UAV

[laoch33]

Hey Helifreaks,

Long story short, I want to mix my 3D flying with something completely different- UAV heli.
I searched through a few subforums and couldn't find any info. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
I'm talking about doing this from scratch, maybe using something like the ardupilot or pic microchips, gps module, and IR thermopiles like the copilot2 uses to right itself.

Any links would be much appreciated- thanks ;)

[desertstalker]

I'm talking about doing this from scratch, maybe using something like the ardupilot or pic microchips, gps module, and IR thermopiles like the copilot2 uses to right itself.

Any links would be much appreciated- thanks ;)

Programming such a controller is a non-trivial exercise. Did something similar at UNI and it was not easy (plus it didnt work very well at all). I would suggest the Ardupilot (or similar) and a Quad for this kind of setup, you can fiddle with things to you hearts content knowing that the underlying control algorithms are solid.

[laoch33]

Thanks! Yeah, I eventually found ardupilot just after posting this. It is kind of exciting to know that they're still in early stages with the software for 450's, but I'm a mechanical engineer, not a programmer, so I only know more basic stuff :( I know what u mean, i'm dead tempted to buy a quad copter :/ .. they're so not ready for the 450's at arducopter yet. I just have to weigh up which would be more fun now- ~1000 bucks on autopiloted quadcopter + fpv OR get a 600 size 3D heli, or wait till wait till next year and see where they're at with the 450's. DECISIONS DECISIONS DECISIONS! It's only bout $300 for all the sensors u need + free software, for mission planning.
Have you seen APM lately? They have all the stuff on one board now, it's crazy- accelerometers, magnetometer, GPS, barometer+temperature , ok sonar is seprate to point it at the ground, built in usb chip, micro SD slot, ability to handle rcTx signals.. all for $200, it's nuts. P.S. i'm not a sales person lol. I just found that impressive.. pitty it's not all working right yet xP

[JoeW]

You might want to also check out OpenPilot project. They're also in the early stages with Helis. By the sounds of it they're not a lot further along but maybe enough.

[ENDO1]

Object C + iphone...

[MidLifeCrisis]

I'd recommend checking into the Parallax Propeller chip. There are a good amount of objects that have already been developed such as PID algorithms and the like. I'm currently working on a quad myself using them. So far it's been a challenge but I see light at the end of the tunnel.

Best of luck!
MLC