in over my head, but glad to be there! - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle?

J.T.

Ok, I'm still a newbie, but ultimately I want to build an autonomous flying vehicle/helicopter.· Rather than re-create the wheel, I've purchased the frame of the "Draganflyer", which if you are not aware, is one of those 4 blade UFO-looking RC Helicopters.· The "kit" I bought comes with the frame, the blades, and the motors, so the only thing missing is their onboard computer, battery pack,·and components.

So I am going to try to use the stamp (or more likely the propeller for it's multi-tasking ability for 4 separate motors?) to be the onboard computer.

In addition, I believe I will be needing:

Motor speed controllers.
Gyros.· (Micro Piezo Gyro?, or does anyone recommend something better?)
I have a GPS receiver, which is how I intend to navigate to a location.
I don't even know what an accelerometer is, but sounds like I might need one?

Anyway,· I realize this is a hefty project, but any tid-bits of info to help keep me heading in the right path would be appreciated!

J.T.
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Sadao Fujiwara-san

that sounds like a good project i plan on eventualy doing somthing like that

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sadaosworkshop.tk

Franklin

try this control.mae.cornell.edu/purwin/downloads/design%20and%20control%20of%20a%20four-rotor%20AFV.pdf

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- Stephen

Jonathan

This was mentioned by someone else recently in another thread about autonomous flying devices, and I'll mention it here.

Learn to fly WELL first! I have been playing with a friends helicopter recently, and it is a tough thing to fly, even with all of the gyros etc. Once you have a good feeling for the flight characteristics, can handle the craft in a wide variety of conditions and such, then you will know what you need to accomplish in auto control. Just try flying ther heli towards you (instead of away from you). It's really hard!

Then start making it autonomous. Start simple with a lift and hover. Even that is going to be quite a challenge! Once that is worked out, then GPS, navigation, etc.

I wish I had the time and money to pursue something like this myself, great project and bound to be fun. As long as watching your craft crash doesn't make you cry. If it does, pick another sport...

I used to be WAY into RC airplanes many years ago. Fun stuff!

Jonathan

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www.madlabs.info - Home of the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Robot

J.T.

Thanks all.· Great link Stephen!

As for flying first, I think these 4 blade models are much easier to fly than the single blade RC helicopters (not that I'm underestimating the project), but hopefully there is less issues with the 4 blades.

Any other sensors, or combined sensors out there that will help with stablization?

I believe the goal is to ensure that if any side of the craft tilts downward, to increase the speed of that side's motor, or decrease the speed·if·a side·tilts up.· Unless you are·intentionally tilting it to make it go a certain direction.

I'm sure I'm oversimplifying it, but for some reason it seems pretty do-able with the sensors they have these days?