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2. Drone Development

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Azure edited this page Jan 18, 2025 · 4 revisions

Drone Development Overview

This drone project combines robust components and thoughtful design to provide a reliable and enjoyable flying experience. With proper assembly and configuration, it can offer stable flight performance and reasonable flight time and range.
The components used by the drone for mapping are listed below, along with more information on each.

  • F450 Frame
  • APM 2.8 Flight Controller
  • Bonka 3s 4200mAh LiPo Battery
  • BLDC Motors
  • 30 Amp ESCs
  • 10x4.5 Propellers
  • Hawkeye FIREFLY Q6 Airsoft Camera

Additionally, it includes a calculation of the approximate flight time and range of the drone.

Components

  1. Hawkeye FIREFLY Q6 Airsoft Camera
    The Hawkeye FIREFLY Q6 Airsoft is a compact action camera designed for aerial photography and videography. It features a lightweight design, making it ideal for drones. The camera supports 4K video recording and has a wide-angle lens, allowing for high-quality footage with a broad field of view. Its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of drone flight.

  2. F450 Frame
    The F450 frame is a widely used quadcopter frame known for its stability and robustness. It is typically made of glass fiber and nylon, providing a lightweight yet strong structure. It has a wheelbase of 450mm, suitable for both beginners and experienced builders.

  3. APM 2.8 Flight Controller
    The APM 2.8 is an open-source autopilot system that allows for full autonomous control of the drone. It supports a range of features, including GPS navigation, return-to-home, and waypoint planning. The controller requires a GPS module for full functionality.

  4. Bonka 3s 4200mAh LiPo Battery
    This battery provides a nominal voltage of 11.1V (3 cells in series) and a capacity of 4200mAh. It is a reliable power source for drones, offering a balance between weight and capacity to ensure a reasonable flight time.

  5. BLDC Motors
    Brushless DC (BLDC) motors are used for their efficiency and reliability. The motors chosen should match the specifications required to lift the drone and provide stable flight. For the F450 frame, motors in the range of 920KV to 1000KV are commonly used.

  6. 30 Amp ESCs
    Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) regulate the power supplied to the BLDC motors. Each motor is paired with a 30 Amp ESC, providing sufficient current capacity to handle the power demands during flight.

  7. 10x4.5 Propellers
    These propellers are a common choice for F450 frames. The dimensions (10 inches in diameter and 4.5 inches in pitch) offer a good balance of thrust and efficiency for stable flight performance.

Assembly and Configuration

  1. Frame Assembly: Assemble the F450 frame by attaching the arms and landing gear.

  2. Motor Installation: Mount the BLDC motors on the arms and secure with screws.

  3. ESC Connection: Connect each motor to a 30 Amp ESC and secure them under the arms.

  4. Flight Controller Setup: Install the APM 2.8 flight controller on the top plate and connect to the ESCs and GPS module.

  5. Battery Connection: Mount the Bonka 3s 4200mAh LiPo battery using Velcro straps and connect to the power distribution board.

  6. Propeller Attachment: Attach the 10x4.5 propellers to the motors, ensuring they are correctly oriented.

  7. Calibration and Testing: Calibrate the flight controller, perform a motor test, and ensure all systems are functioning correctly before the first flight.

Safety Precautions

Always check for loose connections and ensure all components are securely attached.
Perform a pre-flight check to verify the correct operation of all systems.
Fly in open areas away from people and obstacles.

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