UAV Challenge Outback Rescue 2009 - Official Thread

[Mick Molloy]

The UAV Challenge Outback Rescue 2009 rules have been posted and the website updated for 2009. http://www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au

Airborne Delivery Challenge Rules
http://www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au/uavoutbackchallenge/challenge/airborne.htm

Search and Rescue Challenge Rule
http://www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au/uavoutbackchallenge/challenge/searchrescue.htm

Note: please read the rule documents thoroughly as some rules have changed for 2009.

This thread can be used for discussion of the challenge and will be monitored by the technical committee with generic answers being provided here, more specific questions should be directed to the technical committee via http://www.uavoutbackchallenge.com.au/uavoutbackchallenge/contact/

If your team has a website you would like to share you can post it here also.

Good luck to all teams

Mick Molloy.

[ios]

5.2 Piloting Proficiency

UAV controller must be MAAA bronze-wing standard or equivalent. The onus of proof is on the UAV Controller and he/she may be asked to demonstrate their proficiency at the competition before they are allowed to fly a mission.

This is certainly a welcome new rule that will increase safety - too many people without any r/c experience want to get into UAVs without the basic competencies to fly an r/c plane - and thats just a recipe for failure.

However, I think its funny that MAAA bronze-wing standard is applicable given that MAAA members arn't allowed to fly autonomous planes! ;)

What other equivalent standard can be used instead of MAAA bronze-wings?

[Mick Molloy]

5.2 Piloting Proficiency

UAV controller must be MAAA bronze-wing standard or equivalent. The onus of proof is on the UAV Controller and he/she may be asked to demonstrate their proficiency at the competition before they are allowed to fly a mission.

This is certainly a welcome new rule that will increase safety - too many people without any r/c experience want to get into UAVs without the basic competencies to fly an r/c plane - and thats just a recipe for failure.

However, I think its funny that MAAA bronze-wing standard is applicable given that MAAA members arn't allowed to fly autonomous planes! ;)

What other equivalent standard can be used instead of MAAA bronze-wings?

Ios, et al

If a pilot presents evidence of Bronze Wing flight competency (in form of a certificate, or endorsement in their licence) or an overseas equivalent, then the officials will not require a competency demonstration flight.

If the pilot does not have the MAAA Bronze Wing standard certification type or an overseas equivalent, they will be asked to perform a flight (as they were in 2007 and 2008) and the Challenge officials will determine if they are of the required standard.

The officials will use the MAAA Bronze Wings standard as their judging criteria during the competency demonstration flight.

The equivalent statement is refering the another countries wings precedures e.g. BMFA A licence or FAI licences.

MAAA Wings Links
Power Bronze Wings (http://www.maaa.asn.au/maaa/mop/forms/Form%20016%20POWER%20BRONZE%20WINGS%20under%20revi ewkjd%2009%20mar%202008.pdf)

Helicopter Bronze Wings (http://www.maaa.asn.au/maaa/mop/forms/Form%20020%20HELICOPTER%20BRONZE%20WINGS%20-%2009%20mar%202008.pdf)

[AUSUAV]

Hi Mick,
I'd like to question the section in the rules about providing the video feed from onboard the UAV. Very happy to do it during the demo flight, but not real happy about it during the comp flight.

How do the organisers propose to not give away Joe's location to the other teams after we find him this year :). I suppose we could just go last after the others haven't been successful. :D

Cheers
Aaron

[biloxthecat]

Hi Mick,
I'd like to question the section in the rules about providing the video feed from onboard the UAV. Very happy to do it during the demo flight, but not real happy about it during the comp flight.

How do the organisers propose to not give away Joe's location to the other teams after we find him this year :). I suppose we could just go last after the others haven't been successful. :D

Cheers
Aaron



Hey Guy's,

I was wondering the same thing???
I guess Joe won't care once we have had a go (Thirst quenched and all!) :)

Regards,

Scott

[Mick Molloy]

Hi Mick,
I'd like to question the section in the rules about providing the video feed from onboard the UAV. Very happy to do it during the demo flight, but not real happy about it during the comp flight.

How do the organisers propose to not give away Joe's location to the other teams after we find him this year :). I suppose we could just go last after the others haven't been successful. :D

Cheers
Aaron
Aaron,

Your question applies to rule 5.13 of the Open Search and Rescue rules as below.

5.13 Access to Video Stream from UAV
The UAV Challenge Organisers request that teams that have a live video stream at
the ground station from their UAV provide access to this stream so that it can be
recorded or broadcast to the crowed at the airport.

The video stream from the UAV may be shown live to the challenge judges and safety officials during your attempt at rescuing Joe, during the launch and transit phases of the mission some of the video stream may broadcast to the crowed at the airport, at no time during the search phase would teams video stream be shown to the public. The recorded video maybe used a later time for promotional use.

Mick Molloy

[Mick Molloy]

Speaking of promotional use
Here is the Promotional video for the 2009 Challenge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3F5Ru_lgyM
and
Challenge Newsletter (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/em/mail/view.php?id=1272907544&k=8ab67f4)

[beep684]

Hi Mick,

In regards to the "Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge", will gps co-ordinates for the course be made available prior to the challenge? Otherwise, will participants be allowed to go out and mark the required gps co-ordinates themselves before their mission is started.

The reason I ask is that for the previous challenges, no time was made available to teams to collect the required gps data. We were told that during the mission, we were allowed to go around with a gps and mark out points.

However the mission time limit has been set to 20 minutes. For an element of a flight-plan as critical as waypoints, I'm sure everyone would like to be able to take their time to program and check their flight-plans in a calm environment before they carry out the mission. This would also increase safety.

