What Arduino should I use for a Drone

Using Arduino Project Guidance
#1

Hi everyone,
I am building a drone with 12 propellers and I was wondering which Arduino I should use for that? Any information would be very helpful!

Thanks,
Cooper

#2

SailTheUniverse:
I was wondering which Arduino I should use for that? Any information would be very helpful!

Try a google search on;

'What Arduino should I use for a Drone'

#3

SailTheUniverse:
Hi everyone,
I am building a drone with 12 propellers and I was wondering which Arduino I should use for that? Any information would be very helpful!

Thanks,
Cooper

If you have to ask then you shouldn't undertake this project.

Too difficult and too dangerous for you to undertake until you have more experience with Arduinos

#4

None of the Arduinos. Use a bare chip to keep the weight down.

#5

Hi Everybody,
I am currently building a large drone with 12 propellers and I am looking for which Arduino Board to purchase to be able to control 12 propellers. I have seen some boards that can handle up to 8, but not 12. Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks!

#6

I can't see how 12 propellers can be better than 4. Larger propellers rotating slowly are more aerodynamically efficient than small propellers rotating faster. Greater efficiency allows lower motor and battery weight and a greater payload.

And I suspect you will need to make your own control board if you really do want to use 12 motors with independent control.

...R

#7

Assuming these propllers are actually connected to motors, you dont say what type of motor you are using or how they are controlled ?

#8

Hi,
Thank you for your responses. I am currently using 12 of these:
https://www.motionrc.com/collections/motors/products/tomcat-g100cc-brushless-motor
All I am looking for is a board that can handle up to 12 motors at once.

Thanks!

#9

You have still not said how you are controlling (driving) these motors ?

You cannot connect the motor wires direct to the Arduino so the must be somthing between the Arduino and the motors ?

#10

Most ESCs are controlled with servo signals and most any Arduino board can handle up to 12 servos with the servo library.

#11

12 propellers. Sounds like an excellent way to waste battery power!

And just imagine the additional annoyance to everyone within hearing distance.

#12

So you're building a drone with 12 motors, each one capable of 10Kw. What are you planning on lifting with it?

Whatever it is I don't think I'd try using an Arduino to control 120Kw of flailing propellers flying around. That sounds downright deadly to me.

Steve

#13

That would be a massive investment in motors.
Before you jump in on the large cost, have you created a 4 motor quad copter with hobby sized motors? That would be a great way to learn about controlling the motors, adjusting PID parameters and learning flight control in general.

My math says you will be working with 160hp with your motors. What are you looking to lift with that much power?

#14

Delta_G:
Most ESCs are controlled with servo signals and most any Arduino board can handle up to 12 servos with the servo library.

Sure, I know that ESCs are controlled as 'servos' but the OP ought to confirm thats how the motors are actually being controlled.

#15

I always wonder why people want to do this when high performance controllers with faster processors are available , that can be setup via a PC , have all the giros , failsafety etc for around the same price as an Arduino. The challenge I guess ?

Also check the laws in your country , you may not legally be able to fly such a beast

#16

HI,
I am planning on using ESC's like these:

They have PWM wire connections on the end and also connect to a PDB.

Thanks!

#17

SailTheUniverse:
HI,
I am planning on using ESC's like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Hobbypower-Brushless-Controller-Multicopter-Helicopter/dp/B00XKX5TBE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1533240472&sr=8-6&keywords=electronic+speed+controller

They have PWM wire connections on the end and also connect to a PDB.

Thanks!

Those take the same type of signal as a servo. Use the Servo library and you can control up to 12 of them from any of the normal Arduino boards.

#18

Robin2:
I can't see how 12 propellers can be better than 4.

On thing that would be better is that using more than 4 propellers, each with its own motor, is that it provides redundancy should a motor or prop failure occur.

4 motors. 1 fails. Mr drone meet Mr ground
12 motors. 1 fails. Limp home

#19

SailTheUniverse:
HI,
I am planning on using ESC's like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Hobbypower-Brushless-Controller-Multicopter-Helicopter/dp/B00XKX5TBE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1533240472&sr=8-6&keywords=electronic+speed+controller

So you're saying that you are planning on driving 10,000W motors with 350W ESCs? That's not going to end well.

I have a feeling that you're just playing silly games here. Either that or you really haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about.

Steve

#20

slipstick:
So you're saying that you are planning on driving 10,000W motors with 350W ESCs? That's not going to end well.

I have a feeling that you're just playing silly games here. Either that or you really haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about.

Steve

I said: "like" these.