For the past 4 months I have been designing and developing a UAS system mainly for entertainment purposes but the future could hold potential business opportunities. My research has led me to several potential paths and products to experiment with in order to accomplish my goal.
Goal: To build a semi-professional grade UAS and ground station capable of long range flight, camera/payload stabilization, autonomous flight (takeoff->landing), waypoint navigation, stabilized flight, real-time telemetry feedback and video, being controlled by joystick/throttle, and long endurance; all being under a DIY budget.
I have chosen several products to meet these requirements and I will give a detailed description of both my airframe and ground station plans and will accept any comments/suggestions from more experienced persons.
To start off, I will give you a little background on me. I am a newly separated Special Operations veteran with UAV experience (RQ-11B, Scan Eagle). I have a great deal of computer knowledge but could use a refresher on programming. I have an outstanding command of RF propagation and theory.
Airframe: Skywalker 1.9m wingspan version. I chose this for its durability, modification ability, low-cost, payload weight, and great reviews. The aircraft will be coated with Styroplast, primed and painted, and equipped with landing gear. Servo doors/covers will be installed. High quality linkage will be used.
Motor: Scorpion SII-3014-1040
ESC: Scorpion V3 60A
Prop: APC 9x7.5E
Battery: 4S 8000mAh LiPo
Servos: 6x HS-65MG (2x ailerons, 1x rudder, 1x elevator, 2x flaps)
Primary R/C Control: Joystick control interfaced with ArduPlane over 900MHz
Secondary R/C Control: Dragon Link LRS 435MHz with JR 7-Channel Radio
Video Link: Lawmate 2.4GHz 1W Tx; ImmersionRC Duo2400v2 diversity Rx
Video Antennas: 1x 2.4GHz 18dBi Yagi; 1x 5dBi Omni; 1x 3dBi Omni (Tx)
Cameras: 690TVL U-WDR Pixim Seawolf CCD for Pilot Cam; GoPro Hero 2 HD for Aerial Video/Surveillance
The Pilot cam will be mounted in the tip of the nose; The GoPro will be mounted on a custom P/T under the fuselage.
Autopilot: APM 2.0 + Digi Xtend 900MHz
Xtend Antennas: 1x 14dBi Patch; 1x 3dBi Omni
OSD: MinimOSD
Electronics Battery: 3S 2200mAh w/ UBEC
Ground Control Station: Will be embedded in case with professional aluminum panel mounting, switches, and wiring.
Case: Pelican 1650
Monitors: 2x 12.1" LCD
Joystick: DIY with CH industrial joysticks and POT to USB board
GCS Battery: 12v 20Ah Lead Acid
Antenna Tracking: ArduStation II GCS
This is a project I am currently working alone, so if anyone is in the Valdosta, GA area and is interested in partnering, please let me know.
I apologize for not having more photos, but as I start my build I will be posting many videos and photos!
Happy Flying!
Comments
@Vladimir: I have flown RC planes before.
@Wojciech: I'm in Europe now, moving back to the United States soon.
@Charlie: AWESOME!! That'll save me about $300! Thanks for the update.
Pucher...
Good choice, if you flew manually. But after you connect AP board, you lost all you free time to tune throttle/elevator/speed control loop...
@Hunter, there is an update to the ardustation it supports APM now. http://code.google.com/p/ardustation-ii/
Hi
If you plan to fly in Europe 900 mhz telemetry is a no go (gsm frequency). Unfortunately there is no real plug&play long telemetry for apm use in EU.
@Hunter
Do you flew RC airplane before?
@Veikko: The Styroplast gives a glossy polyurethane plastic hardcoat and can be wet sanded with fine grit paper to accept primer. The plastic is very durable giving you a strong coat that is very impact resistant, flexible, and lightweight.
@Vladimir: I hope it will fly well! I have not built it yet. The picture is another Skywalker to give an idea of the airframe.
The project is still in the design phase due to me relocating to another country and in between jobs. Once I get settled I will start ordering the airframe pieces and parts, then autopilot and electronics. As I progress I will post videos, pictures, and detailed descriptions of my build. Thanks for commenting!
How it's fly? :)
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next