This is my latest modification of the EasyGlider to coincide with the official release of Ardupilot 2.2.I call her the “EG 2.2”. The last modification, found here,involved increasing the fuselage volume but this is a little more ambitious and includes standard tail conversion to an inverted V-tail, moving the motor to the rear in a pusher configuration, moving all servos to the control surfaces and extending the nose by two inches. The nose was extended to get the CG set without having to add nose weight and to make room for the larger autopilot and data logger.The booms are made from collapsible fishing pole segments and house the elevator cables. The elevator servos are joined with a Y connector that contains a reverser for one of the servos. The ailerons are joined with a simple Y connector.She had her maiden flight yesterday and she flies fine. As soon as the new Ardupilot and shield arrive, I’ll get them installed and restart my flight tests. I’m predicting much better success this time since there will be throttle management and I have a better feel for how the code changes effect flight.
The Parallax Propeller autopilot I have been building is almost ready to test ! Here is a few pictures. Good thing I put 3 electronics bays in this 7 foot monster. There is a LOT.GPS6DOFPressure/Altitude module2 servosMONSTER motorUltrasonic ground sensor900 Mhz cameraOSD on propeller board6 Channel RC RxXBee TransceiverIf anyone here is going to the Parallax Expo West June 26,27 in Rocklin CA ...I will be there hopefully with the B2 monster.Oh...one more thing. I don't know how to fly RC planes so I hope the AP knows it's stuff !
And it has big changes, including;-The support of the protocols Sirf III, NMEA and UBX.-Separated header file to easily setup multiple airframes (instructions inside the zip files).-Compatible only with ArduShield (battery voltage, pressure sensor and GPS auto shutdown).-And many more minor fixes.The new GroundStation 2 and ArduPilot 2.2.2 can be download from here:http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot/downloads/listDon't forget to read the user manual (in beta):ArduPilot ManualRemember: Is not easy but also not impossible! Enjoy Fellas!
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I know this is a bit risky to propose a new platform for a UAV, but I think it could be a very good platform.The system are slow, stabel, won't brake if a crash should happen, easy to operate, ok payload.How about having ArduPilot installed on a RC Paraglider.I hope you all can se the opportunities with this kind of systems.See more here RC ParagliderI hope to here some comments from the creates.
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We should be releasing the 2.2 code early next week. In the meantime, here's a beta of the official ArduPilot manual. Corrections/comments/wishlist and other feedback in the comments here please!
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Just recently I have had a few odd problems when using Google Reader to view the "Everybodies Blog Posts - DIYDrones" feed. The last 7 posts to go on the feed (from Fred and Den) have had after them about 100 links after the small body of text. The ads (I think that's what they are) seem to have no relavence to the post. The posts themselves seem pretty unconnected with the DIYDrones theme but it is an open area so I don't mind. Could someone test to see if they have had a similar problem when using Google Reader with this feed.
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Well at least for a couple minutes and six inches off the ground. Read on!
