Hobbyking comes up with more products related to 3D printing. Personally I will wait a couple of day more before I start ordering. I understood from the video that they are not going to sell frames, but there are more items we are going to need to complete a printer. Extruders, fillament, adapters to power the electronics of your printer and more.

If any products are added to the site, I will mention them in the comments below. If you have any suggestions for frames and other products that can be used with these items, then please write the information in the comments.

This little gem is great for unexperienced fixed-wing pilots and people who fly fpv. The T1000FC auto pilot system with GPS is an in-line flight stabilizing system that offers auto level, tilt angle limits and return to home functionality for conventional aircraft (fixed wing, delta, etc... excluding multicopters and heli's).

Key features:

• autopilot mode (auto levels and does not let the aircraft roll or pitch past 45 degrees)
• 3D mode for sport flying
• Flight mode (stabilization off)
• Fixed high direction mode (heading hold)
• altitude hold mode (this will maintain the aircraft's altitude)
• GPS return to home

The above features can be set by the flick of a 3-position switch on your transmitter

Specifications:

• Barometer
• GPS
• Smart PID control

Comes with GPS, tool to set home position and a manual.

The price of this auto pilot is US$ 70.14. Details and a video available on the Hobbyking website.

The first thing that came to my attention was the large bay which is suiteable, according to the product description, for batteries from 5 to 20 Amps. The large bay in combination with a wingspan of 1800 mm (70 inch) and the suggested power train allows this aircraft to carry enough gadgets to make it a great FPV aircraft.

Features:

• Tough EPO Construction
• Large Size Ideal for a Stable Flying in a Variety of Weather Conditions
• Unique Nose Mounted
• Large Camera Canopy
• Plug In 2pc Wing and Tail for Easy Transport
• Large Payload Capability
• Large CF wing and tail Tubes

Price is US$ 111.78 and available from Hobbyking

From Hackaday: 

A student team has successfully designed, built, and flown a 3D printed RC plane using only $16 of plastic with a consumer-grade 3D printer (Makerbot), plus the necessary electronics and motor.

The folks over at the Wright Brothers Institute (WBI) have a great program called the AFRL Discovery Lab which brings teams of students, businesses, researchers, and government together to work on a specific challenge or opportunity.

More here: http://hackaday.com/2013/09/13/students-build-a-3d-printed-plane/

The 'Super Hungry Board' allows you to provide up to 8speed controllers with a maximum of 400A in total of power.

Either use the 4mm bullet plugs or the solder pads to connect the power lines of your esc to this power distribution board.

Specifications:
Amps Capable: 400
Connectors: 4mm and solder Pads
Size: 74X22mm
Weight: 101g (less with heat syncs removed)

Available from Hobbyking for US$ 12.88

During my daily browsing session through the new products on DealExtreme I found that they are selling the APM 2.5 for US$ 75 including shipping.

No sign of a 3DR or other logo and also no mention of open source or open hardware. The price is about half of what they cost from the 3DR store. Wondering about quality, but since I already have one I am sure someone else is going to find out.

Back in March Chris Andersson posted about Team Ziphius, who won Engadget's Insert Coin innovation competition with their FPV mobile-controlled aquatic drone. Since June 24 there is a Kickstarter project for the Ziphius.

Ziphius is the first app-controlled aquatic drone that plays augmented reality games and shows autonomous behaviors. A drone that responds to your smartphone or tablet (Android and iOS) commands in real-time. It allows you to see more than meets the eye and take pictures or videos of your aquatic experiences.

Specifications:

• 1 hour play time on a full battery
• 300 feet range
• Upload video's directly to YouTube or pictures to Twitter or Facebook
• Speed: 6 mph
• Equipped with 720p camera
• Always upright
• Adorable

A functional prototype does exist. There are some refinements needed that the team is working on, but they are ready for the next step, Industrial production. Therefore the designers of the Ziphius are looking for $ 25,000 in funds: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ziphius/ziphius-the-aquatic-drone

Novel application of 3D printing could enable the development of miniaturized medical implants, compact electronics, tiny robots, and more. It will probably take a while before this will be used for the hobby markt, but I though the story is nice enough to blog about it.

3D printing can now be used to print lithium-ion microbatteries the size of a grain of sand. The printed microbatteries could supply electricity to tiny devices in fields from medicine to communications, including many that have lingered on lab benches for lack of a battery small enough to fit the device, yet provide enough stored energy to power them.

More information at: http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpressrelease/114

Fresh from Hobbyking is this video switch which allows you to switch a maximum of 3 camera's on your aircraft (or boat, car for that matter) by the flick of a switch. This switch features one receiver input, 3 camera inputs and one video output

With dimensions of only 30x18x6mm and just 4 grams this is a small and light device.

Available from Hobbyking