Dear Friends,

Today we going in production with the first batch of micro brain 5.1 board. After see some micro drone based on vrbrain fly , we decide to support the development of this great platform ... so we start to develop a special revision of VRbrain 5  for this kind of products where the small dimension and low weight are very important factor.

Our user like a lot the drone log because can doing check and understand better how the drone fly : best speed , best flip , rally ecc ecc ...

This is fully total autonomous platform available for micro drone.

These are the specification : 

CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel.

1 EEPROM or FRAM device for parameter storage. 

IMU MPU6000 SPI.

MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.  

8 PPM Radio RC Input .

8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.

1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too

1 SBUS Servo Output.

SD Card Reader 

1 RGB LED 

2 LED Output 

1 Buzzer Output 

On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option) 

connector for external VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER

dimension 4x4 .

native support of APM Firmware : 

APM Copter 

APM Plane

APM Rover 

Custom firmware available for boat and Paramotor Drone.

I think that special new mode ad hybrid loiter and drift are very interesting for these great toys :) 

some example of micro drone developed by Tommyleo , AleBS , Skud85 and other great pilot :)

Some info and example are available on italian forum baronerosso :

http://www.baronerosso.it/forum/modelli-multirotori/303284-idee-per-un-frame-da-micro-quad-fpv.html

This is the video doing by Bandit with a micro squid 

original blog post : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/secret-picture-from-vr-lab-vr-micro-brain-5-1-is-coming-the-micro

for info send a mail to : 

info@virtualrobotix.com

This is a preview of VR Pad Station 2.0.1 enviroment that we use for develop VR Pad Station and check the  VRBrain APM Copter and Plane customization before to real flight .

Here you can found the procedure for join Google Group community  and download VR Pad Station for alfa testing  :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-pad-station-2-0-available-for-beta-testing

Here you can found info for install SITL on linux . In my test enviroment i use VMWare with Ubuntu linux and follow this instruction for configure enviroment on my PC :

http://dev.ardupilot.com/wiki/setting-up-sitl-on-linux/

After installation in ardupilot directory Tools/autotest 

you can found the file : 

sim_arducopter_randy.sh

in mavproxy configuration : 

mavproxy.py --master tcp:127.0.0.1:5760 --sitl 127.0.0.1:5501 --out 127.0.0.1:14551 --out 192.168.1.5:14550 --out 192.168.1.7:14550

you can change the ip adrress after --out with the ip of  your PAD with Port 14550 . On your pad and on mission planner you need to choose UDP connection to port 14550 normally is default .

For found your ip address on your PAD there are a lot of app on Play store that are usefull for  see what's your ip , keep atention if you use DHCP is possible that your ip change every time you connect to wireless network. 

This is the screenshot of new Pannel available on VR Pad Station 2.0.1 in this pannel you can connect to drone , receive the parameter and choose what application do you want to start or going inside configuration pannel . If you are not connected you cannot select the application .

The actual release online is only compatible with PAD in the next week we finish the layout also for smartphone and release it.

This is the screenshot of Ground Station app . On all the app is available on the top main information about status of the drone : Battery , GPS Fix , Mode of Flight .

On the top on the right you can found the button for choose the other app available . The app share same mavlink connection so you don't lost time when you change app.

On the left of the screen you can see main navigation info , in the middle of the screen you can found the main command available : 

Take off mode : It's a special guided mode we have implemented for take off your drone , we put the drone in guided at 5 meter and when you click take off after arm the drone the drone going in the sky. We test it at the field and it work fine , but at the moment is better to use these function only in simulation not in real world.

After you can activate guided mode and choose the point on the screen and the drone follow your command.

You can choose land or rtl when you want.

In this screen you can see the same information but inside artificial horizon , on the map you can see the wayoint you load to drone in last mission and a track with position where you start to fly and the actual position on the point where you guided your drone.

Here you can see on the left the Waypoint editor where you can add or delete waypoint manually or define automatic polygon  waypoint creation, upload and dowload waypoint on file or on the drone. 

If you decide to go in auto mode you can with auto button . In the middle there are the other button if you want you can retake control of your drone or in guided mode or by RTL or LAND.

This is the VR Radio APP integrated in VR Pad Station , this is a complete app where you control your drone as on your rc radio , you can choose to use PPMSUM output or MAVLINK protocol , if you choose mavlink protocol you can use the app for fly flight inside the SITL enviroment . If you configure Mission Planner or Lasernavigator 3D , you can see in realtime the position of your drone when you interact with virtual stick.

You can arm - disarm the drone , select stabilize and take control of your drone ... put it in loiter choose other app and start to enjoy with automatic functionality .

