Microduino Quadcopter Kit

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About

The build-it-yourself Microduino Quadcopter is a flying four-motor rotorcraft controllable with the included Microduino Joypad. The Microduino Series is our original product, created for those looking for the most flexibility in their DIY projects. Its quarter-sized profile makes it easier to integrate into projects of all shapes and sizes. Smart, flexible, and compatible with the Arduino ecosystem, designers have everything they need to build their own applications.

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Detailed Description

The Microduino Quadcopter is a flying four motor rotorcraft kit. The kit is designed to be fun and easy to assemble. When building this, kids learn about the different modules and the functions required to create the quadcopter.

 

Positioning and Orientation

The quadcopter utilizes a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope chip (MPU-6050) to determine its positioning and orientation. With this data, the quadcopter’s motors are able to compensate for orientation during operation.

 

Wireless Control

The CoreRF module (Core + nRF) adds wireless communication to the Microduino Quadcopter. The quadcopter can be remotely controlled by the included Microduino Joypad. Additionally, the included Microduino Joypad can be reprogrammed and used for other projects.

 

Microduino Series Modules

This kit incorporates various Microduino Series modules. The Microduino Series is a set of modules which are Arduino compatible, have a small form factor, stack-able, modular, and reusable. The modules were designed for hobbyists and tinkers to quickly create and prototype projects.

 

A Complete Kit

The kit contains everything needed to make the Microduino Quadcopter. Electronic hardware from the embedded processor (CoreRF module) to the motors and propellers are included. Also included are frame pieces for the quadcopter. A recharge-able battery is also included which can be recharged with a MicroUSB Cable plugged into the base board. The Open Source code is provided and can be modified for personal customization. Similarly, the Microduino Joypad contains everything needed to be assembled (including the rechargable li-ion battery).

 

Additional Information

Tutorial

Important Dates

Enrollment Begin: June 20 2020

Enrollment Ends: July 20 2020

RoadTesters Selected: July 23 2020

Product Shipped: July 24 2020

RoadTesting Begins: July 30 2020

Reminder/Update Email: Aug 30 2020

Submit Reviews By: Oct 15 2020

*The element14 RoadTest Staff will send this reminder/update email.

**If a RoadTester is unable to meet the deadline, please notify the RoadTest Program Lead, , as soon as possible before the deadline.

RoadTester

Terms and Conditions

Microduino Quadcopter Kit – RoadTest

Terms and Conditions

These are the terms and conditions which govern the Microduino Quadcopter KitRoadTest contest. This Contest requires participants to submit an application indicating their previous experience with this type of equipment/component, information on what they would do to test the equipment/component, and the applicant’s desire to post a thorough review of their experience with images, photos, or other supplemental materials. Participants will be required to meet the Conditions for Participation.  The winners of this RoadTest will receive the item(s) listed below. RoadTest Reviews are due no later than 60 days after the receipt of the item(s). No other prizes are offered.

The Principal terms of the Competition:

The following words and phrases are used in these terms and conditions and have the meanings given to them below.

 

Key dates:

Applications Close: midnight (GMT) on July 20 2020

Announcement of Winner (estimated): July 21 2020

Prize:  Microduino Quadcopter Kit

Additional Prizes: none

Competition Site: https://www.element14.com/community/groups/roadtest?ICID=menubar_resources_roadtest

Site or element14 Community: www.element14.com/community

Judges: members of the element14 community team chosen at the Organiser’s discretion.

Judging Criteria, All of the following which will have equal weighting:

· Demonstrated competence with the technologies including links or descriptions of past projects

· Qualifications as indicated by current job role and/or schooling/vocational training;

· A thorough description of how the prize would be tested;

· Likelihood that the Applicant will blog about the prize and provide a review on element14.com;

· Originality;

· Innovation.

Organiser: Premier Farnell plc (registered in England and Wales under company number 876412) whose registered office is at Farnell House, Forge Lane, Leeds, UK

Conditions for Qualification: in addition to meeting the requirements of these terms, all persons applying to take part in the Contest (each one an Applicant) must:

· Provide a RoadTest application describing what he/she would do if awarded the Prize including similar previous projects, product experience and qualifications

Terms: these terms and conditions which govern the Competition and to which the Organiser reserves the right to make changes from time to time and the latest version of these Terms from time to time will be posted to the Site.