Thanks,
Ben

[Mick Molloy]

Hi Mick,

In regards to the "Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge", will gps co-ordinates for the course be made available prior to the challenge? Otherwise, will participants be allowed to go out and mark the required gps co-ordinates themselves before their mission is started.

The reason I ask is that for the previous challenges, no time was made available to teams to collect the required gps data. We were told that during the mission, we were allowed to go around with a gps and mark out points.

However the mission time limit has been set to 20 minutes. For an element of a flight-plan as critical as waypoints, I'm sure everyone would like to be able to take their time to program and check their flight-plans in a calm environment before they carry out the mission. This would also increase safety.

Thanks,
Ben

Ben,

GPS co-ordinates for the the designated circuit waypoints will be provided to the teams before the challenge.

Mick Molloy

[anzacjack]

It would seem to me that any teams with a platform for the "Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge" would pretty much be ready to enter the open challenge. Having the aircraft fly a tight circuit and remotely drop a package, as well as take of and landing is going to be every bit as challenging as the open. (perhaps more so given available resources)

Just wondering how many are thinking of entering the "Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge"??

[mboland]

I was wondering how closely the infra Red lamp will be modulated to human skin temp or will it just be 'full on' acting as a beacon to anyone with an IR sensor?

Seems to defeat the purpose if it is just an IR beacon.

In answer to anzacjack
If any one has flown FPV they would know that it might be sufficient to spot a drop zone but the rez is not enough to spot a prone person, even if they were wearing bright colours, let alone Khaki.
But it would not take much extra effort, mostly more accurate sensors though.

[AUSUAV]

It would seem to me that any teams with a platform for the "Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge" would pretty much be ready to enter the open challenge. Having the aircraft fly a tight circuit and remotely drop a package, as well as take of and landing is going to be every bit as challenging as the open. (perhaps more so given available resources)

Just wondering how many are thinking of entering the "Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge"??

I don't think that they would be ready to enter the Open challenge but they would certainly learn valuable lessons from it. There are a different set of problems to be solved in both challenges. Sensors, duration, load carrying ability, ground speed etc are all different in the two challenges.

Best of luck for all those trying the Robot ADC. It's a tough one in my opinion. I'll stick to the open one, it's easier! :)

Cheers
Aaron

[beep684]

Thanks for your previous response Mick. I have two more questions:

The rules state that: "teams must use radio receiver(s) that are capable of reverting to predefined failsafe values when radio communications is lost from the UAV Controller’s radio transmitter. If for any reason the UAV appears to be out of control during the competition or during practice flights, the UAV Controller must turn off their transmitter, and invoke the flight termination mode." - The rules then go on to describe failsafe positions for each control surface.
I was planning on using a Spektrum DX7 and AR7000 2.4ghz receiver, as there is a lot of interference on 36mhz where I fly. However this receiver only has a programmable failsafe on the throttle channel. If the transmitter is turned off, a traditional failsafe system would not be activated. Is there any way we can use this receiver (or at least a DX7 transmitter)?

The other question is in relation to the payload to be released -
"A supply package(s) will be provided to each team for delivery on the day of the competition. The supply package will have the following specifications:
1. Size of 120x30x40 (mm)
2. Homogeneous mass distribution
3. Weight of 60 grams"
Will the shape of the package be a rectangular prism? It would be very helpful if a diagram was made available, to confirm that the design of the payload release mechanism will be compatible with the package supplied on the day.
If the 'package' is a readily available item could you please say what it is so that teams can practice with it?

Thanks,
Ben

[biloxthecat]

I was planning on using a Spektrum DX7 and AR7000 2.4ghz receiver, as there is a lot of interference on 36mhz where I fly. However this receiver only has a programmable failsafe on the throttle channel. If the transmitter is turned off, a traditional failsafe system would not be activated. Is there any way we can use this receiver (or at least a DX7 transmitter)?



Hey Ben,

The AR7000 Receiver does have failsafe for all channels.
It’s all in the binding technique! :cool:

What you have to do is….
1 Insert the bind plug into the receiver.
2 Power up the receiver
3 Remove the bind plug
4 Turn on the transmitter while doing the button hold binding thingo.

(I think that was it)

Leaving the bind plug in while turning on the transmitter only fail safe’s the Throttle CH.

I too had the same dilemma until I found this out.

Good Luck!

Cheers

Scott James

[beep684]

Hey Ben,

The AR7000 Receiver does have failsafe for all channels.
It’s all in the binding technique! :cool:

What you have to do is….
1 Insert the bind plug into the receiver.
2 Power up the receiver
3 Remove the bind plug
4 Turn on the transmitter while doing the button hold binding thingo.

(I think that was it)

Leaving the bind plug in while turning on the transmitter only fail safe’s the Throttle CH.

I too had the same dilemma until I found this out.

Good Luck!

Cheers

Scott James

wow thanks a lot Scott! I just tried it and it certainly does work :D such a relief...

I wonder why they don't state this method in the manual? They do mention holding the sticks in the desired failsafe position, but there is nothing about removing the bind plug before powering on the transmitter... oh well, thanks again!

[d_wheel]

Hey Ben,

The AR7000 Receiver does have failsafe for all channels.
It’s all in the binding technique! :cool:

What you have to do is….
1 Insert the bind plug into the receiver.
2 Power up the receiver
3 Remove the bind plug
4 Turn on the transmitter while doing the button hold binding thingo.

(I think that was it)

Leaving the bind plug in while turning on the transmitter only fail safe’s the Throttle CH.

I too had the same dilemma until I found this out.

Good Luck!

Cheers

Scott James

Have they added this to the AR7000? One of the reasons I got rid of all of mine was because of this (non) feature.

Later;

D.W.

[biloxthecat]

Have they added this to the AR7000? One of the reasons I got rid of all of mine was because of this (non) feature.

Later;

D.W.