I'm enjoy a lot with this kind of configuration and i think that SITL is a great enviroment for guy of DevTeam . It's a valid solution for check if the app work fine before to go in the field for doing real flight.

It's a good solution for learn how your APM drone work , you can set different parameter by mission planner or Pad Station and see different reaction from your drone.

We are only in alfa stage but have a lot of idea to develop inside VR PAD Station , join us and give me your feedback so we can improve your  user experience .

original blog post :  http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/apm-sitl-lasernavigator-3d-and-vr-pad-station-2-0-1last-update-ho

Best
Roberto 

Top Layer on pc signal in indoor condition

 First prototype bottom layer

Signal in outdoor condition

Position of satellite.

VR GPS Ublox Lea 6H with HMC5983 Magnetometer

First Virtualrobotix GPS engine using Ublox LEA-6H receiver.

This is a 50-channel high sensitive engine that boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of less than 1 second.

Also provide a rechargeable backup battery to improve warm start.

The dedicated acquisition engine, with over 2 million correlators, is capable of massive parallel time/frequency space searches, enabling it to find satellites instantly.

Innovative design and technology suppresses interference sources and mitigates multipath effects, giving LEA-6H GPS receivers excellent navigation performance even in the most challenging environments.

We are testing also new module NEO 7 and NEO M8 for evaluate how is better module for our drone.

Virtualrobotix GPS uses an high efficient low noise amplifier to improve antenna signal (19dB) and a SAW filter to select GPS frequencies (see graph below).

In our test we are test different kind of saw filter for improve the quality of gps in presence of RF noise from cpu of other device as Action Camera , in our test for example GOPRO Hero 3+ RF emission is very high and is important to have a good filter for limit the gps glitch.

It also mounting an ultimate 3-axis digital compass, with selectable interface SPI or I2C (HMC5983).

This one is an high speed (220Hz output) and high resolution (2 milli-gauss) magnetometer.

Features and Specifications:

• ublox LEA-6H module

• 3,3V or 5V Inputs, with low noise 3.3V regulator.

• 5 Hz update rate

• Rechargeable 3V lithium backup battery for high efficient warm start

• Panasonic Low Noise Amplifier for antenna signal with high gain (19dB)

• EPCOS SAW high quality low-loss RF filter for GPS application

• 25 x 25 x 4 mm ceramic patch antenna

• Dedicated I2C EEPROM for receiver configuration storage

• High resolution compass (2 milli-gauss) and high speed (2 milli-gauss)

• Power and fix indicator LEDs

• ArduPilot Mega compatible 6-pin JST connector

• Exposed pads for simple soldering connection.

• I2c / SPI HMC5983 magnetometer .
• 2 ttl tx-rx ser connection.

• 38 x 38 x 8.5 mm total size, 18 grams.

Some example from log collected in first test VRX GPS is red Line 3DR is blu

The module will be available in may , for more info of pre order contact us at

info@virtualrobotix.com

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/3dr-gps-ublox-lea-6-30-37-detail

Origina blog post :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-gps-ublox-lea-6h-with-hmc5983-is-coming

This is the final configuration of VR Tiger Shark X8  RTF  :

The drone is designed and produced in our lab . The material use in Tiger Shark are Carbon Fiber and ergal . The plastic cover and finiture make by 3D printing  SLS technology.

VR Brain is the Autopilot board used in Tiger Shark.

VR Gimbal is the Brushless gimbal controller in Easy Shot Gimbal .

Between Tiger Shark and Easy shot we put a special anti vibration system that cut vibration from drone frame to gimbal. After a lot of work for setup it work very well :)

The frame configuration is X8 coaxial configuration we choose to use this configuration because is possible continue to fly also without two propeller if the payload is not so heavy .

The Payload for camera is near 1 kg . With a 10 Amp 4S battery we are near 15 min of fight.

This is a last fly test doing by Emile with Tiger Shark and Easy Shot Gimbal.

The fly test is doing with last revision of APM Copter available on our repository :

http://vrbrain.wordpress.com/download/version-3-0/

This is the revision of code use on VR Gimbal 

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-13-2/

The Fly of drone is very smoth and automatic functionality as loiter are solid as rock.

Original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-tiger-shark-x8-vr-gimbal-fly-test-doing-by-emile-last-week

Today i create a Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station this is the link : 

http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161

This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0 :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0

We upload the last revision of VR radio RC . The new name is VR PAD Station 2.0 . We integrated the mavlink 1.0 telemetry function with original Virtual RC project so now is possible to use VR PAD Station as tools for :

• Receive telemetry from drone.
• Setting Parameter .
• Change Flight Mode.
• Set waypoint.
• Send direct command as Return to Landing point , Land or Guided mode.
• Virtual Remote control with a lot of advanced feature for setup the radio stick

We are work in progress with some advanced feature as Special Follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration.

