RC India

Hello friends,
After making my first MWC successfully, i had this idea of making a controller here in Bangalore. pl see by earlier build thread.
http://www.rcindia.org/self-designed-diy-and-college-projects/quad-using-arduino-and-wii-mp-and-nunchuck/

This idea was mainly to offer a stable Multi rotor controller using genuine Gyros, Accelerometers, Barometer and the Magnetometer.

This is not my original design.
I made this design after going thru several threads on Multi Wii controllers in RCGroups.com. I have spent not less than 150 hours, reading various posts and also have made 2 prototypes before making this design.
My objective here is to make a simple plug and play controller, at minimal cost, implementing all the knowhow’s and the learning curve that many people have gone through in making this.
Since I am associated with Peninsula Electronics, I was able to turn around this design using the in-house facility. Now I am ready with the PCB design and  want to go ahead and order the components for a Min lot.

This is a very very small qty to make a business proposal to Peninsula. So i am getting this done thru Peninsula, using my personal influence at a cost + small margin model.


I want to fix the minimum lot by finding the response to this from you guys. So pl share with me if you will be interested to buy this and also the qty.

The proposed pricing will be amound,
1. Basic Gyro only version: 3300.00
2. Basic Gyro+ Accelerometer:3700.00
3. Full version with Gyro, accelerometer, Barometer and Magnetometer: TBD


I am aware of the KK Copter pricing from Hobbyking. But This has additional accelerometer, Barometer and the Magnetometer. And more than any thing else it has the open source advantage. This board has few i/o pins brought out thru the FET and you can write whatever code and control these lines, for ex LED blinking, Servos etc.

And finally, this attempt is not to make  money. There is'nt any in such low volumes. My attempt is to make  an excellent controller available at a reasonable cost to this community.


Here is the link to the preliminary manul. pl go thru and comment
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7CHSuX5N-_kNzA5MDM1NzgtZTlmMi00MTk5LWJkNGItYmIxNDIxNjUzNTRh&hl=en_US&authkey=CIrMqrUG

best regards
ashta

come on guys!.
no body interested!!!
In that case i have to think twice....

Ashta Sir,

I am interested for the one with all Gyros, accelerometer, Barometer and Magnetometer. If all are available in one COB it is really amazing I must say.

surely sundaramvelar.
i think that people have not understood what this board is.
Did you read the intitial specs of the board in the link.

Request all who are interesed, to read this and comment.


best regards
ashta

Ashta Sir, count me in for one unit. You are the best judge to decide what will suit a beginner. Sending you a PM on this.

Welcome back after a long hiatus.

Warm regards.

Yes Ashta sir I have read the initial specs from the google.docs link. It is a very good effort to bring all the features on one PCB. The user friendlessness of the design is the most appreciated.

From what I see you have tried to incorporate many cool features to plug all hitches and probs faced by You during your Quad based on Nunchuk and Wii controller. additional features like LED drivers for beautification of the Model and USB interface for ease of programing is all Very Nice.

I'm quite surprised at the lack of response too. Seems like a good deal considering the quality of the components used. Though I already have a different setup I'm yet to put to use, I'd be interested in one too.

Very nice effort by Ashta sir. I think it would generate a lot more response if you post a video of your board flying a quad. All the best!

-Ismail

I have already communicated my interest on more than one unit, as there are couple of people interested in building quads/tris here.

great effort

Astha Sir,
Really A Great Thing. I will definately like to try the "Full version with Gyro, accelerometer, Barometer and Magnetometer" .
Please let me know the price.

BWST WISHES,
Vivek

thanks rajesh.
pl go thru the manual criticaly and give me some suggestions. I will be releasing the PCB fab this week. i can try and incorporate.

thanks. video is there in my proto build. It is with the same but proto board. Only Gyro. here is the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOuGswZEZhY

dear vivek,
the full version is not tested yet. so i will price it only after i do that. That is why i have put as TBD, to be decided. The basic PCB will support. The gyro version in  itself vey stable as u can see in the video.
best regards
ashta

I'm in love with it already..............

Astha sir,

I am sure that the requirement of your board surely increased in near future from the various engineering projects and students as per my small knowledge. So, dont get upset.

As a beginner, I am presently concentrating my reflex in simulator, but surely later I need this, though I am not confirming at present.

Thanks.

