I've got a soft spot in my heart for blimps, which I think are the ideal aerial robotics learning platform for kids. Our original Blimpduino was long ago retired, but we're working on a new version that will use optical flow and advanced image processing for autonomous navigation (look for this in early 2013).
In the meantime, here's an interesting project for an Arduino-controlled RC blimp with many 3D-printable parts. Still in development, but the prototype scoots!
The blimp was always the ideal project for 3D absolute sonar positioning & "advanced image processing" still seems to be vapor, but in a buzzword driven market where the buzzword is optical flow, you don't have a choice about what to pursue.
That's cool for it to come back in a new version. I think it took 15 months for mine to finally leak nearly all its helium. Ah... Blimpduino-still sitting in the corner of my office.
I love this Blimp. I really hope we start a project again like this on DIYDRONES. I think these are great for UAVs and especially those just getting into the hobby. Easier to fly, easier to handle and cheaper too!
Be nice to see Blimpduino resurrected. It was what got me into Arduino's. I bought a flying nemo fish last year; saw blimpduino and got hacking. Not autonomous just custom transmitter/receiver flight controls. Still on the bench as I need to make up a proper PCB as large chunks of veroboard just too heavy.
Comments
The blimp was always the ideal project for 3D absolute sonar positioning & "advanced image processing" still seems to be vapor, but in a buzzword driven market where the buzzword is optical flow, you don't have a choice about what to pursue.
I love this Blimp. I really hope we start a project again like this on DIYDRONES. I think these are great for UAVs and especially those just getting into the hobby. Easier to fly, easier to handle and cheaper too!
nice, this blimp moves through the air like a shark through water.
Be nice to see Blimpduino resurrected. It was what got me into Arduino's. I bought a flying nemo fish last year; saw blimpduino and got hacking. Not autonomous just custom transmitter/receiver flight controls. Still on the bench as I need to make up a proper PCB as large chunks of veroboard just too heavy.
Here is a video of the ultimate blimp: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDtqUg8R6Jw
Dave