XUAV-Talon
for
Precision Aerial Surveying & Mapping
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this blog is to document a comprehensive, custom build of the XUAV-Talon for precision surveying and mapping. Content will include build process, tips and tricks, hardware choices, 3D print modifications, CAD drawings (Sketchup), photos, software for aerial data processing and short video segments. As I have recently attended several conferences concerning the latest FAA rules and regulations for small(under 55lbs) commercial drone operation in the United States; I will be posting my interpretation of the laws and options available to fly drones legally in the US National Airspace(NAS).
BUILD STEPS 1, 2 (COMPLETE):
Please refer to my profile for details: http://diydrones.com/profile/RyanFuselier
Comments
Dennis thanks for the remarks... just in case you were not aware, I have more detail on my build and current build status under my DIY profile: http://diydrones.com/profile/RyanFuselier
To answer your questions, my profile build is current as I have not yet completed the build. I will more than likely pick up momentum on the build this coming week and should have all completed in a week or two. As I cannot officially fly the drone without meeting my final exemption requirement... "Certificated Pilot"; my check ride with the FAA is scheduled for September 29. I'm timing completion of the build for that time frame.
You're right about the Mobius... I anticipate in certain cases I might get some glare from the dome but I new this going into the modification. To be honest, it looks so cool and gives such good protection to the camera and gimbal that I thought I would just give it a try and see if the results were manageable. I always had plans to design a mod(spherical gimbal) to replace the clear dome if things just did not work out. Regarding the gimbal... although I have not officially tested the unit, after doing substantial research I am pretty confident that will not be a problem.
Thanks for the update Ryan. Very informative post with many, many hours of work invested. It is much appreciated.
Have you flight tested the Talon with all mods complete? Have you tested the Mobius/gimbal? Do you get a reflection in the Mobius due to light reflecting on the inside of the dome? I am looking for a camera/gimbal solution for the nose of the Talon.
Ok, new links to my latest Talon designs and scans of Talon. I will not put a time limit on these new links.
Talon Full Drone Exterior Scans-STL
Talon Modifications by Ryan-STL
Enjoy...
Sorry for the delay on post and updates to build... for good reason, there has not been any progress since last post. I shifted gears on my spare time an energy and have been working on my Private Pilot's License. I need this certification to meet our Section 333 Exemption requirements to fly drones commercially. Good news is that I'm basically done and just awaiting my final "Check Ride" with the FAA scheduled for September 29, 2015. What I can say is that it has been a great experience and I now have a newfound appreciation for drone operation. Although the requirement to be a "Certificated Pilot" may be a little overkill, I do think that basic knowledge of the "NAS" should be a punch list item and limited time in the air flying would add a whole new perspective on what pilots face in regards to safety. Consider what going through a pilots mind just after takeoff:
Now add swarms of drones (that you cannot see) and you can see how safety could be a slight concern for these guys and how vulnerable you might feel in their shoes... I do understand I just described a scenario with close proximity to an airport which is technically forbidden airspace for drones, but the same still applies in cross country flight as many VFR pilots cruise at or below 3000 feet, especially during summer months when heat generated clouds often create a ceiling of 1,500 to 2,500 feet.
Before this experience, my thoughts were somewhat simple minded about issues concerning safety while in the NAS, but now that I have been there, dealing with the "information overload" that pilots must consider, adding thousands of new drones, will definitely increase anxiety of pilots in the air today. We need to be considerate of their concerns and work with FAA to make this new and coming market as safe as possible.
Turnigy Mobius Gimbal with Tarot Controller installed but not tested. Install went very well and it all fits nice and snug. Clean fit. Here are some picts of the install.
Just completed design for Turnigy Mobius Gimbal with Tarot Controller. Setup is small, lightweight and perfect fit for XUAV-Talon. I will show install pictures after I 3D print. Glass dome is standard with Talon, however I had to redesign cowling and back plate for rear motor mount. Notice controler mounts behind rear motor mount. Gimbal is hard mounted while cowling and glass dome can easily be removed to access mobius.
STL Files to all Talon upgrades as shown in profile build log to date. More to come as project progresses. Keep in mind that when 3D printing to print all parts at 101% to account for shrinkage.
Tip! When printing parts with hatches, print enclosure at 101% and hatch at 100%. This small difference will create enough gap so that it opens and closes smoothly. Also, if your interested in printing the Nex 7 landscape mount, be sure to view my profile for more details on how it needs to be reinforced with Carbon Fiber due to inherent weak points from 3D printing.
Talon 3D Printed Upgrades (STL)
Nick,
Below is the link you have requested. Within the next few days I will also post the STL files for all items I have 3D printed to this point in the build.
Talon Sub-Millimeter Scans
Thank you for keeping us updated with your work Ryan! I don't suppose you could kindly re-share the 3D scans of the Talon?
Looking forward to your build progress, Ryan. I'm using a Penguin for mapping and am very happy with it, which is why it's tough to look for an upgrade. The talon is one of the airframes I would like to see more results on.
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