One idea which I have had for a while after seeing someone start RC flying (first ever attempt) with a Gaui 330XS was to tweak the code to provide somewhat of a fully stabilized mode. Basically, something like a FlyMentor, where the beginner lets go of the sticks, and the quad stabilizes into a hover. 

Put in other ways, instead of getting a 450 size heli as a learning platform, get a quad that is less dangerous. And if done right with some kind of "cage" design (or even prop savers), so that damage is minimal.

Correct me if I misunderstood your requirement, but the accelerometer version should do this already.

Well, I can't say without testing again on one with an accelerometer... for example, if I had it moving forward i.e, applied forward elevator, then let the sticks go, would it stop in its tracks and come to a completely stable hover, or would it continue to move forward ?

Secondly, the code, if possible, has to prevent the quad from tilting the quad beyond a certain angle, regardless of the continuous application of stick input.  So a beginner cannot make it go 90 degrees or inverted. Not sure if this is possible without some kind of visual/video input of the horizon.

Anwar bhai, from whatever limited knowledge I have, your idea can be implemented through the GAIN...

Nope... not from what I know.  Gain is something completely different.

It will level if you let go of sticks. But if you want position hold, you need GPS or a camera (like in flymentor).

Limiting the angle is definitely possible. But I'm not familiar with the multiwii software to know if it is implemented. 

That was my thought too... it will take something like continuously keeping track of the values (like integration in maths) over time to figure out how much tilted it is, not sure how accurate this will be.

You have to depend on integration if you had gyros alone. The drift in gyros and quantization would cause error to creep in. With accelerometer you have a reference vector for gravity and thus can determine absolute angle. You have to correct errors in accelerometer too with gyro data, I believe you yourself have posted some material on this.

Yes, how well this works in practice is the issue, as either gyros and accelerometers alone will not be sufficient, and then remains the weightage for each.  Even with both, yaw drift may still be an issue.

In a nutshell... testing, documenting and  incorporating such features into the default code shipped would further enhance the marketability of this board.

dear Anwar,
as rajesh said, in MWC autolelevel when enabled (accelerometer), the copter levels itself when stick input is removed.
the following video demonstrates that. These are not videos with my board. but will be similar. (if not better!!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XC_ZMO_0Q8g&feature=related
Here is a nice video showing how mgnetometer works.
http://vimeo.com/23966145
And here is one how all workss incl the barometer.
http://vimeo.com/23541587.
best regards
ashta

Ashta Sir ,
Hats off  !  :hatsoff:  Spending 150 hours of your time to help this community even though you are not benefiting much from this.This is going to be the best answer for the many " I want to build a quadcopter" requests we get here !  {:)}
The open source capability of this board will sure attract many engineering students like me looking at Quad platform .I am interested in the full version with GPS . I see in pdf that there is going to be a future board with gps capability . Does the current full version board have ports to support gps with some tweaking ?
PS: A suggestion i would like to make is that the reach of this board will be more if you list it on E-bay or through anyone of the RC shops in this country

We are getting there :)  Now if we can find a video with tilt control also... my feature list would be complete.

Then there should be some videos of training an absolute newbie with one of these.  I guess if the code is good, we would need only gyro + accel, no need for magnetometer (as yaw drift can be ignored for this training use).

sorry amulu, spending my 150 hours was not primarily to help this community. it was rather due to my personal interest in the subject. but now that i gathered some information and that i have access to a good set of  facilities like cadding, SMD mfg, component sourcing etc.  thru Peninsula, i am trying to see if this can be useful to all of us. Thanks for the support.
This board currently does not support GPS.
best regards
ashta

here is one video with the proto board of mine. pl note that this is with GYRO only. Auto level is OFF.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxy_pZaIQTc

Ashta bhai -  Please do post some pictures, unless it is too "protoptype-ish" :)

Hope the next video is one with the accelometers, and the TX is just held out in one hand with no stick controls !

ok Anwar. here is the proto board. u can see the accelerometer and the gyro.

I will post the video at the next opportunity

Hats off for your hard work!! You are inspiring me to build a quad...

thanks izmile

some more progress on this project.
i just received the Bare boards, Pl see the pictures attached.

pl see the PCB carefully. Pl see the Pad for Gyro, Accelerometer, Barometer and the Magnetometer. Pl notice the Legend and comp references well dispalyed. U will not need any other reference to interconnect. Also the direction is legended.

