Just a teaser from this week's 3DR hackathon: swarming Solos running ROS doing and autonomous lightshows in the skies over Berkeley. You can script the geometries (circles, with moving center points and radius, and any other shapes) and the AI allocates the drones accordingly to populate the shapes and avoid each other. Much more soon!
This is a latest attempt at integrating some post flight capability into 3D. This runs natively in a web browser (no plugin/download/etc.). Browse to your log files and optionally point to a video file to have synced with your flight's playback.
Let me know your thoughts! I will continue to add capabilities to this web app and will publish it soon i hope!
Thanks!
I was invited by OttawaDrones, a group of FPV flyers and drone designers, to do a short presentation about our dynamometer. My objective was to help them make quads and drones that fly longer and are more powerful.
I decided to do an introduction to motor and propeller theory, efficiency, and testing. I wanted to give the audience an intuitive understanding of the equations, so that they can design better, faster and more efficient quads. I tried to make this talk different and interesting by talking about the theory while giving concrete examples and showing real test results done with our tool.
Here is an overview of the talk:
We got to demo our tool after, and we talked with really cool people! I really recommend going to one of their meetup if you have a chance. They have great projects, and you can do some indoor FPV flying in winter!
I am planning do a series of tutorials discussing more in depth each topic mentioned in the video, so your feedback and questions are very appreciated. I will do my best to answer!
Hey Fellow UAV enthusiasts & professionals !
The long awaited Seagull #REC is finally out !
The most affordable and feature rich Sony MULTI camera controller on the market !!
Supporting the latest Sony MULTI (Multiport) equipped cameras !
Seagull #REC is a ‘’Plug & Play” solution and comes with all of the necessary accessories to get you going and capturing!
#REC gives you control over your camera with following features:
• Video record Start/Stop
• Zoom ( 7 speeds in each direction – W/T )
• Autofocus Trigger ‘AF-T’ ( 1 sec pre-autofocus – then trigger )
• Instant Trigger ‘IS-T’ ( instant trigger – as soon as camera locks focus )
• Manual Photo mode ( 2-stage individual focus and trigger )
• Camera On/Off
• Timelapse ( Intervals: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20sec )
#REC is supplied with either a 30cm or a 60cm camera cable to match your application needs !
Check it out in our Shop -> Seagull #REC
Watch the "Quick Look"
Watch the "Control a Camera"
Watch the "Control a Camcorder"
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask – our support is ready to help - have a great day!
Best regards from Denmark,
Rone Scholz-Nielsen
CEO // founder, Seagull UAV
The Seagull UAV Team !
This video shows a Flip32 flight controller ($15 from re readytoflyquads.com) onboard a min 250 quadcopter, sending IMU attitude telemetry (pitch, roll, yaw) to my laptop via a Bluesmirf Bluetooth module ($35 from sparkfun.com). The Bluesmirf connects to the Flip32's UART via a four-pin jumper cable, also from Sparkfun ($.095). On the laptop, a Python program parses the IMU messages using code auto-generated by our MSPPG parser generator (https://github.com/simondlevy/MSPPG), and displays the vehicle's attitude using Tkinter.
Here's a more detailed picture of the Bluesmirf wiring. I used a Sharpie to color one of the wires black, since it's supposed to be GND. A piece of clear 1/2" heat-shrink tubing (from McMaster Carr) helps insulate and stabilize the wiring.
Gazebo is a real time physics simulator with many promising features for the simulation of the next generation of UAVs, self-aware of their environment.
As presented on previous posts, especially from the ASL team from ETH Zurich who interfaced PX4 with Gazebo, from Alexandr Buyval who posted the first interface for ArduCopter, or from Patrick Nolan, Gazebo offers the simulation of a variety of sensors. It includes models of ultrasound range finders, cameras, lidars, stereo cameras, etc. These combinations make Gazebo well suited to simulate indoor flights or close to obstacles.
Gazebo runs along ROS (Robot Operating System) which is a software framework containing libraries for message-passing, package management, visualizers, device drivers, etc.
This update fully restructures in "C++ the Ardupilot – ROS/Gazebo” plugin interface in order to bring out:
With this update we hope the Ardupilot ROS/Gazebo SITL will have achieved a high enough stability and ease-of-use to become a common simulator for all phases of the engineering V-model:
Besides conception usefulness, the ROS/Gazebo SITL simulator is also very helpful for new pilots to train on RC piloting, or for veterans to hone their skills in parameter tuning.