The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.

Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .

After join the community could be possible download the APK in a special section of  google play

This is the direct link to google play store beta registration: 

https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.laser.VrPadStation

If you yet register in the community appear this message .... 

If your registration accepted you can download the beta testing of our application :)

.

Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve a lot the application with new feature under development.

Credits about Opensource component : 

The VR Pad Station it's a framework of advanced opensource tools and library from different source : 

the mavlink comunication library and it's original user interface is a fork of great work doing by  Arthur Benemann and his team in rev 1.0 of droidplanner .

The library used from video decoding is a wrapping library from : opensource VLC project.

The GPL code modify and improve by our Team will be release in the next days at this address :

https://code.google.com/p/vr-pad-station/ 

Best

Roberto

Here's a quite test video from last weekend.  The results are not perfect, but there was a fair breeze blowing (about 20-30 km/h) and it was in Loiter which we all know can be quite busy. You can actually see the landing gear in the frame towards the end of the video which gives you some indication of just what the gimbal had to deal with.  Overall, I think this is pretty decent so far.  Main goal now is to work on better stability of the helicopter and reducing Loiter "busy-ness".

Dear Friends,

i'm happy to present the first Fly of VRI Black Ops Drones ...

See the first official video ... 

After one year of development and a lot of pre serie prototype i'm happy to present the final revision of Black Ops Drone. 

It's fly very well in this configuration it use  :

VRBRain 4.5 Advanced Edition .

Special custom Distribution Board developed for this design.

- 4 Esc 30 AMP 

- T-Motors 3508 .

- 12 Inch T-Motor propeller .

- 433 Telemetry data module

- Ublox GPS + Magnetometer 

We fly it in stabilize and gps based functionality as loiter  , alt hold , rtl and all work very well :) 

What do you think about the new Drones from Virtualrobotix  ... It's Sexy :)

more info available here  : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/it-IT/prodotti/bod

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/breaking-news-the-black-ops-drone-is-on-air-and-it-s-sexy

Best

Roberto

Example of VR Drone configuration : Tiger Shark in X8 configuration + VRBrain 4.5 + VR Gimbal + VR Easyshot the camera is an Nex6

An onboard video from Tigershark see the quality of loiter in azimutal video :)  The Flight board is a VRBrain with APM Copter revision 3.1.13

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/prod/vr-brain

These are some video example from our user more available here :

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/videos/

After one year of development Gimbal VR has become a stable product.

The latest revision of firmware, we have implemented several functions to make more 'precise and reliable control of brushless gimbal.

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-13-2/

In addition to improved hardware and firmware have also worked a lot on the mechanics of these two gimbal one dedicated to compact cameras and another for professional cameras.

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/prod/gimbaleasy

The VRGimbal is the only 3-axis  opensource gimbal board. Last update is available here.

http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/

If you want help us in development join us :)

The goal of the project is complete integration between the autopilot that use  APM code Copter, Plane and Rover to develop complex functions such as object tracking.

It 'available on the wiki APM is an example of how to integrate VRGimbal with cards based on how VRBrain APM, APM 2.6 or Pixhawke.

Randy join in test and developing of VRGimbal and add this page to APM WIKI :

http://planner.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-vrgimbal/

This is official VR Gimbal wiki page. 

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/

Join us to official discussion group :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group

The board is available you can buy it at : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/gimbal-control-board/vrgimbal-3-axis-detail

Original blog post : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-gimbal-1-year-of-development-last-update-of-the-project

if you need more info contact us at : info@virtualrobotix.com

Best

Roberto

Today i recived this mail , I would share it with the member of Dev Team , Thanks a lot :)

Hello,
It is with great pleasure that I send you this news.
There has been a project in Portugal in which an autonomous boat and hexacopter cooperate for monitoring of rivers. http://riverwatchws.cloudapp.net/

We just recently have been mentioned in Hack a Day http://hackaday.com/2014/01/30/riverwatch-an-autonomous-surface-aerial-marsupial-robot-team/
The hexacopter uses the VrBrain as it's controller, and some additional hardware. I thought you would be happy to know about this usage of the VrBrain and maybe help share it.
Thank you so much for reading and for all the work you have put into this.
 Paulo Rodrigues

Thank you too Paulo and at your team for this great work :) 

This is the Post on hackaday :)

Every once in a while we get a tip for a project that really, really, really blows our minds.This is one of them.