I now have to get all the components, Populate them and do the testing. I will post the progress in the coming days.

best regards
ashta

hello,
just recieved the Components for 15 sets. Quickly loaded couple of boards. Will have to test them.

here is the picture
pl see the various comps
Gyro
Accelerometer
Barometer
Magnetometer. (not loaded)
Sedperate regulator for 5v and 3,3V
Very well legended pcb so as to have easy installation of cables.,

ashta

 :bow: :bow: :bow:
Hail Ashta Sir!!! This reveals your sudden absence from the newly laid flying field in Hoskote!

Your board looks much much better than limited capability/downscale KKMicrocopter board sold by HobbyKing. The PCB is just aweesome .... has BBT done, even great. How did you populate the components ? Hand/Wave soldering ? automated SMT placement devices ? You both being highly accomplished to do it by hand, and on the same time highly resourceful to use automated machine quizzes me.

After Uttam's BL Motors sold by HK, should we expect your board making way to HK or more reputed stores in the West ?

Folks, this is going to be a matter of pride for fellow flyer on other western forums. Legends like Sharma brought pride to us with thier engines.
Hope Ashta sir's board makes us proud yet again!

Awesome :thumbsup: 

Would love to try one by the end of the month !  Certainly one with accelerometers.  Would need the cables needed for software uploads too.

If you noticed the board has pad for barometer as well. ThiS would be great for altitude hold. Ashta sir. Any scope for ultra sonic sensors

Thanks Ujjwaana.
As you know, this is not my original design. I am using Allex code written for the Wii. This design is a collection of almost all info found in almost 1200 posts in RCGROUPS.
This board is completely assembled by SMT machines. Peninsula electronics, where i work has a complet SMT set up to do even much more complicated jobs. The reason i went ahead with this project is due to my access to this organisation.

I have  imported comps for 15 boards. I did not make this to make profit. I will be happy if i break even covering the basic costs.
 i will let you know when i test it fully.
best regards
ashta

sure Anwarji,
i will let u know when i test this board completely.

Awesome is the word Ashta sir,  {:)} {:)} {:)} {:)} {:)}  :hatsoff:

Really looking forward to the test results and an opportunity to use this board.

thank you very much Sundaram velar.

When can I pick up one ? Can help with testing if needed. It is not too far for me if I need to get it back to your office.

dear rajesh,
I am yet to get the magnetometer.
I have already tested the Gyro and the accelerometer. Now i have to mount it on to a frame and test.

best regards
ashta

Ok, I definitely need the magnetometer. Thought you already had them and it was just a matter of soldering it onto the board.

Magnetometer was out of stock, when i ordered initially.  Now it is in stock again and is ordered.
mean time here is a small video of my testing it. poor quality video though..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypMcmyFzl5s

I am also looking for a fully loaded one :)

hello friends,
i have completed the testing of the Gyro and the Accelerometer of this new controller board...
The result  is simply amazing. The kind of stability that i am getting is marvelous.
I had put all my care and experience in routing the board for
- The sensitve I2C signals. 
- Power supply and single point grounding
- Seperate 5V thru Low Drop out Low noise regulator
- Seperate 3.3V thru Low Drop out Low noise regulator
- Separate Power ground and signal ground.

I think that this has helped and the out come is a silk smooth flight.

pl see the video.

Till half time in the video, i have only acro mode with only gyro enabled.
After this i have enabled the  Accelerometer.

later i will edit to show this on video clearly.

That leaves only Barometer and magnetometer testing on this board.
thanks for watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sI5cOcz3rE

best regards
ashta

Friends,

I have now completeed testing of this board and every thing is working as expected including the accelerometer and the barometer. That leaves only mgnetometer which is expected to arrive by month end.

Mean time here are some pictures of a frame that i made to test this board.
This frame is made of aluminium. The arms are the standard glass case Hard ware available in any Hardware shop.

Fora a stable flight you need only the Gyro version. All othres are incremental add ons.

Pl see how simple the board is. No complicared wiring too.
pl comment

Omg..its so clean..nearing perfection  :bow:

Good innovative use of the smiley balls too. Fabulous  {:)}  {:)}  {:)}

few more photos.
Pl see the board.
See how well the cables are rouited.