Next step would be to interface DroneAPI's code with ROS/Gazebo topic messages, as well as the simulation launch mechanism, to be able to run custom DroneAPI image processing codes over Gazebo camera frames. By achieving this, the SITL would close the loop of UAV system simulation.
In conclusion it is a great test bench for all the cool new functions and flight modes of the community!
All source codes are available on our Github:
https://github.com/AurelienRoy/ardupilot_sitl_gazebo_plugin
https://github.com/AurelienRoy/ardupilot/tree/wall_follow branch wall_follow
https://github.com/AurelienRoy/mavlink-gbp-release/tree/wall_follow branch wall_follow
https://github.com/AurelienRoy/MAVProxy/tree/map_overlay branch map_overlay
https://github.com/AurelienRoy/ardupilot_sitl_ros_tutorial.git
from InventUAV
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Additional details:
The step lock mechanism enforces a pause of the Gazebo simulation until it receives the next motor command from Ardupilot. It then steps forward the simulation by 2.5 ms (for the 400 Hz update rate on Pixhawk hardware) and sends back new sensor measurements to Ardupilot. Unlike many controller simulations on Gazebo, Ardupilot is the master of the simulation clock.
This solution prevents Ardupilot from missing time steps when running on slow computers, thus improving the overall stability. Among other benefits, the debugging of Ardupilot is much easier: when its execution stops at a breakpoint, the simulation automatically stays on a standstill.
Among discomforts, in simulations with ground stations maps, you cannot properly assess the UAV position relative to its surroundings. This issue is now solved, at least for MavProxy, with the possibility to overlay a georeferenced map image. The image file path is specified as argument to MavProxy, by the SITL launch script, with the simulation start location defining the image's center geolocation.
Unfortunately the Gazebo orthographic projection camera, which would be much useful to create maps from screenshots, only arrives in Gazebo 6.0, with the Kinetic Kane ROS version (may 2016).
Parachute release :
In order to stress test safety mechanisms of Ardupilot, a parachute has been modeled and appears when the autopilot activates the release servo. This development leads the way for dynamic model insertion, which can be useful for special actions like saving a lost hiker with an accurate water bottle drop (UAV Outback Challenge 2014).
Wall-Follow Mode :
It is a new mode we conceived for our project's special needs.
It is an aiding system for pilots making close shots along a structure's surface. All commands are relative to a virtual wall plane, which is similar to the Simple mode. It combines a Loiter controller for the lateral axis (= parallel to the wall), and a distance controller on the forward axis (= toward the wall).
The pilot can freely control lateral movement (roll command), and height (throttle). The wall plane orientation is fixed as perpendicular to the UAV's yaw angle upon entering the mode, and the target distance is a parameter.
To maintain a good behavior even when facing surfaces with holes, or high granularity, the controller includes with a special filtering of frontal range measures, fully configurable through parameters. This way the UAV maintains a straight trajectory, despite gaps.
An equivalent wall-follow waypoint control is underway, for wall planes parallel to waypoint legs.
The development of this feature had to be rushed for the needs of the video. It has not yet been thoroughly tested, and any test on a real UAV should be performed with caution.
What about extremely compact and with low weight thermal imaging system for drones that you can control even better than most handheld thermal cameras? And we don't talk about control on the earth (via keybord) but during thy fly via your very standard RC controller.
We talk about "full value" thermal imaging system for drones! With radiometric data recording (FLIR .jpg compatible) and user friendly PC software for data analysis.
Our thermal imaging system Workswell AIRVision is not another FLIR TAU2 in "another cover", it is a comprehensive system for drones that isn't hitherto available! See video bellow, that is version with "only" 336x256. We are preparing video with 640x480 and we will release it in monday.
Would you like to know more in a few days?
I just got my i8 and wanted to share what is inside the black box. only 4 screws on the back to remove. A GD32F130 is running the show and there is a Silabs SI2102 on the USB port, so it is not only for charging the Nokia style battery. The RC part is a FlySky FS-HF030B.
Chris Anderson, an early developer of sUAS hardware and ArduPilot firmware
Under new legislation, small Unmanned Aircraft System is subject to compulsory registration prior to the small UAS operating outdoors.
