Here is a translation of an article I found last week (Dutch: http://nutech.nl/gadgets/3482751/drones-mogen-zonder-vergunning-lucht-in.html)

The prohibition by the Ministry of Defence on making photos and videos from the air is withdrawn by June 1. Google and Micrsoft's mapping services have made this ban redundant. Owners of drones don't need a permit anymore.

Owner of drones, kites or private helicopters or planes who wants to make photographs can now do so without permission. Before a permit from Netherlands Ministry of Defence was a requirement. Those who received a permit for taking pictures was handed over a map with where the pilot was not allowed to fly. Violating the law would result in 2 months in prison.

This law was intended to counter espionage, but is overtaken by making satellit pictures public. Defence points at Microsoft and Google as cause for the change in legislation because they fall outside the regulations.

With the disappearance of this ban, it is now also allowed to take pictures of military objects. It remains forbidden to take pictures from military objects from the ground. Defence still holds the right to close down airspace under certain conditions.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence stressed that lifting the ban doesn't mean that other regulations are still active. For example under the Data Protection Act it is still not allowed to take pictures when flying over other peoples property.

I hope my translation makes sense, some words were hard to translate correctly.

Well, this seems like good news for my fellow Dutch pilots who take pictures with the model aircraft.

The Q-Brain incorporates 4x 20A speed controllers in 1 device. All motor leads are pre-installed and are terminated with 3.5mm bullet connectors. Leads are 25 cm long which means that you can use this controller with frames up to 60 cm. It operates on 2-4 cells lipo and 5-12 cells Ni-XX (anyone still using these). Refresh rate is over 400Hz.

Weight of the speed controller is 112 grams and dimensions are ~70x62x11 mm. The Q-Brain is probably very similar to the Hobbywing Quattro ESC.

Advantage: Easy install

Disadvantage: If one of the esc's dies you can't use it with a quadcopter anymore (get a tricopter!)

More information on the Hobbyking site

Note: If you are using the Q-Brain with a KK2 board, then S3 (the white cable) has to be connected to M1 on the KK2 to power it.

Through my K1ckstarter for Kickstarter app on Google Play I ran into project Volare.

The goal of Volare is to build an autonomous plane to be able to complete 200 mile(100miles each way) round-trip journey. We plan to build it big and strong enough to be able to carry a 5lb package and be able to drop it at the destination on its round-trip journey.

I backed the project and hope others will follow!

From Seeedstudio's site:

Time frame for pre-order: Jan. 31- Feb. 18, 2013

Time of shipping: April, 25, 2013

Ever wanted a development kit that flies? Well now you can! The Crazyflie is an open source nano quadcopter kit designed for flexible development and hacking. It's among the smallest in the world, weighing only 19 grams and measuring 9 cm motor to motor.

• Small and lightweight, around 19g and about 90mm motor to motor
• Flight time up to 7 minutes with standard 170mAh Li-Po battery
• Standard micro-USB connector for charging which takes ~20min for the stock 170mAh Li-Po battery
• On-board low-energy radio@1mW based on the nRF24L01+ chip. Up to 80m range (environment dependent) when using the Crazyradio USB dongle
• Radio bootloader which enabled wireless update of the firmware 
• Powerful 32 bit MCU: STM32F103CB @ 72 MHz (128kb flash, 20kb RAM)
• 3-axis high-performance MEMs gyros with 3-axis accelerometer: Invensense MPU-6050
• Available footprints to manually solder magnetometer HMC5883L/HMC5983 or/and barometer MS5611 (sensors not included)
• Expansion header 2×10 pins 1.27mm (0.05”) pitch including power, I2C/UART, SPI/ADC. Header also contains ARM Cortex 10-pin JTAG (header not included)
• 4-layer low noise PCB design with separate voltage regulators for digital and analog supply

NodeCopter.js was a full day event where 60 developers got together into 20 teams of 3.

Each team received one Parrot AR Drone 2.0 and spend the day programming (JavaScript) and playing with it. At the end of the day, each team got to present their work to the other attendees.

As we (well, most of us probably) already know the AR Drone is an affordable, yet surprisingly capable quadcopter. The drone itself runs a proprietary firmware that can be controlled via WiFi using the official FreeFlight mobile app (available for iOS and Android).

Unlike the firmware, the client protocol is open, and Parrot publishes an SDK (signup required to download) including a good amount of documentation and C code. Their target audience seems to be mobile developers who can use this SDK to create games and other apps for people to have more fun with their drones.

