Blogs

I have a thought to use cellular technology to pipe video and data over a UDP connection.  This is nothing, however, I haven't seen a lot of support for the usage of 4G/LTE which allows up to 100mbps speeds.  Has anyone ever read up on this pico board?  I'ts available from min-box.com.  The same place I received my mini-PC for my GCS.

I had this idea about hosting a UDP server on board the aircraft with this pico board.  Then routing all traffic through a VPN tunnel where it will be connected to the GCS via internet/VPN tunneling.

The APM will connect to the board via serial I/O.  The tricky part (for me) will be routing that serial traffic over a UDP connection.  Any idea a simple(r) way to do this with Linux instead of any software-based routing procedures?  I very familiar with Linux, just haven't done any network routing inside a client-only environment.

Any thoughts or concerns are more than welcome!

Bottom of Rover

1. Left Rear Motor
2. Left Rear Motor Power Extension
3. Right Rear Motor Power Extension
4. Audio Speaker for receiver to rover voice projection
5. Power/Wifi Indicator Light
6. Camera Extension/live audio plugin
7. N/A something to do with the Camera or Audio In (Can't figure out)
8. Camera Motor Extension
9. 4 Headlights Connected to 2 Power Extensions (2 On Each)
10. On/Off light located next to power switch Extension
11. Right Motor Power Extension
12. Wifi Hotspot Extension and Power Extension
13. Wifi Hotspot Reset Button Extension
14. Wifi Hotspot Reset Button Board 
15. On/Off Indicator Light
16. Power Board
17. Positive Power Extension soldered onto board
18. Negative Power Extension soldered onto board

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Top of Rover

1. Camera Up/Down Tilt Motor and Power Extension
2. Camera/Nightvision to Board Video Extension
3. Wifi Hotspot Antenna Female Extension
4. Wifi Hotspot Hardware Board
5. Speaker and Audio Out Power Extension
6. N/A something to do with the Camera or Audio In (Can't figure out)

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Every now and then we see some horrible pictures of people seriously injured after a sudden startup of motors during setup. Yeah, we all know that we should remove the props while setting up, but letś be honest: after the 10th time on the same night we get fed up and confident. That is when sh#t happens. Been there, done that...

I have seen some alternatives to removing the props, but this one is my favorite because it is quite simple and convenient: use a low amp 12v source instead of the battery. I am using a 1.5A 12v source that is enough to power the controler, but if any motor tries to start the voltage will drop and the controller resets. Even if it doesnt, 1.5A isnt enough to spin a prop to a point of hurting anyone.

It is simple because all you need is an adaptor (or solder your plug directly as I did). It is convenient because you problably have many low amp 12v lying around, and I actually prefer not to use my batteries so they stay fully charged to fly.

Do yourself a favor and just build one. :-)

Open source Hardware/Software:  Android-Linux-Arduino Single Board Computer

IiMX6 Quad Core A9 combined with Arduino Due atSAM3X8E = UDOO

Imagine the compute power available, possibly a hardware variant (minus the majority of the "pc" like connectors)

powering your next autopilot - kalman, opencv etc, backed in under 40 hours in kickstarter.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/435742530/udoo-android-linux-arduino-in-a-tiny-single-board?ref=category

World altitude record 8365m ?

This flight was near Murmansk, Russia (GPS location is in the video, at the top point).

This place is very sparsely populated, there are no air routes, and there is no restriction on height for models.

Disclaimer: Here in the USA it would have violated the 400ft ceiling unless it had been an FAA authorized event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ngh6eGJcymE
From rcgroups:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1871228 "X-5 8000 meters altitude"
Aircraft - X-5 (without any alterations, but additional handset in the wing);
Battery - 2 x 3s 5000mAh

Following on my Carbon H-Quad, I have now built a foam one!! (Ok, it has a bit of carbon too)

The problem with the full carbon one was weight. Yes, it was super stiff but it was around 300g heavier than my X525 frame and thus my flight times were 3+ minutes shorter, thinner carbon plate would've helped but it's fairly expensive, difficult to come by (here) and difficult to work with.

My main priority was portability, it has to fold as small as possible and I also really do prefer flying the H-frames, orientation being the major advantage but also no props in onboard video.

I had a few blocks of a hard black EPP foam and I picked one up the other day and it was really firm (no twist) AND light (100g for the whole block), suddenly... bing!... I had spare arms for the X525 so why not.