Not sure, mine is about 2 years old and can do it.
It is strange that it's not in the manual??

Cheers,

Scott

[Mick Molloy]

Thanks for your previous response Mick. I have two more questions:

The rules state that: "teams must use radio receiver(s) that are capable of reverting to predefined failsafe values when radio communications is lost from the UAV Controller’s radio transmitter. If for any reason the UAV appears to be out of control during the competition or during practice flights, the UAV Controller must turn off their transmitter, and invoke the flight termination mode." - The rules then go on to describe failsafe positions for each control surface.
I was planning on using a Spektrum DX7 and AR7000 2.4ghz receiver, as there is a lot of interference on 36mhz where I fly. However this receiver only has a programmable failsafe on the throttle channel. If the transmitter is turned off, a traditional failsafe system would not be activated. Is there any way we can use this receiver (or at least a DX7 transmitter)?

The other question is in relation to the payload to be released -
"A supply package(s) will be provided to each team for delivery on the day of the competition. The supply package will have the following specifications:
1. Size of 120x30x40 (mm)
2. Homogeneous mass distribution
3. Weight of 60 grams"
Will the shape of the package be a rectangular prism? It would be very helpful if a diagram was made available, to confirm that the design of the payload release mechanism will be compatible with the package supplied on the day.
If the 'package' is a readily available item could you please say what it is so that teams can practice with it?

Thanks,
Ben



Ben,
Question 1
I see you have a solution to this.

Teams planning on using 2.4ghz radios for Command and Control (CC) as well as video transmission should reconsider this due to a potential of the video transmitter interfering with the CC receiver and lockouts occurring.

Teams may wish to read the Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000 (Radiocommunications (Low Interference Potential Devices) Class Licence 2000) when selecting video transmission equipment.

Question 2
The information provided for the supply package is sufficient in the rules for teams to develop their designs.

Mick Molloy

[KarbonBird]

In checking the rules it would appear that of the 2 main categories, the "Airborne Delivery Challenge and Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge" is only open to schools so that leaves the "Search and Rescue" that I could enter as a university student/enthusiast.

One of the things that I noted however was the size of the payload that needs to be dropped to Joe. A 500 ml bottle of water weighs about 500 grams so quite a large plane would be needed to achieve this. I was looking at a plane with a the following specs:

54" wingspan, 35" long, 395 sq. in. wing area, 27 oz. flying weight.

From my initial calculations it would appear that this plane would probably not be able to carry all the equipment plus the additional 500 grams of water bottle. Looks like I will have to go back to the drawing board to find a new plane that would be fit for purpose.

It is a pity that the airborne delivery section is not open to all as this seems to focus more on "proof of concept" than practical application.

[mboland]

Having been preparing for some time for the 'Search & Rescue' and going over the rules carefully, the largest weight and system penalty is not going to be the payload but the flight termination system.
Although it could be done with minimal weight penalty the result would always be the destruction of the aircraft and some on board systems.
This is our biggest 'head scratcher' at the moment.

It also differentiates the 'delivery challenge' from the 'S&R' in a more real world way.

I can understand that to keep it interesting for students, and within their capability to win, it does need to be limited to the schools and not open to anyone.

I too see this as a much easier competition, but would hate to see school kids put off due to more technically advanced and capable competitors 'freezing' them out, so to speak.
Much better to keep them keen and have the 'S&R', which is a more real world exercise, the competition for those of us with UAV aspirations or interests.

Your plane size will carry the load, but the speed might be a bit high ;-)

[ios]

mboland,

Can you give us any details about your entry ?

[KarbonBird]

I can understand that to keep it interesting for students, and within their capability to win, it does need to be limited to the schools and not open to anyone.

I too see this as a much easier competition, but would hate to see school kids put off due to more technically advanced and capable competitors 'freezing' them out, so to speak.
Much better to keep them keen and have the 'S&R', which is a more real world exercise, the competition for those of us with UAV aspirations or interests.



Fully agree with that assertion - I was thinking more along the lines that schools would have their own category within each challenge so they would not be competing directly with others in the open category.

The way I see it though, requiring an enthusiast to be both developer and search and rescue coordinator may preclude some people who may possess just one of those elements. Some excellent skills may consequently be lost in the process.

That being said - it looks like a really good excercise and aptly named competition and I'm keen to have a go!

[darwin12]

hey i m a student frm india
i wanted to know tht during the search operations fligt controll should be manual or autonomous

[darwin12]

during the rescue flight control should be autonoumous or manual

[mboland]

Section 5.2.2. Must be capable of autonomous flight;
From the published rules.

[mboland]

mboland,

Can you give us any details about your entry ?

Well I don't want to give too much away, especially if it does not work :rolleyes:
but we are trying to use only off the shelf components that anyone could get and put together.
Our aircraft is just a standard ARF model, video gear is basic FPV but I have sourced a better camera, still being tested. Currently looking for heat signature camera. Off the shelf gear is available to switch between the 2.
The auto pilot is the key piece of equipment, and we have 2 systems we are trying out, or should I say one we are trying to get to work while we wait for the availability of the main one I am interested in using.

The flight termination system is going to be an interesting exercise in inventiveness though.

[darwin12]

Plzz Can Ne One Tell Wht Are The Max Members Per Team

[mboland]

If you download the linked file at the start of this thread it has all the details you will need to know.

I don't believe there is a maximum but at least 2 are needed as a minimum.

[BeefStake]

Hi guys!

I will be heading an entry from the University of Technology Sydney in this years comp. :)

Just a few quick questions:
1) Does the failsafe system require independent communication to the ground or is cutting off the heartbeat from the autopilot sufficient for activation from the ground?
I also have a channel from the safety RC link that activates the termination sequence.

