Ahead of the Iris launch, we've been testing more and more tough missions in fully autonomous modes. Next to our Berkeley offices we've got a small courtyard with high walls that is a combination of dodgy GPS and gusting wind. So naturally enough the Flight Ops team decided to run full autonomous missions with a 3DR Y6 all afternoon to stress test the tuning. I walked out during one of these and caught it on video, above.

This is a fully autonomous takeoff, three waypoints and autolanding. It did this all afternoon and always landed around one meter from launch point. 

As a followup to a conversation in this thread: http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/3dr-gps-mag-back-in-stock

I have successfully used this $15 sparkfun HMC5883L breakout board: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10530

as an external compass on my APM 2.5.  

Used the instructions here: http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-external-magnetometer-for-improved-performance/

The process is even simpler than those instructions, since the sparkfun board is already wired for 3.3V.  Just connect four wires and cut a jumper on he APM to disable the onboard compass.

I wasn't able to source the correct cable from sparkfun, but got one that was 1mm OC instead of the 1.25 OC that the APM uses on the i2c port.  A little very minor pin bending and hot glue to hold it in seemed to do the trick.

The HMC583L is the same sensor that's on the APM and on the 3DR external compass/GPS module.

Lots of terrific interviews and booth visits from AUVSI 2013 at Engineering TV. The full list is above. 

For those of you who may not have seen it yet, Circuits.io and Autodesk released an online tool to design and test circuits.

It allows you to create a virtual environment using breadboards, Arduinos, and plenty more. Then you can simulate the project right in your browser window. You can even work on the coding collaboratively like you would with Google Docs.

The service is free for open-source designs (read you can't keep them private), but you'll need to pay a monthly fee to keep those designs private.  I started using it to test some circuits I am trying to build to handle power distribution and other things for my multicopters.

Give it a try here: http://123d.circuits.io/circuits

I made a presentation about UAV::Pilot last night, which is a library for controlling the Parrot AR.Drone under Perl. The video is up on YouTube:

I also announced the start of the WumpusUAV Indiegogo project. This aims to fill what I see as a hole in the market. The AR.Drone is comparatively cheap, but it's not completely open, and it has limits. ArduPilot is quite a bit more expensive (especially if you're starting from scratch with no previous RC experience), but it's open and you can do whatever you want with it.

I looked around, and I didn't see anything that started cheap, was open, and had limitless possibilities. So I decided to fill that gap.

Hi DIY guys, I would like to show you my almost finished Tarot FY680 setup.

I saw different approaches for ESC mounting. I choose bottom because a couple of reasons:

1-My motors wires were long enough to reach central frame, they came with 3.5mm male gold connectors.
2-I like ESC free arms, and I don't think hot dissipation will be an issue for this setup. 

So the frame remains being foldable even with ESC out of the arms. 

I decided not to use standard payload bars to fix my ASP Brushless Gimbal. Instead I 3D printed 4 plastic adapters to fix gimbal using M3 screws and Tarot originals plate holes.

Flight controller mount was more easier I printed out a case from Thingiverse.com APM 2.5 Case. I just made some changes to fit horizontal pin out. 

Landing gear was a more complicated. I took 2 standard electric landing gears for planes and replace the rotary plastic piece for a custom 3D printed. Also I printed out a wrapper in order to fix the leg to the fixed middle arm. 

The leg is wrapped by another 3D printed part which is the weakest part of the assembly so I'm working in different way to handle the leg without exposing an-isotropic weaknesses of ABS FDM printed parts. 

System looks weak for rude landings, but It handles vertical hard landings easily. I didn't try yet landings with horizontal velocity or over irregular ground, and I wont. It works well considering it only cost $ 70 while a prof. solution can cost more than $ 800. Now I'm waiting for a new 3-axis gimbal.

Some tests here:

GPS and radio goes to a pretty case which I made my self. You can get it from http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:148552

This case was meant to hold CRIUS GPS module not a 3DR GPS. If you have a 3DR take a look to this one http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:91847.

Resume: 

Motors HP2814 - 810kv

Props Carbon fiber 13x6.5

APM 2.5

ESC 30A

CRIUS GPS v2

3DR 433Mhz radio.

Hex Kickstarter Project

- 3D Robotics RTF MultiCopter Iris -

Iris Teaser Video

Iris details: #1 The 4-1 ESC/Power Module

Iris Details: #2 Injection molded arms and Legs

Iris Details: #3 The camera attachment

Iris Details: #4 Android Apps Overview

Overview of PX4 and Pixhawk Board Series

- 3D Robotics Pixhawk -

Gartner has released their annual "hype cycle", which seeks to identify where technologies are in their path to maturity. Gartner thinks that drones (which are a combination of "Autonomous vehicles" and "Mobile robots" above) are 5-10 years to the "Plateau of Productivity", but with the higher "inflated expectations" still to come (followed by the inevitable "trough of disillusionment". Sounds about right to me. 

