For the time being, I am going to move development of the flow chart version of an "A-to-Z Amateur UAV Development Guide" to this blog post on my personal page. It is far from ready for prime time and should not get much visibility at this stage. If it leads to a useful guide, then perhaps a link can be added to Chris' "Newbies guide to UAVs" which has top-level post visibility.My personal view of where this is going is not so much of a complete standalone set of instructions on how to build a specific UAV, but rather as an effort to capture and organize the wealth of information that already exists or becomes available. If successful, this guide will save future enthusiasts much time and effort in searching out the information they need to plan and execute their own UAV project.I don't necessarily see the flow chart as the final version of such a guide. This might just be the vehicle to capture the information and then become the framework for a Wiki site as has been suggested. While anyone is welcome to collaborate on the flow chart itself, there hasn't been much response to the original post on this. That's OK. I have decided to press ahead with the project and see where it leads.I intend to use this blog space to request help on specific topics as I develop the chart. Mainly, this will be asking for links that can provide specific information. I will try to find these on my own, but I suspect I will make frequent requests. Also, you might know of better links than the ones I find if you happen to be looking over the guide. If you come across a real gem that should be captured, please pass on that link and I'll fit it in.The following will always lead to the current version of the flow chart:DIY Drones A-to-Z Amateur UAV Development GuideAny comments, suggestions, input, etc. are welcome.Thanks,Paul
It seems that it wasn't that long ago that if you wanted an autopilot you had to build the controller board yourself from component parts. In the interests of DIY, I'd like to include links (if they still exist) to pages that discuss board construction. I believe I saw some on this site at one point. I'll check the Paparrazi site as well, but any links on this would be welcome.
Paul,
This is a great idea but I know it is going to be a lot of work.
The best site I've found on aerodynamics fundamentals is the NASA Glenn Research Center. http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/short.html
They also cover the physics and math in a very basic writing style.
Don't worry about the state of completeness: it matches everything else about our projects! Better to publish early in unfinished state and get help than to labor for ages in solitude.
CHRIS!!! Can you say, "no pressure?" I was hoping for low visibility. Now I have to work! Hmm, maybe this is a little insight into why you are Editor-IN-CHIEF at Wired Magazine!
Thanks for going ahead and putting this up. I really do need help from the community, so I hope this approach works. I'll try to add something every day.
Here is my first request for a good link (or links):
I would like to find a good write-up on the basic principles of flight and how an autopilot flies a plane using those principles. For example, the basic principles of flight would be lift, drag, yaw-pitch-roll control, etc. The autopilot integration would be how it maintains both straight and level flight and then basic navigation and altitude control. This should be good, basic background info for the unitiated.
Comments
It seems that it wasn't that long ago that if you wanted an autopilot you had to build the controller board yourself from component parts. In the interests of DIY, I'd like to include links (if they still exist) to pages that discuss board construction. I believe I saw some on this site at one point. I'll check the Paparrazi site as well, but any links on this would be welcome.
Thanks,
Paul
Paul
This is a great idea but I know it is going to be a lot of work.
The best site I've found on aerodynamics fundamentals is the NASA Glenn Research Center.
http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/short.html
They also cover the physics and math in a very basic writing style.
Thanks for going ahead and putting this up. I really do need help from the community, so I hope this approach works. I'll try to add something every day.
Paul
I would like to find a good write-up on the basic principles of flight and how an autopilot flies a plane using those principles. For example, the basic principles of flight would be lift, drag, yaw-pitch-roll control, etc. The autopilot integration would be how it maintains both straight and level flight and then basic navigation and altitude control. This should be good, basic background info for the unitiated.