It looks like a basic catamaran with a few extra bells and whistles — except it is so much more than that. You’re looking at a fully Autonomous Surface Vehicle, complete with a piggybacking 6-rotor UAV. It’s decked out in cameras, sonar sensors, laser rangefinders, high accuracy GPS-RTK tracking, an IMU, oh, and did we mention the autonomous 6-rotor UAV capable of taking off and landing on it?

It all started out as a simple experiment within ECHORD (the European Clearing House for Open Robotics Development), and since then it has become a fully funded project atUNINOVA, a Centre of Technology and Systems in Portugal.

The purpose of the mind-blowing robot team is to collect data of river environments — think of it as Google Maps 2.0 — which is almost an understatement for what it is capable of.

You seriously have to watch the video after the break.

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vrbrain-hexacopter-in-european-project-autonomous-boat-and-hexaco

VRBrain 5.0 Light
The entry level revision of our new board . It's real DIY , cheap and affordable as 8 bit platform with the power of next gen autopilot technology , and a lot of great improvment . Keep in touch for more info ..
It support APM Copter, APM Plane and Rover in last revision.

VRBrain 5.0 NuttX O.S.
After 4 revisions of boards without full support for a Operating systems it's the time to fully support NuttX O.S. on VRBrain , ew features that are coming.

VRBrain 5.0 PRO
In Europe there are some country start to certify UAV technology for Commercial application , In USA in 2015 the market will be open . VRBrain 5.0 Pro it will be right platform for H2020 research project , Virtual Robotix will be technical support for develop affordable and powerfull UAV technology. Can Bus , Fault tolerant solutions , Advanced hybrid configuration ... a lot of impressive new opportunity to develop the UAV of your dreams.

These picture take yesterday in VRLAB the first RC1 VRBrain 5.0 is ready and under test ...

on our repo appear first release of code for the last revision of VRBrain Board ...

For more info about new product or H2020 research project send a mail to r.navoni@virtualrobotix.com

 https://code.google.com/p/vrbrain/source/detail?r=7949ddc60c1916753c3c69554b968fe2410ac8a8&name=VRBrain50

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/secret-picture-takes-in-vr-lab-vr-brain-5-0-is-coming

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-gimbal-nex7-preview

Best

Roberto

Dear friend,

This is last video doing by Marco with his Marcopter HV2 Full Carbon

yesterday we release last revision of Arducopter rev3.1rc5 for VRBrain with no OS the AP_HAL_VRBrain is very similar to APM.

more tech info about vrbrain here : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/page/vr-brain-v4-0

The name of our revision is APM Copter rev 3.1.11 this release is without OS , We have also available the NuttX-PX4 revision of code but only in alpha revision for dev team test.

see here for more detail on nuttx os on VRBrain : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vrbrain-4-5-last-updat...

On VRBrain the Arducopter code use use only 6-7 % of cpu resource .... on APM 2.x use from 70 % to 95 % of cpu ... so we have a lot of resource available for doing reliable test of advanced functionality . The code need only 480 kbyte we have available 60 % of flash for develop new functionality .

Last revision of code work very well ... we are very happy of these fly result ... in italy a big community of user start to switch to VRBrain from Arduflyer or Cirus Board AIO.

http://www.baronerosso.it/forum/modelli-multirotori/274499-vrbrain-...

Update in 3.1.11

• SPI BUS speed for MPU6000 increased to 8MHz
• ENHANCEMENT of MPU6000 enabled by default (MPU6000 @ 1KHz and gyro full scale @ 1000dps)
• update to latest 3.1rc5 of arducopter code
• Corrected bug in Dataflash log download
• Yellow led on board now show Scheduler activity.

THe Gyro and Accels now are sampled at 1KHz instead of 200Hz and main loop averages 10 samples every main loop.

This has imprved flight performance, but it is still in test, so use accordingly. With this version you can try to rise the INS_FILTER partameter to 42Hz or 98Hz, but you must have vibration under control.

Have fun and fly safe!

Best
Roberto

This video is doing by our VRGimbal user VR Gimbal with Sony 3D HXRNX3D1U ( 720 gr) in handeld mode

This is a video using complete VRGimbal with Panasonic GH2

..and this is another video of the same copter (in HD)

Dear Friends,

These are specification of our : VR Gimbal :

Micro Controller is STM32F1 at 72 mhz.

3 Axis Brushless Direct Drive gimbal :

• Roll (MOT1)
• Pitch (MOT2)
• Yaw (MOT3)

For each channel we have 3 high power pwm 5 Amp output .

