We developed a simple controller to pilot drones/cars/boats/etc. via 3G cellular connection, using a custom PCB on top of a Raspberry A+ with a camera.
Here is a video of test flight controlled via a 64Kbps cellular connection:
A view of the Raspberrry Pi "Hat":
The PCB in a prototype 3d-printed case:
All the source files, schematics and CAD files are open source and on github:
https://github.com/nfco/cellpilot
Any feedback would be welcome in order to guide the development of the project.
Anyone else interested in FPV control over cellular connection? If so, what setup are you now using?
Comments
Hi David,
At least me won't go for Intel Edison, interested only in RPi because it is much popular around the world.
Everything of RPi you get quite cheap off the shelf from almost everywhere. So would think of quitting backing this project.
David, have considered using an Intel Edison instead of the RPI?... it can run your code and with sparkfun blocks, would give you the same Io capability... plus interface with pixhawks, amp etc. very small form factor and weight. just a thought
Actually, I can put already all my files in github for cellpilot v2, so I can get early feedback from you or other interested people.
The first thing I want to make is a small CPU module based on the A13, that will replace the Raspberry PI and will fit in a small 4x4cm box (smaller than Pi, but with less peripherals, etc.).
I started to work on ir this weekend, I placed the A13 cpu and DDR3 SDRAM on the board already and started the RAM<->CPU trace routing (all in KiCAD).
I put the files for this in a separate repository here: https://github.com/nfco/tinycom (because it can be used not only in cellpilot but also in other projects).
So I will try to finish this small CPU module and then make a small base board with PWM output etc.
When the board is finished, I will try to fly it on a smaller mini quad and post a new video.
Thanks for the suggestion. I started working on v2 already this weekend...
After search some more I found that the smallest/cheapest chip is the allwinner R8, which is used in the C.H.I.P: http://nextthing.co/ . It is also easy to use in a PCB because the RAM is included in the cpu itself.
However it seems the R8 chip can not be purchased yet, and I don't want to wait. So I decided to make a small board using the Allwinner A13. I will also try to make the PCB entirely in Kicad this time instead of eagle and will put in the repository after I test a first board.
Hi David ! sorry for the late reply. What I suggest is to first make the one for which campaign is going on and side by side also work on the H/W standalone autopilot without Pi, based on ARM Allwinner A20 running code based on Ardupilot code + streaming video.
Make a prototype, make nice presentation including 2-3 videos and post here. People would love it, I already started loving it the way you described it.
The code has to be open source else people will bash it.
Very cool project with alot of potential... Looking forward to seeing the progress... Great work....
Thanks for your support!
Do you think more people would be interested in trying it if I try to make a version that can run standalone, without needing the Raspberry Pi under it? (that way it would also use less space, less weight and less total cost).
I think it might be possible by using a cheap ARM CPU like the Allwinner A20 (less than $4/unit and also supports hardware video encoding):
http://www.aliexpress.com/item/FREE-shipping-ALLWINNER-CPU-BGA-A20-...
This way it would be possible to make a box that people just turn on and ready to fly without having to plugin the "hat" pcb on the raspberry, screw the enclosure, etc.
Anyway, just an idea, maybe more people prefer the "standard" raspberry environment, I don't know.
David, It's really really great project, I am proud to back this project, wish you all the best !
Please note that this is a Fixed Funding campaign. Though your payment will be processed immediately, you will receive a refund if the campaign does not reach its funding goal.
Hi David, most of my queries are addressed, thanks
Hello,
1. I didn't try with wing aircraft yet (only tried quadcopter and car), but I think it should work although it will be more difficult to pilot than a quadcopter because it is moving faster. I will probably test with one of those EPP foam wings first (similar to this: http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__30973__Combat_Slope_Soaring_...)
2. The indiegogo campaign is to enable a first production batch (fully assembled and tested PCB and injection molded plastic case, but does not include the Raspberry Pi and camera).
3. Yes the resolution/bitrate is only limited by your 3g connection, not by the hardware. The Raspberry Pi is capable of streaming h264 in HD while using less than 10% CPU (hardware encoding).
4. It's the first time I use Indiegogo, but the way I understand it, you get a refund if the campaign goal is not reached. (although maybe minus the payment processing cost, I'm not sure) In case the campaign doesn't work, you can also try to assemble the PCB and 3d-print a case by yourself as well. (but more time consuming and lower quality)
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