Build your own Predator UAV……at 99.95% discount

Video OSB PRO Expander. www.nghobbies.com

Michael Weigand

Michael WeigandUnited States Military AcademyShmoocon ‘10 “Build It” Talk. 6 FEB 2010

Disclaimers

• This XXXXXX presentation XXXXX not endorsed XXXXXX has nothing to do XXXXXXXX XXXX with the DoD, Army, XXXXX or West Point.

• XXXXXX XXX XXXXXX XXX X XXXX XXX XXXX• Use at own risk.

MQ-9 Reaper err.. “Predator”

Credit: http://www.defense.gov/

UAVs and Autonomous Technology

• Autonomous– “Self-governing. Governing independently”– No human intervention

– Medium to large aerial systems generally have the highest levels of autonomy of any robots• Environment• Sensing• Navigation

Source: www.eol.ucar.edu

The Market Place

• MicroPilot• Procerus• Unav• Cloudcap Technology

• AttoPilot• FlexiPilot/EasyUAV• Paparazzi• UAVDevBoard• ArduPilot C

heap

>>>

Exp

ensi

ve BM

W >>> Custom

Build

More Info: Google keywords

UAV Essentials

• Flying– Stabilization– Thrust/Lift > Drag

• Navigating• Operating Payloads– Sensing (visible, IR, etc.)– Sniffing (say 802.11, air samples, misc. RF)– Transmitting (RF, lasers)

Lift

Thrust Drag

Weight

• Infra-Red Sensors– Really cheap! ($40-60)– Easy to use– Not very effective in blizzards, dense fog, extremely mountainous terrain..

• IMU, Inertial Measurement Unit– Becoming cheap ($80-$200)– More complex– Can be internally enclosed in airframe– Effective in all weather, terrain conditions

Stabilization == Wings Level Please

Thermopile based approach

CoPilot Flight Stabilization Sensorwww.fmadirect.com

Source:www.paparazzi.enac.fr/wiki/Theory_of_Operation

Servos

Source:

www.servocity.com

ArduPilot“The $25 Autopilot”

Based on the popular Arduino microcontroller.

Created by Jordi Munoz with support from Wired Editor-in-Chief Chris AndersonSold at www.Sparkfun.com Community based at www.DIYDrones.com

ArduPilot Shield

Provides Airspeed, other function. Purchase at www.DIYDrones.com store.

System Overview – ArduPilot v2

Source:www.DIYDrones.comArduPilot Manual v2

ArduPilot System Integration

Source:www.DIYDrones.comArduPilot Manual v2

Source:www.DIYDrones.comArduPilot Manual v2

ArduPilot Config ToolCreated by the DIYDrones.com community to upload course information easily!

Source:www.DIYDrones.comArduPilot Manual v2

Telemetry

• Zigbee (802.14.5) radios used for telemetry data

• 915 MHz is best• Xbee Pro 900 XSC RPSMA

with proper antennas get 10-12 mile range

• Go with RPSMA connectors!

Breakout Board Vendors:www.Sparkfun.comwww.ladyAda.com

Antenna Vendors:www.Sparkfun.comwww.L-com.com

Video Feed

• Cameras– Board Cameras are cheap, small, light, have decent

quality• Transmitters– Tough Selection for good distance..– Have to have Ham Radio License to use good bands– 900 Mhz is good but interferes with other systems– Roll your own! Recommend 434 Mhz with filters for

harmonics or 1.25 Ghz ATV bandsCameras:www.supercircuits.comSearch “Board Cameras”

Tx/Rx Systems:www.rangevideo.com

License:www.arrl.com $12-14 for Ham Test! Do it!

GPS

• Must-Have system for positioning data• High update/refresh rate• Getting smaller, cheaper, easier to use

GPS:www.store.diydrones.comwww.sparkfun.com

Air Frame

• Foam is best!– Cheap– Easy to fix (Gorilla Glue mixed with water will

foam to make a great bond)– Easy to work with (exact-o knife = golden)– Can Tape Together! (Scotch and Packing Tape)– Durable (Landed in a tree in front of the hotel..)

Air Frame of Choice

• Ladies and Gentlemen, The Multiplex Easy Star

Finished!

Payload

MOVIE TIME!!

Future Work

• ArduPilot Mega coming soon!– Follow at Diydrones.com– Push waypoint and course updates to UAV live– More processing power, options, bells, whistles

• Touch interface on Android phone for control• Easier Configuration

Issues

• Legal Issues– Fly under Model Airplane Regulations• Under 400 feet• Within Line of Sight• Have ability to take control (safety)

• RF Issues– Video Feed must been unencrypted if its on the

Ham Bands, transmit your Callsign• “Its not stalking if its Love”

Questions??