A quick drawing in CAD to check the angles and sizes and some problem-solving with mountings and construction and here it is... took about 2 hrs to make and another 2-3 to assemble. I used the carbon pivot plates cut off from the old frame and they're just cyanoed to the foam with 2 bolts right through and 2 through just the arms and plates. Flies really well with very little twist (not enough to cause the yaw problems associated with twist)!

Weight is 925g ex-battery so 78g lighter than the X525 with the same components (The carbon frame was ~1300g).

Before attaching the motors, closed	Open, no components
3	4
5	In the old box!

Today I did a lot of testing and tuning with the new unreleased beta version of ArduCopter code, known as "2.9.2ß" (V3 i think for the official exit), quad with APM V2.5 and U-Blox GPS by 3DRobotics.
The inertial control developed by Leonard and Randy, with the support of Jason, is finally giving the results that for over a year all we are waiting.
To be perfectly sure I've repeated this test at least 10 times in three different flight, with the same great performance.
As you can see from this image and video the max radius in Loiter is now not over one meter in windless/gusty winds and max two meters in strong crosswind, near the position hold performance of the best commercial product, DJI Wookong-M.
We are trying to improve the waypoint navigation but now we're here, the next release will be really a milestone.
We still have to solve a few problems related to the inertial control x/y/z, but I am sure that the excellent results achieved so far are to mean that we are on the right track.
I attach the telemetry log.
DJI, here we come...

Ciao!

Marco
-= AC Dev Team =-

EDIT: in my video you can see the version "3" of the code, nothing secret of course, is the current master branch on GitHub called at the moment "2.9.1b-DEV".
Jason Short on the dev list has proposed to move version from 2.9.1 to 3.x for the massive changes inside the code (ap_hal, PX4 support and other), and following its proposal I have appointed as such in my videos, that's all.

2013-04-14%2014-04-46.tlog

This video shows the accuracy of the IMU, is the demonstration that the ArduCopter code has achieved a great stability.
The bottles simulate huge variations in weight and trim, quad always tries to maintain his seat during the flight but also in changes in weight when cut with scissors each bottle (at the end).
I had already tried before with four bottles in one of my quad and I was quite sure what I was doing, but it's always interesting to add items to these challenges.
The specifications of this quad are in the video description.
Please note that these experiments can be many dangerous, multicopter is not a toy, i know i'm crazy (in a good way), anyway don't try to emulate me!

Bests, Marco

-= AC Dev Team =-

Volume warning!

Like most things hexapod, it's equal parts cool and scary.

http://www.hexapodrobot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=12

Inspired by Jake Wells and his BoxCopter, I decided to try my hand at making a BoxCopter of my own. I found a suitable plastic container at Target and used some 1/2" square lengths of wood from Lowe's for the arms.

I took it out for a few test flights and after I got the hang of flying it I put a GoPro on top of it and took it out for a spin to get some aerial video.

Flight Video

My piloting and video editing skills are definitely amateur...

Parts List

Sterilite Large Clip Box from Target

1/2" square wood from Lowes (bought an 8' length and cut it down to around 20" for each of the two arms)

HobbyKing KK2.0 Multi-Rotor LCD Flight Control Board: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=24723

Turnigy Plush 25A Speed Controllers:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=2163

D2830-11 1000kv Brushless Motors:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=12921

Slow Fly Electric Prop 9047 & 9047R:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=22443
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=22442

Turnigy 9X 9Ch Transmitter w/ Module & 8ch Receiver:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=8992

3200mAh 3S LiPo battery

GoPro Hero3 Black Edition

Assorted zipties, industrial strength velcro, nuts & bolts, duct tape.

My personal blog has more detailed information about the parts and build if you're interested: www.quadcoptergarage.com

Hi

  I have an Autoquad Cube challenge to post.  I'm a farmer and as soon I saw the first quad I knew that I wanted to use that type of aircraft as a tool for farming.  For the last seven years I've built multicopters using many of the opensource autopilots. The Autoquad is the first autopilot that is getting close to the precision that I'll need to do the tasks I have in mind for multicopters.

  Everything to do with multicopters has been a challenge for me because of little background in computers or electronics.  Without the help of the people on many forums there's no way I could have been able to do this challenge.  Steve (Kisssys) has help me with my octo  many times. 

