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Autopilot Flight Test #3

deadband diagram
deadband diagram (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Managed to squeeze another flight test on Sunday morning (the usual madness occurred afterwards). Had about 7 - 8 hand launches to test the pitch autopilot with the gyro measurements integrated in the PID loop. It was quite that some adjustment to the how these inputs are being used was needed. So after each landing, adjustment to the gains was made.

The erratic nature of the control requires a deadband filter approach which would enable the airframe to settle on a particular flight path naturally (restoring motion). A crude logic was implemented and tested and seemed to work although further test will need to confirm such approach. From a kinematics point of view, it makes sense and prevents excessive servo control usage which decreases the life of the part dramatically.

Once confirmation that the logic is sound, the same approach will be made on the roll and speed autopilots which will allow us in the next 2-3 weeks move towards heading lock control using GPS readings and Altitude Control using the pitch and speed autopilot. But if we get the 'go-ahead' to move, then all tests might be offset by a month (sigh).

Stay tuned!

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  1. Anonymous17 December 2014 at 14:24

    I have go through your site,If you want to know more about this please visit our blog:-I've been flying DJI Phantoms Drone Repair Service since day one. I've got a deposit with UAV Direct Best Police Drone for the DJI Inspire 1. My question is-- do you think the "optical flow sensor" will help eliminate "flyaways?" It should, you would think, because it serves as a backup to the GPS.Tower inspection drone Now here's another question-- do you think the "optical flow control" technology will uav autopilot show up on the next generation DJI Phantom? I bet it does, although the guys at UAVDirect who seem pretty tight with DJI couldn't say for sure. Exciting times in the drone business anyway!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown2 February 2015 at 13:41

    I have gone through your post . It is very informative. I would like to share this.

    It is without doubt that the Phantom Drone has renewed interest in the use of technology in social security. The New Phantom drone is exceptional in many ways indeed. The fpv transmitter will need to be improved as it will help the persons sending and receiving data. It is therefore of big importance that the drone autopilot keeps in mind that the signal sending should be full of clarity.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown2 February 2015 at 13:41

    I have gone through your post . It is very informative. I would like to share this.

    It is without doubt that the Phantom Drone has renewed interest in the use of technology in social security. The New Phantom drone is exceptional in many ways indeed. The fpv transmitter will need to be improved as it will help the persons sending and receiving data. It is therefore of big importance that the drone autopilot keeps in mind that the signal sending should be full of clarity.

    ReplyDelete

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