This new companion computer from Volta costs just $299 but brings a huge amount of power to Pixhawk-based drones. It's designed to compete with the DJI Manifold at a lower price, and it's open source. OpenCV-based computer vision, streaming HD video, 4G wireless and a 30-second installation with Pixhawk. Impressive!
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http://www.slashgear.com/dji-manifold-computer-is-meant-to-control-...
Name one embedded ARM based computer (not micro controller) that doesn't run a version of Linux?
And why say it has 4G and that means it has unlimited range. In urban areas and major trunks roads you are good, but as soon as you get away from there you'll have no range!
And connecting using the USB port to Pixhawk needs to be changed to something more reliable than an FTDI cable.
It's a nice package, but still some things that could be improved
It's great to see this companion computer. Some people are happy to build there own but for many people it's more efficient to just buy it and avoid the soldering of the BEC, cables and board setup.
Re some requests above for companion computer setup info, we have some of what's being asked for I think.
@ Chris, running full size USB plug, RJ45 and barrel plug on something that is meant to fly?
what we need is a dedicated companion computer with:
microUSB and standard servo breakout USB pins or at least df13 plug like on a pixhawk (2-3 such usb ports),
integrated hi-powered mimo wifi with ufl antenna connectors,
a pair of screw on terminals for power with ability to take in 6-8s lipo voltages directly,
HDMI in port for use with HD video streams.
This DIY community should solve point 1) so that everyone could follow a documented install procedure on an Odroid XU4, point 2) and 3) are no real sales arguments (nice to have).
4Gmetry III is built on a well known, commecially available computer (as Manifold is): this makes sense now and in the future, to mantain the prices low.
We’ve done our homework: a turnkey companion for Pixhawk. We take care of every detail and of all the annoying parts so that the final user can enjoy this wanderful “second brain” simply plug&play.
Obviuosly one can do all the work DIY at a slightly lower cost; we’re happy when this happens! We don't forget that our roots are in this amazing DIY group! (where you can find a 10% discount coupon and a lot of support).
I think the additions over the standard Odroid are 1) software setup wizard and pre-installed tools, 2) Enclosure, 3) Pixhawk-compatible cable.
Silvio,
Nice work on advancing the companion computer integration (and 4G communication!). We are counting on you. :)
Total hardware cost will be around $100.- You can buy even a nice case as well.
@ http://www.hardkernel.com/main/products/prdt_info.php
Imagine the setup complexity for all software on Volta, this will take additional cost.
But, I hope Vota to shrink the gap significantly :-)
If the later odroids adopt a kickass GPU, it will be super impressive. Most people (me included) who want a companion computer want to experiment with caffe/object ID, SLAM, 3D. I find the TK1 super useful, but the form factor of the Odroid is better.
Better still would be something life the 3DR solo companion computer with added mini pcie slot & HDMI -in.
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