However, the protocol can also be used to receive video and sensor data, enabling developers to write autonomous programs for the upcoming robot revolution.

This module is still under heavy development, so please don't be suprised if you find some functionality missing or undocumented.

However, the documented parts are tested and should work well for most parts.

For more information, I suggest you to go to http://nodecopter.com/ as a starting point.

We have seen blog posts about the Swinglet Cam from senseFly here and now the guys from senseFly have a new product, the eBee.

From the site

The eBee is lightweight enough to be launched by hand. It is fully autonomous during its entire flight. When it comes to landing, the eBee can either land in a circular clearing or, when space is limited, use its advanced ground sensing technology to make a fully autonomous straight-line landing.

The eBee comes with a mission planner

The included eMotion 2 software lets you plan, simulate, monitor and control the trajectory of the eBee both before and during flight. With simple drag&drop actions you can designate the area to be mapped, generate a flight plan and with a single mouse click you can update your mission or return the eBee to its starting location.

3D processing

With its 16MP high resolution camera, the eBee can capture images with a ground resolution of 3 to 30cm per pixel. Areas from 1.5 to 10km2 can be mapped in a single flight depending on image resolution and flight altitude. The eBee package includes Postflight Terra 3D (a fully automated 3D processing desktop software powered by Pix4D). After the initial data check in the field (overlap control and low resolution orthomosaic), Terra 3D automatically creates a precise geo-referenced orthomosaic and digital elevation model (DEM). Advanced users can further optimize their models through operator defined ground control points and seamlines.

Highlights

I haven't been able to find a price. The product will become available beginning of 2012. More information on the senseFly website: http://www.sensefly.com/products/ebee

I hope this makes it to the blog before it actually starts.

Earliest launch now 11:30AM MDT/17:30 GMT on October 9th

Red Bull Stratos is a mission to the edge of space that will try to surpass human limits that have existed for more than 50 years. Supported by a team of experts, Felix Baumgartner will undertake a stratospheric balloon flight to more than 120,000 feet / 36,576 meters and make a record-breaking freefall jump in the attempt to become the first man to break the speed of sound in freefall (an estimated 690 miles / 1,110 kilometers per hour), while delivering valuable data for medical and scientific advancement.

This flying wing has been around for a while, but now it is also available from Hobbyking. The X8 is made from EPO and with spars in the wing and canopy, this aircraft is virtually indestructable. With a wingspan of 2120mm (about 83.5 inch) this wing is capable of carrying some pretty nice gear for FPV or UAV's. It should be able to carry 1-1.5kg in extra weight. There is a camera mount in the nose and a forward oblique mount for GoPro camera's.

Even though this plane is big, it is easy to transport it. Both the wing panels and the vertical stabilisers are bolt on. The canopy is hold on by magnets. There is a spar molded into each wing panel.

To complete this aircraft, the following items are suggested:

• 400 - 800 watt motor (depending on your AUW)
• Propellor: 12x6 - 13x8 (foldable?)
• Battery, depending on motor size: 4S/3000mAh - 6S/5000mAh
• Speed controller: 40 - 70 Amps

Available from Hobbyking now for US$ 164.95: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__27132__Skywalker_X_8_FPV_UAV_Flying_Wing_2120mm.html&aff=5361

This is a new product that Hobbyking is selling. It more or less resembles (IMHO) the AR.Drone frame. The motors are place in the center of the arms and the propellers are protected by EPP foam rings.

The 450mm width is measured motor shaft to motor shaft. The actual size of the frame is 835mm which makes it quite big.

To complete this quadcopter you will need 4 motors and 8-10 inch propellers, 4 esc's, a quadcopter control board and a 3S 1300-1800 mah Battery. I think even a bigger battery should work.

The frame is yours for US$ 22.49

More information on the Hobbyking site: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=25420&aff=5361

MIT’s Robust Robotics Group is showing off the work they’ve done with a 2M wingspan drone, culminating in a death-defying flight through a parking garage.

The drone is self-contained. It does depend on starting out with a map of its environment, using this in conjunction with a laser rangefinder and inertial sensors to plot its route and adjust as necessary.

Found on Hackaday: http://hackaday.com/2012/08/16/autonomous-fixed-wing-drone-threads-the-needled-in-a-parking-garage/

A search for this product revealed that it has not been discussed before on diydrones.  The FY-901 is an inertial stabilization controller for your multi-rotor aircraft developed by FeiyuTech.