First a little about the platform. I decided to start out on my Y-UFO since it was built up and ready to go. This is a fun little Tri-Rotor that has about a 10 -12 min run time and can easily lift my autopilot plus a small camera. It has built in rate stabilization for all three axis and a mixing function to drive the three motors appropriately for Roll, Pitch, Yaw and throttle commands (ie no computer radio needed). The stabilization works, but falls short of Cat's Meow status.I decided to start out small and take over Yaw stabilization with the PicPilot and add Heading hold at the same time, leaving the Y-UFOs built in electronics to handle Roll and Pitch Stabilization and mixing. In this mode, the Yaw stick on the transmitter changes a Heading Command variable. The heading loop then generates a rate command to point the craft at the desired heading. Any deviation from this commanded rate is considered an error and is taken out with the stabilization loop.Not knowing if there would be stability problems, I decided to stay low to the ground almost dragging the skids much of the time. Well things basically work, but I had some signs reversed and needed to tweak some gains. I'm getting heading information from the magnetometers, and there appeared to be some interference from the motors - which is completely expected. The interference didn't appear to be terrible though, causing a 15 to 20 deg heading variation depending on throttle. There was also an occasional high speed "glitch" in the heading most likely coming from the stabilization loop (perhaps gain a little high, or perhaps some vibrations approaching the resonant point of the gyro - I didn't spend much time doing proper mounting of the autopilot as can be seen by the pictures) .My next step was to log a bunch of data during the flight and see if I could tell what was going on in better detail. Unfortunately at that point I hit a setback. My Hitec Eclipse 7 decided to take a dump. It now always reports the battery voltage as 15.5V and either doesn't transmit anything or somewhat random pulse width commands.Despite the setback, I'm happy with progress. I took the hitec apart hoping to find an obvious blackened part I could replace but no luck, so I ordered a new radio. In the meantime while I'm waiting for the radio, I received some magnetic shielding material I ordered so I'll be making a small shield for the motors that hopefully will cut down a bit on the interference. I'll also go ahead and write the mixing and stabilization functions so I can completely bypass the stock electronics in the Y-UFO.Aside form recovering from hernia surgery the past few days, that was my week. I was bested by my 10 year old during a Ninja fight while attempting my patented triple somersault couch hurdle five point palm exploding heart technique. The only thing that exploded was my gut.Thanks for looking,Brian
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G'Day all,On checking some legislation for entry to the 2009 Outback Challenge I noticed that ACMA are amending class license 2000 to specifically exclude the use of video under the provision for telemetry transmitters. (OSD telemetry)The reasoning given doesn't make any logical sense to me, I'd appreciate a review by one of you more technically savvy DIY Droners on the validity of the reason for the change. Quoted below-Quote - Telecommand transmitters are used to transmit signals to initiate, modify or terminate functions of equipment at a distance. Telemetry transmitters are used to automatically indicate or record measurements at a distance from the measuring instrument. To prevent interference with other devices telecommand and telemetry transmitters operating under the LIPD Class Licence must not exceed EIRP limits as outlined in items 25, 26 and 27.Telemetry transmitter classes should not be used as high power video senders, nor can higher power telecommand channels be used for transmitting computer programs. To carry out such activities would require a breach of the maximum EIRP limits stated. ACMA therefore proposes to include a limitation on the use of telemetry and telecommand transmitters, to prevent the use of these items for sending video or software downloading. - End QuoteWhy would transmission of video require a breach of the specified EIRP power of 1W?In my view ACMA shouldn't be making rules for the sake of it and should have a reason for the modification. If there have been real interference issues I'm sure they won't mind producing the reports.Aust based FPV flyers feel free to review the change at http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_311727 and send your comments to - regulatorydevelopment@acma.gov.auSUBMISSIONS ON THE CHANGE CLOSE 15 JUN 09
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Jordi's released a new product in the store: a shield expansion board kit that includes everything you need! Just $47.50.
Includes:
--Shield board with airspeed sensor
--Pitot tube with silicon tubing
--Connectors
--Cables to connect IR sensors
--RC cables
--A reset button
--A "bind plug" to jumper the board for field calibration.
This is a great deal!
[BTW, we hope to have the sensor inventory situation sorted out in a week or two. I think we've got a good solution that will ensure enough affordable sensors for everyone without any more interruption.]
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Posted by John Gantner on June 10, 2009 at 11:20pm
This post is about a live (simulated) FPV system using Google Earth, relaying data over a cellular GPRS/3G network. A while ago I saw a commercial OSD setup that used Google Earth to simulate an FPV display. Needless to say, I was immediately smitten. However, video TX gear is expensive and a hassle, so Google Earth here serves as a simulated FPV. Hopefully this will eventually mature into a Google Earth HUD (like the Flight Sim easter egg already in it, but real-life!) Comments/Questions/Suggestions welcome. This is just a proof of concept for now, so it is really just an experiment to help me learn KML.