  1. Eligibility
  2. Applications:
  3. Selecting Winners:
  4. Liability:
  5. General:

1.1 Save as set out in these Terms, the Contest is open to any natural or legal person, firm or company or group of natural persons or unincorporated body.

1.2 All Applicants must be aged at least 18 at the time of their application.

1.3 Applicants must not enter the RoadTest if doing so or taking part may:

1.3.1 cause the Organiser and/or themselves to be in breach of any agreement (including but not limited to any contract of employment) to which they are a party or in breach of any law, regulation or rule having the force of law to which the Organiser or the Applicant may be subject or any policy of the Organiser or the Sponsor;

1.3.2 Require the Organiser to obtain any licence, authorisation or permission to deal with the Applicant; or

1.3.3 Be in breach of any policy or practice of their employer. Some employers prohibit or restrict their employees from taking part in competitions such as these or receiving prizes under them and the Organiser respects those policies and practices.

The Organiser reserves the right to disqualify any Application made in breach of these Terms and to reject any Application which it reasonably believes may be or become in breach. The Organiser reserves the right to require evidence in such form as the Organiser may reasonably require of any Applicant’s compliance with any of these Terms and to disqualify any Applicant or Participant who cannot provide such evidence reasonably promptly.

1.4 Multiple applications are not permitted.

1.5 Applications may not be submitted by an agent whether acting on behalf of an undisclosed principal or otherwise.

1.6 The Contest is NOT open to:

1.6.1 Any person or entity who is a resident or national of any country which is subject to sanctions, embargoes or national trade restrictions of the United States of America, the European Union or the United Kingdom;

1.6.2 Any employee, director, member, shareholder (as appropriate) or any of their direct families (parents, siblings, spouse, partner, children) (“Direct Families”) of the Organiser and Sponsors; or

2.1 Each Applicant must fully complete and submit a RoadTest Application by the Application Close.

2.2 By submitting a Registration Form, each Applicant:

2.2.1 Authorises the Organiser to use his or her personal data (as defined in the Data Protection Act 1998) for the purposes of running and promoting the RoadTest;

2.2.2 Authorises the Organizer to copy, reproduce and publish their application should they be accepted as a Participant;

2.2.3 Will be deemed to have read, accepted and agree to be bound by these Terms. Applicants are advised to print and keep safe these Terms;

2.2.4 Authorises the Organiser to copy, reproduce and use the Application and/or Review for the purposes of the RoadTest and as otherwise contemplated by these Terms. The Organiser will not be responsible for any inaccuracy, error or omission contained in any reproduction or use of the Project Blogs.

2.2.5 Licenses the Organiser to use the intellectual property in the Project (IP) for the purposes of this Contest. As between the Applicant and the Organiser the IP remains owned by the Applicant.

2.2.6 Grants the Organiser the right to use his or her likeness, photographs, logos, trademarks, audio or video recordings without restriction for the purposes of Contest or the promotion of it or the Site;

2.2.7 Agrees to participate positively in all publicity surrounding the Contest;

2.2.8 Agrees to be responsible for all expenses and costs incurred by him or her in preparing for, entering and participating in the Contest (save for any expenses expressly agreed by the Organiser to be borne by it in these Terms);

2.2.9 Confirms that he or she owns all IP used in his or her application or Project or Blogs and indemnifies the Organiser from any claim by a third party that use of any material provided by an Applicant to the Organiser infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party;

2.2.10 Agrees not to act in any way or fail to act in any way or be associated with any cause or group which would have a negative impact on the reputation of the Organiser and/or the RoadTest.

2.3 All applications submitted to this RoadTest must meet the following criteria:

2.3.1 Applicants must be the author, creator and owner of the proposed review idea. Applicants must not submit someone else’s idea;

2.3.2 The proposed application must be reasonably achievable by the within the time constraints of the Contest;

2.3.3 Applications must not include or propose any of the following, the inclusion of which shall render any proposed application ineligible:

(a) Applications which relate to socially taboo topics, such as illicit drug use or sexual gratification;

(b) Applications that are or could reasonably be considered to be illegal, immoral, discriminatory or offensive as determined by the Organiser;

(c) Applications in relation to them which if accepted would infringe or breach any of the policies or terms of access or use of the Site.