Fast Company explains the methodology of the Hype Cycle and this year's version:

Gartner, a technology research group that has been producing its hype schematic since 1995, says new technologies tend to follow a trajectory. First there's a Trigger--a breakthrough that "kicks everything off." Then, that technology invariably gets over-exposed, leading to a bubble of expectations. At that point, the whole thing implodes (think of what happened the first time around with "virtual reality"). There's a over-reaction the other way, and everyone says the technology will never make it. And so on. Until, finally, the technology--which was a good idea to start with--takes its place in the "Plateau of Productivity."

Themes this year include "bioacoustic sensing, quantified self, 3-D bioprinting, brain-computer interface, human augmentation, speech-to-speech translation," and so on--which all fall under the category of technology that could help companies produce "more capable workforces."

A second theme involves technologies that are actually replacing humans, like "volumetric and holographic displays, autonomous vehicles, mobile robots and virtual assistants." A third group sees a more equal human-technology relationship, and includes "autonomous vehicles, mobile robots, natural language question and answering, and virtual assistants."

"These three major trends are made possible by three areas that facilitate and support the relationship between human and machine," says Hung LeHong, research vice president at Gartner. "Machines are becoming better at understanding humans and the environment--for example, recognizing the emotion in a person's voice--and humans are becoming better at understanding machines--for example, through the Internet of things."

The Hype Cycle has its holes. Not all technologies get over-hyped, fall into irrelevance, and then make it. Some just make it outright--or don't. And Gartner's theory is highly subjective: we could all place the same technologies in different places along the Hype Cycle. The company is hardly a disinterested observer: it manufactures hype itself, making the Hype Cycle seem quite meta.

But the chart does shed light on something that we often fail to see: technology rises and falls because of our belief in it.

Spiri, "a versatile, airborne Linux device with sensors, cameras, wifi, cloud support, development tools and more", made its $125,000 Kickstarter goal with a day to spare. Congrats to the team!

  Ran across this and just wanted to share. Great for getting all the different voltages of your components to operate off of

one source. One module per each different voltage requirement, small and light weight. Adjustable for input voltage and output voltage and only $3.80 US

http://dx.com/p/mini-dc-dc-voltage-stabilizer-regulator-module-red-126106

Hey All

My name is Scotty

I am a huge fan of DIY Drones and it is my go to source for new ideas and keeping current with what is available. I wanted to run and idea passed you all and see what kind of feedback I might receive. The world of multi rotors is not new to me and I have built many of them, however the idea of multi rotor thrust vectoring has always interested me. I have designed this three position thrust vectoring motor mount and want know your input. This project is still very much in the design phase and I again am not sure if there would be any benefit at all as I have not done any testing of this idea... Thank you very much for looking, any and all comments are welcome.

Sincerely

Scotty

Immediate opening at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) for an intern / fellow / research assistant to collect high-resolution aerial photos with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).  Responsibilities will include assembly of UAVs, maintenance and repair of UAVs, weekly operation of UAVs to collect images, processing of collected images, collection of auxiliary field data (e.g., linking tagged trees with crowns visible on images), data analysis, and contribution to scientific publications.  Data collection will be focused in the Agua Salud experiment and the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (especially the 50 ha forest dynamics plot on Barro Colorado Island and long-term experimental plots on Gigante peninsula).  The successful candidate will work with staff scientist Helene Muller-Landau and collaborators, including Jonathan Dandois (http://ecosynth.org/), Lian Pin Koh (http://ConservationDrones.org), Stephanie Bohlman, Jeff Hall, S. Joseph Wright, and more.  The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute is home to a vibrant scientific community of 30 staff scientists, over 100 graduate and postdoctoral fellows, and over 500 scientific visitors per year.

The ideal candidate has experience with UAVs or demonstrated possession of relevant mechanical and electronics skills, interest in and some basic knowledge of forest ecology, past experience in field research or some other outdoorsy job or pastime, experience using GPS, experience with GIS and remote sensing software, basic programming skills (e.g., Python, R, Matlab, or C++), a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, good English communication skills, at least basic Spanish communication skills, a driver’s license, and ability to drive a vehicle with manual transmission.  The start date is flexible, but would ideally be as soon as possible, and no later than December 1.

