Nezzontli - drone

Autonomous Drone

2024-05-19T00:00:00+00:00

Project Summary</h2>
The goal of this project is to develop a fixed-wing UAV</strong> based on the Eclipson Pathfinder</strong> model for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The aim is to create a system that can operate fully autonomously</strong>, respond to commands to reach specific waypoints, and, once in position, allow manual control or continue in automatic mode while analyzing the environment.</p>
The system is designed to be efficient and low-cost</strong>, using only the essential components to maximize flight autonomy and functionality.</p>
#Drone #UAV #Autonomy #Surveillance #ArduPilot #AI #RaspberryPi</p>

Key Features</h2>
Autonomous Navigation</h3>

Autonomous flight system with Cube Orange + Here3 GPS</strong></li>
Ability to follow predefined routes with multiple waypoints</li>
Obstacle avoidance and alternative path algorithms</li> </ul>
Operating Modes</h3>

Autonomous mode</strong>: Navigation to a designated point without human intervention</li>
Loiter mode</strong>: Holds position over the area of interest while analyzing the environment</li>
Manual control</strong>: Ability to take control using a FrSky Taranis X9D</strong> transmitter</li>
Automatic return</strong>: Returns to home on low battery or loss of signal</li> </ul>
Transmission and Analysis</h3>

Real-time FPV video transmission via DJI FPV Air Unit</strong></li>
Optional image analysis using Raspberry Pi 4 + 4G/LTE module</strong> for people and vehicle detection</li>
Bidirectional telemetry for monitoring and real-time adjustments</li> </ul>

Essential Components</h2>
1. Structure and Propulsion</h3>
Component</th> Specification</th> Function</th></tr></thead>

Frame</td> Eclipson Pathfinder</strong></td> 3D-printed or kit aerodynamic structure</td></tr>
Motor</td> T-Motor AT2312 KV1400</strong></td> Main propulsion with high efficiency</td></tr>
Propeller</td> APC 7x4</strong></td> Optimized for efficiency and thrust</td></tr>
ESC</td> T-Motor 30A</strong></td> Precise motor control</td></tr>
Servos</td> 2x SG90 or MG90S</strong></td> Flight surface control</td></tr>
Battery</td> 3S 2200mAh - 4S 3300mAh</strong></td> 30–45 min flight autonomy</td></tr>
Power Module</td> Holybro PM06</strong></td> Power distribution and monitoring</td></tr> </tbody></table>
2. Flight Controller and Navigation</h3>
Component</th> Specification</th> Function</th></tr></thead>

Flight Controller</td> Cube Orange + Carrier Board</strong></td> System brain, flight processing</td></tr>
GPS</td> Here3 GPS</strong></td> Precise positioning and navigation</td></tr>
Airspeed Sensor</td> Digital airspeed sensor</strong></td> Measures relative airspeed</td></tr> </tbody></table>
3. Communication and Control</h3>
Component</th> Specification</th> Function</th></tr></thead>

RC System</td> FrSky Taranis X9D + R9 Slim+ SBUS Receiver</strong></td> Manual backup control</td></tr>
Telemetry</td> SiK Radio 915MHz or RFD900x</strong></td> Bidirectional data communication</td></tr>
FPV System</td> DJI FPV Air Unit</strong></td> Real-time video transmission</td></tr> </tbody></table>
4. Vision and Processing (Optional)</h3>
Component</th> Specification</th> Function</th></tr></thead>

Computer</td> Raspberry Pi 4</strong></td> Image and data processing</td></tr>
Software</td> YOLOv8 lightweight</strong></td> Real-time object detection</td></tr>
Connectivity</td> 4G/LTE USB module</strong></td> Long-distance data transmission</td></tr> </tbody></table>

Detailed Operating Modes</h2>

Autonomous Mode</strong></p>

Drone takes off and follows a predefined route to the target point</li>
Maintains constant altitude and airspeed</li>
Adjusts parameters according to environmental conditions</li> </ul> </li>

Loiter Mode</strong></p>

Holds circular or stationary pattern over the target area</li>
Adjustable radius and speed for surveillance needs</li>
Optimizes energy consumption for extended on-station time</li> </ul> </li>

Manual Control</strong></p>

Operator can take over with the FrSky transmitter at any time</li>
Smooth transition between autonomous and manual modes</li>
Telemetry alerts for the operator</li> </ul> </li>

FPV Mode</strong></p>

Real-time video streaming with DJI FPV</li>
Low latency for precise control</li>
On-screen telemetry overlay</li> </ul> </li>

Automatic Return</strong></p>

Triggered by command, low battery, or signal loss</li>
Calculates optimal return path considering wind and obstacles</li>
Automatic landing at home position</li> </ul> </li> </ol>

Implementation Plan</h2>
Phase 1: Construction</h3>

Assemble UAV with minimum components</li>
Integrate propulsion and control systems</li>
Install flight controller and sensors</li> </ul>
Phase 2: Configuration</h3>

