I am acquiring a Multiplex Easy Star to learn to fly, and to work on a UAV build. This blog post highlights my proposed configuration, which is to be incrementally upgradeable
I plan to split up my project into five parts:
- Learn to fly,
- Fly with a camera payload (just for fun),
- Fly manually with sensors, a data logger, and maybe a camera,
- Use logged data to set up an autopilot, and try turning control over to the autopilot.
- Repair plane and return to step 3.
- I have a budget of $500 to start with. This has to include AMA/club membership, airplane, electronics, IMU, autopilot, et cetera.
- I would like the plane to carry a payload that includes an IMU, an Ardupilot Mega, a Remzibi OSD or GPS, and a camera.
Other Easy Star Configurations (prior art):
http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/my-ardupilot-projects-status
Lots of Miscellaneous Questions -- here's one to start with:
Q: The ESC has a motor ESC output and a 5V output for my servos/receiver. What do I do if I want a second battery for the servos and receiver?
Stage 1 Parts List:
- Easy Star ARF ($122):
- Radio -- Futaba 6-channel (eBay)
- Undecided Battery -- Upgrade-compliant LiPo?
- Undecided Battery -- Heavy, non-upgradeable NiMH?
- Already have NTSC camera, Airwave A/V Tx/Rx modules (634 and 630)
- Ardupilot Mega
- IMU System (Razor? DIY Drones Mega Shield?)
- GPS -- mini GPS or Remzibi OSD
- Brushless Motor and ESC Upgrade
- Option 1: Upgrade Kit from Tower Hobby ($80)
- Option 2: Upgrade from Nick Sargeant's configuration http://www.diydrones.com/profile/NickSargeant
- Option 1: Upgrade Kit from Tower Hobby ($80)
There's my proposed configuration (including the undecided bits) -- I plan to meet my local club (SGVRL) to learn about flying on the local field, and later I can get a little better informed about my choices of battery before I jump in. Once I can fly, and fly with a payload, I'll pick out an IMU to play with.
