Comments

• Richard November 2, 2011 at 10:13am

  Yes this can be done... However, the Ar drone is only for Iphone for now, but coming to android... secondly, it is Wi-fi not Bluetooth or over the cdma or gsm networks for cellular devices...

   

  Check this out... works with arduino and just needs a bit more programming to work with the oil pan and the link...

   

  http://dronecell.narobo.com/individuals/individuals.html

   

   
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  Adli Shahnaz November 2, 2011 at 10:08am

  Hi all.

  So, in other words this thing can be done. What I'm looking at now is very similar to AR Drone Parrot. Their website is http://ardrone.parrot.com. I have one project to kick off using this kind of technology with one of the university. Thank for the advice.
• Dara Shayda November 2, 2011 at 8:42am

  One needs to check with proper authorities and lawyers, for remote controlling hobby devices cell phones are problematic. Either the power or some other parameter of the signal could be the issue.

  
  This does not mean that one cannot build such hardware, it only means you need proper licensing. 

   

  I remember vividly when I was in Boston area as a kid and remote controlling of hobby devices had to use the frequencies reserved for that purpose, you could not use newly sold wireless email devices (in 90s). You could use them to email but you could not use them to remote control a hobby plane.

   

  I am sure from 90s to now modification are made to the law, but my feel is that they got worse :(

   

  But I would consult the authorities and lawyers prior to flying something remote controlled with my cell. 

   

  D
• Moderator

  Sgt Ric November 2, 2011 at 8:37am

  @ Ellison Chan,

  You are right about the use of the phone drone system, but as for spectrum amanagement you are a bit optimistic about the FCC mandate, their powers, and possible penalties.

   
• Dani Saez November 2, 2011 at 8:22am

  Hi Adli Shahnaz,

   

  check this out, it's a Ground Station for Android mobiles, I believe Bart is waiting for a stable/final  AC2 version before he will update to the current release.

   

  http://code.google.com/p/copter-gcs/

   

  Dani
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  Ellison Chan November 2, 2011 at 7:52am

  @Dara Shayda

  I think you misunderstood the question.  It was about using a mobile phone, which already has an assigned frequency to use.  You could by the phone module from the DiYDrones store.  You basically call the phone installed on the drone which is connected to the telemetry port, and issue Mavlink commands.   If you also have a mobile modem interface for your PC, it's set up as a serial port, and you just use it in Mission Planner.

   

  In North America, certain frequencies can be used without HAM radio license, and some frequencies are shared use with one.  Unless you are interfering with emergency use frequencies, no radio police will come to your door.  This is not the USSR.  Usually what happens is that you are interfering with someone who has the legal right to use the frequency, and they will make a complaint to the authorities, who will send someone to the area to scan for the rogue transmitter.  Usually they'll just take the equipment away from you if you don't have a license to operate it.
• Dara Shayda November 2, 2011 at 1:19am

  I believe using the mobile phone to remotely control devices such as arducopter is illegal in North America. I am sure EU is mostly the same. 

  For remote control of hobby devices, you are assigned certain frequencies by an agency e.g. FCC in USA and you cannot use these reserved frequencies for anything else and vice-a-versa. Someone with more legal experience can issue a more accurate statement. 

   

  The field of use of frequencies for remote control frequencies and cell phone frequencies are limited (and made disjoint) by the country's laws to serve very narrow and specific 'field of use'.

   

  I believe in North America if you do so, you will be located immediately and the devices will be confiscated and you need to attend a hearing. 

   

  To the dismay of many hobbyiest in North America, those who did not use the HAM radio frequencies and attempted to use other frequencies were shocked with the consequent exposure to the law enforcement agencies. 

   

  I would consult a telecom lawyer before attempting any such project. 

   

  D

   

   

   

   

   
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  Adli Shahnaz November 2, 2011 at 12:13am

  Hello All,

  Just to satisfy my curiousity, Is it possible the arducopter can be control or send some information (e.g waypoint) from a mobile phone?

   
• 

  Adli Shahnaz October 28, 2011 at 5:27am

  Hi all. It is all ok now. It seems that my Radio is out of trim. Now, I'm trying to GPS hold. Thank you all for your support.
• 

  Ellison Chan October 27, 2011 at 2:15pm

  @jacob_fan

  These are not really problems, but just design issues.

  What motor you use will depend on how heavy your quad is. Typically the frames will be under 1kg without motors and electronics and usually no more than 1.5kg with motors and electronics.  You just divide that by 4 and get motors that can provide at least 1/4 of that much thrust.  What propellers you use will depend on the recommendation of the manufacturer of the motor.

   

  Typical motors in these applications will be 600kv-1200kv.  The lower the kv the higher the torque and the slower the rpm, requiring larger propellers and the more thrust they can provide.  Typically prop sizes for the lower kv motors will be in the 12-14 inch range, and for the higher kv your prop will be in the 8-10 inch range.

   

  Most typical quads will use 1000kv motors with 10x4.7 prop. (10 inch diameter with 4.7 pitch angle)  This will should like a 1.2kg fully loaded quad without a problem.  If your weight start pushing into the 1.5kg or higher you'll need a motor in the lower kv range with 12 inch props at least.

   

  This is from my experience.