2.4 No Application may contain any of the hazardous substances identified by Article 4 of Directive 2002/95/EC of the European Parliament on the Restrictions on the Use of Substances in Electronic and Electrical Equipment ("the Directive") or the use of such hazardous substances in the in any such Project must not exceed the maximum concentration values set out in the Directive.

3.1 Winners will be selected by the Organiser on the basis of the quality of his or her application and its adherence to these Terms.

3.2 The total number of Winners selected will be at least the minimum number set out above but the actual number is at the sole discretion of the Organizer and/or the Sponsor, if applicable.

3.3 The Organiser will use all reasonable efforts to announce the Winners via an update to the RoadTest page by the date listed above.

3.4 Winners agree to take part in all publicity which the Organiser or the Sponsor wishes to use to promote the RoadTest, the Products featured or other Contests with which the Organiser may be connected from time to time.

3.5 Details of the Winners may also be published in the media.

3.6 Winners are responsible for all applicable taxes, duties or other charges payable in relation to any prize.

3.7

4.1 The Organiser hereby excludes all and any Liability arising out of the Contest or the acceptance, use, quality, condition, suitability or performance of any Prize, even where that Liability may arise from the Organiser’s negligence.

4.2 Nothing in these Terms will affect any Liability of the Organiser for death or personal injury arising from its negligence, for breach of Part II of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 (in the event that any entrant is entitled to claim rights under the Consumer Protection Act 1987) or for any matter in relation to which it would be illegal for the Organiser to exclude or to attempt to exclude its Liability.

4.3 Subject to 4.2, neither the Organiser, any parent company nor any subsidiary of the Organiser or such parent company or any of their directors, officers and employees (together referred to in these terms and the ‘Associates’) makes any guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind, express or implied, with respect to this Competition or the Prizes potentially available under it. Neither the Organiser nor any of its Associates shall be responsible for any Liability that may arise out of or in connection with person’s participation in this Competition, the claiming, redemption or value of any prizes under it, the use or enjoyment of such prizes or any events or circumstances arising out of or in connection with any of them. Any implied warranties of condition, merchantability or suitability or fitness for purpose of any of them are hereby expressly excluded. Wherever used in these Terms, ‘Liability’ shall mean any and all costs, expenses, claims, damages, actions, proceedings, demands, losses and other liabilities (including legal fees and costs on a full indemnity basis) arising directly or indirectly out of or in connection with the matter concerned.

5.1 The RoadTest is organised and sponsored by the Organiser. The Organiser reserves the right to delegate all or any of its powers, rights and obligations arising in relation to the RoadTest to any Associate and certain such rights and powers are assumed by the Organiser on behalf of itself and each Associate. Reference to “Organiser” shall be deemed to include reference to each Associate.

5.2 The RoadTest may be terminated at any time if there are, in the sole opinion of the Organiser, an insufficient number of entries, or if the Applications are not of an appropriate standard for a competition of this nature. The Organiser has the right to cancel or suspend the RoadTest at any time due to circumstances outside its reasonable control.

5.3 The Organiser shall have the sole discretion to disqualify (without correspondence or right of appeal) any Applicant it considers to be adversely affecting the process or the operation of the RoadTest or to be in breach of these Terms or to be acting in a disruptive manner or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other Applicant or Participant.

5.4 The Organiser has the right to amend or add to these Terms from time to time. Revised Terms and Conditions will be posted on the Contest Site and it is a condition of entry to the RoadTest that Applicants agree to comply with these Terms and, if appropriate, such Terms as amended from time to time.

5.5 Headings are for convenience only and do not affect the interpretation or construction of these Terms and Conditions.

5.6 These Terms and the operation of the Contest shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English Law and any claim or matter arising under these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

RoadTest Reviews
Comment List
Anonymous
  • No Sean it didnt this time, but its OK.

    I'd done previous Road Tests with the vendor was actually watching the chat traffic closely and offering to help. In those cases, there were alot more kits on trial, and higher complexity..