The first picture is a compltely wired ready to take off quad. pl note how nicely the ESCs, Battery and other wiring is consealed.

regards
'ashta

Hi Ashta Sir,
I have a small suggestion. Since the stress (smiley) ball is kind of glued to the boom, there is a chance it getting dislodged. What about a secondary 'Impact arrestor' landing gear near the ball which would save any such impact from hitting the Lipo hanging low. The frame would get a jolt, but the Lipo would be safe.

Does you design take PPM single directly from the receiver? I am working on flash my Orange FASST Rx with TFR8-SP firmware which would give me both RSSI and C-PPM output. This would reduce much of wiring on the board.

thank you

thanks sundaram velar.

This has come out very well. With even min vibration free mounting, it is working beautifully. very very stable.
i am waiting for the magneto meter also to complete the project and offer it to the community at my basic cost.

surely ujjwaana. that is only a temp arrangement. have to have better arrangement. i have not put in much efforts since there are many options for the frame.
This design take PPM directly

regards
ashta

great work Mr. Ashta , could you please tell me the price so that i will get one

thanks rasheed. just wait for few more days. i will come out with the price.

hello Friends,
As expected, the magnetometer also arrived and i have completed the testing of this MWC board completely. Now all the following are tested and ready.
Gyro: Only Gyro is enough for a stable and aerobatic flight.
Accelerometer: For lateral stability.
Magnetometer:Directional stability
Barometer: Altitude hold.

Pl find some pictures. Pl read the comments on the photos.
The video is taken on the factory floor. See the SMT machines like the screen printer, Pick and Place and the reflow machines which are required to produce this board.

more photos.

More photos and the video
Pl note that this is a video with only Gyro enabled. See how stable the quad is.
The video is taken from our SMT factory. Notice the SMT equipments like the Screen printer, Pick and Place and the reflow machines, which arte used to make this board in the back ground.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHMHWMHVd9o

Ashta bhai - You should really really consider marketing this in the US forums. There is some logistics involved, but I am sure if the price is right, you will have a huge target audience.

Ashta

That is true. A great job and certainly worthy of international exposure.

thanks Anwar. I will persue this.

thanks sushil, for the kind words.

I presume the bootloader will be programmed before you send them out ? Not that it matters to me, but it will save the cost of a programmer for most folks.

Also could you add the editing required in source code config to your doc ?

dear rajesh,
i have provided the ISP connector on board. Using this i load the boot loader. Once boot loader is programmed, then user can laod the latest version of Alex's code as available.

As standard i send the board with Quad P software loaded. I can include a standard USB cable also to down load the SW if required.

Further fine tuning of PID values and others  are done thru Configurator.
when u ar free, we can go thru one round.
thanks and regards
ashta

Great great great job sir  {:)}  :hatsoff:

thanks rajsigma

Ashta, I'm not familiar with how Alex releases the code. I was looking at the source code. Isn't there any customization required in config.h to match your board ?

We can go through it together once and document the process.

it is very simple.
Just un comment/ comment few lines.
yes. tell me when

I have complted testing of this board for all the configurations namely
Gyro alone: Enough for a stable quad/tri etc. capable to do aerobatics.
Plus accelerometer: For lateral stability
Plus Barometer: for Altitude hold
Plus: magnetometer: For direction hold.

Hre i am sharing the Installation Manual
pl go thru and comment

https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7CHSuX5N-_kMzNmZDA2MjQtODM2OC00ZTVlLThhNTUtYTIxNGM3NjlkZGUw&hl=en_US

regards
ashta

Congratulations Ashta! This is quite an achievement   :bow:
If possible please replace the connection diagram on page three with a higher resolution one.

thanks. as of now i do not have a better pic. The multiwii link has the original pic. i will also look for it and try to change
thanks.

Ashta,

Excellent work and this board is a great help for the community. I wish this board was there 6 months back before I got KK Board as I never wanted to struggle with duplicate Wii/Nunchuk controls. Now I want something more than KK and this board seems very promising :)   Do you have any future plans to make it more modular like FreeIMU/Warthox kind of stuff so that we can change the processor going forward? Please share if there are any new developments on this project.

I hope members who bought this board will post their build pictures/videos/experiences soon here.

Thanks and best regards.
Srikar.

Ashta,
 
I am pasting our email conversation so that others can take advantage of it.

