Difference between revisions of "Drone 1-2-3"

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(March 17, 2015 - Some real world flying (R/C) - Check!)
(March 17, 2015 - Some real world flying (R/C) - Check!)
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== March 17, 2015 - Some real world flying (R/C) - Check!==
 
== March 17, 2015 - Some real world flying (R/C) - Check!==
  
After adding 15.74g of lead to the nose in order to move the center of gravity forward within its proper range near the leading edge of the wing, it was time for some real world flying!
+
After adding 15.74g lead to the nose, it was time for some real world flying!
(By the way, Later the lead can be replaced with batteries or other functional stuff).
+
 
 +
Adding the lead was necessary in order to move the center of gravity forward to its proper spot near the leading edge of the wing. Later the lead can be replaced with batteries or other functional stuff.
  
 
Today in light spring air, Drone 1-2-3 made its maiden flight from the small slope near the [http://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=52.3647&mlon=4.8131#map=16/52.3647/4.8131 Sloterplas.]
 
Today in light spring air, Drone 1-2-3 made its maiden flight from the small slope near the [http://www.openstreetmap.org/?mlat=52.3647&mlon=4.8131#map=16/52.3647/4.8131 Sloterplas.]
Line 116: Line 117:
  
  
First few radio-controlled flights were somewhat challenging. But after Drone 1-2-3 was properly electronically trimmed, flying became a breeze. I didn't need to drive the plane all by myself anymore. Drone 1-2-3 showed stable flight characteristics and steering inputs were received and processed happily by her.
+
First few radio-controlled flights were somewhat challenging. But after the Drone's pitch was properly (electronically) trimmed, flying became a breeze. I didn't need to drive the plane all by myself anymore. Drone 1-2-3 showed stable flight characteristics and steering inputs were received and processed happily by her.
  
  
  
 
Drone 1-2-3 is a project run in collaboration with Almere hackerspace [http://sk1llz.nl/blog/ Sk1llz]
 
Drone 1-2-3 is a project run in collaboration with Almere hackerspace [http://sk1llz.nl/blog/ Sk1llz]

Revision as of 09:50, 18 March 2015

Projects
Participants Cyberdutch
Skills RC planes, Arduino
Status Active
Niche Electronics
Purpose Fun
Logo91dronefinal.png


Drone 1-2-3: An autonomously flying wing glider

Drone 1-2-3 is a glider drone based on the Alula urban flying wing (parts already there), a Walkera WK-2801 PRO R/C (in my attic) and an Arduino based auto-pilot for stabilization and navigation.

So far the only parts that needed to be ordered were: A Mini APM v3.1 (ArduPilot 2.6) and an external compass/GPS (Ublox NEO 6M GPS HMC5883L). Total costs: Less than 47 euro, including (free) shipping and (delivery free of) taxes.


MAlulaevo.jpg


MWk2801.jpg


Mini apmv31.jpg Ublox gps.jpg


Steps in this project:

1. Build the plane (trim and fly)

2. Make it remotely controlled (R/C)

3. Teach it to fly autonomously


The secondary goal of this project is: Extended flight time (longer than a day?). The coexisting primary goals are planet domination, colonizing of space and sheer fun.


Feb 16, 2015 - R/C equipment tested - Check!

After not using it for 5 years, the Li-Po battery pack of the transmitter was showing no signs of life anymore. Luckily I found an AA battery holder for 8 cells to replace it. For the time being that will do.

The (less critical) Ni-MH receiver battery was still in good condition. I charged/discharged it a few times and it holds approximately 286mAh x 4.8V (which is okay for an advertised nominal capacity of 300mAh).

Everything was connected, switched-on, binded, and worked fine :-)


Batteryholder.jpg


Rcequip1.jpg


Specs Walkera WK-2801 PRO transmitter:

8-channel, 2.4G, output pulse 1100-1900Ms (1500 neutral)

100mW (10mW default) output power

230mA current drain

12V (8x 1.5V AA)


Specs Walkera RX-2801 PRO receiver (9.23g):

8-channel, 95dbm sensitivity, frequency interval >=4M


receiver battery (29.65g)

4.8V 300mAh (4x1.2V) Ni-MH


Specs micro Blue Bird BMS-306BB servos (2x 6.91gr):

torque 1.1kg/cm, speed 0.10sec/60deg


Feb 24, 2015 - Planned test flights (R/C) & Flying sites

Drone 1-2-3 is now ready for some flying tests.

The idea is to start teaching the drone to fly autonomously only after thoroughly being tested and tuned. It should have proven stable flying characteristics in R/C controlled mode.


Dronerc.jpg


Drone 1-2-3 is controlled by ailerons (roll) and elevator (pitch) combined in a 2-servo delta wing setup. Roll and pitch are mixed electronically: One servo drives the left wing control surface and one servo drives the right wing control surface.


Suitable flying sites are scarce in Holland. But there are some promising places.

For park flying: Near the Sloterplas, Amsterdam

For slope soaring not far from Amsterdam: Zaandam (De Belt) or Haarlemmerliede (Mooie Nel)

For excellent slope soaring in the Netherlands: Zeeland (Zoutelande) (with south-west facing dunes of 30-50m high). This flying site is over 2hrs from Amsterdam, but with a season-discount-ticket from the NS the distance is (money wise) only 16 euros for a return ticket


March 17, 2015 - Some real world flying (R/C) - Check!

After adding 15.74g lead to the nose, it was time for some real world flying!

Adding the lead was necessary in order to move the center of gravity forward to its proper spot near the leading edge of the wing. Later the lead can be replaced with batteries or other functional stuff.

Today in light spring air, Drone 1-2-3 made its maiden flight from the small slope near the Sloterplas.


Sloterplas.jpg


First few radio-controlled flights were somewhat challenging. But after the Drone's pitch was properly (electronically) trimmed, flying became a breeze. I didn't need to drive the plane all by myself anymore. Drone 1-2-3 showed stable flight characteristics and steering inputs were received and processed happily by her.


Drone 1-2-3 is a project run in collaboration with Almere hackerspace Sk1llz