Configure and calibrate Cube Orange with ArduPilot</li>
Program basic missions and flight parameters</li>
Tune PID for optimal stability</li> </ul>
Phase 3: Testing</h3>

Conduct controlled flight tests</li>
Validate autonomous navigation with waypoints</li>
Test safety and recovery systems</li> </ul>
Phase 4: Optimization</h3>

Integrate DJI FPV system</li>
Implement image analysis (optional)</li>
Optimize power consumption and endurance</li> </ul>

[!NOTE] This project must comply with local civil aviation regulations for UAVs. Check flight restrictions, registration requirements, and weight limits before operating.</p> </blockquote>

Resources and References</h2>

ArduPilot Official Documentation</a></li>
Eclipson Pathfinder Specifications</a></li>
Cube Orange Setup Guide (Archived)</a></li>
YOLOv8 on Raspberry Pi Tutorial</a></li> </ul>
For budget details and estimated costs, see Budget</a>.</p>

Autonomous Drone Budget

2024-05-19T00:00:00+00:00

1. Structure and Propulsion</h2>
Component</strong></th> Description</strong></th> Approx. Price</strong></th></tr></thead>

Frame</strong></td> Eclipson Pathfinder (STL files for 3D printing)</td> €39 (approx. $45 USD)</td></tr>
Brushless Motor</strong></td> T-Motor AT2312 KV1400</td> $30 USD each (x2 = $60 USD)</td></tr>
Propeller</strong></td> APC 7x4</td> $5 USD each (x2 = $10 USD)</td></tr>
ESC</strong></td> T-Motor 30A</td> $25 USD each (x2 = $50 USD)</td></tr>
Servos</strong></td> SG90 or MG90S</td> $5 USD each (x2 = $10 USD)</td></tr>
LiPo Battery</strong></td> 3S 2200mAh - 4S 3300mAh</td> $30 - $50 USD</td></tr>
Power Module</strong></td> Holybro PM06 or similar</td> $20 USD</td></tr> </tbody></table>
Structure and Propulsion Subtotal:</strong> $245 USD</p>

2. Flight Controller and Navigation</h2>
Component</strong></th> Description</strong></th> Approx. Price</strong></th></tr></thead>

Flight Controller</strong></td> Cube Orange + Carrier Board</td> $250 USD</td></tr>
GPS</strong></td> Here3 GPS</td> $150 USD</td></tr>
Airspeed Sensor</strong></td> Digital airspeed sensor</td> $50 USD</td></tr> </tbody></table>
Flight Controller and Navigation Subtotal:</strong> $450 USD</p>

3. Communication and Control</h2>
Component</strong></th> Description</strong></th> Approx. Price</strong></th></tr></thead>

Radio Control</strong></td> FrSky Taranis X9D + R9 Slim+ SBUS Receiver</td> $200 USD</td></tr>
FPV System</strong></td> DJI FPV Air Unit</td> $180 USD</td></tr>
Long-Range Telemetry</strong></td> SiK Radio 915MHz</td> $50 USD</td></tr> </tbody></table>
Communication and Control Subtotal:</strong> $430 USD</p>

4. Surveillance Functionality (Optional)</h2>
Component</strong></th> Description</strong></th> Approx. Price</strong></th></tr></thead>

Processing Computer</strong></td> Raspberry Pi 4</td> $70 USD</td></tr>
4G/LTE USB Module</strong></td> For cellular connectivity</td> $50 USD</td></tr> </tbody></table>
Optional Surveillance Subtotal:</strong> $120 USD</p>

Cost Summary</h2>
Category</strong></th> Subtotal</strong></th></tr></thead>

Structure and Propulsion</td> $245 USD</td></tr>
Flight Controller and Navigation</td> $450 USD</td></tr>
Communication and Control</td> $430 USD</td></tr>
Surveillance Functionality (Optional)</td> $120 USD</td></tr> </tbody></table>
Estimated Total</h2>

Basic Configuration:</strong> $1,125 USD</li>
Full Configuration with Surveillance:</strong> $1,245 USD</li> </ul>

Additional Considerations</h2>
Costs Not Included</h3>

Assembly and soldering tools</li>
LiPo battery charging equipment</li>
Spare parts and replacement components</li>
Specialized software (if a license is required)</li> </ul>
Possible Savings</h3>

Use second-hand components for radio control and telemetry</li>
Replace Cube Orange with cheaper alternatives like Pixhawk 4</li>
3D print the frame instead of buying a pre-made kit</li>
Use analog FPV systems instead of the DJI unit</li> </ul>

[!NOTE]
This budget was prepared in May 2024. Prices may vary significantly depending on availability, market fluctuations, and geographic location. Current prices should be verified before purchasing.</p> </blockquote>

For back to the main blog click here Autonomous Drone</a></p> </blockquote>