DIY multicopter lighting project
I have been working on a lighting setup for my quadcopter that is custom and can perform many different lighting sequences. I also required it to be powered straight from a 3S lipo balance plug, controlled remotely using the aux channel on my transmitter and have a FTDI connector to update the arduino code without removing the microcontroller.
For anyone interested in making their own I hope this schematic, code, PCB design and photos will help out and save you hours of work.
At first I tested the code and design using an Arduino UNO and a breadboard, then when I was happy with how that performed I designed the schematic and PCB to use the ATmega328P microcontroller standalone to reduce the weight and size. One important thing to note is that I wanted to eliminate the external clock and use the 8 MHz internal clock, instructions on how to do that are here.
Build of materials:
- ATmega328P Microcontroller
- ULN2003AN Transistor package
- LM7805 Voltage Regulator
- 0.33uf Capacitor
- 0.1uf Capacitors (x5)
- 1k Resistor
- 10K Resistor
- Tact Switch
- 3S 4Pin JST-XH Socket
- Male header pins (optional)
Files:
All files including the arduino code, eagle schematic and PCB board files related to this project can be found on github. If you have any suggestions or improvements please submit a pull request and I will add it to the code.
https://github.com/drewsdesign/rclights
Video of it attached to my quad and the different light sequences is above
Schematic
First prototype for testing the circut and arduino code.
Second prototype. This was going to be the final but it was too bulky and my wiring was pretty dodgy.
My attempts at etching a PCB. This was my first time doing this so I made a few mistakes.
The final board. I made the mistake of spraying some pcb coating before soldering which made it difficult, but it works and I didn't feel like spending time on another one.
Comments
Good work, thanks for sharing and motivating us.
I have a jDrones IO board lying around that I am planning to put to the same use. I have the same white and red LED strips and I will write some Arduino code to let them represent some of the copter's states. The jDrones IO board speaks MAVLink, so this will be very simple. Just write a little code to make the correct flash sequences.
Not connected with quad rotors or fpv, I've used a Teensy3.0 and the octows2811 libary to create a rolling text display and other effects using ws2811 strip leds..the display is 8 rows of 30 leds each...its mounted on a electric wot 4...the set up isn't quite finished and the code is a bit rough but any one who wants the bare details I have is welcome to them..please get in touch.
It was based on this gents sterling efforts..http://orchardelica.com/wp/category/octows2811_scrolling_text
With all LEDs solid on the output current reads 340mA
Nice job as a first attempt on the PCB.
(Cool post too, lots of pictures :)
Kirill the LM7805 should handle a peak input of 25V. I'm not sure on the output current, so I will measure that and report back.