Since home development of model aircraft, small UAS is a procedure made of the following steps:
1. buy parts, install motors, propellers, battery, control unit, radio, sensor/s
2. assembly the above parts
3. test such home developed model aircraft outdoor
loop 1. 2. 3.
Under new legislation home developers, modellers are banned to test new assembled
small aircraft, small drones outdoors,
since you are required to register any assembled kit before the operating outdoors.
Battery replaced > New registration required > new registration number assigned
Motors replaced > ..
Propellers replaced > ...
New frame purchased for tests > New registration required
So in theory and practice, activities of ArduDrone, ArduPlane developers, modellers
have been banned, since any new test is subject to prior registration.
If you claim, you are allowed to replace parts, frame, motor, propellers, battery, controller, radio in your home developed mini drone and such new developed small drone is exempted from compulsory registration, pls let me know your opinion.
UgCS has two very important features when it comes to mapping. The first is that UgCS supports geotagging. This means that UgCS is able to sync the telemetry data from a flight to pictures taken during the fligh
This information can then be used in software such as Pix4D to stitch the pictures together to create a map overlay. This map overlay can then be fed back into UgCS as a custom map layer using Mapbox.
The steps for this procedure are the following:
1. Fly a mission using UgCS to scan an area and take pictures. This is best done using our Area Scan tool. Select it and draw an area on the map. UgCS supports different cameras, with the most popular cameras having pre-set profiles so that the area scan is automatically calculated according to the desired overlaps and ground resolution. Furthermore you are able to select a desired angle of the area scan. To set a desired starting point, insert a waypoint before the area scan.
You are also able to set various actions for the drone to do while flying the area scan mission, the most useful for mapping being the “Set camera by distance / time”. In case the camera trigger is not set up on the drone, you can simply set the camera to take the pictures each X seconds. However, before doing this, check that the time set in the camera corresponds to the time in UgCS.
Keep in mind that, if you are flying your drone in manual mode instead of a mission with UgCS, you need to set a take-off point altitude for the geotagging to work correctly afterwards.
2. Geotag the images using our in-built geotagging tool. The telemetry recording of each flight is saved by UgCS. To access and replay your flights, go to the Telemetry player. In the Telemetry player add your drone, then go to the drone tooltip and click on Geotagging. A window will open asking you to select the images from your computer to be geotagged according to the telemetry data.
3. After the images have been geotagged, they need to be stitched together. For this purpose we suggest using the software Pix4D.
If you are doing this in Pix4D, after the images have been selected, go to Process → Options → DSM and Orthomosaic and make sure that Google Maps Tiles and KML and Mapbox Tiles are checked.
From Pix4D you need to export the file with the extension .mbtiles
4. Add the .mbtiles file to UgCS as a new Map provider. To do this, in UgCS enter Menu → Configuration and under Map providers click “Add” and select the type “MBTiles”. Then just click Browse, find the file and click save.
5. Add the newly created layer as a map overlay in UgCS. In the main menu of UgCS go to layers and add it as an overlay. The resulting overlay should look similar to this.
UgCS can be downloaded from our site here: www.ugcs.com
More detailed steps on Pix4D rendering as well as the option of using the online service mapbox.com for hosting the map layers can be found here:
http://www.ugcs.com/files/PDFs/Tutorials/creating-map-and-using-it-as-custom-mapbox.com-layer.pdf
In case you have any questions, feel free to either send us a PM or e-mail us at ugcs@ugcs.com
Safe flights,
UgCS Team
If you're looking for an autonomous aircraft without the need for registration in the U.S., Paparazzi UAV and 1bitsquared have got you covered. The Lisa/S quad has a takeoff weight of 39g(0.086 lbs.) That's way below the FAA registration limit and still leaves plenty of head-room for payload, approximately 210 grams worth.
Here's a link to the kit: Lisa/S Nano Quadcopter Kit
Two months ago I have released FlightZoomer for the first time (version 1.5). Meanwhile the next version is nearing completion (version 2.0) and I am pleased to present you some of the highlights of this new version...
What are the improvements?
So what can you see in the video above?
