I started to document some flights wth HUGO this week . Here is some footage of "loiter" and "stabilise" flight modes.Also took some decibal readings from approx. 10' to 1.5'. The dB level never exceeded 95 dB. This is not a scientific test. I hope to show a comparison with open frame as a control and get some proper testing procedures in place.
I have been using a single axis gimbal for FPV , and have found the compensation in this axis to help with my field of view while flying forward at moderate or high pitch. Plans for a vacuum formed enclosure for the camera is in the works.. There will also need to be changes made to the center hub cover to accommodate the 3DRadio.
I look forward to getting this available soon and ,as always,appreciate your comments and suggestions on the design.
Comments
Capri is heart of Kinect in stick of gum sized package.
Basically 3D time of flight camera.
Made by PrimeSense, the same people who make Kinect and probably available in 6 months in usable quantities and engineering samples in a few months.
The PX4 can probably handle these to produce usable SLAM type situational awareness and navigation.
Range is limited to under 11.5 feet on the Capri and direct sunlight can overpower it, but it is the best device available (soon) to provide a full rectangular depth image.
Very useful for object avoidance, navigation and mapping.
Thanks Gary. I'm not sure what a Capri is , but A.S.A.P. is for Autonomous Situational Awareness Platform. I meant to suggest it would provide situational awareness in an autonomous platform. It was a sketch (up) I had done and the name came to me. I thought it was clever.
Hi Sean, I am hoping you can make both your Quad Hugo and your new hex Ivan available as frames, ARF's and possibly RTF.
As you know in this community many like to really do it themselves, many like the economics and certainty of getting the primary motors, ESCs and props that actually work with the frame and some like it ready to go.
My guess is you will sell the most frames (where the manufacturing costs most need to be amortized) if you give the most options.
Right now I personally favor quads over hex's based on the KISS principal and although it is theoretically possible for a Hex to land with one motor out, it isn't pretty and has not been well implemented yet (although my guess is) with the PX4 and a little competent programming effort (Andrew!) it could be.
Get that one effectively solved and I might be a convert.
I wish you all the best and will probably be one of your first customers when you are actually ready to go.
I can't read what you have on your Ivan drawing, but if its autonomous and situationally aware one of the things in that front module ought to be a Capri.
I liked how the nylon machine screws fit in every aspect of the design. I am still working through techniques for assembling and securing different parts of the copter together. I see a model not far off with a completely uninterrupted skin except for a clip-in access panel. Given the advantages of this design approach with respect to weight, protection, sturdiness, and durability. I have no doubt that 5 years from now we will see a lot more of these types around.
I agree with Gary. I'm also very interested in these enclosed multicopters. The fewer screw and bolts the better. Quiet is a big plus. I vote for selling the whole thing with the frame, props, motors, escs all included..everything except the control board...although some may disagree with me.
I was hoping to have the PX4 the stock autopilot system for Ver. 09.0, "IVAN". It is meant to be an Autonomous Situational Awareness Platform, or A.S.A.P. It is a larger machine with a more developed frame design.
I have made some interesting changes that I am excited about. As you can see, there are actual 10-24 6/6 nylon screws threaded into the fuselage throughout. Either these could be used or you could tap new holes for additional hardware. I am working on tidying up the inside to make the available room more useful.
But first things first. Hope to be able to start shipping mid Feb. I will get the website up to date with more information. I will post an update with a link when the yare ready to ship.
Great design, fly's very nicely.
I believe that enclosed shell type multicopters are likely to be a major force in the future, Kydex or fiberglass in small volume and injection molded advanced reinforced plastics in larger production.
I like your design better than the Aquacopter because of the much better access you have.
You might want to consider putting a few specs about the frame on your website, such as weight, size, recommended motor ESC, prop and battery sizes, delivery time etc.
Also do you actually have the frames in stock ready for resale or what is lead time.
I am sure we would all like to know what the components and specs are for this one you have flying as well.
In any case, best of luck and please keep us posted.
Very nice again Sean!
Way to go. Just don't make it too "molded" to the specific electronics, Hardware changes are quite fast and footprint will never be 100% the same. I would like to put a PX4 in one of these when it's mature enough.
I think you need to provide mounting points or general room for what ever people want to put in there.
Looking forward to carry them at CanadaDrones.com, they will be a blast!
Dany