YANTBL: Yet another NOOB tricopter build log

[Johan]

Well, looking a the bright side (no pun intended):
I've got an early christmas tree

 

[zev]

man, that is gorgeous. fantastic build and footage. well done.

 

[Johan]

man, that is gorgeous. fantastic build and footage. well done.

zev, Thank you so much!

 

[JoeyG]

Great read.. enjoyed following your progress. I'm planning a BatBone build, this has helped alot! Thanks, do you think you'll move to FPV?

J.

 

[Johan]

Great read.. enjoyed following your progress. I'm planning a BatBone build, this has helped alot! Thanks, do you think you'll move to FPV?

J.

Thanks JoeyG, that's very kind!
Let us know how your build is going

About the FPV: well, yes I might try that , here is a sneak preview

I just wired up a Boscam 5.8 Ghz receiver with a cheapo TFT, Lipo powered.
I might try the "Ski glasses / foam board / fresnel lens (to get the display closer to the eyes)" setup inspired by an article on FPV lab (Gotta do something if you can't afford the fat sharks...)

The live video on the (Ebay) TFT was from a GoPro hero 3 with a mini USB plug I've soldered after FT David's example plugged into the Boscam transmitter.



PS: for correct attribution: Music: Six More Weeks by Evening Fires (myspace.com/eveningfires)

 

[Tritium]

Johan,

Great minds think alike it would seem (I am of mixed Dutch descent several generations ago). I have what would appear to be the same components. I plan an EPP foam "face mask" to hold the display and associated lenses as required by my aging eyes. Somewhere in my internet travels I spied a man in England that did or still does sell such a "mask". If I find the link I'll post it (probably somewhere on RCGroups.com).

Thurmond

 

[Johan]

Ha ha "Great minds", I'm flattered!

I too need the lens due to aging eyes , my initial test setup had lengths of cable with cinch plugs, eliminated those by soldering directly in the TFT, getting rid of half the weight and a lot of wiring mess...

If by chance you still understand some Dutch, here is a thread where several people are building a similar setup.

I'm curious how your project is going!

 

[Tritium]

Ha ha "Great minds", I'm flattered!

I too need the lens due to aging eyes , my initial test setup had lengths of cable with cinch plugs, eliminated those by soldering directly in the TFT, getting rid of half the weight and a lot of wiring mess...

If by chance you still understand some Dutch, here is a thread where several people are building a similar setup.

I'm curious how your project is going!

No, I don't think there have been any in my family who could speak Dutch for probably 200 years of so. I have not made much progress except to gather the bits and bench test. I did find that my 5.8 transmitter is strong enough to pass through 2 solid metal walls some 250' apart with excellent picture quality.

Thurmond

 

[Johan]

I did some remodeling for my "Virtual Batbone" (3D model for simulator)

Now I can ride virtual FPV on the back of the Batbone (nice if you've seen the weather over here):

Posted some footage on Vimeo:
PS, if you see nothing, uncheck HD, for some reason it does not show ...

 

[Johan]

The modifications:

Added LED strips to the back, light to the KK2 assembly and a GoPro light (blink is not supported...)
Made the landing gears more like the real thing, added 'better' ESC wires.

While I was at it, I also created a hires version of the 'old' flying field, I'll update those in the appropriate thread...

Here are some pictures ...







KK2 and LED's lighting up:



Going to inspect Chads roof



Oops, cannot post and fly at the same time

 

[Tritium]

Johan, that looks great. How about one for RC Desk Pilot or FMS?

Thurmond

 

[Johan]

Hi Thurmond,

Thanks, I'll try. Looked at Phoenix RC, but that is a no no.
Maybe the scenery, but model itself can't be done (proprietary file format), the scene may work (but no collisions etc).

I'll have a look at FMS and RC Desk Pilot.

 

[Johan]

Hi Thurmond,

Thanks, I'll try. Looked at Phoenix RC, but that is a no no.
Maybe the scenery, but model itself can't be done (proprietary file format), the scene may work (but no collisions etc).

I'll have a look at FMS and RC Desk Pilot.

I did a conversion of the Kapper residence scenery for PhoenixRC (which, given the software you have to do it in is an achievement):

Here it is (hope it works)

There are no obstacles (I can't get it to work) except for the ground ...

 

[Johan]

Ok, next project (It is really autumn out there, windy and stuff, so better be inside.....):

So what is it going to be:



Phase one: 15 y old ski goggles (not much use in the Netherlands, bought these for a long weekend in the French Alps loooong time ago).
Orange plastic replaced by a fresnel lens ... and some kind of foam (This used to keep my notebook neoprene case in shape, but actually it was a kind of packaging material)




Stuff measured and lined out (time to get the hot glue gun.....)



Ok, starting to look like 'poor man's Glass'




A look from the other end ....(never mind the hot-glue), or the fact that it is not straight B.T.W...


So now I need to:
- Line the inside with something black (bad planning, should have done that before)
- fit the eBay rear view monitor in this 'case'
- Tape it and cover light leaks.
- Do some actual FPV instead of fooling around in the attic (https://vimeo.com/77184783) ...

 

[Johan]

Ok, some progress:

Insides are lined with black matte paper, measuring foam for the back.
Have to make a hole for the power+video cables ..



And here it is: the latest "WhaleShark" (other suggestions are welcome)



Just did a few tests, and it is now completely light proof, monitor looks good.
So I'm quite happy!
Well, apart from looking like a complete idiot when wearing it

PS, this is the kind of tape that sticks really well ....
if you apply some CA!, that is ...

I won't be buying that again