     

    In this case, there is only one kit being Road Tested, The vendor appears to be in Japan, which automatically adds 48 hrs to even the fastest response. I took a shot at iit.

     

    Element14 community is only one way of many to get advice and collaboration.

    I also just found the link to contact the vendor directly, a much better way to request clarifications. :-)

  • I see in an earlier post you put a call out for vendor support, did that produce any returns?

  • After scouring You Tube for examples, and Arduino CC for FAQs and Forums,........I did find in the Quadcopter Quickstart the Core-RF board selection similar to what I had previously used.. The other tutorials showed using a different board selection in the Arduino for MicroDuino IDE. The Quickstart must have been older referring the the Core-RF as 127rfa1  whereas my Core-RF is a 128rfa1)

     

    Today I retried Joypad, and the JoyPad software loaded to the Core-RF.

    Diagnostics lines showed:

             Using Port                    : COM3

             Using Programmer              : arduino

             Overriding Baud Rate          : 57600

          

    One of the diagnostic files I had saved, from a failed attempt, overrode the Baud Rate to 115200, so either I inadvertently fat fingered a board pick or the PC and boards needed to reboot with installed software to initialize correctly.

    So thank you to all the comments and suggestions. I look forward to putting this bird in the air.

  • That’s good, good luck on your roadtest.

    Who knows I might find you for help if I get accepted for a roadtest

  • Besides:

    avnet: reach further

  • Thanks Hugo, yes drivers and tools installed .

    very very strange

    After some fiddling, the software download was successful with the settings I used that didnt work before. so life goes on.

    Thanks for comments !  Gary

  • Hmm

    Did you install the Microduino thing and then the drivers?

  • Thanks Hugo

    Yep MicroDuino is a separate tool load (1.8.4) that seems to coexist peacefully with the regular Arduino IDE ( Im using 1.8.12)

    image

    The quadcopter and joypad both have zip files that include their .ino.

     

    I havent found anything useful on Arduino's FAQ or Forum yet.

     

    Instructions says the board pick should look like this, but mine wont get there ( see my prior post for what I get )

    image

  • umm, as I remember you might have to install a zip package to add boards.

    Let me try with my Arduino IDE...

     

    Nope/

     

    I've searched this, I think there's a separate Arduino IDE revised version that Microduino made for their products.

     

    It's the last link in your list.

  • Needing some help with Road Test - is there someone from the microduino team available for something simple ?

    installed Arduino IDE for Microduino 1.8.4  per tutorials

    https://wiki.microduinoinc.com/Microduino-Quadcopter_Tutorial

    https://wiki.microduinoinc.com/Microduino-Joypad_Getting_start

    https://wiki.microduinoinc.com/Quadcopter_Kit:_Quickstart_Guide

    https://wiki.microduinoinc.com/AVR_Core%EF%BC%9AGetting_started

    https://wiki.microduinoinc.com/Getting_started:_Microduino_IDE_for_Windows

     

    Joypad - Use cable to connect Microduino-USBTTL, and stack it together with your core to prepare to upload the program.

    • Note:You’d better upload the program before stacking all modules together.

     

     

    The board detected by the IDE is supposed to br MicroDuino Core (328p).

    I cant select this type of board.

    I've searched the BOARDS MANAGER, have Arduino AVR boards installed and Marduino SAM boards installed ,find nothing for microduino.

     

    Using the board selection shown, after the joypad code compiles, and tries to load , it returns an error:

             System wide configuration file is "C:\Program Files (x86)\Arduino IDE for Microduino-1.8.4-V6.0\hardware\tools\avr/etc/avrdude.conf"

     

             Using Port                    : COM3

             Using Programmer              : arduino

             Overriding Baud Rate          : 115200

    avrdude: stk500_getsync() attempt 1 of 10: not in sync: resp=0x00

    avrdude: stk500_recv(): programmer is not responding

     

    The same error occurs when using MicroDuino TTLUSB-C alone or when piggybacked with MicroDuino Core-RF ( there are 2 RF boards, both behaved the same)

     

    image

    image

     

    looking for suggestions to move forward loading code

    Thanks

    Gary