I2C IMU that support 3 axis . It is on camera module , so we can know exactly the position of camera and control in realtime the 3 Brushless motors. MPU6050 (6 DOF) + HMC5883 (3 DOF)

1 USB port.

1 Serial port that support mavlink protocol.

1 Power module that support until 3S battery.

4 Radio RC Input for :

• Control ROLL Setup.
• Control Pitch Setup.
• Control YAW Setup.
• IR control repeater.

4 Analog Input 0-3.3v

1 IR Out , so is pssible to control a remote camera by its ir receiver.

On new revision 2.0 we add :

• customizable push buton.
• support for motors ampere monitor for each motors.
• Very intuitive Firmware update tools.
• Simple and powerfull VR Gui for VR Gimbal configuration.
• Serial driver on USB port.
• A complete and updated wiki repository with media gallery with last video from our user.

In this video is possible see the utility available for measure the current used by different kind of motors. This feature is very usefull for evaluate the specification of motors.

Is available a new tools for firmware update you can found more detail here :

https://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/firmware-upgrade/

We release a Major release 1.0.12 we add a lot of new functionality and full support of pan stabilization with 1 IMU sensor or two sensor .

The accelerometer 6 position (scale and level ) calibration is a one-time configuration. You need to do it the first time you power up the board after the firmware update (or if you change your IMU board), then you can save the calibration parameters and don’t worry anymore.

1. Power up the board and connect it to the VRGimbalGUI 0.11
2. Open the “Logs” tab
3. Write AC in the command line textbox and click on “Send Command”
4. Follow the procedure moving the IMU as requested. After each step click on “Send Command”
5. If the calibration is successful send the ASC command using the command line textbox
6. Click on “Save to Flash”

rev 1.0.12

• Minor bug correction
• Accelerometer 6 position (scale and level) calibration with saved parameters (see below)

rev 1.0.11

• Stabilize mode on Yaw
• Corrected stabilization issues for pitch near 90°
• Configurable PWM frequency
• Support for auxiliary IMU for more precise Yaw measurement (see here for more information)
• Gyro calibration can be saved to avoid calibration at startup
• Added radio channel for position reset of each axis (you can use the same channel to reset two or three axis)

rev 1.0.9

• Experimental Stabilize mode on Yaw (good with small pitch values)
• Experimental Follow mode on Yaw (need motor steps calibration and PID reconfiguration)
• Experimental support for second IMU for precise Yaw measurement (contact us for more info)
• Added support for analog/digital input (like joysticks and buttons) to be used in alternative to RC:
  • configure channel 100 to 105 to use analog input 1 to 6;
  • use the “JYC” serial command and follow the instructions to calibrate the inputs.

rev 1.0.5

• Completed PID mode on Roll and Pitch, with support of RC commands.
• Manual (RC) mode (to be used on Yaw for now) working but requires improvement.
• USB serial support (see vers. 1.04)

more info is available here :

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-09/

The firmware is opensource the repo is available here :

http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/

So if you want to join in development you are welcome .

This is a screenshot of VR Gimbal Gui developed using .net technology, so could be work also using mono on mac and linux , test on that platform is welcome ,you can connect directly by usb to VR Gimbal or by radio link as 3dr module , blueetooth or other ttl wireles adapter :

We Upgrade also the VRGui with new functionality , slider full support of Pan axis and Full Frame.

With VRGimbal is possible to control this kind of gimbal ;

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Entry level gopro gimbal.

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Heavy dslr gimbal.

This is an example of video doing by our user of VRGimbal on heavy dslr gimbal :

This is official thread in virtualrobotix community is here join us for have more info and support :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group?xg_source=activity

For info or order VR Gimbal 2.0 board send a mail to :

info@virtualrobotix.com

We can also support our user in custom development on oem - odm gimbal hardware or firmware contact us for more detail.

After more than a year of VRBrain 4.5 development , thanks to the efforts of FOXTEAM and the VRI dev team, reached a level of maturity and very high reliability .

It ' was the first platform to support Arducopter 32-bit first through the use of a port of the old library AP_XXX then with new AP_HAL_VRBRAIN library , but without the use of an operating system, as is the case for APM 2.x and now instead of in the video you can see the first pre flight check and the first flight of VRBran 4.5 NuttX that mounts the operating system and the firmware Arducopter 3.1rc5 .

Thanks to PX4 Dev Team and all the other member of team that develop and support this new OS and new revision of Arducopter :)

Luca M. Emile C. for developing of device driver and porting of Arducopter and Marco Robustini for his support in beta testing and debug ...