It offers two flight modes which can be remotely selected from your transmitter, even while in flight:
- Auto-Stabilization Mode: In this mode the FY-901 will utilize the 3-axis accelerometer to self level your aircraft
- Standard Mode/3D Control Mode: In this mode the device will utilize the 3-axis gyroscope to sense roll velocity and flight attitude while you keep control for aggressive 3D manouevres.

The flight controller has support for 4 speed controllers. You can configure it for flying in "X"- or "+"-mode as well as for Y3 copters through the switch on top of the casing. The gain screw allow to set gyro gain.

For more information, you can download the manual here: http://shop.fyetech.com/dl/fy901.pdf

Price for the FY-901 controller is US$ 89.00 and it is available from Hobbyking: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=25382&aff=5361

A group of South Korean scientists has developed a new material for a secondary or rechargeable battery that can be fully recharged in just a matter of minutes, the science ministry said Monday.

A group of South Korean scientists has developed a new material for a secondary or rechargeable battery that can be fully recharged in just a matter of minutes, the science ministry said Monday.

This cuts down on the time needed to recharge the new type of battery to between 1/30 and 1/120 of that of existing rechargeable batteries, according to the ministry.

Read the complete article here: http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/techscience/2012/08/13/8/0601000000AEN20120813001600320F.HTML

ZeroUAV, Chinese leading UAV manufacturer in China, has release their YS-X6 multi rotor controller. Hobbyking sells it and says it is 'the best multi-rotor controller' in the market.

The flight controller system for multi-rotor aircraft is supported on Android, IOS and PC systems and provides auto-navigation, target lock, self-leveling and position/altitude hold. It features a an expansion interface for future upgrades.

According to the product description, this is the must have for professional and industrial platforms. But, as a hobbyist you might want to have this controller too. A robust design and military rank hardware.

The YS-X6 offers 8 channels for motor control, 3 channels for pan/tilt and a 8 channels for the receiver. It supports the S-BUS standard and provides 3 communication ports.

Of course, this all comes with a price. The YS-X6 controllers is yours for US$ 1033.00

Manual downloadable from the Hobbyking website here: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uploads/84900712X365809X10.pdf

Product page: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=25925&aff=5361

A few weeks ago Hobbyking revealed in a picture on their facebook that a new version of the Bixler was supposed to be coming. Today they listed it an ARF version on their site.

While keeping the features of the first Bixler (the plane is named after one of the Flitetest presenters) Hobbyking has managed to improve flight times by giving it a bigger wing area (wingspan of Bixler 1 was 1400mm, version 2 has a wingspan of 1500mm) and other design improvements. The Bixler 2 in ARF form comes with a lower kV motor that can handle bigger props (7x5 for this version, was 6x4 for the 'old' Bixler. By enlarging the canopy area you are more versatile in the FPV equipment you want to use or use a larger flight battery. Also, the canopy is clear plastic now (was black foam).

Flaps are optional. Although the plane comes with a provision to add flaps, you don't need to use them. If you still want to use them, then you need 2 9 gram servo's and a servo reverser to your cart.

The price for the Bixler 2 ARF is US$ 69.99 while you can still get the old Bixler in ARF form for US$ 49.82. It's unclear what that price difference is coming from, maybe they want to sell out the previous Bixler.

For more information and specifications see: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=24474&aff=5361

Hobbyking today added this camera to their catalogue and it seems the perfect camera for FPV, an uncased version of the famous RD32 II. Do a search for it on youtube and you will find nothing then good videos. With a AV out for connecting it to the video transmitter or HDMI to connect it to your HDTV this camera is very complete.

Some of the heighlights of this camera are a 120 degree viewing angle and a 5 megapixel 1/2.5" CMOS sensor and a weight of about 89 grams. It accepts micro sd cards from 2 up to 32GB in size. It supports 720P @ 60fps and 1080p @ 30fps.

