Builds on hold

I have placed my X8 octorotor build on hold. Building and working on a multi-rotor is a lot of work in that there is a lot of planning, measuring, and soldering  that needs to happen. When I do a build I tend to take over the only working space that I have; our kitchen. With granite counters, lots of outlets, and a big dining table this is the perfect spot to assemble electronics. I cannot stress enough the importance for a well organized work space.

My daughter is due to be born on November 25th. I can honestly say that the amount of planning, space, and assembly of things like a crib and changing table dwarf any multi-rotor build I have ever done. The preparation for a child have spilled into the kitchen, living room, garage, storage shed, and our bedroom. We have been going 24 hours a day for the last couple of weeks trying to get ready for the birth.

DJI Ground Station and Apple iOS 7 problems!

I picked up the DJI Ground Station about a week ago. The ground station give a pilot the ability to set up missions with way points and even navigate beyond visual range. I finally started messing around with it today and figured out that DJI's Bluetooth module flat out does not work with iOS 7. Needless to say I am annoyed.

Contra Rotating Brushless Outrunner motors

Contra rotating motors are nothing new. They are essentially two motors that are connected through a bracket ass to ass style and share a common shaft. The two motors still need separate ESCs. With the X6 and X8 modes it is possible to put this type of motor on the same side of the UAV instead of having one on top and one on the bottom. It might be something to look into with a future design.

FAA regulations

It looks like UAVs are about to get seriously regulated. I have not read the entire document but so far it looks like little drones such as the Phantom are about to require some sort of certification to fly. 

http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/media/UAS_Roadmap_2013.pdf

More flight time

I initially built the F550 hexarotor with the desire for more flight time. The F550 is more stable in the air, has some redundancy in the motors, and it can lift more but it does not have better flight time.

I found out about a design that my give me what I want. It is called an X8. Basically it is a quad copter with contra rotating propellers on the top and bottom. I have most of the parts for what I need. I just need the time to throw it together.

B.A.L.A.N.C.E, Balance!

A perfectly tuned and maintained Phantom will be rock solid in the air. It will do what you tell it to do and will perform that you tell it to perform. All UAVs, Drones, or whatever you want to call them need to be maintained and tuned in order to fly properly. At least two hours of maintenance is needed for every hour of flight. I have been working and tweaking my Phantom for the last week. I had a chance to fly and it soared like a bird!

Lipos

To follow up on my Lipo issue. Hobby King gave me a store credit. All I have to do now is dispose of the bad Lipo.