Wraith UAV Documentation

Project Documentation

Course:
Computer Organization

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Introduction

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, are aircraft controlled remotely or autonomously without a human pilot onboard. UAVs can operate in hazardous environments and collect data using various sensors and cameras. As UAV technology advances, it is increasingly used in various industries and sectors.

Why Pixhawk?

Pixhawk is a popular flight controller for UAVs due to its reliability and strong community support. It integrates various sensors and peripherals to provide UAV flight capabilities.

Key Benefits:

• Reliability: Widely tested and robust.
• Community Support: Large, active community with extensive resources.

Used Components

Motors and Propellers

• Motors: 4 Readytosky 920kv motors.

Battery and Power Distribution

• Battery: Lithium polymer 11.1V 3300 mah battery.
• Power Distribution: Power distribution board for component connectivity.

Radio Control System

• Radio Control: FrSky Taranis X7 series RC.
• Receiver: X8R receiver.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

The ESC controls the propulsion system, adjusting motor speed and direction based on flight controller input for real-time flight adjustments.

Why Mission Planner?

Mission Planner is a ground control software for planning, configuring, and operating UAVs equipped with ArduPilot. It offers a user-friendly interface and essential tools for mission execution.

Radio Calibration

Radio calibration ensures proper configuration and functionality of the radio control system.

Full Parameter List

Setting the arm_check parameter to 0 disables the GPS failsafe mechanism, allowing operation without GPS interference.

Flight Modes

1. AltHold (Altitude Hold): Maintains stable altitude.
2. Acro (Acrobatics): Allows agile maneuvers.
3. Stabilize: Combines AltHold and Acro for stability and agility.

ESC Calibration

Settings for optimal ESC performance were determined through various combinations.

Failsafe Design

A failsafe mode initiates RTL (Return to Launch) sequence if battery power drops below 7.5V, ensuring safe landing.

Frame Type

Quadcopters are preferred for their simplicity and ease of use, making them accessible to a wider range of users.

Basic Design

The design was modified to fit available components while maintaining original connections.

Challenges

We faced issues connecting the Raspberry Pi to the Pixhawk due to the absence of a MAVProxy heartbeat signal.

References

• The Drone Dojo
• YouTube: How to Build a Drone
• YouTube: Drone Programming
• YouTube: ArduPilot Playlist
• ArduPilot: Mission Planner

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For further questions, please contact us at ffathy2004@gmail.com.