Group Actions
Engagement
  • Author Author: screamingtiger
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Views 936 views
  • Likes 2 likes
  • Comments 9 comments
Related
Recommended

Initial QuadCOP parts ordered

screamingtiger

I wont waste much time posting about my kit I received, I will just say that I am missing the GPS module which appears others did get.  I really need it for this project!  I sent a couple emails I am sure it will get resolved one way or another.

The other thing I will say is that I took the SD card out of my RPI model B and plugged it into the RPi 2.  It booted right up and all is well.  I did do an sudo apt-get upgrade and it installed the SMP kernel and other stuff specific to the RPi.

So that's all I will say about the Kit.

 

Here is the body I ordered, it is made of EPP foam.  EPP foam is very tough and rubbery, but requires some structure to keep its shape.  You can crash it all day long and it wont bang up too bad.  Other types of foams will turn into packing peanuts!

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__62865__Extra_Large_EPP_Quadcopter_Frame_450mm_835mm_total_width_US_Warehouse_.html

image

Once I have this prototype working I will get a better quad body but in the interim I felt this is a good way to start as I expect some crashes.

Actually its not that big overall.  The motors are about 400mm part which is a normal size quad.  However from end to end due to the foam wings it is 800mm across!  If you want to get started in quads this is a good way to go.

I did look into making my own using wreath rings and carbon fiber arrow shafts but they are way too heavy.  For the cost of this frame its tough to justify building one from scratch unless you are very proficient, which I am not!

 

I picked some hardware such as motors and props, I used my best guess on the total weight.  I plan to use a 4S lipo instead of a 3s to get more power to lift the stuff I will be putting into it.

All in all the quad cost about $250 all set up.  There are ready to fly quads for $300 now I see with a radio, that have GPS installed and can travel waypoints as well as return to home.  Very cool stuff.  But the waypoints are way to general to be used for security purposes.   Personally I find flying quads to be boring.  However trying to get one to fly by itself and actually do work by itself, now THAT is fun!

Parents

  • It would be cool to have some sort of weapon on a quadcopter, but the QuadCop is more of a security guard.   Perhaps some pepper spray would be in order if it messed with?  I think liability issues are too high, and the QuadCop will just record and alert.  It will attempt to stay out of reach but anything this passive is subject to destruction by an intent party.

     

    BTW A shocker device like that will cause loss of control of the drone if it is being flown by RC.  The EMP sent out will disrupt the communication link more than likely.

     

    I had a spark fun gap ignitor.

    https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/11218

     

    I used it to make a combustor to simulate machine gun fire on one of my RC planes.  ground testing showed the connection became unreliable.  So it never flew.

     


  • in reply to screamingtiger

    Thank you for the link! Seems like my friend has just found himself an igniter for his potato cannon =)
    Hmm... A disruption because of pulses is certainly better than disruption because somebody destroyed the copter, so, given a good control system capable of surviving short communication failures, it'd certainly make at least a good copter self-defense system IMO.

  • in reply to crimier

    I agree, the QuadCOP would survive the pulses.   Im writing up another blog post to explain more and the technology I am using.  In Automode, it does not rely on much except GPS.  I am not sure if that would knock out the GPS or no, maybe I will test it image

     

    However I was talking about the link you posted, that guy is using RC!

     

    The igniter I have is discontinued, I bout it a couple years ago.  they are prone to failure as if the leads are not close enough to let the spark arc, the spark will arc internally and burn it up FAST.

     

    However you can get these from cheapy stun guns.  I see stun guns as cheap as $10

    http://www.amazon.com/Stun-Gun-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Self-Defense/dp/B0058DBSMI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1430159842&sr=8-2&keywords=Cheap+Stun+Guns

     

    I used a mechanical relay and an arduino to fire the spark gap.  All you need to do is provide 5V and it goes off continuous.

    You could also use a Raspberry Pi, simply turn a pin high and it will trigger the relay and fire the spark.

     

    Don't burn your fingers off kid!


  • in reply to screamingtiger

    Thank you for the link and your advice! And - whatever we'll make, it'll be used for a potato cannon control, its main purpose will be to prevent burning any body parts off =)

Comment Children
No Data