Link to the cheaply priced MinimOSD.

Wiring diagram for APM-MinimOSD-Telemetry Radio







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New Arducopter Wiki Link

Failsafe setup for APM2.5 and Dragon Link system:
1) The APM and the Mission Planner (MP) must be active and connected.
2) Set the transmitter throttle stick all the way down,
3) On the MP failsafe screen, verify that the PWM value is 5 points (i.e. 970) below 975.
4) If the PWM is not below 975, go to the transmitter (Dx7) travel adjust setting and adjust this setting until the MP failsafe screen is showing the Radio 3 PWM is below 975 (i.e. 970). This is the setting that will be programmed into the receiver in step 5.
5) To set the failsafe on the DL receiver, the transmitter throttle stick must be in down position and roll/pitch stick must in middle position, press the red Bind button on the DL transmitter for 5 seconds. This completes the failsafe setup on the DL receiver.
6) After completing step 5 and the transmitter throttle stick is all the way down, adjust the transmitter throttle travel adjust setting so that throttle channel (Ch 3) PWM value is around 1100 (low) in the MP.


Note: the copter always creates a .log .gpx and .kmz, which you can download if connected via the terminal using USB. If you have telemetary (and its connected in flight) then you will also get a .tlog and .rlog on you local PC.

The .tlog is good for mision playback, plus you can graph what it was doing and get quad params from it.

The .rlog I think is for in depth debugging, I have not used it yet (I am still new to this myself).

The .log is similar to...Continue Reading

This will document the build process of Nick_P's Spider Quad and contain any information that will help me with the whole build process.

Parts List:
Frame Material and Hardware;
1. Qty 1: 1/8” Birch Plywood from Michaels http://www.revell.com/wood/birch-plywood.html

2. Qty 3’: 1/4” x 1/8” Delrin Tube http://www.mcmaster.com/ part# 1830T119

3. Qty 1: 3mm Drill Bit http://www.mcmaster.com/ part# 30565A249

4. Qty 1: 3x25mm Cap Screws http://www.mcmaster.com/ part # 91239A126

5. Qty 1: 3mm Nylocks http://www.mcmaster.com/ part # 90576A102

6. Qty 2: 1/2" Poplar Square Dowel Rod http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...&storeId=10051


Electronics:
1. Qty 4: F-30A or F-20A ESCs http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...C_3A_UBEC.html or http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...C_3A_UBEC.html

2. Qty 4: Suppo 2212/11 1200kv http://blueskyrc.com/index.php?main_...products_id=38

3. Qty 1: Multiwii Flight Board http://www.valuehobby.com/multicopte...rol-board.html or http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo...1&productname=

4. Qty 1: FTDI Programmer http://www.valuehobby.com/multicopte...rogrammer.html

5. Optional for Camera Tilt Qty 1: http://www.valuehobby.com/radio-syst...ini-servo.html

6. Qty 2: GeForce 2200mah Lipo http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...1v-lipo-2.html


Accessories:
1. Qty 4: 8x4.5 props http://www.valuehobby.com/multicopte...pter-prop.html

2. Optional for Camera Tilt Qty 1: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...t_L_Size_.html

3....Continue Reading

My buddy's build in progress photos of his industrial grade FPV H-Quad.

AV Cable USB cable

GoPro Module information

DIY FrSky Dipole Antenna

Switch Jack for Dx7-Dragon Link Tx Module Diagram





New DL procedures for calibration and binding

Dragon Link Binding Steps

In this section, we will bind the RX to the TX. This process programs the RX so that it knows the ID of the TX it is intended to work with.
The following steps will bind the DragonLink TX and RX:
1. Start with both the DragonLink TX and RX powered off.
2. Press and hold the bind/menu button on the DragonLink TX.
3. While holding the button, turn the DragonLink TX on.
4. Wait at least 5 seconds, or until the LED turns YELLOW and then release the button.
5. The DragonLink’s LED should now be flashing YELLOW. If it isn’t, restart the process from step 1.
6. Power on the DragonLink RX.
7. The DragonLink RX’s “status” LED will come on.
8. Power cycle the DragonLink TX.
9. As soon as the DragonLink TX comes on, the DragonLink RX’s “status” LED should go dark.
10. Power cycle the DragonLink RX.
After power cycling the DragonLink pair, you should have RC control over the receiver. This can be tested by putting a servo on channel 1 of the DragonLink RX. On most RC transmitters, this will map to the throttle stick, which can be moved up and down to set the servo’s position.

