Remember back, way back in autopilot years probably about 20. The year 2009 and the first round of our gentlemens (ladies are allowed just none have ever entered) competition the T3 challenge.
Back then just flying way points was hard and all this gear was expensive. Ardupilots were made at Sparkfun in batches that ran out quick.
Lets try it again I suspect this time the challenge would really be flying it faster than somebody FPV racing.
Read about the first time here for hints and tips.
As tech has moved on all aircraft types welcome lets make it not above 50m and 5 laps. All of course autonomous. Extra marks if that is from take off to landing.I will count the time from take off to landing so screaming dives to the start will not help. KMLs as evidence please!
UPDATE: Rovers (and boats) are also allowed! There will be a special rover/boat class, and you only have to beat other vehicles in that class. The course for such ground/water vehicles is 100m x 100m.
I will accept FPV times for the sake of science and should they be much much quicker it will give the pure FPV crowd something to brag about.
An Easystar (yes before HK copied it) made one lap in less than a minute in 2009 so 5 in 5 minutes should be more than possible.
As ever the time frame is flexible but why don't we all meet back here on August the 1st and find out who won!
Please add your entries and adventures below. Points are always awarded for silliness, just as long as its safe!
Comments
No, that was my last run, Too much wind to be competitive now.
Nooo! Just saw this. I'm interested in shooting for the ground category but I can't do it tonight. Too bad!
Air speed was around 28m/s, and bank limit 80 deg. Thanks! We are also very happy with how it flies. Did you do any more heli runs?
What was the airspeed? The bank angles are wild! Copter code just doesn't allow for that unfortunately. Nice job. Can't believe how well that flies.
OK, very long windy day for us but here is our final attempt. Got it down to 221 seconds, and this time with some on board video!
And a shot of the track, not as neat as the previous attempts but there was a strong unsteady wind almost all day long.
We had a blast competing in the challenge and really looking forward to seeing all the other entries.
I can definitely fly today, I just don't think I can put in a competitive time on account of wind. I won't be able to do 35 m/s ground-speed, heading upwind.
Rob, that heli is grooving!!! My favorite part was the takeoff run, it looked so purposeful!
I hope the weather is good for you tomorrow because I definitely want to see more of that!
Also cant wait to see Chris' Rover tearing it up at 100mph...the next couple of days are going to be very interesting indeed.
Ok, I think this will be my final entry, as the weather won't be good over the next couple days. Light winds, but I need no wind to do this as we don't have an airspeed sensor and I'm really pushing the limits. Did a couple more attempts tonight, got down to 281. There's definitely a few more seconds to save, just getting rid of the kink at the beginning. Also could probably climb and descend faster. Better corners... anyway, 281 is my time!
And here's a really crappy video of one attempt, which I had to abort.
Cool Chris,
I think your looking for the Bonneville salt flats.
Makes me think I ought to get back to work on my 2 wheel robot that uses 500 watt brushless bicycle wheels.
I definitely think we will both want an independent big red kill switch.
And possibly a hasty exit plan.
Best,
Gary
-
8
-
9
-
10
-
11
-
12
of 18 Next