Description: This UAV is designed for maximum flexibility and expandability by fully integrating the autopilot and the R/C control system. Hardware level integration means that the onboard computer can control as many or as few aircraft and camera functions as we want. The downside is that the particular embedded processor we chose, the BASIC Stamp (which is the easiest to program), is also very limited in processing power and memory. But the same concept, extended to more powerful processors such as the Parallax Propeller or a Linux-based Gumstix, could be quite capable indeed.
Features: Unlimited pre-set GPS waypoints, with programmable options such as circle and hold. GPS-controlled altitude hold. With Pentax A30 setup, autopilot can control camera to take pictures at waypoints or at a set interval along paths.
- Airframe: NSP Viking
- Autopilot: Custom circuit board based on a Parallax Basic Stamp module, a Parallax GPS receiver and a FT639 Servo Controller chip all on a Parallax development board (someday we'll move that to a proper soldered circuit board).
- The software code is now in beta. You can read about it and download the files in this post.
- Imaging: A Pentax Optio W30 pocket digicam, which is the lightest camera I've found with a proper built-in time-lapse function. Time-lapse is good for tiling aerial shots to later assemble over a Google maps grid. Alternate setup: Pentax Optio A30, which is the smallest high-res camera I've found that allows for IR shutter trigger, plus a Prism R/C-controlled IR trigger.
- Target cost: less than $500. Even less if you've already got a time-lapse camera you're willing to risk.
