Hello there, I hope someone could help me with my project. I am trying to make an antenna tracker for an UAV. But I don't know how to make the software work. I think the tracker will receive constant coordinate position and altitude via Bluetooth from the UAV TX (I'm using radiomaster pocket with added HC-05 module). Then it will compare the UAV location and the tracker location (the tracker would also have GPS and magnetometer), and move two servo to move the antenna gimbal and point it to the UAV. But I don't know how to make the algorithm for the tracker to compare it's position and the UAV latest position and move the gimbal so the antenna point at a specific directions. Han anybody help me? Thank you in advance.
Bluetooth range is too short. Algorithm is simply signal strength from point A - signal strength from point B if result is positive move to the left else move to the right.
What is the purpose of your project? There maybe forum members who can help but will they want to help?
The UAV will send telemetry data to the TX (radio master pocket) that i have modded to have an HC-05 Bluetooth module that relays the telemetry data to any device capable of receiving Bluetooth data. the tracker will take only the gps coordinate and altitude.
I plan to make a long range UAV. usually we need to manually move the directional antenna occasionally to get the best signal. but if we use an antenna tracker not only we don't need to move the antenna manually but we will also have better signal (theoretically), and its a passive function, which means the antenna will be tracking the UAV all the time.
Yes you said that. What I asked was the purpose.
And btw, i have heard someone using the RSSI (signal strength/integrity (honestly i haven't fully understand how RSSI work or what does it even stand for)) data from the telemetry. but i think it would only make the program more complicated. but "maybe" it would be ideal to use both RSSI, GPS coordinate and altitude.
I doubt it. RSSI will give you a low resolution, noisy, warmer/colder Received Signal Strength Indication and mislead your aim.
Please describe the type and size of the antenna you are moving.
Radio is inherently unreliable. What happens if the UAV goes behind a hill or large buildings and the signal vanishes completely?
In my country, it is illegal for citizens to operate a UAV that they cannot see. Consider checking up on your local regulations.
Received Signal Strength Indicator
thank you dave, so using RSSI is out of the option.
Hello podex12
Visit your local radio amateur club to get some ideas for your project, too.
That's why i will only fly on remote/not crowded area. this is due for some reasons
- the law states i cannot fly above crowded area (e.g. residential area) except if the people below are aware of the flight plan and give consent.
- Lower radio interference (e.g. from cellphones) which translates to more range and signal quality.
regarding your question about
thanks to INAV i have automated RTH (return to home automatically after losing signal for more than 30s), and i could also manually turn on RTH if there's no video feed.
i haven't decide between 2x 12 turn 5.8ghz RHCP (homemade) helical antenna or 1x 12 turn 5.8ghz RHCP helical antenna and 1x pagoda antenna.
note: i use a diversity video RX, more specifically the Eachine pro58
I'm sorry if i misunderstood your question. but if you're asking the reason on why did i want to make this project (long range UAV and antenna tracker) i guess its just the same old reason that lot's of people use. "just for fun". but that's aside, if my UAV plane project is successful (including the antenna tracker) it would increase the probability (by a lot) for acceptance to one of the top universities in my country. even my old mentor/teacher said that there's a possibility that i can get small amount of scholarship (low probability, but possible).
there's still very little interest in this hobby (aeromodelling) in my area/city. and even if there are, most of them only buy premade planes that for me is too expensive. and about electrical engineering, i haven't found anyone with the same interest/passion with me except for my uncle. I also think that if this project succeeded it would be the first or at least one of the first in my country.
This not really related to the question, but should i move this threads/topic to "project guidance"?
Done.
So.... The UAV has GPS and will send lat/long/altitude back to the tracker. The tracker also has GPS or has fixed location and so knows it's own lat/long/altitude. Using this data, the tracker will calculate the bearing & elevation of the UAV and move a directional antenna to those coordinates?
And... The UAV won't be used in any way that would directly or indirectly harm anyone, or their property, or spy on them, or harm nature or wildlife? (This is the reason for my earlier question. UAVs are often in the news in recent years, and never for good reasons, it seems).
yes, the UAV have a gps receiver, magnetometer, and barometer. the radio TX will receive the telemetry packet with then relays it to the tracker via Bluetooth (other than the tracker, it would also relay the data to my cellphone so i can more easily see the telemetry (most importantly the location)). the tracker would also have a GPS and magnetometer, which enables it to be used on the move or different location without needing to change the code. It will use its location and the UAV latest coordinate and altitude, to point the directional antenna to the UAV.
No i won't use the UAV to harm, or disturb any other creature's lives (animals and human) intentionally. I can't fully promise that it will not disturb other creatures, because maybe there's an accident with bird strikes, or there's some "Karens", or maybe accidently disturb people. But i can promise that i won't use the UAV to harm any lives (animals, and humans) intentionally. except if my life, my family lives, or the people i cared for is on the line. I live in a nation (in southeast Asia) with neutrality policy. but considering the current geopolitical situation. there's a possibility of war broke out. and in war there's never a thing such as a safe place/nation.
But for now, and hopefully until the end of time, it's purely for fun and academic achievement.