Srikar's Question: I am using Turnigy plush 25AMP ESC and NTM 28-30 Motors. Hope the default PID setting are going to be fine. Also ordered the serial LCD for ease on field to tune PID values. Can you please email me your config.h code??

Ashta's Answer: Default PID should be fine. I have gone up to 12 P with out any problem. default is 4. it is all your style of flying. Attached pl find the config. is your frame ready? any photos?

Ashta,

My frame is ready. Center plates, Landing gear and motor mounts are taken from Hemanth, Blr.  Power distribution board is home made PCB by me. Dome and aluminum arms are from a local store. Here are few pictures of it. I am waiting for the board from you to fit in and test fly.

srikar,
1. i find that you have soldered all the motor connections. And for DC you have given connectors. May be u can solder them too.
2. On 12th Oct 2011, the board is sent  thru DTDC Courier, the Docket No. Is B77327735. pl let me know on receipt.
3. Pl go thru the the installation guide, esp look at the errata while connecting.
https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B7CHSuX5N-_kMzNmZDA2MjQtODM2OC00ZTVlLThhNTUtYTIxNGM3NjlkZGUw&hl=en_US
Also this doc may be helpful
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7CHSuX5N-_kNzA5MDM1NzgtZTlmMi00MTk5LWJkNGItYmIxNDIxNjUzNTRh&authkey=CIrMqrUG&hl=en_US

4. One cabe to connect the Beeper and the strip LEDs are provided.
2. One more cable to connect the Bat to the board is also provided.(2pin)
be carefull about the polarity while comnecting.

The PCB is well legended. The LED driver out put is direct collector and hence assumes proper Resistnace. Cannot connect LED directly. The LED strips that you buy generally has the resistnace built in and can be connected directly. This design assumes that.
ashta

Thanks Ashta.

Quick question. What is the motor to motor distance (diagonally) on your quad (quad in your video at your SMD assembly unit)??

do not remember. will measure and tell you tomorrow.
its is around 28 inches mot to mot.
they say that there should be a min of one prop gap between mots.

@srekar
your frame design is really nice but don't you think it's too heavy? With these fibre glass material and battery it will go above 1kg i think.

Yes. It is heavy as it got heavy gauge acrylic parts.  I believe this frame was mainly aimed (I am not the designer) towards beginners as it is very forgiving even when it free falls from 15ft( yes, it i know it as mine was crashed)

I am planning to change landing gear with some light weight options.

Hello,srekar

Nice setup.But the motor mount and the landing gears really increase the weight to great extent and for that reason only i have removed all the motor mounts and Mounted the motors on the boom itself and for landing gears you can make it with aluminum plate which is light in weight and can do all the job.i am having the same frame purchased from hemanth guru

Dhiraj,
Thanks and I am also thinking in the similar lines to reduce weight.
Your frame with landing gear is inspiring and may be we should start a thread(if already not there) to post in all home made and commercially available (In India)  frames/designs.

Ashta,
I am just wondering to know the source of aluminum center plates and motor mounts you used on your frame. Is frame designed to take 1/2 inch aluminum booms? Seems they are laser cut. Is it possible for me to get them??

@srekar
definitely srekar.

By the which controller you are using?

hey guys i just wonder is there any 15x15mm hollow aluminium bar available in market?

Earlier I used KK Blue Board and now I am going to use Ashta's MultiWii Full Version controller.
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B7CHSuX5N-_kNzA5MDM1NzgtZTlmMi00MTk5LWJkNGItYmIxNDIxNjUzNTRh&authkey=CIrMqrUG&hl=en_US

ok.Great

Keep posting about further progress on your quad

Ashta,

I picked up the package few min back from DTDC office and here are the photos. Just one word, packing is excellent and quality of board is impressive.
I Will update again once I test it.

Good luck to you srikar.
Pl handle the board carefully. be careful reg static.
You can connect it to the usb, with the power jumper changed to usb side.
On the Wii configurator, you shouild be able to see all the sensors namely, Gyro ITG3200, Accelerometr BMA180, The barometer BMP85 and the magnetometer HMC5883 working.
i wil lpost a video later.
regarding the Frame  i will come back to you soon
best regards
ashta

@Ashta could you please PM me the cost of the board?

here are some photos. i changed the aluminium plate to 1mm acrylic, hand cut.
The dome is made from a cheap water bottle.
the total weight with bat is 1050 grams

will later post some nice landing gear for beginers.
here is a video in my drawing room.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnBz_SzFg1k

more photos

I installed the multiwii config tool but it was generating the error log related to JRE environment on my PC.
As I am a java developer, I thought it could be because of my customized java development environment and when I changed the JRE, it worked 100% fine.