2) The termination sequence specifies servo deflections and throttle cut but is the use of a parachute permitted?
If so would it qualify as an "alternate flight termination" and require me to submit lots of paperwork?

3) Is the rule for loss of GPS lock that dead reckoning can be used to navigate the craft towards home? I know QUT inquired about this last year and it was decided dead reckoning was fine that instance.

4) In the event of autopilot malfunction or other situation would it be allowed to fly the craft back home via an FPV style setup. This is ofcourse providing that telemetry is still being received by the ground station.

Thanks!
Hope to see everyones entries soon, we will be well underway in the next few weeks so stay tuned. :P

[Nimski]

2) The termination sequence specifies servo deflections and throttle cut but is the use of a parachute permitted?
If so would it qualify as an "alternate flight termination" and require me to submit lots of paperwork?



I am also very interested in this question if we could get an official response.

[Mick Molloy]

The closing date for registration is fast approaching, so if your have yet to register please do so soon, and don't forget the Documentary challenge.

I have answered your question below.

Good luck to all teams.


Mick Molloy.


I wanted to know tht during the search operations fligt controll should be manual or autonomous?
Para 5.1.2 Must be capable of autonomous flight. Teams will be required to demonstrate autonomy before attempting the challenge.
Plzz Can Ne One Tell Wht Are The Max Members Per Team
There is no limit on the number of people in each team.
1) Does the failsafe system require independent communication to the ground or is cutting off the heartbeat from the autopilot sufficient for activation from the ground?
I also have a channel from the safety RC link that activates the termination sequence.
If the heartbeat can be terminated from the ground thus causing the termination system to activate this would be acceptable, full details of such a system would be submitted at the deliverables where a final approval would be considered.
Given a distance of up to 4nmi (7.4km) an rc safety link would not be a reliable termination activation method.
2) The termination sequence specifies servo deflections and throttle cut but is the use of a parachute permitted?
If so would it qualify as an "alternate flight termination" and require me to submit lots of paperwork?

A parachute system would be under the rules of 5.5.1 Alternate Flight Termination Systems and it's required documentation.

3) Is the rule for loss of GPS lock that dead reckoning can be used to navigate the craft towards home? I know QUT inquired about this last year and it was decided dead reckoning was fine that instance.

4) In the event of autopilot malfunction or other situation would it be allowed to fly the craft back home via an FPV style setup. This is of course providing that telemetry is still being received by the ground station.

For 3 and 4 please provide details in your deliverable and the committee will rule on the information given.

[BeefStake]

Thanks Mick. :)

Might have some more for you once development moves on.
Are we likely to see a list of registered competitors again this year?
Goodluck to everyone!

[Mark Hanson]

We won!! We didn't complete the challenge though, a few human errors stopped that. We arrived at the comp ready after a very late night re configuring the airframe - I only received the 9 XTends during the week prior and hadn't used them. On arrival we passed the safety inspections and were ready for the flight demonstration. The other teams weren't ready and were busy sorting out problems.

The flight demonstrations were done early in the morning the next day. We were pretty nervous as the plane had never flown with the safety system and the 9XTend (AV Tx and 9XTend operating at 1W) the takeoff and flight went well, in AP mode the acft [UNAV3500FW] was on rails and flew the course around the airfield exactly as planned, I hit abort and it came home and circled overhead at 200', that impressed the comp officials. The first real autonomous circuit in the competition. We breathed a sigh of relief that it worked with everything onboard.

The short time I had for development (5 weeks in between work trips) meant that my experience operating the plane was low. The other team member and rc pilot on the day (Aaron Donaldson) had not flown the plane at all before the competition demonstration and the mission flight was the second time had had flown it.

We launched on the [Search & Rescue] mission, climbed to the target height and speed, straight and level and then engaged AP mode. The aircraft tracked off to the search area WP but began a descent below 200'. We tried again a few times and it kept descending, I was baffled. We took off and landed another two times trying to solve the problem (in hind sight the altimeter just needed to be re calibrated).

The takeoff and landings must have moved the main batteries in the Fuz which pulled the power lead out on the 9XTend. The safety system activated in flight and the Telemaster landed (heavily) on the far side of the airfield cracking the tail and bending the undercarriage.

I was happy just to have made it to the start line considering out of the 34 other entries only 4 made it to the start line. I now have a yr to get some experience operating the AP system and to develop a better airframe.

It was unfortunate for the comp that the other teams also had their share of problems and crashed. That left Team Telemasters (Aaron and I) to win on points.

Simeon
[ Simeon was the team leader of the "Telemasters" in the 2008 OutBack Challenge, Search and Rescue contest ]

Lessons learned from last year's contest - with only 4 out of 34 entrants qualifiing (for Search and Rescue), it looks like most teams were simply not prepared. Even Simeon's account lists late night repairs and first time operation of components and an inexperienced crew.

Lets do our home-work for the 2009 contest and arrive prepared ! Hopefully we will only see a 12% drop-out rate this year instead of last year's 12% qualifing rate.

[KarbonBird]

Mick - can you please advise on the following.

After registering for the competition, the first deliverable is to provide the following by 29 May:

Flight Safety Review (short Technical Report)
A short technical report (Section 6.1) on the UAV design
concept and proposed safety methodology must be provided.

Specifically 6.1 says: The technical report must address the following:
1. Overall design of the UAV system
2. Risk Assessment
3. Risk Management Approach

As this is a very critical deliverable that needs to be correctly prepared (i.e. it decides if an entrant is permitted/denied entry to the competition) I was just wondering if there is a sample temple for this information. The term "short" is ambiguous and is open to interpretation so it would be good to know exactly what is required.

Also, if a plane is being developed and not yet built, is it acceptable to provide a submission of a conceptual nature for consideration or are only currently working UAVs acceptable.

