Graham Jenkins
New Member
Hello everybody, brand new to this forum though I've been researching drones for some time now. I'm wondering if I could get some input/recommendations from the community. Here's the basics behind my goals:
1. Ultimately I need to be able to control the drone via a computer or mobile application via internet connection.
From my research, this would probably be using a Pixhawk FC and a Raspberry Pi (Zero?) companion computer with an attached 4G internet dongle, or for a barebones dev machine, even a cheap tethered android phone.
2. Price isn't a major factor, that said assume a price goal of around $500-1000, and a cap somewhere around $5000 if I was picking up something really nice.
3. I'm open to building something if needed, but the closer to a finished product the better. I work with software, not hardware, so the more time I spend putting together a frame/components, the less time I can focus on gluing code together to make things work.
4. Video, GPS, ideally distance sensors, autonomous missions are among the key features desired.
What I'm looking for:
Option 1: Pre-built Drone
If I can find a pre-built drone that will accept telemetry from a companion computer/onboard android phone, and one that has enough space to mount everything, awesome, this saves the most work. I've heard that it may be possible to get one of the DJI drones and just replace its FC or something to that effect. If I can get something off the shelf (with custom components included) for under $1500 or so, awesome, recommendations for which drones would be the best/require the least amount of modifications are appreciated.
Option 2: Drone Kit
If option 1 doesn't have any great candidates, I've heard that you can pick up drone kits at fairly decent prices. Ideally this comes with a pre-build frame, or at least one that's easy to put together with a minimum of soldering. This option should be flexible enough and either come with a (Pixhawk seems best?) FC or let me purchase my own FC and add it in. I'm up for this option, though from what I've seen I feel like a good kit should cost closer to $500-1000, including my other components.
Option 3: Custom Build on a frame
While this is probably what I'll end up doing for my end goals, if all I get is a good frame and have to purchase various motors, ESCs and my FC, that works, it just means more work on my side. I figure a budget closer to $500, though this isn't that far from option 2.
Option 4: Full Custom
This is the part I really don't want to do, building a frame etc, it's probably a waste of my time at this point, especially for a first drone.
Components I'm considering:
Motors/Props: Ideally whatever works well that comes with a kit or is recommended, naturally only applies to options 3/4.
ESC: Same as above, I've heard good things about a 4 in 1 ESC, brand recommendations useful if I end up with option 3/4
Flight Controller: I've been reading that the Pixhawk is probably one of the better ones for my needs, though I've heard reference to a Naga and others, I'm up for any recommendations here, assuming the FC isn't included in options 1/2. (Naturally, it has to be compatible with connecting to a companion computer)
Companion computer: People have mentioned the Raspberry Pi 2 several times, I believe the Zero would be superior but isn't often mentioned due to being newer. Input or recommendations welcome.
All that said, I would like my best options for an autonomous computer controlled/directed drone. I'm looking at all my options and would like to order (parts for?) at least 1-3 different solutions this week, depending on price. If it's a pre-built drone that I know will let me do what I need I'm willing to spend more, if it's a kit or frame project I'm more inclined to spend less or more drones. (Besides, who doesn't want several drones to tinker with?)
Thank you all in advance for the input, looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say.
1. Ultimately I need to be able to control the drone via a computer or mobile application via internet connection.
From my research, this would probably be using a Pixhawk FC and a Raspberry Pi (Zero?) companion computer with an attached 4G internet dongle, or for a barebones dev machine, even a cheap tethered android phone.
2. Price isn't a major factor, that said assume a price goal of around $500-1000, and a cap somewhere around $5000 if I was picking up something really nice.
3. I'm open to building something if needed, but the closer to a finished product the better. I work with software, not hardware, so the more time I spend putting together a frame/components, the less time I can focus on gluing code together to make things work.
4. Video, GPS, ideally distance sensors, autonomous missions are among the key features desired.
What I'm looking for:
Option 1: Pre-built Drone
If I can find a pre-built drone that will accept telemetry from a companion computer/onboard android phone, and one that has enough space to mount everything, awesome, this saves the most work. I've heard that it may be possible to get one of the DJI drones and just replace its FC or something to that effect. If I can get something off the shelf (with custom components included) for under $1500 or so, awesome, recommendations for which drones would be the best/require the least amount of modifications are appreciated.
Option 2: Drone Kit
If option 1 doesn't have any great candidates, I've heard that you can pick up drone kits at fairly decent prices. Ideally this comes with a pre-build frame, or at least one that's easy to put together with a minimum of soldering. This option should be flexible enough and either come with a (Pixhawk seems best?) FC or let me purchase my own FC and add it in. I'm up for this option, though from what I've seen I feel like a good kit should cost closer to $500-1000, including my other components.
Option 3: Custom Build on a frame
While this is probably what I'll end up doing for my end goals, if all I get is a good frame and have to purchase various motors, ESCs and my FC, that works, it just means more work on my side. I figure a budget closer to $500, though this isn't that far from option 2.
Option 4: Full Custom
This is the part I really don't want to do, building a frame etc, it's probably a waste of my time at this point, especially for a first drone.
Components I'm considering:
Motors/Props: Ideally whatever works well that comes with a kit or is recommended, naturally only applies to options 3/4.
ESC: Same as above, I've heard good things about a 4 in 1 ESC, brand recommendations useful if I end up with option 3/4
Flight Controller: I've been reading that the Pixhawk is probably one of the better ones for my needs, though I've heard reference to a Naga and others, I'm up for any recommendations here, assuming the FC isn't included in options 1/2. (Naturally, it has to be compatible with connecting to a companion computer)
Companion computer: People have mentioned the Raspberry Pi 2 several times, I believe the Zero would be superior but isn't often mentioned due to being newer. Input or recommendations welcome.
All that said, I would like my best options for an autonomous computer controlled/directed drone. I'm looking at all my options and would like to order (parts for?) at least 1-3 different solutions this week, depending on price. If it's a pre-built drone that I know will let me do what I need I'm willing to spend more, if it's a kit or frame project I'm more inclined to spend less or more drones. (Besides, who doesn't want several drones to tinker with?)
Thank you all in advance for the input, looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say.