After MultiWii Config tool worked, I tested the board on PC and Here is a quick video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzEChd8gwCY (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzEChd8gwCY)

dear srikar,
so far so good.
few points.
1. In my case i have avoided multiple ports for the Virtual com port.
2. You can also connect the receiver now, and try to switch on/ off, calibration, enable the accelerometer, barometer, magentometer thru the aux channels. The reciver gets 5v from this board and no Esc is required.
3. this way you will test most of the functions  on the board and thats the idea.
4. once you mount on the frame and Power from the Lipo, do not forget to put the jumper to the regulator side.

best regards
ashta

i did spent money and got it laser cut... but they are too heavy. i do not suggest this to u. use 1mm or .8mm acrylic or rooofing sheet. they are light and very strong.

Connected all electronics along with controller board on frame. Ground tested to make sure all motors are rotating in the right direction and responding to the TX stick movements accordingly including arming/disarming motors etc.

I still need to see how channel 5 (Turnigy RX)  connected to AUX (Controller) is going to work. I assigned Ch 5 to On/Off Gear switch on Tx. Ashta, any comments?

  

don bolt the controller....just use extreme foam tape with 3M double sided super glue tape.   

Hemanth,
The controller was mounted on a acrylic sheet with bolts and then it was attached to frame plate using the 3M foam tape. So the controller board was not attached to frame with bolts but with 3M foam tape as you said.

Ashta,

I tried to initialize the LCD configuration as directed on multiwii website as - Tilt the yaw stick right + tilt the pitch stick forward.
But nothing happens on LCD as shown in picture attached.

I am using the Serial LCD from RoboKits which is having 9600 baud rate same as the SparkFun LCD which was prescribed on MultiWii website.
http://robokits.co.in/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_64&products_id=191&zenid=89ed442c50ce813309087f745889ba55 (http://robokits.co.in/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_64&products_id=191&zenid=89ed442c50ce813309087f745889ba55)

Any Idea on why it is not working??

Also, when battery is disconnected and all other connection are present on the board (ESC, Reciver etc), Can I switch to USB power and plug in to PC? I think it wont draw excess power to any connected things like ESC's, LCD or Receiver. right??

 

dear srekar,
as discussed with you, i have not tried an LCD on this board though prov is made. i will do that in course.
you can always connect the board to the PC thru USB in both cases, namely,
1. When jumper id put to USB side and no battery connected. In this case rcvr will get power from the USB and except motors every thing should work and you should be able to see the sensor values in the configurator.
2. You can also do the same with battery connected, ofcourse change the jumper to reg side. And now you should be again able to see the sensor values in the config.

but caution... motors will run now and be extra carefull.


reg
ashta

Ashta, Thanks for your wonderful support and I really appreciate your effort to support this board and help the community.

I did fly the quad with your controller in my small and less than a 10x10 room to take a webcam video. My webcam could not capture a better quality picture/video but i am just pasting a low res picture here.

 


  

great srikar, i am really happy that you could fly it.
do take me granted for any support if u need.
there is a lot more in this board and all the best to u in testing these, namely
1. Accelerometrer
2. Barometer
3.Magnetometer.
4. Battery voltage monitor and alrm cct.
5. Writing your own code and use the unused pind of the micro thru the FETs provided etc.

You shoiuld be able to get a silk smooth flight, once
- You balance the props and get the vibrations to min.
- fine tune the PID values, and other parameters thru the configurator.
- there is a code available whre you can enable one motor at a time and measure the vibration. this is there some where in the thread..


best regards
ashta

@srekar could you please post the video. I have also ordered the same board. It may help.

Pratheesh

Pratheesh,
The video was not at all good with messed up audio sync and low quality as I used a very old webcam to record. And moreover, I tried the quad in a very congested room and hence flight time was also very short even though it worked well. I will post a video once I go outside and fly it.

