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Hi guys, previously I posted a description about my Ground station.

Since than, I spent many hours on testing and flying with it!

Regarding my experiences, I came up with a 2.0 design, which could be really a multifunctional, easy-to-use device for many multirotor/UAV pilots.

First of all, the basic connection diagram can be found at the beginning of this blog entry.My vision is to use a 10” Android tablet, and have a special bay for it. Also, the three RF modules (RC module, Video receiver and telemetry) should have been detachable modules, to let user replace them with another ones. And also let the road open for later development on them.

Here are the short descriptions for the detachable module parts:

1) RC range

I think the radio part has to be as simple as it can, to avoid any malfunctions in basic RC handling. My idea is to design a simple core (ie. in Arduino) which runs the program that handles the sticks, trim buttons and switches/pots, generates PPM for RF module, but has not any screen or input keys. All the programming part could be done by the Android tablet connected via FTDI, with a special app – or the ground station app. Maybe some of the open-source Transmitter develpoments could be used as basic….? Since it would be modular, many kind of RF modules (433 LRS, 2.4 GHz FHSS, etc...) could be used later.

 2) Video range

I see some interesting test videos about UVC video interfaces, which have native driver support in android 4.3+! FEBON makes great UVC products, so maybe these could be used, and latency could be reduced for FPV specific purposes, if FEBON looks enough fantasy and/or market in FPV. My vision is that Droidplanner app should handle live video feed, for example use it as a background in a graphical HUD-like view (so OSD would be not neccessary anymore). Since it would be modular, both HDMI or RCA video receivers could be built in to different modules, let user upgrade the video quality later (I hope HDMI video systems will be cheaper soon), or have multiple video modules for different setups and replace them on field.

 3) telemetry range

Both 3DR or higher range telemetry modules could be used, in changeable modules.

I think the adoreable work of Arthur and the developer team of Droidplanner could be use as a basic for this device. Some new functions should be developed (ie. background from video feed, setup interface for RC core, and many minor updates).

If anybody interests in this project and would like to invest in or has some ideas, just contact me via nhadrian@gmail.com. But I’d be the happiest if 3DR and/or the Droidplanner team would be interested in, since their work would the basic for many parts (ie. Droidplanner itself…)

I’m good in 3D designing but not qualified enough for PCB design/programming. So what I can offer is to make 3D design and perhaps moulds for later injection moulding, or give support in them. Also I have contacts for 3D printing and milling for plate productions. I would not get any single coin for my work, just enough parts to build one GS for myself...

Some more thoughts…

I think the construction type I used in GS1.0 works great and could be used (composite plates and plastic sidewalls and spacers). Also the Li-ion battery I used works great, 6600 mA looks enough for contionous usage. But I think there must have the opportunity to connect external 12V source during operation and perhaps have a small charger circuit that charges the internal Li-ion battery if external source has enough amperage.

Regarding tablet, we should find the best tablet for this purpose, which has good-positioned USB socket, the factory firmware can handle all functions that we need, has enough screen brightness/quality for outdoor operation and not the most expensive on the market…

Also some tests should be made if Droidplanner can handle two FTDIs and one UVC interface connected to an USB hub at a time.

About modules, I think some fast-release design should have been made, with quite universal connectors at the end, so any kind of devices could be inserted into the module housing. Antennas and/or external antenna connectors (ie. for tracking antenna systems) have to be on the modules end.

Best regards

Adrian