Group Actions
Engagement
  • Author Author: ipv1
  • Date Created: Date Created
  • Views 1236 views
  • Likes 2 likes
  • Comments 13 comments
Related
Recommended

[Building a Quadcopter] [Part 2]

ipv1

Prelude

The previous post is at: [Building a quadcopter] [Part 1]

 

In the last post, I started by linking to the various resources and buying the basics and then testing the 'air' by getting the motors to run. In this post I will share my experience in building my own frame.

 

The frame

 

Since the BLDCs and ESC are OK tested at this point, I wanted to start with the frame. A look online and those carbon fibre frames are beautiful. Unfortunately, they are also very expensive and for those who know me, I get an allowance that keeps my shopping habits in control. Hence the next best thing is to build one. Easier said than done, what do I build with? I have a lot of scrap wood lying around so that would be  my material of choice. But before we start we need instructions or atleast some design rule with which to work.

 

Using google, I found these.

 

The interesting stuff is the dimensions. I was not able to find the exact theory behind the frame design but I did get an idea of what could be right. Here is a drawing from the above links

image

 

 

I am using 10 inch props so this could have been used as is. But I increased the distance between props from 10.5in to 16in. This was because I wanted to give the electronics a little more room an wanted to experiment with larger frame dimensions. In my mind, if I increase the inter prop distance, I will gain manuverability- sensitivity to small changes in prop RPMs (newton's levers right?) On the other hand, I will loose stability. Thats OK since I am going to experiment and if I find it to be too unstable, I can always shorten the arms.

 

With that, I took some scrap wood and sandwiched the joints in plywood in the center. The result is...

image

The motors needed to be mounted hence a bit of drilling was necessary. I also made some sinks for the shaft of the motors. Applicable for this case but may not be necessary for all motors.

image

image

image

 

Some zip ties and we have the ESC in place.

imageimage

Thats good. Now I need some landing gear. For that I had some 8in  PVC pipes in the scrap. So I cut some rings out and stuck them to the arms of the quad. The result is easier to understand...

image

With that we have a frame. I did take test electronics and mount them on the frame then wired a long wire to a pot and tried to see if it could lift. Here is the result.

As you can see we need a brain for this thing. In the next post I will try some sensors and see if we can design a logic for this thing.

 

Cheers,

IP

  • in reply to shabaz

    It could be possible to suspend the instrumentation below the quad copter by say 20 feet (In the same way as a helicopter carries a load, this way the air flows could be mittigated

  • in reply to ipv1

    Ah! Good point, that could be an issue.

  • in reply to shabaz

    Thank you Shabaz sir,

    It was pointed out by Mark sir that it will blow air a little too much for the sensors to work properly hence might not be a good idea. I am planning helium blip/balloon to take a sensor system into the air. Will be trying to procure fishing line for the same and hope it does not get blown away image

     

    IP

  • Hi Inderpreet,

     

    Really neat idea with the PVC pipes for suspension!!

     

    This is a really great project, because perhaps quadcopters could make incredible platforms for IoT technology testing. Are you also planning to use it for the In The Air challenge? I think you could, because you can strap on the sensors on-board : )

    And with GPS you could get a map of pollution areas : )

  • in reply to peteroakes

    Hello sir,

    I'm a fan from your early videos on the PSU project from YouTube. So your word are very much welcome. I have felt this for some time that diy has turned into a buy-it-and-assemble-it and I wanted to do a project for engineering people who want to make something, learn and not spend a lot of money. That and I don't have a lot of money myself so image

     

    As far as me showing my ugly mug...

    After my recent failure at the forget me not challenge, I am still in recovery and won't be uploading a video soon. I will spend some time learning to make better videos and people are helping out.

     

    I did post a long video for the forget me not so if you get the time, you could take a look and give me tips I would very much appreciate it.

     

    I will try to so the best I can with this series and any inputs are more than welcome.

     

    Sincerely,

    Ip