Presentation of the real 787 Mode Control Panel (MCP):
Earlier FlightZoomer posts:
My project FlightZoomer: realistic flight instruments, navigation systems and auto flight systems
FlightZoomer News: documentation finished! Introduction Flight Management
More details (about version 1.5):
I want to share our last experience with HYBRiX, a lapse time of a 3hr and 10min endurance flight test. As far as I know it is the longest flight time for a hybrid fuel-electric drone, and I have to say it is not a lab test, but the same configuration we will start selling very soon. We are really excited about this! Please comments ;)
Thank you all for your feedback!
After collecting opinions around the internet I am feeling optimistic about my project and ready to push forward.
A careful search and a long-lasting correspondence with Chinese manufactures revealed several options for CNC production (aluminum and carbon fiber) with an affordable price a small MOQ of 200 pieces for each custom part.
In the current design custom parts are used at least 4-5 times each, so my MOQ is ~40 frame kits.
Therefore, together with my friends we decided to make a crowdfunding campaign (with a fixed goal that corresponds to the MOQ). We have experience in CAD drawing/modeling, CNC production and project management.
However, it looks like we should have taken more care about the media, as no one yet knows about us.
I hope to solve it soon and will be grateful for any help with spreading the info.
Personally I would rather spend more time on tests. I have recently got samples for leg mounts. Such detachable landing gear will save a lot of space. Currently I am thinking about an experiment with dynamic stress.
Emlid is proud to announce Navio2 - the new version of Navio autopilot.
Navio was the first Raspberry Pi based autopilot and grew up to become the main Linux APM platform. With Navio APM flight stack runs directly on Raspberry Pi under real-time Linux kernel. Compared to classic microcontroller-based autopilots this gives more CPU and memory resources as well as incredible Linux networking capabilities.
With Navio you can connect an LTE modem or high-power WiFi to obtain full network access to the autopilot. Stream video from Raspberry Pi camera, download photos or run your software alongside the APM.
We have listened closely to our community and included numerous improvements in Navio2.
New features in Navio2:
Dual IMU. We’ve added second IMU chip to improve flight experience and for redundancy.
Advanced power circuitry. Triple ideal diode or-ing scheme was already present on Navio+, but Navio2 also features overvoltage and overcurrent protection circuitry on the power module port to protect both the board and your Raspberry Pi.
Improved MS5611 performance. Transactions from other chips on the bus, which MS5611 is connected to, can produce noise during the conversion. We left MS5611 the only sensor on the I2C bus to overcome this.
PCA9685 PWM generator replaced with a microcontroller. On previous Navio version PWM generation was handled by PCA9685 chip. Main limitation of this chip is the inability to control frequencies for separate channels. This lead to problems with motors and servos that work on different frequencies. To eliminate that problem we used a microcontroller that allows to set frequencies for output channels by groups.
PPM\SBUS decoding done by microcontroller instead of DMA. On Navio+ we used DMA to sample PPM signal which was quite heavy on system resources. On Navio2 a microcontroller handles PPM\SBUS sampling leaving processor cores of Raspberry Pi 2 for your tasks.
AUX SPI. Navio2 is the first HAT to utilize AUX SPI controller on Raspberry Pi. Using two SPI controllers allows us to distribute sensors more efficiently. Having twice the bandwidth of other Raspberry Pi based solutions, we are managing to move more data at a greater speed.
ADC port. Using additional ADC channels on Navio+ was not user friendly due to ADC channels being only available on pads at the bottom of the board. On Navio2 these channels are easily accessible on a DF13 port.
Better Linux integration. PWM, ADC, SBUS and PPM are integrated in Linux sysfs allowing for easy access from any programming language. Even deeper integration is coming in the future.
Other small changes:
Right angle servo header
RGB LED position in the board center for better LED visibility
Pulled up pins in UART port to allow easy 3DR Radio connection
Nylon screws in the package to avoid magnetic interference
Camera cable cutout
PWM channels are protected by ESD clamps
All these new features come at the same price and Navio2 is also available with 30% edu discount.
You can find more information and order Navio2 at emlid.com.
Best regards,
Emlid team
We heard yesterday that this was coming and have been given an idea of what's in them. Its not the best if true.
WASHINGTON–Please join U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Deputy Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker for an announcement about the aircraft registration process for owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). A Registration Task Force delivered recommendations to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx on November 21, 2015.
When: Monday, December 14, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. EST
Both 3DR ready-to-fly drones are now $999 ($350 off).
