Very cool project and website design!
Which shop did you use to print the PCBs and how much did each of them cost?
Making a brain for my model plane
41–50 of 73 posts
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#42I wish the project had more internal nit bits. Like algorithms, controller info, and so on. A bit disappointed but have my upvote regardless.
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#43Awesome.
Is this sort of thing usually done with RC planes? I've been watching a few RC plane videos lately - there seem to be a lot of pilots out there who could benefit from electronics to help land their planes - especially those who've spent a ton of money on really nice setups like this guy: [1]
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#44Awesome. Is this sort of thing usually done with RC planes? I've been watching a few RC plane videos lately - there seem to be a lot of pilots out there who could benefit from electronics to help land their planes - especially those who've spent a ton of money on really nice setups like this guy: [1] [1] http://youtu.be/nQJ3TzSZkpo
Yes, most hobby grade planes and almost every multi-rotor out there now comes with an IMU on board for stabilization. Many of the more expensive multi-rotors will also come with a GPS and auto-pilot which will enable loitering (i.e. stay in this place in 3D space unless I tell you to move) and RTL (return to launchpoint).
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#45Building a drone, or robots is one of my dreams. I mean, as I programmer, I build things all the time. How awesome it would be to code something that ends up moving in the physical realm? Even better if it had some limited form of AI. But I know nothing about hardware, and very very little about programming a UAV.
You might want to take a look at AnkiDrive and track their progress on their API and such. That would be a very fun platform to start working with limited AI that would be readily visible in the real world.
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#46Wow, scrolling through that article was really disturbing. I guess I need to get used to this kind of presentation.
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#47Awesome. Is this sort of thing usually done with RC planes? I've been watching a few RC plane videos lately - there seem to be a lot of pilots out there who could benefit from electronics to help land their planes - especially those who've spent a ton of money on really nice setups like this guy: [1] [1] http://youtu.be/nQJ3TzSZkpo
Yes, stabilization systems are increasingly common among the so called "ultra micro" models.
I just bought a E-Flite Radian UMX, which is a stabilized and miniaturized (29" wingspan) version of a larger model (the 2M wingspan Parkzone Radian). The stabilization makes it much easier for inexperienced users to fly in gusty conditions. Like the OP's home-built system, it has a rate-sensing gyro system that compensates for any uncommanded movement. The plane flies perfectly straight regardless of wind and updrafts unless you give rudder or elevator inputs.
I am still amazed it was only $80.
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#48Awesome. Is this sort of thing usually done with RC planes? I've been watching a few RC plane videos lately - there seem to be a lot of pilots out there who could benefit from electronics to help land their planes - especially those who've spent a ton of money on really nice setups like this guy: [1] [1] http://youtu.be/nQJ3TzSZkpo
Also, there is a ready-made autopilot for new fliers called the uThere Ruby. They have some neat videos of fully autonomous landings in crosswinds on their site.
The OP's DIY approach looks much more fun though!
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#49Excellent, I've been waiting for Moore's Law to catch up with what I need to engineer my groundbreaking, innovative personal flight device design. Ever since I learned about the F-16's use of thrust and computing power to enable Relaxed Stability, I've been certain my personal flight device will need the capability to operate in that mode. I'm still trying to secure proper IP protections (I'm an amateur inventor) before prototyping for marketing / capital raising, but this is very relevant. Thanks for sharing and I hope to be in contact eventually regarding potential collaboration. Cheers!
Re: Making a brain for my model plane
#50Wow, scrolling through that article was really disturbing. I guess I need to get used to this kind of presentation.
I felt the same way. I really wish we didn't have to get used to that though. It's like the worst combination of a video and a website, and ends up as something like an annoying guided tour.