This position will be compensated with a modest stipend sufficient to cover living expenses in Panama (minimum $800/month; negotiable).  Initial appointment is for one year (minimum commitment of 9 months is required), and is renewable contingent on satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

To apply, please email a cover letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position, CV, and contact information for 3 references to Helene Muller-Landau at mullerh@si.edu.  Review of applications will commence on September 15, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.

The Australian CSIRO has developed an interesting reasonably lightweight close proximity mapping solution for indoor application where GPS is not required.  I thought it might have an interesting application as a navigation system for multicopters indoors? Love that 'bobbing worm'!

Whilst not quite small enough for multi-copters, it does not look far off.

More info at this Link

Fred De F I Want FPV Now

video musical clip on saint martin island.

Tricopter , apm 2.5, arducopter 2.9.1 , ntm motors 750kv with 11x4,5 (gelo effect !!!) , 3 s 2200ma  , esc simonk rc timer.

Go pro Black edition , protune and profile RAW by techincolor.

strong wind , no stabilisation for this . RTL engaged at the end.

Best :)

Number 1 was short lived http://diydrones.com/profiles/blog/list?user=3vlhdj1afps2z

Number 2 was much better http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/share-your-drone-info-thread?commentId=705844%3AComment%3A772970&xg_source=activity

Number 3 is perfect..      3DR Y6.

I didn't have enough room to squeeze in the gimbal in the space provided so, I had to make the mount for the gimbal from a piece of aluminum, which was fairly quick. They gimbal is fantastic, after you get it tuned which is a whole ordeal by itself. Lots of new understandings with that thing.. Basically, your expectation should be to keep the camera level in two planes, emphasis on the 'keep'. it won't just move it around itself, it has very little torque..

It's the same gimbal previously posted a month back.

http://www.goodluckbuy.com/dji-phantom-brushless-gimbal-camera-mount-w-motor-and-controller-for-gopro3-fpv-aerial-photography-blalck.html

enough about the gimbal..

Here's the flight. Flight

  

The wind was about 10-15 up there. the Camera nods when the angle get's to a certain point but it does stabilize. I did hover for a min to get the below air shot..

The Y6 is sooo stable. I have APM 2.6 with telemetry, Turnigy 9x radio. I purchased it as a kit. I wanted to see how much easier it is to buy a kit than build it myself, since that's what I did last time. It was so easy to assemble

Current code is also a great leap from the old Ardupirates code of my last one.. I'm not running a sonar and alt hold is within a few feet..

Putting the kit together was straight forward. Make sure you check the holes on the motor plates for alignment.. Better yet, 3DR, why not just drill a 4th hole? I didn't touch the PIDS one bit. Stock ones were right on the money. Yaw is tight also..  Lastly, I did have to cut off the deans connector that came with the power module. I have tons of the XT deans from Hobby King and the one that came with the module didn't connect securely enough and caused the apm to reboot.. Thank goodness I found this on the bench and not in the air.

What more can I say.. I've had so much fun with it..

 OH.. the ZEAL/Velcro Band works wonders...

Five industry and university collaborations have been selected to receive funding through the first round of calls via the Growing Autonomous Mission Management Applications (GAMMA) Programme and are launching in Autumn 2013.

Read more about it here:

Press Release

With Frame + motors + props, solidedge calculated weight of 1.1kgs. Im still figuring out how to shave off extra kgs from this frame...

I wanted to design (actually took reference on a couple of existing design) my quadcopter frame. My main purpose is to have a quadcopter carry a gopro for aerial video/photo for our surfing trips and maybe used it for scenery / other video usage. I am still a noob at autopilot system so I am having a hard time figuring out which flight control to use... By the way, I will be using an all aluminum frame with dampening cushions to absorb the shock and vibrations. Aluminum is environmental friendly unlike carbon fiber and fiber glass... Just my own thought..

The following are my main parts:

Sunnysky 2814 750Kv - 4 pcs

12x3.8 CF / Wood props - 4pcs

DJ NAZA-M Lite or APM 2.6 w/ ublox GPS

5800MAh 4S Lipo

Gopro hero 3 black w/ gimbal

MY first design was derived from xproheli but i had made it with 600mm motor to motor distance.

I like the idea of sheet metal frame-- just like the real aircraft construction.

 I have access to shops that can cut my design through a sheet of aluminum. Bending it would not be a problem. I have designed some jigs for my arm and center housing.

The height of the landing gear is designed for gopro or min dslr.

