Tilt Rotor Quadcopter for FPV/OSD/UAV
(This is based on my blog post at http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/new-project-quadcopter-first)
I am thinking of a Quadcopter Project using a platform based on Arduino since I have learned some programming on it. Currently I am leaning towards the AeroQuad.
In the future (if the thing take-offs) I plan on installing video gear for FPV. Followed by that I plan on programming (or if I get lazy I'll just buy a kit) some OSD. And than I should go into the UAV territory.
I have many doubts about the project... here are some that maybe someone can help clarify:
Based on my needs I believe this will be a VERY long (and probably expensive) project. I do want to discover the best COSTxBENEFIT solutions, of course.
The "foward speed" thing (planes have better foward speed than quads, and also better battery efficiency) is a factor that will probably take me into a next step that will be to transform the Quadcopter into a mix of Quad/V-22 Osprey/Airplane (that's why I have the question about the X configuration). The idea is to benefit from the stability and VTOL of the Quadcopter and the speed and efficiency of the airplane.
I have found a dude trying something like it: http://jasondorie.com/WordPress/?p=5#respond
Anyone interested in taking part in a project like this? We can use DIYDrones as a platform or even begin a new community for Open Source development of this Tilt-quad-rotor platform.
I am thinking of a Quadcopter Project using a platform based on Arduino since I have learned some programming on it. Currently I am leaning towards the AeroQuad.
In the future (if the thing take-offs) I plan on installing video gear for FPV. Followed by that I plan on programming (or if I get lazy I'll just buy a kit) some OSD. And than I should go into the UAV territory.
I have many doubts about the project... here are some that maybe someone can help clarify:
Based on my needs I believe this will be a VERY long (and probably expensive) project. I do want to discover the best COSTxBENEFIT solutions, of course.
The "foward speed" thing (planes have better foward speed than quads, and also better battery efficiency) is a factor that will probably take me into a next step that will be to transform the Quadcopter into a mix of Quad/V-22 Osprey/Airplane (that's why I have the question about the X configuration). The idea is to benefit from the stability and VTOL of the Quadcopter and the speed and efficiency of the airplane.
I have found a dude trying something like it: http://jasondorie.com/WordPress/?p=5#respond
Anyone interested in taking part in a project like this? We can use DIYDrones as a platform or even begin a new community for Open Source development of this Tilt-quad-rotor platform.
Tags: fpv, osd, quadcopter, rotor, tilt
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on -
Just found a nice vid on YouTube. Skip the political "peace-keaping" bullshitake and watch from 1:30 on.
I would probably use a conventional tail section with a "one-piece" elevator and conventional rudder. The elevator would need only onde servo. The rudder I believe is needed to give stability... Or do the four counter-rotating propellers give all the stability needed? In that case, to YAW, we could simply speed up two (or one) of the propellers on one of the sides.
Any comments?
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Permalink Reply by Miguel COLLADOS on -
When hovering it doesn't need anything extra, the stability is provided by the processor by the means of accelerometers and gyros. But for fast forward flying it definitivelly needs a kind of rudder; at high speeds the differential thrust of two engines won't be enough to steer properly.
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on
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Miguel, we can use all four engines. Shouldn't that be enough to control Yaw? That's around 800g of thrust on either side.
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Permalink Reply by Toby Stein on -
I suggest starting your project with a quadcopter kit from http://x3d-shop.de. It has state of the art features like:
AscTec FunPilot
The AscTec FunPilot is a low cost solution for fun and aerobatic flying. As the successor of the X-3D it features the unbeaten robust attitude control which enables the pilot to do aerobatic maneuvers in all axes. In addition, it is perfectly suited for beginners by using the direct attitude control in combination with the X-ACC accelerometer and the high precision pressure sensor for height stabilsation and control.
Hardwarefeatures
•Backwards compatible to the X-Base
•LPC2146 ARM7 processor with 60 Mhz
•Three gyroscopes
•High precision pressure sensor with 24 Bit ADC
•PC connectivity with the X-USB module
•Several connections for extension modules (I2C, SPI, 2x Servo)
•Option: X-ACC as three axis accelerometer
•JTAG debug and programming connector for the OpenSourcePilot-Software
Softwarefeatures
•High Performance 3-axis heading hold attitude control with 1kHz updaterate
•All controller parameters can be set by the user
•Four different controller sets selectable by jumper
•Option: Absolute angle control in combination with the X-ACC including Datenfusion running at 1kHz updaterate
•Option: (only in combination with X-ACC): Pressure height stabilisation. Controllable by the remote control
I recently purchased one, but have not recieved it yet
I'm pretty sure there is an open source version available aswell
cool youtube video demonstration
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGxzvdYLZSs
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Permalink Reply by Miguel COLLADOS on
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@ Gian Carlo: In my opinion if we use the motors for yaw the battery will be emptyed more quickly than with a rudder, but for big turnings, just spinning up two motors and spinning down the other side ones it should work.
@ Xander: You are right, we can use a pitch+roll to get a yaw. But what do we want? (Pitch+Roll) or Yaw?
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on
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You have a point there Miguel
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Gary Mortimer on -
These look cool
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on
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It sure looks cool but I don't think it does forward flight, it still depends on the engines to provide lift, using up lot's of battery juice.
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on
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I've just found another cool quad-tilt-rotor project! Unfortunatelly the person seems to have stopped improving it in 2007. I've made an invitation to this discussion, I'm sure he knows much of the road and obstacles we face ahead.
http://www.youtube.com/user/maxvtol
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on
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Just bought the first parts for the Aeroquad project (motors, ESCs, propellers and some tail booms). I hope I didn't make any stupid decisions. What do you think about the parts I bought?
One more question... I didn't buy the batteries yet... but can I plug the motors to a breadboard and a 12v/9v power source?
I'll buy the rest later, I'm testing HobbyCity to see their shipping and handling qualities.
I've been thinking about the tilt-rotor deal, having some ideas. I saw a video of a Rutan Quickie... maybe this can be an interesting platform for the Quad Tilt Rotor.
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Permalink Reply by Gian Carlo M. on
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I have some more doubts, maybe you guys can help me:
* I have an "old" Futaba T6XA. Do you think it does the job (considering I'm using the AeroQuad design)? I am worried about interference since I plan on flying on one of the most "electromagnetic-polluted" areas in São Paulo, near huge TV and Cell Phone transmission towers. Am I going to have trouble with Interference? Should I get a 2.4ghz? Any recommendations?
* Is it possible to use the Arduino Mini Pro for the Aeroquad (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9218)?
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