Basically, it is:[Controller]--Serial-->[Bluetooth module]--Bluetooth-->[Cellphone]--GPRS/3G-->[Server]<--GPRS/3G/Wifi/Wired-->[Ground Station]The server, and the roundabout, non-streaming nature of the system, is required because of NATing, and carrier APNs generally not allowing anything but straight HTTP and outgoing connections (and generally being terribly unreliable).So here's some simple PHP scripts. PHP was used because I found a free host that offered it. These have very little error-checking and are generally hacky. There isn't really anything written up about how to use them yet. Caveat emptor.kmlupdate.php - Called by the UAV. Takes any POST/GET data and appends it to a csv file on the server.loadkml.php - Generates a KML file for GE that has 2 NetworkLinks in it. The ground station calls this page once at the beginning of the flight to setup for live telemetry.lightkml.php - This one is called by GE via the KML NetworkLinks that loadkml generated. It dynamically returns (only) the latest data in a 3D point form and in a simulated FPV form. It's called lightkml because it is designed to use only a small amount of bandwidth, useful if the ground station is on costly GPRS/3G. I could really cut it down by building the file locally, but I can't really be bothered to do it right now.heavykml.php - Still working on this one. It has a rollercoaster-like animated FPV tour and 2D/3D line tracks. It returns the entire flight each time it is called, not just the last point, so it is only suitable for post-flight review.I don't actually have the Bluetooth module yet (or the actual controller for that matter, but I do have a program spitting out simulated datapoints for testing), so I won't upload the J2ME stuff until I get a chance to test it. Right now I am only simulating the Bluetooth and the UAV data on a J2ME emulator. Theoretically, it should work on any Bluetooth J2ME phone that properly implements JSR-82 with RFCOMM and has HTTP available.To try it out you can load the scripts somewhere then do something like://Some simulated data stored at "test". Google Earth's camera roll/pitch/yaw is not like a plane. Altitude is absolute.http://127.0.0.1/kml/kmlupdate.php?filename=test&latitude=37.796037&longitude=-122.390736&altitude=200&roll=-40&pitch=82&yaw=178//Generate the KML file. Save this and rename it to a .kmlhttp://127.0.0.1/kml/loadkml.php?filename=test//Start Google Earth and load the "loadkml.kml" file//Select one of the 2 types of views, static view 3D point or animated FPV. The annoying "bouncy" effect on FPV will be removed soon. It will autoupdate every second, so try entering new data in kmlupdate and watch the results. It only displays the last point to (eventually) save on bandwidth. To stop the bouncing or to stop updating uncheck the boxes.Files: phpkml.zipRead more…3D Robotics
I been working on this project for about a year, but i never had the time to finish it. Is very difficult go to the field with your bulky laptop all the time, not to mention that you can damage it and the battery life is to short (the sun on the screen don't let you see anything). So i spent some time using Olimex development board with the Atmega128, but i want it to make it simpler, open-source, bigger screen (with back light) and Xbee compatible. So i come to this:
-Atmega328 at 16Mhz with Arduino Bootloader.-XBee Socket and 3.3V powered (I've included some holes near to the antenna so you can hold it with a strap) .-Can be powered with 2 and 3 cell LIPOS (diode protected and regulated).-Huge 4 line screen with backlight, very clear under the sun! (2 pots to control the backlight and contrast).-FTDI port to upload code, also the boards is ready to be programmed with XBee (using this trick).-Six button to navigate and change screen and options.-Very noisy buzzer that can be used to alert you when it has low battery or low altitude.-6 I/O analog pins available, including the I2C port.-2 powered SERVO OUTPUTS (Tilt & Pan) than can be used to control a directional antenna (NICEE!).-Extra 3.3V and 5V volts outputs.-Status LED's.-The software is ArduPilot compatible and Open Source (out of the box).
What you can do:-Portable Telemetry.-Send commands (Ardupilot mega).-Robotics.-Remote control robots, can be used with Wii NunChuck to send commands.-Smart toaster's and dishwashers. (I use it to control my reflow oven).