104-AQL%20Cube.kml

Larry

One wonders what Eric Schmidt’s opinion is of the Google staff that we know using the technology. Perhaps the technology is just dandy in their hands?  The issue of regulation does need to be addressed in the USA. As ever though the shuffling of chairs and meetings to organize meetings seem to top of the agenda for the FAA.

The BBC reports:- The influential head of Google, Eric Schmidt, has called for civilian drone technology to be regulated, warning about privacy and security concerns. Cheap miniature versions of the unmanned aircraft used by militaries could fall into the wrong hands, he told the UK’s Guardian newspaper.

Quarrelling neighbours, he suggested, might end up buzzing each other with private surveillance drones. He also warned of the risk of terrorists using the new technology. Mr Schmidt is believed to have close relations with US President Barack Obama, whom he advises on matters of science and technology.

“You’re having a dispute with your neighbour,” he told The Guardian in an interview printed on Saturday.

“How would you feel if your neighbour went over and bought a commercial observation drone that they can launch from their backyard. It just flies over your house all day. How would you feel about it?”

http://www.suasnews.com/2013/04/22242/google-chief-urges-action-to-regulate-mini-drones/

This is really cool feature set, I wonder what the price is going to be, but it looks awesome with an extra 3 pos switch, side controls and audio!

see http://www.frsky-rc.com/NewProducts/

• 16 Channels
• Internal Radio
• JR module support
• Supports full duplex telemetry
• And support for long range 12CH system as well (3 times range of normal radio)
• Audio Support
• Programable and can be reflashed with new OpenTx (was Open9x) updates

We went to see the new Tom Cruise film "Oblivion" last night, and it was an intresting story and twist.

The main charachter "Jack" was a Droid engineer repairing the Droids when ever they go broken or shot at etc.

This was an ok scenario but later when you find out they were actually there to kill any human, then this whole current debate about Droids becomes starkly a reality, and will spread the paranoia for our hobby.

The other day i was flying my quad and some people came across and asked is that a Droid, i had to say no even though in German it is the correct word for what it is, and i had to say no a type of Helicopter. They went away happier, but then noticed the camera on board, and looked at me a bit puzzled.

I really think we need a name change from DIY Drones to DIY Aerial Platforms ??

Eric Cheng has some nice photos and notes of the first SF Drones meeting.  The theme was FPV. Robert Seidel gave a presentation on what he's been doing with real time video stabilization and object tracking, Andreas demonstrated how his might Zii is set up for video (and literally almost blew some guitars off the wall demonstrating the propulsion system), and I showed a couple of options for video systems and transmitters.

Okay, so this flight was not nearly as daring as I may have sold it to be, but it is my first flight over water. Knowing water and electronics don't mix, I was a bit nervous.

This flight made me realize a few things. First, I want a bigger quad. Second, I would probably treat a bigger quad with kid gloves. Third, I really really really want a lightweight FPV setup for this little V959 quad. And D, errr...fourth...YouTube can really botch videos at times. I may have to move over to vimeo.

So, my thoughts beg questions. What bigger quad should I buy, or build, next? One I can thrash a bit, and not bring down the wrath of the wife in the initial expenditure and upkeep? Also, one which preferably would carry a GoPro in its protective case, as I am getting a hand-me-down GoPro cheap from a friend moving over to Contour cameras. Next, what light weight FPV setup would people recommend? I can carry about 50 grams extra on my current quad. I have been looking at the Walkera all in one camera and transmitter setup which can be purchased for their micro quads, because I know size-wise they would work. Any other suggestions though? Finally, what are peoples thoughts on Vimeo? I have heard mixed thoughts elsewhere.

I'd like to preface this post with this statement: I love my (lab's) Udrones Hexa C, but I feel that this simple fix would save a lot of grief for Udrones flyers.

So!  I have noticed that the Udrones Hexa C that I use has a nasty habit of vibrating its motor mounting screws loose.  Twice before, I have landed my hexa only to find that one of the motors was dangling by one screw, because the other had vibrated loose.  Well this time it finally happened!  During the landing sequence from 80m, the rear left motor came unscrewed and hit the arm, flying off.

Here's the sequence of events:

18:25:45: Hexa is returning to launch.  I notice the it sounds rattle-y.  I've heard that sound before, it means that a motor has lost a screw.  Since it was already about to land, I let it continue.  Landing sequence commences at 80m above home.

