When two kickstarters meet...

...something beautiful is born.

Just this week, after a suggestion from one of the Kickstarter backers, we are now collaborating with Quantum Robotics, pairing our R10 Advanced Quadrotor system with the Quantum Robotics Q2 XBee Handheld Controller, a programmable, customizable and hackable XBee controller that you may have seen before

There's more details here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1101297082/r10-quadrotor-powerful-inexpensive-and-customizabl/posts/330859

The R10 Advanced has a GPS/XBee module that handles autopilot and telemetry, which can be used as an alternative to a regular RC transmitter (or used in conjunction with a regular transmitter to send telemetry to a laptop)

But we realized that it also makes it completely compatible with the Quantum Robotics XBee Handhel Controllers (we'll ensure that they're fitted with the correct XBee units), which would be able to send the R10 manual control information, either using MAVLink version 3's MAVLINK_MSG_ID_MANUAL_CONTROL, which is what the R10 is set up with currently, or by some other protocol. We'll be working closely with Quantum Robotics to see if they'll support the latest version of MAVLink on their controller so that it can be used with other craft. We also want to use the display for battery levels.

The extra potentiometers on the transmitter would be excellent for fine-trimming controls, tuning the craft's flight dynamics or sensitivities on the fly, or controlling extra servos, like altering the default position of a stabilized camera gimbal! So this is definitely a very exciting opportunity for us, and we will be exploring the full possibilities soon.

The VERY interesting thing is that with all the extra buttons and switches on the controller, along with the mesh network/broadcast capabilities of the XBee, there'll be a possibility in the future of controlling a fleet of craft from a single Quantum Robotics Q2 XBee Handheld Controller using the buttons/switches to toggle control between individual quadrotors (the other quadrotors would have to be put into GPS hold). Could potentially allow a single person (presumably with super-human multi-tasking capabilities) to control a load of quadrotors to film an event from all different angles.

...Or it could be a recipe for disaster.

This is something we're keen to test out, but we'll keep that for later.

We've added a pledge level on our Kickstarter that would let people grab an R10 Advanced with a Q2 XBee Controller (we'll be fitting the controller with an XBee ZB Pro needed for compatibility).

Hi Gary, got an update for you relating to FCC. Digi have some interesting information for use of the XBee that I think will be useful for everyone here using their products: http://www.digi.com/technology/rf-tips/2007/11

If, however, you are using one of the OEM modules and dropping it into your own PCB with other electronics, then the radio’s modular approval means that you do not have to do any testing to FCC 15.247 for intentional radiators. The module’s FCC ID fulfills that requirement. Your electronics probably still need to go through FCC Part 15 Class A or B testing for unintentional radiation, but that should be the extent of the testing so the modular approval should end up saving your company significant time and money. The FCC allows for self-declaration for Part B so the process should be relatively painless.

We will follow these and FCC's guidelines about approval for unintentional radiation, and we will be in contact with FCC and other agencies to check that everything is in order.

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Comments

Max Bruner October 22, 2012 at 12:41pm

Thanks, Zachary, we'll see what happens.
Zachary Eldridge October 22, 2012 at 12:38pm

It use a xbee or a 3dr module. But it plugs into a module that made for IPad or Iphone and powers up for telemerty and send mavlink messages back and forth. Apple and Google wanted FCC tested before I can put the handheld devices in production. Kinding of holding me back. So good luck with the FCC make sure you have the coin on hand to they don't even try to start till you pay.
Max Bruner October 22, 2012 at 12:29pm

Thanks for the heads up, Zachary, can I ask what module you used for your iPad?
Zachary Eldridge October 22, 2012 at 12:27pm

The module I built for Ipad is under FCC ruling it cost over 10k just for testing. FCC bunch of thieves. Even when your using all ready approved modules.
My 2cents
Max Bruner October 22, 2012 at 8:05am

Hi Gary, got an update for you relating to FCC. Digi have some interesting information for use of the XBee that I think will be useful for everyone here using their products: http://www.digi.com/technology/rf-tips/2007/11

If, however, you are using one of the OEM modules and dropping it into your own PCB with other electronics, then the radio’s modular approval means that you do not have to do any testing to FCC 15.247 for intentional radiators. The module’s FCC ID fulfills that requirement. Your electronics probably still need to go through FCC Part 15 Class A or B testing for unintentional radiation, but that should be the extent of the testing so the modular approval should end up saving your company significant time and money. The FCC allows for self-declaration for Part B so the process should be relatively painless.

We will follow these and FCC's guidelines about approval for unintentional radiation, and we will be in contact with FCC and other agencies to check that everything is in order.
Max Bruner October 21, 2012 at 11:30am

Thanks for the comment, Gary, we are contacting the FCC and relevant licensing authorities. The situation is made complex (but resolution simpler?) since the XBee itself is FCC (et al.) approved, and there's also the issue of the R10 sold in kit form (this may not have an impact on the final rulings). In any case we are seeking FCC for clarification on this issue, and will be following their advice. End-users will be notified about any issues or requirements on their part, if any.
Moderator

Gary Mortimer October 21, 2012 at 10:40am

How will you get approval from the FCC and in the UK OFCOM ?? You should also note that current regulations in Europe only permit one command and control link one airframe. That might change in the future.
Max Bruner October 21, 2012 at 10:29am

It's an interesting question. The XBee ZB Pro 2.4GHz has a quoted range of 2 miles (10k feet, 3.2km), but in the EU and other countries that impose a lower transmit power limit, your range is less than this.

Latency of the XBee link itself is very low, but when in a system like this, it will depend a lot on the controller (I believe the latency at the receiving end is similar in both cases). It's something we'll definitely test, so right now we can't say which is better - they both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Simon Wunderlin October 21, 2012 at 9:50am

Has any one infos on the latency of the xbee as r/c controller solution? Does it come even close to a traditional r/c transmitter/receiver solution?

I do find teh idea interesting, since an xbee can do much more. From my limited understanding this flexibility comes at the cost of lower range and higher latency.

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