Gregory Ntt for his fantastic OS :) The new toy for our Board :)

To use NuttX of VRBrain we simply add on the expansion port on the SD Card reader
In tests of performance using the mission planner , the cpu  uses NuttX Arducopter with only 6% of the CPU resources , On APM 2.x need 70 %  cpu.
Now are available 4  VRBrain 4.5 firmware and 2 OS Supported:

The first OS supported by VRBrain is FreeRTOS used inside the TauLab project , Stefan a member of dev team working on it  :

https://github.com/scenkov/vrbrain

The new one OS is Nuttx integrated in PX4 enviroment and Arducopter32 the ap_hal use is PX4 instead of AP_HAL_VRBRAIN that we use without OS. Our work on NuttX was  on device driver 

An early revision of our code is available here  :

https://code.google.com/p/vrbrain/downloads/detail?name=nuttxonvrbrainworkspace.rar&can=2&q=#makechanges

You need to install standard PX4 dev enviroment and import our workspace for build the code ... in the next weeks we prepare a ready to use dfu that will be available in VRbrain wiki page.

Arducopter32 rev 3.1.5 (stable version) :
tested for more than a month with a deep debug coordinated by Marco Robustini and supported by me and Emile and other users of the devteam.

http://vrbrain.wordpress.com/version-3-0/

VRBrain 4.5 is the only platform that supports Arducopter 32 with and without the operating system. It has the same reliability of an APM 2.x from the first use and guarantees the use of future developments based operating system NuttX.
It is also the basis for the future development of a European project called GinSec whose purpose is to develop an innovative and revolutionize gps inertial for the specific application in the world of UAVs ... but we'll talk about this thing in the coming months :)

Original blog post here : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vrbrain-4-5-last-updates-first-fligt-with-arducopter32-3-1rc5-on-

for more info about status of the project and future development contact : r.navoni@virtualrobotix.com

The VRBrain 4.5 is available on our webstore at : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/167-2/componenti-elettronici/vrbrain-4-5-detail

If you have some problem on it in your country contact info@virtualrobotix.com

This video is doing by our VRGimbal user VR Gimbal with Sony 3D HXRNX3D1U ( 720 gr) in handeld mode

This is a video using complete VRGimbal with Panasonic GH2

..and this is another video of the same copter (in HD)

Dear Friends,

These are specification of our : VR Gimbal :

Micro Controller is STM32F1 at 72 mhz.

3 Axis Brushless Direct Drive gimbal :

• Roll (MOT1)
• Pitch (MOT2)
• Yaw (MOT3)

For each channel we have 3 high power pwm 5 Amp output .

I2C IMU that support 3 axis . It is on camera module , so we can know exactly the position of camera and control in realtime the 3 Brushless motors. MPU6050 (6 DOF) + HMC5883 (3 DOF)

1 USB port.

1 Serial port that support mavlink protocol.

1 Power module that support until 3S battery.

4 Radio RC Input for :

• Control ROLL Setup.
• Control Pitch Setup.
• Control YAW Setup.
• IR control repeater.

4 Analog Input 0-3.3v

1 IR Out , so is pssible to control a remote camera by its ir receiver.

On new revision 2.0 we add :

• customizable push buton.
• support for motors ampere monitor for each motors.
• Very intuitive Firmware update tools.
• Simple and powerfull VR Gui for VR Gimbal configuration.
• Serial driver on USB port.
• A complete and updated wiki repository with media gallery with last video from our user.

In this video is possible see the utility available for measure the current used by different kind of motors. This feature is very usefull for evaluate the specification of motors.

Is available a new tools for firmware update you can found more detail here :

https://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/firmware-upgrade/

We release a Major release 1.0.9 we add a lot of new functionality and full support of pan stabilization with 1 IMU sensor or two sensor .

rev 1.0.9

• Experimental Stabilize mode on Yaw (good with small pitch values)
• Experimental Follow mode on Yaw (need motor steps calibration and PID reconfiguration)
• Experimental support for second IMU for precise Yaw measurement (contact us for more info)
• Added support for analog/digital input (like joysticks and buttons) to be used in alternative to RC:
  • configure channel 100 to 105 to use analog input 1 to 6;
  • use the “JYC” serial command and follow the instructions to calibrate the inputs.

rev 1.0.5

• Completed PID mode on Roll and Pitch, with support of RC commands.
• Manual (RC) mode (to be used on Yaw for now) working but requires improvement.
• USB serial support (see vers. 1.04)

more info is available here :

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-09/

The firmware is opensource the repo is available here :

http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/

So if you want to join in development you are welcome .

