Opinions on Procerus, Kestrel Autopilot

[airmcn_3]

Hello,

I am curious what or if there are any opinions on the Kestrel Autopilot system from Procerus Technologies.

Does anybody know of a better system with comparable weight?

Just a couple questions.

Thanks,

Chris

[kostixx007]

Hi ,
Please have a look here :http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=807370
I decided to start a new thread on my own Kestrel autopilot experience .

[airmcn_3]

Thank you so much!

I was about to spend 24K with them.

[Magician]

airmcn_3,

If you have the funds available, I'd recommend CloudCap. They have a well integrated unit, everything in one easy to mount and connect to box. Their new Ver. 2 code is very user friendly to set up and the new GCS software is also very user friendly. Plus, all of their manuals and Comms protocols are available for download from their website.

They are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for plus all the folks there are super helpful.

Good Luck. BTW, what is your project if you can say?

Chris

[airmcn_3]

airmcn_3,

If you have the funds available, I'd recommend CloudCap. They have a well integrated unit, everything in one easy to mount and connect to box. Their new Ver. 2 code is very user friendly to set up and the new GCS software is also very user friendly. Plus, all of their manuals and Comms protocols are available for download from their website.

They are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for plus all the folks there are super helpful.

Good Luck. BTW, what is your project if you can say?

Chris


Thank you for the helpful hint!

I have been looking at the cloudcap system. I sent them a E-mail regarding cost and specs, hopefully they can come up with something close to size and weight of the Kestrel system. Weight is not particularly a issue I just want as much room in the fuse as possible.

I cant post pictures yet as the board has not said its OK as of this point. I can give you the specs and let your imagination run ;) The airframe is a IWA Technologies Aircraft. Size: WS 60" Length 72" Wing area: 2268 sq/in Weight: #15

It has a impressive range and speed with a stall speed of 6mph :D

Cant say too much more YET.

Thanks again for your help.

Chris

[mlbco]

Chris,

Is this what you mean by "IWA":

http://www.spacetoys.com/proddetail.php?prod=FAT31

I'd build a regular RC model first before investing money in an autopilot for this concept.

Steve

[airmcn_3]

Chris,

Is this what you mean by "IWA":

http://www.spacetoys.com/proddetail.php?prod=FAT31

I'd build a regular RC model first before investing money in an autopilot for this concept.

Steve


Steve,

That would be it, But a bit different looking... We are a full blown technologies company, with many other products based off the IWA technology, we already have millions in research and development on the IWA aircraft. I am not saying this to be rude or arrogant, just trying to be informative.

If you would like more info I would be more then glad to indulge.

I do appreciate you looking out for me though!

We have already finished all testing on the airframe, its flight times and capabilities.

We already have our UAV contract on the Airframe alone, we are working with others to get the best possible Autopilot for our mission.


Thanks again,
Chris

[Nu11]

I'm on a University UAV Team that has been using the Kestrel Autopilot for a few months now and we have been very satisfied with it. I really like how nice the Virtual Cockpit interface is and the hardware in the loop simulation is also pretty good. Any problems I've had have been quickly resolved either over the phone or email. Overall I've been very happy with the level of support and the quality of the equipment.

Here's a link to our site for a little more on our experiences with it: www.aessuav.org

[airmcn_3]

I'm on a University UAV Team that has been using the Kestrel Autopilot for a few months now and we have been very satisfied with it. I really like how nice the Virtual Cockpit interface is and the hardware in the loop simulation is also pretty good. Any problems I've had have been quickly resolved either over the phone or email. Overall I've been very happy with the level of support and the quality of the equipment.

Here's a link to our site for a little more on our experiences with it: www.aessuav.org

Thank you for your reply, As it stands right now we can not get CloudCap to respond to any E-mails, so it is looking like I may have no choice. The issues being resolved make me feel much more comfortable with going ahead on the purchase.

Thank you again for the time.

Chris

[airmcn_3]

airmcn_3,

If you have the funds available, I'd recommend CloudCap. They have a well integrated unit, everything in one easy to mount and connect to box. Their new Ver. 2 code is very user friendly to set up and the new GCS software is also very user friendly. Plus, all of their manuals and Comms protocols are available for download from their website.

They are not inexpensive, but you get what you pay for plus all the folks there are super helpful.

Good Luck. BTW, what is your project if you can say?

Chris


Have you had direct contact with them? If so could you maybe help me with a lead on who to contact. We have been unsuccessful in reply's from them.

Thank you,
Chris

[Magician]

Chris,

I sent you a PM with the contact info.

Good Luck!

[airmcn_3]

Chris,

I sent you a PM with the contact info.

Good Luck!

Thank you very much! I need all the luck I can get :D

I will try them tomorrow and see what we come up with.

Thanks again,

Chris

[nichanderson]

Cloud Cap doesn't do well with email, you are better off calling them, or posting in their tech forum.

I am working on a project dealing with a Piccolo II, it is a nice unit and the HILsim is really useful. The newest release of Piccolo Command Center (2.0.4k) fixed a lot of problems we had been having. The only compliant I would have is that although the documentation looks really good, when it comes down to using it in practice it really is pretty lacking. I.e it tells you to do something with the Piccolo and then provides no troubleshooting when the Piccolo doesn't do the thing you told it too.

Having experience with both a Micropilot and Piccolo II, the saying is definitely true, you get what you pay for.

[FrankC]

http://www.auav.net/ezi-nav.html

You might also take a look at this system. It is lower in cost than the others but looks to have all of the features.

[kd7ost]

http://www.auav.net/ezi-nav.html

You might also take a look at this system. It is lower in cost than the others but looks to have all of the features.

Hmmmm, I'm not thinking they are very similar at all.

Dan

[FrankC]

Hmm, it does not do autonomous takeoff and landing, what else is missing? Just wondering, I have plans on purchasing one someday.

[kd7ost]

I'm not saying there is anything wrong with it but it doesn't compare to the units in question in the thread. It's more of a hobby based unit.

It has no integrated GPS. You must use a handheld GPS unit for waypoint navigation.

You cannot change altitudes in flight during autonomous operation. It's all fixed. This is OK for most hobby type missions but not if you need to fly low to the ground, climb altitude to clear some mountains and drop back down while on flight missions.

You cannot connect Radio modems or etc with it to command it in flight or get telemetry information from the aircraft. You can replace the RC receiver with one though.

It won't provide controlled sequencing while in flight. No taking pictures at waypoints, activating servos or what have you. To most hobby folks flying short range this will meet your needs.

It's a simple unit that operates similar to a PDC-10, PDC-20 and co-pilot unit combined for control. Not sure if it uses BP for altitude lock or GPS. He does indicate he has an option to replace the thermopiles.

As I said, I'm sure it does what it is designed to do. I'm not bashing it at all. But it won't do what the commercial/government units will do. It is mostly off the shelf parts wired up together inside a plastic kit box.

Dan