Tks

[BeefStake]

Indeed preparation is critical.
Even with a significantly inferior system a better prepared team will win this competition.

[BeefStake]

@KarbonBird
This first report is mainly focused on how you intend to approach the challenge as an overview and then in more detail from the safety perspective.
Most important things to document are your implementation of your autopilot override, fail-safe system and safe operations eg. preflight checks and such.
Hope that helps.
If not I am sure Mick will reply with official information.

[mboland]

I concur with KarbonBird in that any sort of example would be greatly appreciated.

A point form layout for us to follow, so we are sure to cover all aspects required and in sufficient detail, or better yet, an example of an acceptable report.

At this time I am sure everyone involved in getting a UAV ready is peddling like mad as they work on systems and airframes.
It would be very disappointing to be knocked out because we may have too hastily completed and sent in this report.

[RolandS888]

Hi Mick,
deliverable 1 is due this week, what email address is it to be sent to?
Cheers,
R.

[BeefStake]

Heya Mick,
I was just checking the rules and it implies that the UAV will need search for Joe autonomously.
Does this mean that the UAV needs to identify Joe and report his back his position or that it will just be required to fly a search pattern autonomously.
Thanks.
Joseph.

[aero_k]

Hi all,

Will there be a competition next year, or in 2011? I'm interesting in putting in an entry, but its too late for this year. However, it will largely depend if we can find a sponsor to fly us to the other side of the world....

Good luck guys, maybe see you next year!

[darwin12]

hey!
m not able to find thermal sensors apt for our use, or the ones m finding are going out of my budget; so can i use image processing for finding joe, using MATLAB

[BeefStake]

Hmm, there should be no need for a thermal camera..
The lamp should emit IR on a very large variety of wavelengths.
If anything it would be harder to use an thermal camera.
The IR that is irradiated from the earth is known as long wave IR, or thermal. It can only be detected by cameras based on micro-bolometers. These cameras are very expensive.
Using a thermal cam would mean filtering out the background heat from the summer earth.
However the lamp should also emit short wave IR and NIR (near infrared).
This be can picked up on with standard IR cameras or really any CCD sensor.
Just remove the red IR filter in a standard digital camera or webcam to see what I mean.
Once you have taken the filter out, use some exposed film to block the visible light spectrum in place of the IR filter.

You should be able to simulate the beacon with an IR led like that on your TV remote.

Hope that helps people understand the nature of the IR lamp.

[aero_k]

Darwin, tell me about it. I've been trying to trasck down an inexpensive thermal camera for another project and they certainly aren't cheap! Try out the method BeefStake mentioned. There's a guide here: http://geektechnique.org/index.php?id=254.

[Mick Molloy]

Thanks Mick. :)

Might have some more for you once development moves on.
Are we likely to see a list of registered competitors again this year?
Goodluck to everyone!

Once entires have closed a list of team names and locations will be provided.

[Mick Molloy]

Mick - can you please advise on the following.

After registering for the competition, the first deliverable is to provide the following by 29 May:

Flight Safety Review (short Technical Report)
A short technical report (Section 6.1) on the UAV design
concept and proposed safety methodology must be provided.

Specifically 6.1 says: The technical report must address the following:
1. Overall design of the UAV system
2. Risk Assessment
3. Risk Management Approach

As this is a very critical deliverable that needs to be correctly prepared (i.e. it decides if an entrant is permitted/denied entry to the competition) I was just wondering if there is a sample temple for this information. The term "short" is ambiguous and is open to interpretation so it would be good to know exactly what is required.

Also, if a plane is being developed and not yet built, is it acceptable to provide a submission of a conceptual nature for consideration or are only currently working UAVs acceptable.

Tks
The committee believes enough information has been provided in the section.

The short technical report may show concepts at this stage, the aim of this report is to determine if teams have a credible entry / team to progress to deliverable 2.

[Mick Molloy]

Hi Mick,
deliverable 1 is due this week, what email address is it to be sent to?
Cheers,
R.

jonathan.roberts@csiro.au

[Mick Molloy]

Heya Mick,
I was just checking the rules and it implies that the UAV will need search for Joe autonomously.
Does this mean that the UAV needs to identify Joe and report his back his position or that it will just be required to fly a search pattern autonomously.
Thanks.
Joseph.
Autonomous location of Joe is not required but point are on offer for teams that do so.

See Point Table in section 6.4

[Mick Molloy]

Hi all,

Will there be a competition next year, or in 2011? I'm interesting in putting in an entry, but its too late for this year. However, it will largely depend if we can find a sponsor to fly us to the other side of the world....

Good luck guys, maybe see you next year!
At this point no decision has been made re the 2010 - 2011
Entries for the 2009 competition close on Friday the 29th May, there is still time aero_k.

[ios]

Is there a page limit for the first deliverable?

Cheers

Nick

[Mick Molloy]

Is there a page limit for the first deliverable?

Cheers

Nick
Deliverable 1 is not Judged hence no page limit, but it is "a short technical report (Section 6.1) on the UAV design concept and proposed safety methodology"

Deliverable 2 is judged and has a 12 page limit and is a more detailed report than deliverable 1.

Mick Molloy

[ios]

Thanks for the quick response Mick. I remember last year it was limited to 5 pages, but its hard to do that while still including pictures/diagrams.

[patrickegan]

Mick,
Question
Have you approached CASA to ask or develop a data set for some sort of scientific data gathering, or are they just as full of hot air as the FAA? Thanks

[aero_k]

At this point no decision has been made re the 2010 - 2011
Entries for the 2009 competition close on Friday the 29th May, there is still time aero_k.