This is a screenshot of VR Gimbal Gui developed using .net technology, so could be work also using mono on mac and linux , test on that platform is welcome ,you can connect directly by usb to VR Gimbal or by radio link as 3dr module , blueetooth or other ttl wireles adapter :

We Upgrade also the VRGui with new functionality , slider full support of Pan axis and Full Frame.

With VRGimbal is possible to control this kind of gimbal ;

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Entry level gopro gimbal.

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Heavy dslr gimbal.

This is an example of video doing by our user of VRGimbal on heavy dslr gimbal :

This is official thread in virtualrobotix community is here join us for have more info and support :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group?xg_source=activity

For  more info or for order  VR Gimbal 2.0 board send a mail to : info@virtualrobotix.com

We can also support our user in custom development on oem - odm gimbal hardware or firmware contact us for more detail.

Official blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-gimbal-2-0-3-axis-32bit-direct-drive-gimbal-hardware-major-fir

Dear Friends,

after a lot of work on Electronic and Frame we are happy to present first flight test of VRCopter complete of VR 2 Axis Gimbal .

In this fly we test this Copter configuration :

• VR Copter Frame .
• VR oring anti vibration system.
• VR Copter Landing Gear
• VR Gimbal Frame and Electronic for GoPro Hero 3.
• GoPro 3 Hero Silver
• VR Brain 4.5
• 4 MK3639 motor
• 4 ESC with SimonK Firmware
• 3DR GPS
• 3DR Telemetry KIT
• 4 APC 12 Propeller.
• 10 Amp 3S battery flight time around 20 min without payload until 24 min.

In this test flight I checked the behavior of the drone in different situations both at high altitude I flew about 50 m high and low altitude.
The video that is present in raw format created with the GOPRO 3 silver model you do not notice the presence of high-frequency vibrations, which were removed by introducing a special anti vibrating plate inserted between the frame of the drone and the gimbal . There are only some low-frequency vibrations due to the influence of the wind at high altitude on the mechanics of the gopro gimbal frame we're still working to improve it further.
Overall, we think that this platform can be an interesting alternative to cars like the Phantom of the DJI is that in the previous version thanks to a range of great flight almost 20 minutes.

This drone configuration will be available in DIY KIT before the end of year in the next week will be available more info about it 

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-copterx4-with-vr-2-axis-brushless-gimbal-a-good-entry-level-pl 

more info about status of VR Gimbal project : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group?xg_source=activity

best

Roberto 

VR Copter Landing Gear now we have a new Option for our new frame. (raw video from VR LAB)

nice compensation example start at 1.30 

This video is doing by our VRGimbal user VR Gimbal with Sony 3D HXRNX3D1U ( 720 gr)  in handeld mode

This is a video using complete VRGimbal with Panasonic GH2

..and this is another video of the same copter (in HD)

Dear Friends,

after first batch of board available only for developer and hard work on firmware , hardware and software  we are ready for end user :)

These are specification of our : VR Gimbal :

Micro Controller is STM32F1 at 72 mhz.

3 Axis Brushless Direct Drive gimbal :

• Roll    (MOT1)
• Pitch  (MOT2)
• Yaw    (MOT3)

For each channel we have 3 high power pwm 5 Amp output .

I2C IMU that support 3 axis . It  is on camera module , so we can know exactly the position of camera and control in realtime the 3 Brushless motors. MPU6050 (6 DOF) + HMC5883 (3 DOF)

1 USB port.

1 Serial port that support mavlink protocol.

1 Power module that support until 3S battery.

4 Radio RC Input for :

• Control ROLL Setup.
• Control Pitch Setup.
• Control YAW Setup.
• IR control repeater.

4 Analog Input 0-3.3v

1 IR Out , so is pssible to control a remote camera by its ir receiver.

On new revision 2.0 we add :

• customizable push buton.
• support for motors ampere  monitor for each motors.
• Very intuitive Firmware update tools.
• Simple and powerfull VR Gui for VR Gimbal configuration.
• Serial driver on USB port.
• A complete and updated wiki repository with media gallery with last video from our user.

In this video is possible see the utility available for measure the current used by different kind of motors. This feature is very usefull for evaluate the specification of motors.

Is available a new tools for firmware update you can found more detail here  :

https://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/firmware-upgrade/

Last revision of code is 1.0.5 this is good for end user all function of standard brushless gimbal is available and is possible also to manage the 3th axe using rc radio. This firmware is a porting and BruGi_049B_r161

• Completed PID mode on Roll and Pitch, with support of RC commands.
• Manual (RC) mode (to be used on Yaw for now) working but requires improvement.
• USB serial support (see vers. 1.04)

more info is available here :

https://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-05/

The firmware is opensource the repo is available here :

http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/

So if you want to join in development you are welcome .

