MHV Quadcopter Workshop 1.0 (March 2013)¶
Developer: Stephen. With help from Tridge, Jack, Alistair, Andreas and Chris (Wolfe)
The purpose of this workshop was to guide a group of 12 attendees through the process of building, calibrating and flying APM-based quadcopters.
It should be:
- (Relatively) Cheap
- Commonly available spare parts
- Open source or hackable hardware/software where available
- Easy for beginners to build
- Strong/tough enough to withstand beginner pilots
- Able to carry a 200g payload (such as a small camera)
The workshop itself is designed to be:
- Accessible to beginners
- Full documentation of the build process
- Able to be completed in 3 to 4 evenings (not including flight time)
- Educational as to how quadcopters work and how to safely use them
Resources¶
Build Manual
Build Manual (word 2010)
, Build Manual (PDF)
Parameters File
Photos and Videos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dburkey/sets/72157632928544691/with/8581032739/
Lessons Learned¶
- Always double check the correct parameters file is loaded.
- Check the quadcopter is calibrated correctly before flight testing.
- Encourage the workshop attendees to use simulator software (such as CRRCSim) to learn the basics of flying.
- Run a beta workshop beforehand with a few friends (particularly if using a custom hardware setup) to ensure all the bits and pieces fit together and are compatible with each other.
- Don’t skimp out on the frame. Use a decent, strong frame.
- A ratio of 1 expert to every 3 to 5 attendees will cover most technical issues encountered by the attendees.
- It is very easy for attendees to get left behind in the build process. Schedule 1 or 2 small catch up sessions between the workshop evenings.
- Make sure you have enough screwdrivers, soldering irons and other tools.
- When ordering parts in bulk (such as motors and propellers) make sure the supplier has enough stock to cover your whole order.
- Always check RTL mode works correctly (by holding the quadcopter above your head and enabling RTL) before relying on it during an emergency.
- Fly well away from populated areas in case a quadcopter goes crazy and flies away.
- Check vibration level in Mission Planner.
- Always use telemetry radio logging.
Ideas For Future Workshops¶
- Anti-vibration foam for APM
- Use Gym for initial flying lessons - It’s safer. Maybe Dickson College.
- Prop shrouds for safety.
- Use AR Drone frame and PX4 electronics.
- Use more solid frames from jDrones.
- Use the Turnigy 9xR Transmitter - it already has the firmware and back-light modifications done.