Thanks Mick. Sure, there's time to register, but not nearly enough time to raise funds, build, test, fly, crash, rebuild, retest, fly. Well, I guess there is enough time, but it's not worth travelling to the opposite side of the globe with something that was thrown together in a hurry. I'll spend the next few months watching and learning I think.

[BeefStake]

Thanks Mick. Sure, there's time to register, but not nearly enough time to raise funds, build, test, fly, crash, rebuild, retest, fly. Well, I guess there is enough time, but it's not worth travelling to the opposite side of the globe with something that was thrown together in a hurry. I'll spend the next few months watching and learning I think.
Wise words.
I am eager to see what you come up with in the future.

[aero_k]

I am eager to see what you come up with in the future.

So am I! Again, good luck to everyone competing this year, I'll be observing.

[KarbonBird]

I remember last year it was limited to 5 pages, but its hard to do that while still including pictures/diagrams.

My submission ended up at 9 pages including addenda and seemed to have covered most critical elements required.

[ios]

My submission ended up at 9 pages including addenda and seemed to have covered most critical elements required.

I've just finished mine and about to submit it,... it was a total rush job because for the last three weeks work has taken over my life :mad: , and ended up being 6 pages. Not comprehensive, but I think just enough to get me over the line :)

Do we want to publish our submissions here for everyone to see? :rolleyes:

[RolandS888]

Do we want to publish our submissions here for everyone to see? :rolleyes:

That would be very interesting, I'd love to see how these things develop.

Please do...

Cheers,
R.

[BeefStake]

We are out for this year.
Goodluck to the others that are entering and we will join you next year.
I think the 12months of preparation will do us good.
Not to mention observing the competition this year.

[stikmunkeyrc]

Anyone flying their projects yet?

[Nimski]

We are doing waypoint navigation at the moment. Still need to see if our airframe can have the duration required.

[mboland]

We are still grappling with the waypoint navigation but have our airframe duration to 1hr, cameras working, still working on an IR camera, OSD working, and still yet to make our parachute.
Bottle drop testing stats this week, that should be fun, seeing what the terminal velocity of a bottle of water is from 200ft :-)

[airmcn_3]

We are still grappling with the waypoint navigation but have our airframe duration to 1hr, cameras working, still working on an IR camera, OSD working, and still yet to make our parachute.
Bottle drop testing stats this week, that should be fun, seeing what the terminal velocity of a bottle of water is from 200ft :-)


It comes down harder then you think ;) I exploded three of them during our tests last year....... Defiantly go with a soda bottle as they seem to hold up a bit better then the water bottles.

[Mick Molloy]

32ft/sec2

[airmcn_3]

32ft/sec2


OUCH..... Good thing its just water........

[fnev]

OUCH..... Good thing its just water........


You think???

[aero_k]

Bottle drop testing stats this week, that should be fun, seeing what the terminal velocity of a bottle of water is from 200ft :-)

Neglecting drag, it would be traveling at sqrt(2*g*h) = Sqrt(2*32*200) = 113 ft/s = 77 mph = 124 km/h.

So, no wonder they don't give points for hitting joe...

[stikmunkey]

Good luck all - we hope to do initial flight testing in 3 weeks including payload deployment (without autopilot)

Mick - do we get to find out if we make the cut after you guys review the Deliverable 1?

Cheers,

[Mick Molloy]

Good luck all - we hope to do initial flight testing in 3 weeks including payload deployment (without autopilot)

Mick - do we get to find out if we make the cut after you guys review the Deliverable 1?

Cheers,
The technical committee is currently reviewing all Deliverable 1, teams will be notified of eligibility in the next few days.

Mick Molloy

[Mick Molloy]

e-newsletter updates (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/em/mail/view.php?id=1089821390&k=ed076bc)

Hopefully all the teams are well underway with building and testing their UAVs. Time is ticking down and September will be here in no time! Good luck with your entries and remember to send any questions through to the Challenge organisers. Good luck!


New prize up for grabs

In addition to $5,000, the winning team of the High School Airborne Delivery Challenge will be rewarded with one hour in a flight simulator, generously provided by Alteon Training Australia. The winning team will be invited to Alteon's Brisbane campus to experience the thrill of learning how to fly a Boeing 737 aircraft. This money-can't-buy experience is sure to thrill all budding aviators and will provide tremendous insight into what it takes to become a commercial pilot.




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Important dates

High school teams
Registration - 24 July 2009
Flight readiness review (technical report and video) - 28 August 2009
Final team details required (pro-forma to organisers) - 28 August 2009
'Go' 'No-Go' announcement of teams - 7 September 2009
The Challenge - 28 September - 1 October 2009

Open teams
Registration and deliverable one - Closed
Team insurance deadline - 28 August 2009
Deliverable two: flight readiness review (technical report and video) - 28 August 2009
CASA applications due - 28 August 2009
'Go' 'No-Go' announcement of teams - 7 September 2009
The Challenge - 28 September - 1 October 2009



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UAV Challenge goes global!

The UAV Challenge is looking stronger than ever with entrants from all over the world putting up their hands to help find Joe. While the high school challenge is open only to Australian schools, the open challenge has received entrants from India, Iran, Canada, Korea, New Zealand, Spain, the US and the UK. Watch out Kingaroy... you've got a global competition on your hands!



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Register

Registrations for the 2009 Airborne Delivery and Robot Airborne Delivery Challenge are open until 24 July 2004. Click here (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/691378/ae47e9jh1.html) to register online (high school entries close 24 July 2009).


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Sponsorship update

We are currently searching for interested sponsors to join our platinum sponsor, Boeing Defence Australia, in supporting the 2009 UAV Outback Challenge. However, other opportunities still exist for sponsors at all levels. For further information contact Liesl Larsen (liesl.larsen@dtrdi.qld.gov.au).



