pilotandy
Apr 09, 2006, 03:09 AM
Hi all. I stumbled on this site while doing research for my latest project idea. Here's the plan. Any input or advice would be much appreciated.
The UAV will NOT be a standard heli, but instead be a 4-motor craft similiar to the x-ufo or dragonfly V.
For sensors I intend to use:
(3) ADXRS300 gyros from Analog Devices
(1) 3-axis ADXL330 accelerometer from Analog Devices
(1) 3-axis HMC1053 magnetoresistive sensor from Honeywell
(1) WD-G-ZX4120 GPS module from Futurlec
I'm currently trying to figure out if I can get away without buying the gyros. Three of them will cost about $120 us. The datasheet for the accelerometers on the Analog Devices website has a diagram and equations to use a 2-axis accelerometer as a tilt sensor. This works because the accelerometers can detect 1g of acceleration in the downwards direction. The only downside is that the values will not be correct when the craft is accelerating, but this can *maybe* be fixed with a data filter of some sort.
If I do end up using the gyros, the accelerometers can be used to correct the gyro drift.
The magnetoresistive sensors will be used in combination with the accelerometer data to create a tilt compensated digital compass.
And finally, the GPS module will obviously be used for navigation data.
The brains of the UAV will likely be one of Atmel's ATMega processors. They have up to 8 built in AD converters for sensor inputs, and up to 6 PWM outputs for servo control. I would most likely use 2 outputs for pan/tilt camera servos and the other 4 to drive the brushless ESCs.
Anyway, I know that's a lot to digest. I'm curious to hear what ya'll think. I know it's an ambitious project. I've got a CNC machine at my disposal for milling PCBs and other parts. I intend to model everything up in Solidworks before I start the build.
If anyone else is interested in joining in I'd be more than happy to work with a partner or team. I live in southern california, but that doesn't exclude anyone who doesn't.
The UAV will NOT be a standard heli, but instead be a 4-motor craft similiar to the x-ufo or dragonfly V.
For sensors I intend to use:
(3) ADXRS300 gyros from Analog Devices
(1) 3-axis ADXL330 accelerometer from Analog Devices
(1) 3-axis HMC1053 magnetoresistive sensor from Honeywell
(1) WD-G-ZX4120 GPS module from Futurlec
I'm currently trying to figure out if I can get away without buying the gyros. Three of them will cost about $120 us. The datasheet for the accelerometers on the Analog Devices website has a diagram and equations to use a 2-axis accelerometer as a tilt sensor. This works because the accelerometers can detect 1g of acceleration in the downwards direction. The only downside is that the values will not be correct when the craft is accelerating, but this can *maybe* be fixed with a data filter of some sort.
If I do end up using the gyros, the accelerometers can be used to correct the gyro drift.
The magnetoresistive sensors will be used in combination with the accelerometer data to create a tilt compensated digital compass.
And finally, the GPS module will obviously be used for navigation data.
The brains of the UAV will likely be one of Atmel's ATMega processors. They have up to 8 built in AD converters for sensor inputs, and up to 6 PWM outputs for servo control. I would most likely use 2 outputs for pan/tilt camera servos and the other 4 to drive the brushless ESCs.
Anyway, I know that's a lot to digest. I'm curious to hear what ya'll think. I know it's an ambitious project. I've got a CNC machine at my disposal for milling PCBs and other parts. I intend to model everything up in Solidworks before I start the build.
If anyone else is interested in joining in I'd be more than happy to work with a partner or team. I live in southern california, but that doesn't exclude anyone who doesn't.