Dragon Link Receiver Channel ID
CH1: THROTTLE
CH2: AILERON
CH3: ELEVATOR
CH4: RUDDER
CH5: GEAR



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KK2 Firmware v1.4

KK2 Firmware v1.3

Flashing KK2 video tutorial

USBasp driver

KK2 ESC calibration procedure

Calibrate ESC's using the KK2 Board (0 min 50 sec)

See attachments below for KK2 settings.

http://www.fpvmanuals.com/tricopter/

Tricopter build thread


Tricopter CG calculator

RCExplorer Tricopter

KK2 settings

KK2 firmware modified by Shane Colton

Recommended Throttle Curve Setting

My tricopter settings on DX7:
THRO CURVE: NORM, L= 0.0%, 1=50.0%, 2=75.0%, 3=86.5%, H=100.0%
D/R & EXP: AILE & ELEV settings are as follows (EXP=+35%, D/R=60%), RUDD (EXP=LIN, D/R=125%)
SUB TRIM: THRO=0, AILE=L21, ELEV=D23, RUDD=L24
TRAVEL ADJUST: THRO: +/-150%, ALL OTHER: +/-100%





...Continue Reading

FPV reference:
FPV Backpack Ground station 1

FPV Backpack Ground station 2

http://videoaerialsystems.com/fpv-a-guide-to-success/
Antennas 101 - Polarization, Diversity & Gain Patterns (27 min 56 sec)

How to install wire mesh tutorial video
Putting wire mash guard on a servo lead (5 min 34 sec)

My equipement from Range Video:

KX151 camera
900MHz , 500 mW transmitter (adjustable microphone gain, automatic Li-poly battery cut off to prevent battery damage)
Standard receiver
0.9GHz 8dBi Patch receiver antenna

Components from ReadyMadeRC:
RMRC-PICO-WIDE 12V (6-24V) Ultra Compact Wide Angle NTSC
Skylark Trace OSD III
Camera Cable (3-Wire Super Compact)
Skylark USB Update Cable for Tiny and Trace OSD (SL-II-USB)
16mm OD Ferrite Torroid for RF Noise Suppression (16MMTORROID)

SkyLark Trace III OSD diagram




Configuring the SkyLark Trace III OSD:
-After downloading the Configure Tools V3 software from http://www.skylarkfpv.com/en/down.php,
-Software and required drivers will be installed automatically.
-Once the software is installed, plug in the Skylark Trace III OSD via the required USB cable. (The computer should automatically detect the OSD board.)
-Set the Port Setting on the PC to COM2
-Launch the software, and change the OSD settings according to your needs.
-After you have selected the desired setting, click on the SET button. This configures the OSD.


SkyLark Thread Link

The purpose of this blog is to contain all of the post I made on the AR drone control with RC transmitter, yet another Wifi-less mod thread as I worked to complete the MiruMod Project. With the sketch and configurator and config calculator from the MiruMod website, it makes the whole programming and uploading the sketch to the Arduino board so much easier.

Parts used for the module:
4.7K Ohm 1/4-Watt Carbon Film Resistor

Spare parts links:
Best price for shaft replacement parts (free shipping)

Cheaper AR.Drone-Gears-Shaft

Reference link(s):
http://dronescapes.com/dropage31.html






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I just discovered this not too long ago and decided to order after reading all the rave reviews. All of them are true. The mQX is so much fun to fly. It's more fun to fly than the mSR. After a few flights, I have managed to crash it a lot of times and the little booger keeps on ticking - very durable... So far, I have been really impressed with it.

mQX Review

Link to order inexpensive lipo batteries in the US for the mQX
Link to order replacement motors (clockwise and counter-clockwise)

Clone parts for mQX

Substitute motor for the MQX

Setup for the mQX on the DX7 Transmitter :
AILE: EXP set at +20%, D/R set at 75%
ELEV: EXP set at +20%, D/R set at 75%
RUDD: EXP set at -3%, D/R set at 125%

Purchase date: 02/08/12
Maintenance/Repair:
03/21/12: after numerous crashes and aggressive flying, I finally had to replaced the rear left motor.