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Official UAV Challenge videos

The official UAV Challenge videos are now available. These exciting videos showcase the success of the 2008 Challenge and provide a sneak preview for the 2009 event. Please feel free to forward these links to anyone who might be interested.
- 2009 promotional video (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/692046/ae47etrpg.html)
- 2008 overview video (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/692047/ae47evgwx.html)

If you have any videos of your flying attempts so far, please link them to www.youtube.com/user/UAVOutbackChallenge and check out what other teams are up to.




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Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions please send them through via this web form (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/618346/ae47e171xp.html) (access to this form is also available via the website (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/293713/ae47e13w9m.html)).

Q. Who do I contact with questions about the challenge?

A. There are a number of ways to contact the event organisers:

the best way is to fill out an online enquiry form (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/753611/ae47ec3np.html) via the website. This will be redirected to the person best able to answer your questions.
email Liesl Larsen (liesl.larsen@dtrdi.qld.gov.au) or Invest Queensland (enquiries@investqueensland.com.au)
all official documentation should be directed to Jonathan Roberts (Jonathan.Roberts@csiro.au).

Q. When do I need to register by?

A. Search and rescue entries are now closed.

Airborne delivery and robot airborne delivery registeration is open until 24 July 2009. It's best to register as soon as possible so that you are included in all communication prior to that date.


Q. Can I still put my entry in if I missed the registration?

A. Search and rescue entries are now closed. No extensions or allowances are being made due to the nature and high stakes of the Challenge. If this is unfortunately the case for you, we encourage you to enter again in future years.


Q. How do I know about important dates and milestones I need to meet?

A. A schedule of milestones is identified in each rules ducument. It is your responsibility to meet these deadlines. If any changes or additions are made, you will be notified by email.

Q. When do I actually need to be in Kingaroy?

A. It may be necessary for competitors to be available on all competition days, 28 September – 1 October 2009. Activities over these days are scheduled as follows:

28 September 2009 – set up and registration day. Open competitor presentations
29 September 2009 – open teams compete. High school competitor presentations
30 September 2009 – high school teams compete
1 October 2009 – wet weather day

Q. What happens if it rains during the Challenge?

A. If bad weather occurs on any day of the challenge, the competition will be rearranged to utilise the wet weather day (1 October 2009). All efforts will be made to ensure the high school teams fly on their designated day (30 September 2009). If bad weather persists, the competition may be cancelled. This decision will be made on the day of competition.


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Subscribe
To subscibe to the e-newsletter, please fill in your details here (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/752224/ae47e49f0.html).



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Contact us

Please contact us online (http://www.emailer.sd.qld.gov.au/ch/1wpdmjk/618346/ae47e171xp.html) or post a message in this forum if you have any questions.

[mboland]

We tested our bottle drop mechanism today and you can forget about just dropping a plain old plastic bottle.

Didn't matter whether it was a water bottle or soft drink bottle (designed to hold pressure), when they hit at over 100kph it's a massive water explosion.
We had great fun :-)

Even having air space inside the bottle made no difference.

It was interesting that they all fell bottom first, irrespective of release direction.

The solution was simpler than I would have thought.

A mate at the flying field (local club field where we conduct test flights) attached the plastic shopping bag that I had the test bottles in to one of the bottles, and we used that as a drogue chute.
Worked perfectly.
5 drops were done, from 200ft to around 500ft, all with the same bottle, which remained totally intact, and so did the shopping bag.

So there you go, add a drogue chute and the bottles survive just fine from any height.

[ios]

We tested our bottle drop mechanism today and you can forget about just dropping a plain old plastic bottle.

Didn't matter whether it was a water bottle or soft drink bottle (designed to hold pressure), when they hit at over 100kph it's a massive water explosion.
We had great fun :-)

Even having air space inside the bottle made no difference.

It was interesting that they all fell bottom first, irrespective of release direction.

The solution was simpler than I would have thought.

A mate at the flying field (local club field where we conduct test flights) attached the plastic shopping bag that I had the test bottles in to one of the bottles, and we used that as a drogue chute.
Worked perfectly.
5 drops were done, from 200ft to around 500ft, all with the same bottle, which remained totally intact, and so did the shopping bag.

So there you go, add a drogue chute and the bottles survive just fine from any height.

As of this month, shops in South Australia no longer offer plastic shopping bags to carry purchased goods, as a way to contribute to the reduction of global warming and the environment!!! How funny, I might need to 'import' a few plastic bags to try it out!!!! hahaha :D

By the way,... really great feedback mboland

[RolandS888]

.....attached the plastic shopping bag that I had the test bottles in to one of the bottles, and we used that as a drogue chute.
Worked perfectly.....
.

How do you intend on keeping the bag contained during the flight, if it comes undone then thats the end of the flight.

[airmcn_3]

We tested our bottle drop mechanism today and you can forget about just dropping a plain old plastic bottle.

Didn't matter whether it was a water bottle or soft drink bottle (designed to hold pressure), when they hit at over 100kph it's a massive water explosion.
We had great fun :-)

Even having air space inside the bottle made no difference.

It was interesting that they all fell bottom first, irrespective of release direction.

The solution was simpler than I would have thought.

A mate at the flying field (local club field where we conduct test flights) attached the plastic shopping bag that I had the test bottles in to one of the bottles, and we used that as a drogue chute.
Worked perfectly.
5 drops were done, from 200ft to around 500ft, all with the same bottle, which remained totally intact, and so did the shopping bag.

So there you go, add a drogue chute and the bottles survive just fine from any height.


Going to be honest with you. I live and work in Brisbane over half the year, one thing I noticed different from the USA and AU in regards to water bottles, soda bottles and McDonald’s paper cups was how much thinner they are.

