Hi everyone,
Hoping that this question, being a little different, may be of at least some interest to folk. For the sake of ease, I'll go through the basic requirements, and then detail the use. I can't go into all details, unfortunately, but this should provide at least a basis.
Requirements:
- flight-stable
- cost-effective (limited but not-determined budget)
- accurate programmable flight path
- time-sync'd planning of routes managed on a laptop (multi qc's)
- direction-facing capability
- highly programmable for complex 'missions' including direction-facing, angle etc
- small payload on devices (could be installed on a camera mount)
Brief on usage:
- multiple quadcopters programmed on various and separate flight paths simultaneously
- flights, being syncronised should be initiated on one platform (laptop) simultaneously
- data for all devices must be recorded
- ability to access and edit waypoint/command data during mission
- access to edit waypoint data via separate RF device (to be attached)
Simple Example (2 QuadCopters - one has additional RF device on board):
1. 'Enter' pressed on laptop - both QC's take off and hover
2. On another button press - both QC's begin their separate flight paths which will cross
3. Both QC's are flying in overlapping circular patterns, reliably and with no need for collision detection
4. A remote control on the ground is activated (not an RC controller), which signals QC 'B' to reach a certain point, and change flight configuration to a square.
I'm looking to purchase 4 - 5 of these devices, and so of course do not want to spend too much, but I do not want to waste money on platforms that cannot perform.
I have been reading on various platforms, but with so many options I feel that I need some experienced advice as to the options most suitable for these needs.
Initial thoughts have been ArduCopter and related software platforms for the flexibility I require. But there may be better options. And so at this moment, I'm a little lost.
Any advice on QC devices and configurations, including software would be very much appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Brett
Hoping that this question, being a little different, may be of at least some interest to folk. For the sake of ease, I'll go through the basic requirements, and then detail the use. I can't go into all details, unfortunately, but this should provide at least a basis.
Requirements:
- flight-stable
- cost-effective (limited but not-determined budget)
- accurate programmable flight path
- time-sync'd planning of routes managed on a laptop (multi qc's)
- direction-facing capability
- highly programmable for complex 'missions' including direction-facing, angle etc
- small payload on devices (could be installed on a camera mount)
Brief on usage:
- multiple quadcopters programmed on various and separate flight paths simultaneously
- flights, being syncronised should be initiated on one platform (laptop) simultaneously
- data for all devices must be recorded
- ability to access and edit waypoint/command data during mission
- access to edit waypoint data via separate RF device (to be attached)
Simple Example (2 QuadCopters - one has additional RF device on board):
1. 'Enter' pressed on laptop - both QC's take off and hover
2. On another button press - both QC's begin their separate flight paths which will cross
3. Both QC's are flying in overlapping circular patterns, reliably and with no need for collision detection
4. A remote control on the ground is activated (not an RC controller), which signals QC 'B' to reach a certain point, and change flight configuration to a square.
I'm looking to purchase 4 - 5 of these devices, and so of course do not want to spend too much, but I do not want to waste money on platforms that cannot perform.
I have been reading on various platforms, but with so many options I feel that I need some experienced advice as to the options most suitable for these needs.
Initial thoughts have been ArduCopter and related software platforms for the flexibility I require. But there may be better options. And so at this moment, I'm a little lost.
Any advice on QC devices and configurations, including software would be very much appreciated.
Thanks for your time.
Regards,
Brett