18:26:06: Motor comes off at 55 meters.  At this point, the copter stays airborn but cannot stay in one spot.  Missing one motor, it yaws at a good rate, making manual flight very very difficult.  I can't compensate for the yaw, because it makes the copter tip over.

18:26:18: At this point the height reading in the tlog says that the copter very nearly touched the ground.  I can assure you it did not, I was trying to get control of it in the air, no lower than 20m at the very least.  At this point I was deathly afraid of the copter landing on a roof, or much worse: the pool.  I attempted to stear it towards the safest place I knews, the forest.

18:26:37: Not quite reaching the forest, the copter is flying over the tennis courts at a frightening clip.  The telemetry says it was underground at this point, but I assure you it was about 20-30m up.  

18:26:46: At this point I am still trying to hit the forest but barely miss it.  At this point I am running through the tennis courts.  I see that the copter is going towards a medium sized road.  Under no circumstance do I want the copter to crash anywhere near moving cars, it would be dangerous to everyone involved.  So I lowered the throttle until the copter entered a descent.

18:27:01: From my point of view, the copter vanishes behind a stand of trees, still descending.  I give it two seconds, and then cut the throttle completely.

18:27:04: Impact.  From that point, I dash over and am immensely relieved to see that the copter landed upright on a grassy field with nothing broken beyond the missing motor and a chipped prop.  I went back to the launch site and recovered the top half of the motor, complete with propeller still attached.  The bottom half of the motor was still dangling from the copter, its mount cracked.

The moral of the story is: apply threadlock to your motor mounts, and check them before every flight!  Otherwise the screws will vibrate loose and possibly detach your motor.  I urge Udrones to add threadlock to the motor mounting screws of their ARF copters.

2013-04-12%2018-04-36.tlog

2013-04-12%2019-14%2054.kmz

2013-04-12%2019-14%2054.log

2013-04-12%2019-14%2054.log.gpx

A flight time of 42 minutes all hands off around the cube, a wonderful entry from Steve Westerfield.

I did a practice flight near my house with a few seconds at each corner and then I went out and did 3 missions on Mar 26th at my RC flying field Falcon R/C in Lake Dallas,TX. The first was 15 mins and it flew well. I increased the WP times for a 30 minute flight and it went well also. The next attempt was for 45 minutes with at least 3 minutes in each corner but I didn't quite have enough battery. Looked like 41 to 42 minutes would be about it. I went out again on the 5th of April and got a good 42 minute flight. A total of 23 waypoints were used to get each corner and to turn to a heading which faced to the inside of the box.The minimum time at any corner was 196 seconds with many corners having 294 second waits. Any AQ should be able to fly a correctly programmed mission so hopefully bonus points for time will make the difference in winning with the added risk that it has more time to wander around.

Read his full report and enjoy the other entries here

The evolution of the code, the improvements made by the development team and the passion that we are putting in all this public project is bearing fruits that much hoped for.
ArduCopter is reaching commercial products, offers even more potential at an affordable cost.
Roberto Navoni and Emile Castelnuovo by "Virtualrobotix Italia" was the pionieer of ARM platform for ArduCopter code with the powerfull “VR Brain” (in this video), the new “PX4” now ranks at the same level but delayed on the roadmap, although we are almost ready for the first official stable release, i will start my hard test this week.
This blog post is dedicated to people, like me, using heart and mind for this passion, and this video to Leonard for making Acro mode much better!
Just to say thanks to whole “ArduCopter Dev Team”, DIY Drone community, “3DRobotics”, “Virtualrobotix Italia” and all those who like me are following this project with the right spirit, that of fun and sharing experience… enjoy with ArduCopter!

Bests... Marco
-= ArduCopter Dev Team =-

https://www.facebook.com/marcouav
http://diydrones.com/profile/marco67

If you have looked at my previous posts (and if you have not, why not?), you will know I have a v959 camera quad with built in camera. The camera is not HD, but does do 60fps recording, and is mounted in such a way to reduce vibration. You will also know I recently bought an inexpensive HD camera similar to a GoPro. Finally, you would know I decided to mount the new camera to the quad in an attempt to do some HD aerial video. Here I present, my first HD aerial video. It has terrible jello, and I have a long way to go, but every journey begins with a first step. This whole setup so far is still less than a hundred bucks invested.