Project 014 - RC Quad Copter II
Updated 02/07/12
DISCLAIMER: This design is experimental, so if you decide to build one yourself then you are on your own, I can't be held responsible for any problems/issues/damage/injury that may occur if you decide to follow this build and make one yourself.
INTRO
My first Quadcopter was a blast to design, build and fly but I wanted to try building another, something more powerful and one that is capable of lifting heavier loads.
This new Quadcopter uses an Arduino based electronic control board, one that will offer much more in terms of stability and functionality. I'll be building an AeroQuad.
It still uses my 430mHz RC Tx, which has recently undergone some software tweaks to prepare it for use with the AeroQuad (conversion to 8CH).
The hardware:
4 * Brushless Motor A2217_9T 950KV
4 * Electronic Speed controller Emax 18A ESC
1 * Flight Control Board - Arduino Mega 2560
1 * AeroQuad Shield V2.0.7
1 * Aeroquad Logic Level Converter
1 * Barometric Pressure Sensor BMP085
1 * Accelerometer BMA180
1 * Gyro ITG-3200
1 * Magnetometer HMC5843 (digital compass)
1 * XBEE Rx/Tx wireless connectivity system (for Arduino)
Weight = 1090g (c/w 4000mah 11.1v Lipo battery - 260g).
LINKS
PHOTOS - (LATEST AT THE TOP)
19/08/12 - New frame:-
I decided to transfer everything over to an Aeroquad Cyclone Frame (V2.1):-
02/07/12 - Some closeup pics:-
The sensors. Note the open barometer:-
Some foam on the barometer should shield it from wind pressure:-
1off the 18A ESC's:-
950kv motor:-
Arduino Mega 2560 with the shield. Note the addition of 5v supply decoupling capacitors:-
The Arduino is mounted using plastic pillars and screws:-
Batery power switch and Arduino power switch:-
30/06/12 - First pics of completed quad:-
Pre-Build photos:-
AeroQuad shield (un-assembled), Arduino Mega, Xbee Tx & Rx.
The assembled AeroQuad PCB. What I found a nice touch is the prototyping pad area at top left, as yet unused.
Modified Arduino Mega - Power supply wires soldered direct to PCB as I wouldn't want the 2.1mm DC connector popping out mid-flight!, and additional supply de-coupling across the +12 DC supply. It's recommended to run the Arduino off a separate battery, but I'll stick with just the one for everything, hence the precautions.
