So I basically had an idea of using a PC to fly an r/c airplane.
I want to be able to do this using a gaming joystick.
I'm not sure how to start this project though, as I don't know how I would interface the joystick/pc to the Arduino.
I was wondering if some one could point me in the right direction (tutorials, tips, websites, etc) so I can get an idea of how to start this off right.
The most probable thing to do is write an application to use on the pc that takes input from the joystick, converts the joystick postion info into what you want to send to the arduino, then send that info to the arduino via the pc serial port. Not sure about the plane flying part.
So I basically had an idea of using a PC to fly an r/c airplane.
Then your first step will be to obtain the r/c airplane and all of the necessary components needed to allow you to fly it, and then put it together and learn to fly it. You -must- do this before you attempt -any- sort of fly-by-wire approach as you are describing.
You will quickly learn a few things; number one is likely to be just how difficult it is to fly an r/c plane. The second thing you are likely to learn is how reaction time is very important when flying an r/c airplane. The third thing you are likely to learn is that no matter how good you are or how long you've been flying r/c airplanes, you will still crash your plane on occasion. It happens. Learn to live with it.
Until you've had some experience flying, I would not attempt to develop such an aircraft - it can be a danger to you, spectators, and uninterested bystanders alike. If this is something you are really interested in doing, take the time to learn the hobby; it will only help when you get to the point of integrating the computer control to the aircraft.
You may also want to look into ArduPilot:
You can also attempt to create your own form of ArduPilot, but why re-invent the wheel?
Ultimately, to do what you want to do, you are going to need a computer pilot, on-board the aircraft (no lag), at the controls - with down/up links to the aircraft from a base station PC. UAVs are not simple, and they are certainly not an inexpensive hobby (but they are much, much cheaper than they were!) - plus there can be restrictions on their use in a populated area (check your local laws).
I am not posting this to deter you, but rather to inform you. I imagine that implementing a real working UAV can be a rewarding challenge, but it isn't one that should be taken lightly; to do so will at best result in a wrecked plane, and at worst, a trip to the hospital for one or more people...
Then your first step will be to obtain the r/c airplane and all of the necessary components needed to allow you to fly it, and then put it together and learn to fly it.
Done. I am a fairly proficient flyer.
You can also attempt to create your own form of ArduPilot, but why re-invent the wheel?
The project is slightly more grand that I've let on. The ArduPilot won't be enough. This isn't an autopilot drone; that boring. I want to be in full control of it.
I did take into account lag, which would be a large factor if the signal was to go through so many hops, but I can't think of any other way that a commercial computer game joystick can communicate easily with the Aurdiuno.
I am not posting this to deter you, but rather to inform you.
Thanks, but I've taken most of your thoughts into account already.
Hi,
Did you see my Arduino / PC Gaming Joystick project. Dead easy to do & works a treat.
I have to say, with my Quadcopter anyway, flying with the joystick is more intuitive than with the RC Tx sticks.
I am now working on a V2.0 Joystick which will have the RF amp built right in, and an LCD etc for all the trimming etc.
Ian.
The project is slightly more grand that I've let on. The ArduPilot won't be enough. This isn't an autopilot drone; that boring. I want to be in full control of it.
That's boring, people have been in full control of model aircraft for decades. Having an autonomous drone is far more exciting.
That's boring, people have been in full control of model aircraft for decades. Having an autonomous drone is far more exciting.
Indeed. Sit back and let technology do all the fun stuff.
You really haven't detailed too much of what you want to do. From what you have said, all you want to do is to replace the RC transmitter with a pc with a connected joystick. I then assume you will stand outside with the pc/joystick and visually fly the plane. This probably can be done using zigbee type wireless connection with the receiver connected to a servo controller in the plane and the transmitter connected to pc serial port. For something more complex, I've found the below project most interesting.
http://www.barnardmicrosystems.com/L4E_atlantic_crossing_II.htm
The thought is to fly the plane in FPV from my laptop. I'll have a camera on board and my laptop will receive the video. Then I want to use the joystick to control the plane.
For the most part, I will be inside, while I fly the plane outside with my computer.
so why do you need to hook up the joystick to the arduino, seems like the pc should be reading it and sending it along with whatever other controls you have
so why do you need to hook up the joystick to the arduino, seems like the pc should be reading it and sending it along with whatever other controls you have
Mostly because I'm not sure how that would be done. I figured an aurduino connected by USB/serial would be the best way to do it.
Ah, another DIY Predator drone project! I suspect you want a view inside the house similar to the below. You need to get a video transmitter and receiver setup for the video from the plane. It might be easiest if you build an antenna setup to connect to your RC tx such that it is connected to an antenna outside the house (maybe high up on a mast, along with the video receiving antenna). If you really want a pc setup, then putting a stripped down wireless router in the bridging mode would probably be the first step for a single two way video/control wireless link.
Done. I am a fairly proficient flyer.
I apologize; from the tone and question of your post it seemed like you were a newbie who had never flown before and wanted to jump in head first. Which would be noble if true, but not really the best way to learn the hobby...
The project is slightly more grand that I've let on. The ArduPilot won't be enough. This isn't an autopilot drone; that boring. I want to be in full control of it.
I did take into account lag, which would be a large factor if the signal was to go through so many hops, but I can't think of any other way that a commercial computer game joystick can communicate easily with the Aurdiuno.
Well, I was thinking that the ArduPilot (or something similar) could help with the lag as needed. From what I understand, with ArduPilot you can be in control as much or as little as you want or need (indeed, you need to always be able to take over full control, at least here in the States, due to FAA rules, IIRC).
Thanks, but I've taken most of your thoughts into account already.
That's great to hear; too often people don't think these kinds of projects through, and then get discouraged (or worse, injured) because of that.
I hope your project turns out great!
Well, I was thinking that the ArduPilot (or something similar) could help with the lag as needed. From what I understand, with ArduPilot you can be in control as much or as little as you want or need (indeed, you need to always be able to take over full control, at least here in the States, due to FAA rules, IIRC).
Thats something I was wondering about. I've only flown with a local club who have a flying range. Since this project might lead me to fly over/around civilization, where can I find the information for the rules and laws? Are there any rules against fully automatic planes?
Thats something I was wondering about. I've only flown with a local club who have a flying range. Since this project might lead me to fly over/around civilization, where can I find the information for the rules and laws? Are there any rules against fully automatic planes?
Afaik in the Netherlands you're only allowed to fly your UAV with a killswitch installed, in an open field, with a maximum range of 500m line of sight. This means that you're not allowed to build something that flies around the city making pictures or whatever.
I'm also interested in building a UAV, but I'm taking the 'ghetto' route by using wiimote components (nunchuck & m+) and small sensor node hardware. I'm also planning on using a very small airframe for safety, to keep cost low. It's just a proof of concept anyway.
For control I'm planning to eliminate the radio control by using a 433mHz packet radio.
Since this project might lead me to fly over/around civilization
If you're flying under FAA rules, there's no chance of that! ;D