Link to awesome Quad shell

ARDrone 2 Pod for the MQX

Sidekick FV is completed. Aleg's Sidekick thread.
Materials of construction:
Pod
-Bluecore foam (Lowes)
-Fan Fold foam (Lowes)
-1mm Depron foam (rcfoams.com)
-3K carbon tow for reinforcements
Wings:
-EPS foam
-Econokote plastic covering
-1/16" plywood between wing panel roots
-1mm carbon fiber rod
-4mm neodymium disc magnets
Tail-boom:
-3mm carbon fiber tube
Inverted V-tail:
-3mm Depron foam
-carbon fiber strips for reinforcement
-Econokote plastic covering
Components:
Receiver: AR6100
ESC: 5 amp
Servos: 2.5g
Motor: 18-11 2000kv Micro Brushless Outrunner (10g)
The following data are from Hobbyking:
GWS 5030 - 3.0A, 4.375 oz (124g) thrust
GWS 5043 - 3.5A, 4.0 oz (113g) thrust
GWS 4540 - 3.0A, 3.25 oz (92g) thrust

The 5030 prop clearly is the winner for these props, generating the most thrust using the fewest amps. And for the price, it can't be beat! Great little motor for small planes in the 4 to 7 ounce range.

She's completed.





Sidekick Dimensions, link to the download-able plans:
...Continue Reading

Here's my latest scratch-built, the Slapped-Together EP-SALG Version 6.0. I had to finally retire Version 4.0 (this photo was taken when she was still young ) as she was getting beat up although she was still flying well. I needed to build a new one since we're about to take another long road trip to Big D (Dallas, Tx)... I had built Slapped Together SALG Vesion 3.0 for our road trip to Dallas in 2008, it was converted to electric-powered (Version 4.0) after returning home from the road trip.

One nice feature about Version 6.0 is that the wing is removable for portability. The wing is held with only two rubber bands. Version 6.0 has had her maiden flight and she flies extremely well. I'm very happy the way this one turned out.

For those interested, the previous versions can be viewed here.

Materials of Construction
Fuselage:
-Bluecore foam for the pod area, nose area is reinforced with carbon fiber strips and 3/4oz fiberglass
-Carbon fiber tube for the tail boom
V-Tail:
-3mm depron foam
Wing:
-9mm depron foam sanded to a flat-bottm airfoil

Components:
Receiver: AR6100
ESC: TURNIGY Plush 6A /.8bec/6g Speed Controller
Servos: 3g
Motor: Turnigy 1230 Brushless Inrunner Motor 4500kv

My cousin gave me my first warbird plane for all the hard work and effort I put in building his Corsair, which was a really nice surprise since I wasn't expecting anything in return. It is a very nice-looking plane and the only model that will be stored inside the house on top of the entertainment center.

The build was a snap, nothing had to be glued. I had to widen the servo wells a bit to fit the Hitec HS-55 servos; and I just pushed them in the wells for a snug, tight fit... What the took the longest was programming the Eflite ESC since it needed to be programmed to handle to 2cell lipos... The ESC programming was the typical that you have to listen to the tones, which I don't like because it gets confusing when you're listening to the tones to get to the option that needed changing.

The only mod I did to this plane was I had to cut out the inside part of the canopy in order to fit the batteries that I was using with it. The lipo batteries used are Thunderpower 910mah, Eflite 800mah, and Moxie 500mah.

She's already been maiden... She flies well and very fast. This plane is definitely not for beginners...

Well, here it is... I finally got some photos of my cousin's Corsair that I'm building for him. I took these photos after I epoxied the horizontal stab. This is a very nice and well crafted ARF kit. I hope she flies as good as she looks.

Well, I believe I've caught the heli-bug. The UPS man delivered my Blade MSR yesterday... I'll tell you, it is so much fun and sooo easy to fly once you get it setup correctly. After going through several forums on what is the optimal DX7 setup for the Blade MSR, I found the attached pdf file of the DX7 settings for Blade MSR (from helifreak forum) to be the most easy to follow and the settings make the Blade MSR to fly very docile because without it, the Blade MSR can be a handful to fly... I actually bound it with my DX7 straight out of the box, attempted to fly it and , boy, it was definitely a handful to fly..

