Gian Carlo M.'s Posts (3)

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[OFF-topic] Meanwhile in Brazil...

Posted by Gian Carlo M. on January 16, 2012 at 5:30am

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don't forget to watch the video in the linked site :D

This guy was arrested by the police for piloting his R/C plane on a busy highway, while on a bike driven by his girlfriend.

According to the reporter the news crew spotted the couple trying to trick the police by flying the airplane at a higher altitude while crossing border patrol.

http://g1.globo.com/parana/noticia/2012/01/rapaz-e-detido-no-parana-apos-pilotar-aeromodelo-na-garupa-de-moto.html

It's kind of funny... but dangerous and unfortunately giving R/C flying a bad reputation.

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New Project: Quadcopter - first hover, then OSD, FPV, UAV... the works...

Posted by Gian Carlo M. on July 29, 2009 at 10:00pm

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I've never introduced myself so I'll take the time now (feel free to skip this paragraph). I have a business background but I am a technology enthusiast. Recently my interest about the business and strategics/social aspects of Open Source (especially Open Hardware) has really grown. In order to better understand the OS movement (and satisfy my geek alterego) I have been tinkering with Arduino, learning some programming languages, etc. And then I learned about DIY Drones....Once upon a time I flew RC Planes (that was during 1995 and 1996, I believe). I've been wanting to restart the hobby for quite some time, but now I believe I have what it takes ($). Unfortunately I live in a city that is not very RC-plane-friendly and I don't have a park or something nearby. For that reason I've been considering a Quadcopter project (for the VTOL and stability characteristics). This project should not only satisfy my flying needs, but also teach me about electronics, programming, etc.I am thinking about using a platform based on Arduino since I have learned some programming on it. Currently I am leaning towards the AeroQuad.In the future (if the thing take-offs) I plan on installing video gear for FPV. Followed by that I plan on programming (or if I get lazy I'll just buy a kit) some OSD. And than I should go into the UAV territory.I have many doubts about the project... here are some that maybe someone can help clarify:
  • Is the AeroQuad the best choice for what I need now and plan on installing in the future?
  • How much thrust do I need for something like this?
  • Does the AeroQuad support X configuration (I've only seen + configuration), and is that a hard thing to change?
  • Is a Quadcopter a good platform for UAVs?
  • Can a Quadcopter develop good forward speed? I imagine it to be slower than a heli. I haven't seen any movies of people flying quad's on long distances (which is something I'd like to do).
Based on my needs I believe this will be a VERY long (and probably expensive) project. I do want to discover the best COSTxBENEFIT solutions, of course.The "foward speed" thing is a factor that will probably take me into a next step that will be to transform the Quadcopter into a mix of Quad/V-22 Osprey/Airplane (that's why I have the question about the X configuration). Does anyone know a project like this?Sorry about the long post, I hope someone has the patience to read it.

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