Goals:-I want my UAV to be able to go from point A to point B, take a picture, go back to point A and then land safely.-My UAV should be built using the cheapest commercial available products and the total cost should not exceed 1000$.-I'm giving myself no more than a year to complete this project.List of my skills:Update: 2009-05-27: Thanks to David for pointing out the excellent article of Cory about the list of skills set which are nice to have if you want to build your own UAV.Here are the skills that I think I have.ProgrammingExperience with CAble to compile softwareCan program embedded systems - NoKnow how to find the appropriate resources for support (forums, mailing lists, wikis, etc.)Radio Control AircraftBe able to take off and land with confidence - NoBe able to fly simple patterns - NoUnderstand model aircraft setup - NoBe able to make simple repairs to model aircraft - NoBe familiar with tools and techniques used for model aircraft - NoUnderstand the care and usage of lithium polymer batteries - NoBe a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (For access to certain flying fields) - NoElectronicFamiliar with embedded systems - NoKnow how to interface electronic components to micro controllers - NoBe able to locate, read, and understand data sheetsKnow how to troubleshoot electronic systems - NoUnderstand signal timing - NoBe able to solder small components and wiresBe able to fabricate wiring harnessBe able to read schematicsControl TheoryUnderstand PID control - NoGeneralAble to learn without guidanceStrong ability to troubleshoot systems
Well we use Optios, various models but all of them have the option for IR triggering. We just get them clicking away at the maximum rate and then sort the wheat from the chaff, its called the shotgun method.
You can trigger cameras with a servo simply pushing down the button.
@Gary Mortimer
How do you control your camera to take shots?
Do you manually use a "remote control" to order the camera to take shots?
Do you have to program your camera to take shots at an interval of time?
Can I know what is the model of your camera?
@xn2001
I would like to apologize if I sound discouraging on previous post.
Yes, in my opinion, it is mandatory to first learn how to fly rc plane. One doesn't need to be pro rc hobbyist, just basic rc flying skill will do.
xn2001, your experience in electronic would be helpful to assemble and troubleshoot ardupilot.
btw, Cory has wrote a nice article over Here
it is about a "List of suggested skills", then you will get the idea :D
@David Low
No, I don't have any experience with flying RC plane. That is why I bought yesterday the cheapest RC plane in store, Fly Sky 2. Playing with a RC plane will be part of my Phase 2. There will be more phases to come. I simply want to use the blog to document my experience with my UAV project from the start to the end.
Can you define basic electronic knowledge? I took a few mandatory electronic courses while attending University for my computer science degree and did a project to move a simple robot arm using gates but I forget everything by now. 1 of the course that I hate the most is where I have to learn about CMOS and NMOS. Does my experience constitute "basic electronic knowledge".
Obviously, I expect a deep learning curve but I don't expect to need an engineering degree in electronic to do this. If it is required then, let me know. I will quit right away.
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@Gary Mortimer
I don't understand your question "Could you get the photo by any other means??".
I didn't build an UAV yet. I don't even have the sliest idea how I'm going to integrate the camera with the plane to take picture. I'm not there yet.
I don't think the point is to get the photo, it's to build a UAV that is capable of getting the photo because it's cool. Even if you spend a year and $1000 working on this, and don't get exactly the results you originally wanted, you've still gained a lot over not trying it in the first place.
hi xn2001, do you have experience in flying RC plane and basic electronic knowledge?
before commit into this uav hobby, it is important to identify the area of knowledge needed
if not, will probably be facing a lots difficulties to explore this field.
Comments
You can trigger cameras with a servo simply pushing down the button.
There are many ways!!
Thx for pointing out Cory's article. It is very helpful. I now know what to expect.
How do you control your camera to take shots?
Do you manually use a "remote control" to order the camera to take shots?
Do you have to program your camera to take shots at an interval of time?
Can I know what is the model of your camera?
If we don't get results with those then we get the fixed wing or quadrocopter out.
An sUAS is not the first point of call. Heres a shot from??? At the weekend.
I would like to apologize if I sound discouraging on previous post.
Yes, in my opinion, it is mandatory to first learn how to fly rc plane. One doesn't need to be pro rc hobbyist, just basic rc flying skill will do.
xn2001, your experience in electronic would be helpful to assemble and troubleshoot ardupilot.
btw, Cory has wrote a nice article over Here
it is about a "List of suggested skills", then you will get the idea :D
No, I don't have any experience with flying RC plane. That is why I bought yesterday the cheapest RC plane in store, Fly Sky 2. Playing with a RC plane will be part of my Phase 2. There will be more phases to come. I simply want to use the blog to document my experience with my UAV project from the start to the end.
Can you define basic electronic knowledge? I took a few mandatory electronic courses while attending University for my computer science degree and did a project to move a simple robot arm using gates but I forget everything by now. 1 of the course that I hate the most is where I have to learn about CMOS and NMOS. Does my experience constitute "basic electronic knowledge".
Obviously, I expect a deep learning curve but I don't expect to need an engineering degree in electronic to do this. If it is required then, let me know. I will quit right away.
=======================================
@Gary Mortimer
I don't understand your question "Could you get the photo by any other means??".
I didn't build an UAV yet. I don't even have the sliest idea how I'm going to integrate the camera with the plane to take picture. I'm not there yet.
I don't think the point is to get the photo, it's to build a UAV that is capable of getting the photo because it's cool. Even if you spend a year and $1000 working on this, and don't get exactly the results you originally wanted, you've still gained a lot over not trying it in the first place.
before commit into this uav hobby, it is important to identify the area of knowledge needed
if not, will probably be facing a lots difficulties to explore this field.