This video shows exactly what the camera is capable of:

Some of the specifications:
Lens: 5 Mega pixel 1/2.5”  CMOS sensor
Photo Resolution:
    12M  4000*3000   JPG    Approx. 900pcs/4GB
     8M   3200*2400   JPG    Approx. 1200pcs/4GB
     5M   2592*1944   JPG   Approx.  1700pcs/4GB
Audio recording: ADPCM WAV format 48Khz ,Mono  approx. 22h/4GB
Lens type: F/2.8  f=3mm 120°wide angle
Min. Illumination: 1LUX
Scanning Frequency: Auto, 60Hz, 50Hz
Signal system: NTSC, PAL
Vibration Support: Yes
Battery Capacity: 3.7V/ 1000mAh

For more information, features and specifications, go to Hobbyking: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=25656&aff=5361

Today Hobbyking added a stabilisation control board for fixed wing aircraft to their catalogue. This board supports conventional, flying wings (delta) and v-tail aircraft, easily selectable by on-board jumper. Unfortunately for v-tail aircraft an y-cable is needed if you are using 2 servo's.

The board is controlled by an Atmel Mega168PA 8-Bit RISC based micro controller and utilizing a single high precision 3-axis MEMS gyro and independent gyro gain adjustment for tuning aileron, elevator and rudder.

Not includeded are servo leads to connect your receiver to the i86AP Flight Stabilisation control board. You will need 3 of them, don't forget to include in your order.

I had a quick glance at the manual (which can be downloaded here) and it seems that it provides good information how to use this board.

Specifications:
Input Voltage: 4v to 6v DC
PWM Output: 50Hz, 1020-2020us
Gyro scale: +/- 1000dps
Gyro sample rate: 1KHz
Operating temp: -40° C to 85° C
Size: 30mm x 40mm
Weight: 8g

More information at the Hobbyking product page here: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=24353&aff=5361

Some time ago Hobbyking introduced their i86 control board (US$ 21.99), based on a Atmel Mega168PA 8-Bit RISC based micro controller and a single 3-axis MEMS gyro. No mounting holes, you just have to tape it to your frame with double sided tape.

The nice thing about this controller (apart from the powerfull micro controller) is that it comes preconfigured for Tri copters, quad copter (X/+), hex copter/H6 copter  and Y6 Copter. You can select your type of frame by setting the dip switches in the correct settings. All of the mentioned modes can be set in "Normal" mode or "Sports" mode (default normal). There is no need (or possibility) to upgrade firmware. See image below for the setting your frame.

Today Hobbyking released a new version of this multi rotor controller, the i86L (Light Edition) (US$ 18.99). Apart from pricing it is not yet clear what the exact difference is or are between the orignal i86 and the i86L light version.

Specifications for both controllers are:
Input Voltage: 4v to 6v
Input signal: 50hz standard PPM
PWM Frequency: 400hz for ESC, 50hz for servos
Gyro scale: +/- 500dps, ODR: 800hz
Operating temp: -40° C to 85° C
Size: 40mm x 40mm
Weight: 8g

Rolf Bakke, designer of the widely used KK multi copter boards, has done it again. An improvement in many ways to the original KK board is the V2 version that is available now from Hobbyking.

The original KK gyro system has had had an update to an incredibly sensitive dual chip 3-axis gyro and an additional 3 axis accelerometer system. These two items must make your quad more stable than ever. Other changes are an Atmel Mega324PA 8-bit AVR RISC-based microcontroller with 32k of memory, two extra motor channels and a piezo buzzer for audio warnings.

The software that is already loaded on the processors includes a menu which makes it easy to configure the controller for your type of multi rotor. The following models are already configured:

Dualcopter
Tricopter
Y6
Quadcopter +
Quadcopter X
Hexcopter +
Hexcopter X
Octocopter +
Octocopter X
X8 +
X8 X
H8
H6
V8
V6
Aero 1S Aileron
Aero 2S Aileron
Flying Wing
Singlecopter 2M 2S
Singlecopter 1M 4S

The menu is displayed on the LCD and you can navigate through the menu with the buttons below it. This allows you to select your aircraft type, change motor layout/direction, calibrate the esc's and more.

For more information check the Hobbyking product page here: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=24723&aff=5361

I found this in one of my rss feeds:

From Arduino Blog - BaTboT: a biologically inspired morphing-wing bat robot actuated by SMA-based artificial muscles.

Researchers from Centro de Automática y Robótica (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) and from Brown University carried out a very deep research about the specific behavior of bat flight, whose ultimate goal is to replicate the capabilities of bat’s wings by means of an ad-hoc designed micro aerial vehicle (MAV).

More details on the site: http://www.disam.upm.es/~jdcolorado/BAT/BaTboT.html