My second design is based on a square aluminum tube (3/4 x 3/4). But when I measured it from a caliper, It is only 17mm x 17mm. Anyways, I had made my centerplate a bit large to accommodate my electronics cleanly. The landing gear is also the same as the previous design.. Landing gear and centerplate is connected t by vibration resisting shock absorbing balls (I dont know the real name of it).

Solidedge calculated the weight of Frame+motor+props - 1.1kgs. aprox. the same as the previous quad's weight.

    Now I am a bit confused in which design to go. the first design is kind of work extensive than the 2nd one. The second one is plain simple design, sheet metal bending to do and jigs to make.. But honestly The first quad looks kinda cool and professional.

I will be posting new developments soon..

A small update - eventually got round to weighing it, and even with the 2mm plate, it's come in at the top of the designed weight - 1.1kg.This is good news because it means I should be able to hit the designed AUW - with NEX5 and gimbal - of 4.1kg.

With the recommended pack, that will mean a loiter time of around 19 minutes, and mixed flight time of 9 minutes (according to ecalc), This is just below what I wanted, unfortunately - I was aiming for 20 minutes loiter, and 10 minutes mixed flight time. I have some weight saving changes to make before handing over to 3 guys here for independent testing, so I'm hoping for 1kg, including legs, clamps, bolts, and DJI elevator.

The X/Y8 config might be interesting...yes it can do it easily enough, but I'm not sure how 4 x 4,000mAh 6S in parrallel in the bay (theoretically possible with 4m risers) will affect the CoG or the flight times...<laughs evily>. I can't do X8 for jack, but thankfully one of the testers will have more experience than me here!

Still to do before handing over to the testers - 19 different refinements/corrections, including holes for mounting new pixhawk attachments (led and external USB port).This frame is design from the outset for APM 2.5 & 2.6 at the moment, but just need to see what considerations I need for pixhawk.

UK aerial film production company, Out Filming, has produced a promotional video for a beach-front bar using a quadcopter and octocopter. During the film the quadcopter is used to deliver a single bottle of beer to a beach-goer, before the larger octocopter delivers a whole keg. View the videos below, or see some more info over on Unmanned Systems Technology

Hi,

I'm Adrian from Hungary/Europe. Let me introduce my tricopter project.

My goal was to make something really good-looking copter that have ally features I need.The design process started 1 years ago. My first idea was to make a composite chasis, from glass/carbon fiber.I designed the copter in a 3D modelling software, and also designed the necessary moulds for making each parts, here is the initial design:

This is a sample of the mould design:

I also made some FEM calculations, to check the stress dispersion:

Unfortunatelly, this type of production would cost too much for me. I tried to find partners in Hungary, without success. So I almost forgot this project. But some months before I read a lot about 3D printing, and finally I found a great partner in Hungary (many thanks to the Ground Zero Team www.groundzero.hu !!!). So I started to redesign my copter according to the requirements of 3D printing:

Then I sent the .stl files for FDM printing. Here is the result:

This is my current configuration:

• Turnigy SK3-2826-1130 motors
• 8x4,5 karbon SF props
• 10A HK ESC (simonK firmware)
• ArduFlyer 2.5 with ArduCopter 3.0.1 code
• ULOX NEO6-M GPS
• 2000mA 3S lipo (2 db 1000mA 3S2P)
• Flytron 25A ultralight current sensor
• MKS-DS95 servo
• RECOM 5V 1A power supply for electronics
• 3DR 868 MHz telemetry module
• RCTimer OLED screen
• Immersion 600mW 5.8 video TX + Coverleaf antenna
• MinimOSD, with KVTeam code
• KPC-E700PUB camera
• FRSKY Futaba FASST-compatible receiver, PPM
• controlled LED-s and buzzer

All-up weight is 782g, and has 8 minutes of safe flight time with 20-25% of remaining battery.

(Please note that I used Crius AIO Pro at first with MWI code and KV-OSD code. These can be found on the following pictures and in the videos.)

LED sripes are controlled by APM:

Here are some videos:

Flight test (with Multiwii)

Onboard video (with Multiwii + KV-OSD)

For more details please connect me by mail: nhadrian@gmail.com

- UPDATE - 

stl files can be downloaded from here:

http://shpws.me/oGJN
http://shpws.me/oGKc
http://shpws.me/oGKd
http://shpws.me/oGKg
http://shpws.me/oGK7

And these are the additional metal parts for rear arm control:

I wish you all good luck on reproducing my tri.

Please note that I'll not modify desing according to personal wishes, since my spare time is quite limited and I focus on my personal projects. Thanks for understanding!!!

Best Regards

Adrian