The plastic bottles in AU are considerably thinner then the bottles here in the USA, we found that the soda bottle was a bit stronger and had a better top but both were useless if I used a bottle from AU.

I will be sending a box to Brisbane here in the next week or so, I would be more then glad to throw in a few plastic bottles that can be shipped to you once they reach Brissy.



Anyhow, you guys are doing a great job! Looking forward to the results.

Chris

[uavRescue]

Hi - I'm following this thread from a distance. Just wondering how people are planning on sending their video back?

[mboland]

How do you intend on keeping the bag contained during the flight, if it comes undone then thats the end of the flight.

We found that the simpler the mechanism the safer it all was.
The bag is just wrapped around the the bottle, the whole lot held on by 2 wires released from a servo.
If the bag was to open it would just pull the bag out from under the wires.
So the whole deal is costing us the weight of one servo and a plastic shopping bag.
Guess I had better stock up on the bags as they are going to be phased out up here too.

[biloxthecat]

This is our Autopilot, Bottle drop Mechanism, and Joe detection device!
Just need to work out some kind of motor mount and a blue tooth mobile earpiece arrangement. :D

[aero_k]

Haha, I hope (for his sake) you're not going to be "belly landing" that thing

[biloxthecat]

Haha, I hope (for his sake) you're not going to be "belly landing" that thing

:) We were going to tape a skateboard to his chest! ;)

[ios]

I Love It ! :D

Have you given any thought to also competing at the Moomba Birdman Rally :p

[airmcn_3]

:) We were going to tape a skateboard to his chest! ;)


LOL, thats great!!!

[RolandS888]

Well, we got the official "GO" today to continue with our entry to the UAV Outback Challenge.

Apparently there are 25 teams at this stage, so it will be interesting to see how many progress to the next stage.

Goodluck to all the teams that got through, and we'll see you there.

Looking forward to it.

R.

[UAV Wannabe]

Hey Guys.

I would love to enter, but i see that i'm to late,
What are you guy using to transmit your video over that sort of distance?

UAV Wanabee

[uavRescue]

Hey uav wannabe - I had asked the same question on the previous page. It would be interesting to see how to send video back over that distance. Do you have any ideas? It's a long way. I have heard of people having a gps guided antennae at the base station to try for better reception - I'd like to see that, but video from 7km away - that's going to take some thinking.

[stikmunkeyrc]

Well, we got the official "GO" today to continue with our entry to the UAV Outback Challenge.

Apparently there are 25 teams at this stage, so it will be interesting to see how many progress to the next stage.

Goodluck to all the teams that got through, and we'll see you there.

Looking forward to it.

R.

How did they announce it?

[mboland]

How did they announce it?

We received an email this afternoon.

But it is only the first step.

Many more to go.

It will be interesting to see how many of the 25 actually get there (us included, quite a few things to integrate and get working adequately yet).

[stikmunkeyrc]

I take it that if we haven't got the email then we didn't make the cut?!
When did you guys submit your D-1?

[biloxthecat]

Well, we got the official "GO" today to continue with our entry to the UAV Outback Challenge.

Apparently there are 25 teams at this stage, so it will be interesting to see how many progress to the next stage.

Goodluck to all the teams that got through, and we'll see you there.

Looking forward to it.

R.


We made it through as well! (anyone got a kid size stackhat that they dont need till October?) :rolleyes:

[stikmunkeyrc]

Phew...we made the cut as well. They emailed it to our other partner which is oversea and just now checked her email. :)

Well if all goes well then you get to see this fly.

[fnev]

Phew...we made the cut as well. They emailed it to our other partner which is oversea and just now checked her email. :)

Well if all goes well then you get to see this fly.


Congratulation...

What are the size, mass and speed of your project? Thank you.

[stikmunkeyrc]

130", 55lbs, 60kts - 90kts

[fnev]

130", 55lbs, 60kts - 90kts


OK, these numbers "fit" the picture. If 60kts is the stall speed is it not a bit fast for the intende mission in the search environment (tree cover with bushes)? How do you manage the drop accuracy?

[stikmunkeyrc]

OK, these numbers "fit" the picture. If 60kts is the stall speed is it not a bit fast for the intende mission in the search environment (tree cover with bushes)? How do you manage the drop accuracy?

60kts is not the stall speed - that's operational cruise speed.

I can't tell you how we do it :D but I can tell you that it's done pretty accurately with wind correction.

[ios]

Once entires have closed a list of team names and locations will be provided.

Mick, will a list of team names and locations still be published?

[fnev]

60kts is not the stall speed - that's operational cruise speed.

I can't tell you how we do it :D but I can tell you that it's done pretty accurately with wind correction.


Well… just a bit of mathematics: bombing algorithms!

[darwin12]

hey can ne one tell is there a remote available for 7 km range..........or is there ne other method to convert a normal rc to a long range

[airmcn_3]

hey can ne one tell is there a remote available for 7 km range..........or is there ne other method to convert a normal rc to a long range


Any of the long rage FPV systems..... Look in the FPV forum.

[mboland]

As the Challenge is conducted by autonomous flight, our radio control gear is just for take off and landing, as is switched off the rest of the time.

In answer to those questioning the video range, the answer is not so much in the transmitter but in the type of antenna used on the receiver.
High gain antennas will pick up a reasonably low level transmission.
This way we stay well within the ACMA guidelines for spectrum use.

[uavRescue]

In answer to those questioning the video range, the answer is not so much in the transmitter but in the type of antenna used on the receiver.
High gain antennas will pick up a reasonably low level transmission.
This way we stay well within the ACMA guidelines for spectrum use.

Are you saying that 10mW (acma class licence) will go 7km? Tell him he's dreamin'!

[iguanarama]

Do the rules say anything about repeaters? I would assume you can't go and drop 2.4 gig repeaters everywhere.