The Aero provides 40 minutes of Pixhawk-powered autonomous flight housed in a sturdy and customized Skywalker airframe. The efficient and reliable propulsion system is based on the RC Tiger Motor 2820 motor, and along with the upgraded Henge MD933 servos and Dubro components in the control linkages, ensure a reliable and efficient aircraft. Comes with DX7 and FPV. Buy here.
The X8 is a ready-to-fly heavy-duty copter with lifting power that extends payload options to the professional realm. Comes with Flysky Tx/Rx. Buy here.
Very interesting article in 3D Artist magazine about how the legendary effects house Tippett Studios (Jurassic Park series, Robocop, Matrix, etc), used a 3DR IRIS+ to capture 3D imagery in China to create a GC theme park ride.
In anticipation of the event, the establishment of a governing body - the World Organization for Racing Drones - was also formally announced.
Dubai will host the first 'World Drone Prix' in March, which organisers say will be the world's biggest drone race, with a grand prize of $1 million.
Speaking at the last day of the World Air Games at Skydive Dubai's Palm drop zone, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi said that the upcoming Drone Prix represents the future of air racing and drone technology.
"In Dubai, we believe that every end is the beginning of a new journey, and our journey towards being in the future starts today," he said.
"The World Drone Prix is the future of racing, pushing the boundary of drone technology until it becomes the reality of transport in the future."
"Since the beginning of time, man has raced by running, horseback, car and plane," Al Gergawi added.
"The World Drone Prix will be the biggest race of its kind, with a grand prize of $1 million."
The Drone Prix will be held under the direction of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
In anticipation of the event, the establishment of a governing body, the World Organisation for Racing Drones, was also formally announced.
"The organisation will govern the standard of the drone racing industry, and establish the code that will be the standard for races in the future," Al Gergawi added.
"Dubai is no longer a city that dreams of the future. It is a city from the future and with the World Drone Prix will inspire the technology of the future."
In addition to organising the March competition and setting rules and regulations, the organisation will also be charged with awarding future host cities the race, accrediting pilots and other organisations, and spreading awareness of potential uses of drone technology.
On December 20, the World Organisation for Racing Drones will release a code of conduct and rules and regulations for the event.
Qualifying events, which will be held at various locations on every continent, will begin on January 1, 2016. To qualify, teams must place in first, second or third positions in qualifying races of 15 or more teams.
Teams that qualify for the competition will be flown into Dubai in early March to take part in a practice run on March 9.
The opening day of the event will be held on the evening of March 10, with the main event - which includes freestyle and track races - taking place on March 11th.
Prizes will be awarded in several other categories, such as best manufacturer.
Event organisers noted that the Drone Prix's $1 million grand prize dwarfs that of other drones races that are currently being held.
The October 17-22, 2016 World Drone Racing Championship in Hawaii, for example, will give $200,000 in cash, prizes and trophies to winners across multiple categories.
To participate in the Drone Prix, teams must have at least five members, including a pilot, a navigator, someone in charge of the pit-stop, a pit-stop technician, and a team leader.
All teams must have at least one sponsor.
All drones that take part in the competition will have similar batteries and air frames to ensure competitive races, and must be operated by team members using remote control, rather than autonomously on pre-programmed routes.
The World Grand Prix will mark the second major drone competition hosted by Dubai in 2016.
In February, the winners of the second UAE Drones For Good Awards, which has attracted 1,107 participants from 165 countries, will be announced at a special ceremony prior to the Fourth Government Summit.
Drone Prix terms
> Qualifying events at various locations will begin on January 1, 2016
> Teams that qualify will be flown to Dubai in early March
> Each team must have at least 5 members, including a pilot, a navigator, someone in charge of the pit-stop, a pit-stop technician and a team leader
Cool new lost-cost RTK GPS from Tersus. Pixhawk compatible. From the team:
L1/L2 dual frequency, high end: $799,
L1 only (UBLOX M8 inside) with in-house software RTK and IMU; $499.
Compatible with Pixhawk, We use UART to talk with Pixhawk
GPS Connector (or any other UART connector)
Pixhawk GPS +5V (pin 1) - Precis +5V
Pixhawk GPS TX (pin 2) - Precis RX
Pixhawk GPS RX (pin 3) - Precis TX
Pixhawk GPS GND (pin 6) - Precis1 GND
Here's a great example of its precision, marking the edges of a table:
More info in this discussion