This is a screenshot of VR Gimbal Gui developed using .net technology, so could be work also using mono on mac and linux , test on that platform is welcome ,you can connect directly by usb to VR Gimbal or by radio link as 3dr module , blueetooth or other ttl wireles adapter :

With VRGimbal is possible to control this kind of gimbal ;

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Entry level gopro gimbal.

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Heavy dslr gimbal.

This is an example of video doing by our user of VRGimbal on heavy dslr gimbal :

This is official thread in virtualrobotix community is here join us for have more info and support :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group?xg_source=activity

For reserve and pre order your VR Gimbal 2.0 board send a mail here :

info@virtualrobotix.com

The first board will be available in begin of September we have only 70 boards available at stock for our user.

We can also support our user in custom development  on oem - odm gimbal hardware or firmware contact us for more detail.

In the video we present the development process of new technologies within the VR Lab.

The first step is to evaluate different potential ideas at this stage and a lot of importance 'given to the design, Italy known for great design studios and even within our group we have creative people who represent the future of italian design, the best choice is to be able to develop a mechanical level the product, check through the simulation that the drone is able to withstand the stresses to which it will be subjected during the flight and then verify the integration of the mechanical components with electronic ones.

Once you've designed the drone virtually, we make the first prototypes with 3D printers and carry out flight tests and validation.

A long and complex process but in the end a great satisfaction to see a materialized our dream.

more info will be available in the next weeks

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/black-ops-drone-2-0-is-coming-one-day-with-vr-lab-developer

Best

Roberto Navoni

Dear Friends
in this video I present the first flights made ​​with the new frame designed by Virtualrobotix.
The frame drawn using last generation 3D Cad , is made of carbon fiber and aluminum.
The frame is designed for users who want to have a frame strong, lightweight, reliable and easily customizable.
The version presented in the video and 'the naked version, we are also ending the production of the cover.

This is a render of cover developed for VR Copter X4-8

The current configuration of the drone is:

• VR Brain 4.5
• GPS 3DR
• Arducopter32 rev 3.0.4 Firmware
• 4 ESC Turnigy 30 AMP with firmware SIMONK
• 4 Engines MK 3638
• 4 Props APC 12 can 'mount up to helices 14-15
• Zippy 5800 mah battery support until 10000 mah 3S 
• GoPro hero3 white.
• Futaba radio module with Jety 7-channel PPM.
• Is possible to implement the VR Copter also as coaxial X8 as in the render 

All electronics  mounted on six dampers it is easily removable and can be inspected.
The battery is mounted above the distribution board to limit the vibrations transmitted to the VRBrain 4.5

Weight without GoPro and 1490 grams without battery
Take-off weight of 2068 grams including battery and GoPro
Flight time from 5800 mah battery with 14 min of flight with 70% of battery used.
The final version of the frame should weigh 150-200 grams less.

The maximum payload is 1 kg .
The frame will be available in kit form in the month of September.

We are working also to some option as VR Gimbal frame for GOPRO and small DSLR.

I Fly this frame for 2 hours with my VRBrain 4.5 and firmware Arducopter32 rev 3.0.4 

The results is very impressive , the loiter is great , return to home ,too :) 

See the video .... 

If you have some suggestions about the frame are welcome :)

for more info : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-copter-a-new-frame-for-your-vrbrain-with-fantastic-arducopter3?xg_source=activity

Best

Roberto

In the video I tested Loiter mode

Tested normal manual flight, alt hold, loiter and land - all Works fine

Alt hold and Loiter was impressive

In this test I used PPMSUM from my RX module

The CTX4 quad used in the test


T-motor 10" prop used. The motor Mounts/tube clamps have rubber rings to help reduce vibrations form the motors.

TheVR Brain Controller is separated/vibration isolated from the frame using rubber Mounts (like the ones used on many camera gimbals, but smaller and softer) + soft pads

The motors are iPower MultiMate 2012 1000kv.
When using 4000mAh 3cell LiPo I get 12-14 min before the VR Brain LiPo alarm starts.

I plan to make one more frame CTX4L (large) - that have larger motors and can use up to 12" props. Have ordered the New VR Brain 4.5 + IMU to use on this one.
On that frame I´m going to Mount my VR Gimbal Controller and GoPro gimbal.

Original blog post :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/testing-3-0-4-code-built-using-eclipse-06-aug-13-on-my-ctx4-quad