The cost would be around $57dlls. 17 units will be ready in the next 10 days. Any orders?Has no official name, but for now is ArduStation (Later i will release the ArduToilet, LOL). The pictures only show the first prototype, that have some minor mistakes like the holes to close to the edges, i didn't include the reset button and the 5V power regulator get pretty hot (when 3 cell lipo is attached), so i change it to the big ventilated version. All this is fixed in the release version. I still working on the software.
Having now worked with all three uControllers and their respective IDEs, I thought it would be beneficial to start a milestone summary of my observations.To begin, I recently went back to the Microchip PIC family on account of their superior battery life (ultra low watt sleep) - which it seems is a full order of magnitude better than freescale or atmel. I note that microchip has recently? added a C compiler to the free IDE, in addition the PICs now come with a matrix multiplier which increases the speed of multiplication to a single cycle, this they say is on par with DSP speeds, and I think quite relevant to the UAV community as these applications are multiplication-intensive, and often cpu bound.IDEFreescale - nice processor wizard makes setting up peripherals easy - step-through debugging. Supports real USB devices.Atmel (Arduino) IDE sucks frankly, no step-through debugging, 2 processor selection. - Arduino is stuck in FTDI-landMicrochip - now supports step through debug on all modern flash uControllers from C source. Supports real USBCyprus Psoc. Frankly I wet my pants. PSoC has cool features like a programmable gain Op Amp, and now some higher current outputs and HighSide drivers integrated? - but the complexity and learning curve look steep, in addition to which the noise aspects of the PGA seem unusable for a wheatstone bridge for example. It's more of a Machine descriptor IDE, than a sequential language. Reminds me of the Parallax Propeller, but the Cogs are analog.ADCFreescale 12 bitsAtmel / Microchip 10 bitsCyprus - Include signal conditioning onboard, (ie gain and filters)?Propeller fuggetabouditUSBMicrochip will sublet it's USB Id'sFreescale, good USB Support, USB ID's are prohibitively expensive.Atmel/Arduino (fuggetaboudit)Learning CurveArduino is far and away the winner here.Next are the PIC Basics - which are easy but expensive.Freescale in C is not bad - free with excellent entry level packages (ie Spyder).Microchip recently bought Hi-Tech (pdfsucks) so I expect the PIC in C to improve. It's already free and usable, though installation requires it's own webinar.I'd like to hear how these observations may compare to others out there who have used multiple toolchains for entry-level ucontroller projects.
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Hi all,
I live just north of McKinney, Texas and slightly east of the North Central Expressway (US 75).
Is anyone in the McKinney and surrounding (Princeton, Frisco, Melissa, Anna or Sherman) area interested in forming a UAV support group?
Regards,
TCIII
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WIRED's Chris Anderson and his UAV at Maker Faire last weekend. Smart, fun stuff -- especially the part about Google's rooftop pools.
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Here is the answer from multiplex on a request for a bigger model like Easystar.Hello,we got similar requests from several other pilots as well.First of all, the Easy-Glider was made in some view to get a bigger plane with adequate flying caracteristics than EasyStar.We know, that with the prop in front it is not that easy to convert, but some people did this with good success.On the other hand it is not possible to make the same model simply bigger.The demanding on stuctural strength is dramatically increasing, especially, when the wight is increasing by additional payload.The molding costs are much higher and usually the bigger the model the smaller the qty which means highly increasing costs per pcs.From our point of view, at this stage the group of people, who areusing cameras and/or GPS-System in the EasyStar is kind of piggybacking on the succes of a model designed to learn to fly.And this is still by far the majority of EasyStar-customers.From our point of view it take a while till this specific demand justifies a specialized model, made of moulded foam. Other manufacturing technics, which does not require such a big investment suits better at this time.But we have several models which probably could be adapted, e.g. the Twinstar, which we in our house are using to make fotos with a standard digital camera.Another model with high capability of payload is the Mentor, which we are using as carrier for rc-parachuters with a wight of 600 to 800 g.Or on a slightly smaller scale the EasyCup works very well to carry camaras.Best regardsMULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co. KGGerhard GreinerMarketingleiterHmmmm....
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