Im new to Quadcopters and I want one. One problem is that I am disabled so I can't use the remote control. I know that there is autopilot you can get. Please give details. I just want to make sure I know what I need. 1. Which autopilot should I get? Should I get a closed source one or a open source one? Which flight controller is recommended? 2. Which GPS is recommended? 3. Should I get infrared sensors for it? If yes what's recommended? 4. Should I get a quadcopter kit? My brother can put it together. 5. What's recommended for FPV? 6. What telemetry is recommended? 7. Is there a way to have the video feed from FPV on my laptop? 8. What do I need to turn my laptop into a ground station? If there's anything else I need that's recommended please feel free to say.
Can you be specific about your disabilities and about exactly what you want to do with the quadcopter? Do you have access to a very open rural area?
I have muscular dystrophy so I have to use voice recognition to use my laptop. I want to use it for seeing things I cant get to and to have safe fun with. Yes I have access to a open rural area.
You are the best one to judge your abilities and some of it depends on if you are going to have someone with you to help it along. On the very simple end, the AR Drone with the GPS add-on now can do "missions", which are planned on google maps overlays: http://ardrone2.parrot.com/apps/flight-recorder/ I think it is limited to how many waypoints - but you can look at the 3rd party software: http://paparazzi.enac.fr/wiki/AR_Drone_2/getting_started If you are going to step up a few levels, you might want to look at the Arducopter, because they have lots of add-ons and options in terms of sonar, barometers, etc. You can probably get a lot of specific questions answered on that over at DIYdrones. Those have GPS as well as mission control software. I think we are right on the cusp of a number of never units coming to market which may fit your needs such as the Phantom Vision, which is shown in various videos being controlled by an iphone with all functions of FPV, telemetry, etc. on screen. It makes sense that they are likely to have android or laptop control also or that others will provide 3rd party efforts. Because there is a lot of open source stuff at DIYdrones, they may have access to or knowledge about more specifics of completely autonomous flight and control. It may be that you'd want to experiment with a AR or something simpler and in the meantime do your research and wait for the next generations to hit the market in the next few months. Hopefully others here and elsewhere can help if they know something more.
Hi all, I am new to the forums and to quads. I have been burning up the sky with my lil Syma X1 and I love it. However one of my motors is going out and I need to replace it, but I am not sure which one it is. I know that it is the front counterclockwise, but the website has "a" or "b", which would that be, and does anyone know any good books or websites that I could learn more on this. Thanks.
I think you can decide on this based on the wire colors to it.....at least as I remember! One is blue and red, the other black and white. That should be enough to go by. Notice here they are sold also as A and B. http://www.symahelicopter.us/Syma-Spare-Parts/Syma-X1-Quadcopter-Spare-Parts My book does not go into the details of repair. I doubt any does- but the downloads of the book will be free over Columbus Day Weekend - I will post an announcement here on the forums. You can replace the motor in two ways - but soldering is really needed either. One is to break and solder the wires somewhere in the middle. The other is to remove the wires from the board and put the news ones on, which requires a bit more delicacy. Those are very small circuit boards and connections!
Anyone know of another Quad with Return To Home (automatic) feature that the DJI Phantom has? All the ones I have seen require you to throw a switch. I am looking to prevent (or at least minimize the probability of "Flyaways" with the "Out of range flyback" feature. I live in a vast desert area, and would not want to lose a $500 to $1,000 toy.
The Blade 350 QX (~$420 BNF/$470 USD RTF) has the RTH feature, but one cannot take advantage of that feature with the included Spektrum DX5e radio transmitter (5 channels 2 position flight mode switch) with the RTF package. One needs at least 5+ channel DSM2/DSMX compatible transmitter to fully utilize all the quad's features. A DX9 SPMR9900 would fit that need.
Thanks. But I would like to have your source, as my research shows it requires a switch activation. When I said "automatic" I meant similar to DJI Phantom that automatically RTH when it flies out of range.
Chance I apologize for my misunderstanding of your original question. Actually my source was the Summer edition of MultiRotor Pilot in their review of the Blade 350 QX which BTW is a pretty decent magazine. And yes the BLADE 350 QX requires switch activation in order to function. I am in a research kind of mode today, and I am also bored, so I have no problems doing a little homework for both of our mutual benefits. I am sure that you have already researched this to death, but maybe I'll get lucky. You'll know if I know. JB
Chance- www.witespyquad.com may have a ARF/RTF the HT 450 with the DJI Naza flight controller and is cheaper than some of the Phantom models that I believe can be programmed to RTH with signal loss or low battery. I would check out the reviews of the quad, the supplier, and most importantly the flight control board at RCG before any decision making. You should also consider a build project. I built my quad to get closer to the features that I wanted than what was currently available at the time and it is much easier to upgrade components if/when objectives change. My needs are simple and so is my build and my FCB, and I fly LOS. Your needs are much different than mine. There have been numerous posts about the DJI Naza and problems with "flyaways"; other FCB's as well even the "simple" KK2.0 FCB. at RCG. I believe some of the "numbers" are due to the popularity of the Phantom and its models as well as the skill level of the owner/operators using them. Some of these events can definitely be attributed to pilot error in programming and/or programming procedures; and some are totally unexplained and appear related to issues with the flight controller or board sensitivity to vibration or signal interference. Just some thoughts on a boring day. Good luck. JB
Chance, the new Parrot BeBop should have RTF and it's ability to be controlled through tablets and pads - and maybe even with autonomous add-ons, may fit your needs. Problem is that you'll have to wait a few months..... Here is a thread about some assistive technology for R/C - maybe not relevant exactly to you, but sometimes you can find leads to follow. I have little doubt that both voice control..and more likely, eye or head or any other moving part control, will be part of the hobby soon. I just did a google search on AR drone voice control: https://www.google.com/search?q=voice+control+of+AR+Drone&oq=voice+control+of+AR+Drone&aqs=chrome..69i57.4632j0j8&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=119&ie=UTF-8 and a lot of stuff comes up. Follow some of the links around...let us know if you find anything. You may want to mention the area where you live (here and possibly on other R/C forums) if by chance you want to get started with a 2 person team. Many rigs require a spotter and a flier, etc.
