Back at it

Building some momentum on this project after the cold snap.

Got hold of the first Radian Pro (ailerons plus flaps)

TODO:

• Change IMU output to resemble the regular ardupilot i.e. separate the Euler from GPS
• Use Ardustation code to decode output from ArduIMU for stabilization
• Test IMU stabilization with glider
• Add fly-by-wire
• Add navigation
• Finally, add landing

Separately test Ardupilot 2.7 on the Apprentice

• Fly with just the thermopiles on a warm day
• Install the Ardupilot hardware and update the firmware
• Add new alt control
• Add touchdown sensor

IDEA: Autopilot + Camera programs

1. Follow a ground target e.g. Cyclist
2. Route around a landmark

In both cases, the focus of the camera is kept on the target regardless of plane position.  It may require a GPS + Tx on the ground

Trainer signals for closed loop autopilot

Foam and wire construction

Augmented reality for attitude info

Take-off stabilization

Notes from conversation with 'Dree today:

Chatted about taxi module idea. Also discussed this one.

problem - takeoff is a particularly stressful stage of RC flight.  The aircraft tends to veer off course.

solution - perhaps a magnetometer or IMU to provide feedback and stabilization during this phase, especially for wheeled models.

Something old, something new..

The old plane and the new fuselage

Here is the pic and video I mentioned in the last post.  The wings are intact but the impact broke the attachment to the fuselage.

The video below is what I got off the camera.  Even though the whole system was rained on for a few days everything still works.  The movie is quite dark for the first few minutes until the plane gains some altitude and then you can make out the street level.  Near the end there is a distinct outline of a nearby school so I can make out the path that it took.