Background: I bought a CX2 a while back ago, I believe it was in 2008 when I purchased it at a local hobby shop, and I flew it a few times then my heli interest kind of just went away after a while. Recently, a co-worker of mine showed me a Blade MCX and after seeing this little booger fly, it rekindled my interest... In fact, I was going to sell my Blade CX2 to this co-worker... Well, needless to say, I kept the darn CX2 and started playing with it again; thus, starting a blog on it to capture information about setups and hop-ups.

Since the Blade MSR, I've assimilated myself in anything that is micro heli... A friend introduced me to the Syma S107, a really inexpensive toy micro heli. For 20 bucks plus shipping, you can't beat it, so I ordered one. I hope she performs as expected since everyone who has one has said that it flies well.

The S107 came in the mail this past Memorial Day weekend and like everyone has said she flies and performs very well... Excellent buy for only 20 bucks...

Vendors:
Spare parts for Syma 107

Modifications:
Battery upgrade for Syma 107 by killbucket

Useful Information:
Celectra 4-Port Charger modification
How to Replace the Blade mSR Tail Boom and Tail Motor Assembly
BLADE Msr TUNE UP COMMON PROBLEMS AND HOW TO FIX GUIDE

Finally, a site on how I can use the LP5DSM (transmitter that came with the Blade CX2) as a buddy box....

Connecting to a transmitter to a DX7
DX7 with DX6 Buddy Box
Videos:
How to buddy box an LP5DSM
How to Buddy Box Dx6i (Master) and LP5DSM (Slave) (4 min 56 sec)
(4 min 56 sec)


In "P-LINK" mode, any simple non-programmable 4 channel slave TX with the same channel assignment (JR) can be connected to the master DX7. The master DX7 will take care of all throws and all mixings and settings. Very easy ! This is really the ideal program for easy buddy boxing, without hasstle. And the buddy lead is a simple mono to mono jack 1/8".

Steps to connect a 4-channel transmitter to the DX7 transmitter (master):
1. On the DX7, hold the Scroll Down and Select buttons (left of the screen) simultaneously. This brings up the System Setup Mode.

2. In the System Setup Mode, use the Scroll Up and Down buttons to get to the [MODEL SELECT] screen. In this screen, using the Increase and Decrease buttons (right of the screen) to select the model that will be used for training.

3. Once the model is selected, use the Scroll Up and Down buttons to get to the [TRAINER] screen. In this screen, using the Increase and Decrease buttons to select P-LINK mode. Also, this allows you to choose which rocker switch to be used.

4. Turn off the DX7 then turn it back on.

5. On the DX7 screen, the following are displayed: under the selected Model number "NO TRAINEE" text flashes and the DX7 beeps periodically.

6. Using the buddy cord, connect the 4-channel transmitter (it must be turned on before connecting) to the DX7.

7. After connecting, the screen displays "P-LINK" and below it, it reads SPEKTRUM DX7.

This blog will collect information about the Eflite Blade CX2... It will contain links to references within rcgroups forum that I find helpful to what I'm trying to accomplish with my CX2, any other sites that may contain useful and hop-up information on the CX2, how-to videos, and vendor sites.

Useful Information
RCHELICOPTERFUN.com
Setup of CX/CX2 from wikipedia
Blade CX2 - How I Buy, Fly & Modify
Brushless E-flite Blade CX Coaxial Project
E-flite Blade CX Coaxial Heli

Vendors
http://www.hopuphelihobbies.com/inde...tem&itm=BTH001
http://www.flyrcrivesud.com/upgrade_parts11.html
http://www.boomtownhobbies.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/HopMeUp
http://www.hopmeup.com/
http://www.eboyztoyz.net/index.php?ncat=00829

This blog will capture anything dealing with micro projects from reference information to construction of micro planes.

16" KFm4 Wing
20" Litewing plan
MicroFly Plan
HangarRat Plan

Nataku

RCMicroflight.com...Continue Reading

This build log will contain information of the Alula build. It finally arrived today in a neat little box... Dreamflight did a really nice job in packaging their kits.