GrassrootsMapping
Uav Photography
UAV stands for “Unmanned Aerial Vehicle”.
Concerns about using UAVs
Using RC airplanes may be perceived as threatening in some contexts - i.e. anywhere such planes are used as military equipment. In general we’ve shied away from plane photography for reasons of expense, as well.
However, some situations merit UAVs: to map inaccessible areas, to map where balloons and kites cannot be flown (forests, for example), and to map large areas. Therefore we’re exploring some diamond buyer options:
OpenAerialMap has been collecting information on UAV photography for some time: OAM Platforms
gonzoearth.com - GonzoEarth offers a paid service similar to what we’re trying to do; see the system diagram.
Eric Wolf’s thoughts on RC-airplane mapping: Uav Price Per Area (from 2009 OpenStreetMap mailing list discussion)
RC Plane options: 5 RC planes suggested by DIYDrones.com
Prices range from 73 US dollars to 500 US dollars or so for basic models.
FAA regulations within the US are here: FAA regulations page
Autopilots
2 low-cost autopilot options from DIYDrones
- ArduPilot: 25 dollars
- UAV DevBoard: 140 dollars
Paparazzi is a free and open-source hardware and software project intended to create an exceptionally powerful and versatile autopilot system by allowing and encouraging input from the community.
Multiplex Easystar
The Multiplex Easystar.
- Working page for Multiplex Easy Star
- Easystar Manual
The Multiplex Easystar, kit at 73 US dollars, looks like a good option.
Includes:
- FUSELAGE, WING & TAIL SECTION
- 400 SIZE MOTOR
- 5” DIAMETER PROP WITH INTERGRATED SPINNER
- DECALS AND INSTRUCTIONS
Requires:
- A 3 CHANNEL RADIO
- 2 MICRO SERVOS
- SPEED CONTROL
- 6-7 CELL BATTERY
- CHARGER
Tower Hobbies also makes a Power Pack which includes an ESC (Electronic Speed Control) and a brushless motor upgrade.
DIYDrones offeres more comprehensive setup and mod advice on the EasyStar here: EasyStar Modding including (prices in parentheses):
- HXT 2835 (380S) 2200kv Brushless Inrunner motor (19.95)
- Turnigy Plush 30amp Speed Controller (15.40)
- ZIPPY Flightmax 2200mAh 3S1P 20C battery (10.99)
- Hitec HS-81 Micro Servo U (16.49 each, 2x needed)
- 6x4 propeller (1.75, not the recommended one but same size)
Not sure about chargers yet, but see
- FMA Cellpro Multi4 at 80 dollars
- A123 Systems Mini 1~2S Lithium ion Charger (40 dollars)
A whole kit using the above will cost 194.15 dollars. Maybe consider the Ready To Fly/RTF version at 155 dollars?
DIYDrones writes:
I have applied many of them, 1st is to lay carbon fiber inside each half before joining. Then cut the entire bottom from just behind the Top Cover to the end of the Prop Adapter, bottom only, all the way up to just below the servo mounts. That opens her right up for some serious payload adds, like huge batteries+OSDs+Ardupilot+other good stuff. I have put a 4600 3S in there and have flown my EZ for almost 4 hrs without landing. Its crazy how much you can put in this bird and still fly well. James nails the most important too, junk the in runner and buy a solid A20 type Brushless, it will be lighter, stronger and allow you to use 3S lipos. [Easystar payload notes](http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/multiplex-easystar-weight-and)
Recommended brushless motor upgrade - another 80 bucks!!!
Flight time and altitude
Video claiming 1600ft altitude
Out of the box, it says it gets 10 mins fly time. Reviews say that with a battery upgrade it can do 30.
A DIYDrones mapping entry in the T3 Round 3 competition
DIYDrones T3 Round 3 competition
Some EasyStars in the DiyDrones T3 Round 3 contest got 73 mins flight time and 19,819 feet of cumulative climb. Their setup was:
- EasyStar
- Paparazzi Autopilot
- U-blox LEA-5H GPS with ceramic patch antenna
- 2400mAh 3S 30C LIPO
- See KML file
T3 Round 4 - DIYDrones 500m x 500m mapping exercise (carrying camera). Very applicable to what we’re doing.
video of easystar with onboard Canon Ixus
Album of EasyStar ArduPilot integration
The SIG Kadet Senior.
SIG Kadet Senior
7 pounds payload, also pretty cheap
Balsa construction
Payload weight
- Canon PowerShot SD400: 160 grams
See a full listing of weights at Payload Weight
ArduPilot Notes on Flying:
Flying as an amatuer, you must adhere to RC aircraft rules. They include the following restrictions:
You must keep the flight below 400ft above ground level You must keep the aircraft within unassisted visual line of sight You must have a pilot in control at all times, which is to say that the pilot must be able to take over at any time You must stay away from built-up areas and any airports.
Failure to follow these rules is not only dangerous but stupid. It will only take one amateur UAV recklessly sent in the path of a manned aircraft to have us all banned. You will not only go to jail, but you'll ruin this hobby for all of us. Don't do it.
In addition, here are some other tips for safe UAV flying:
Never take off with the autopilot enabled. Only enable it a safe altitude Stay "three mistakes" above ground. Autopilot glitches can happen. You need time to switch into manual mode and recover. Never fly autonomously below 100 feet
If the aircraft looks like it has missed a waypoint and is flying away, switch to manual and bring it home immediately. Better to run the course again than to lose the UAV forever.
Always test the UAV on the ground before launch. Ensure that the control surfaces move the right way when you roll and pitch the aircraft (it won't be perfect because of IR noise near your body and the ground, but it should be directionally correct)
Additional Info:
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