Mistakes I made during the fist fly,
1. I did not realize that JRE must be right on your PC before you run the MultiWii configuration tool and that was resolved when I changes the JRE (Java Run time Environment.)
2. By mistake, I wrongly fitted the props. This was resolved by referring to MultiWii website/talk to Ashta. Thumb rule is all props should blow air downwards.

Also, I think one should have some basic/minimal RC fly experience (At least a bit of minimal flight simulator on heli). I am good at Airplanes in field but I got only a bit of Heli exposure and Heli wont give time to correct your mistakes like airplanes. But this is strictly my personal opinion.
  


  

Thanx Srekar....

Pratheesh,

Here is the video. Please note that I am a beginner in Heli/Quad Stuff and need to make this flight lot smoother in due course of time. I believe the throttle control may get smooth if I can get rid of some weight from quad(replace with lighter landing gear, motor mounts, etc) ?? 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LPEsabkUYs

srekar bro great work you have done.

Thanks Dharmik.

@srekar thanx for the video will get my board today... if the DTDC office is open for Pickup.... hope to get my quad to fly before i leave for a month tomorrow.

hello srekar congrats for you maiden flight.

Since you are still learning to fly quad i will suggest you to put some shock absorbing arrangement for landing because a hard land crash damage your motors and props.

Dhiraj, Thanks for the advise and I will follow it.

here are some photos of a very shock absorbing landing gear set up, which is easily repalceable and light too. Vey very effective, not so good looking though..

some more pictures

Ashta,

I could test direction hold and stable mode sensors. I followed the calibration procedure as shown in attached picture. One problem is, when I want to trim Acc as sown picture, I can do so in all 3 directions (4th is not working) - up, down and right. But for some reason, left stick input is not being accepted/acknowledged(No Beep/No LED glow)  by the controller.

Even when I calibrate ACC using config tool and also using stick input as shown in picture, still the whole quad is tilting forward and right directions in stable mode. When I tried to trim the ACC as sown in picture, controller is not accepting left stick input as said above.

Any suggestion/idea??

dear srekar,
hope that you have been able to calibrate by now.
however few tipa that i can give is
1. while calibrating the accelerometer, the Quad should be absolutely level.
2. Check and correct if all motors mounted on the arms are straight and there is no angle. Check this very carefully.
3. Beyond doubt all the props are to be balanced for stability.
4. In all the quads i had made the stable mode was working with nutral trims. so i suggest to look at the source of the problem than correcting it thru trims.
pl see the follwoing link
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1261382&page=1392

also in the same thread search "ACC TRIM". there culd be serveral answers/tips.

best regards
ashta

srikar,
here is the link of the bamboo copter frame
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1522092

Being an open source SW people keep updating the SW and currently it is 1.9

Here is a short video in the nearby park. See the stability.

I have two or three more boards. pl send me the pm in case u need.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ashtakurur/MultiwiXBTMPark#5677414509382355698

best regards
ashta

added the Youtube link also.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tH6SltflwVE

Hello Ashta sir,

Long time.  Thats very good stability of your quad.  After installing your WII controller on my quad i got busy with other things and quad project took a toll.  I need to meetup with you.  We're getting a new runway done in Hoskote which will be ready in a week 10 days time, Hope to see you there.

Regards,
Adarsh

thanks Adrash. in fact i wanted to call you and persuade you to install ver1.9. pl call me and let us do it. i thot you are out of station since you said that you will be going to US,  around this time.
let us catch up

best regards
ashta

hello,
here is another video in the near by park,
This is so stable with the new SW. At time 2.20 onwards i am just leaving my hands off the xmittter on and off as you can see.
Since i was shooting with my crude Hatcam, this is the best that i could capture.
thanks for watching
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCSsFpcLv2s

This is the video of my copter wit only the Gyro enabled. I am really happy with the board. Would need to tune the Accelero and the Magnetto also soon... Thank you Ashta sir for all the help.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2z2JQH9pMl4

thanks pratheesh.
I have been practicing to fly the multi.
it takes really some time and hard work to be able to fly this normal, nose in, side wys etc.
Have fun...
also pl note that al the unused pins are available thru FETS on to the connector and you can write your own code and experiment varius things.
assuring all support.
ashta

Ashta sir I would be really interested in connecting the LED strip I have bought. But i think That can wait till i have mastered the Quad and tuned all sensors, as if I crash it i would destroy the LED strip also. I would be troubling u soon to tune my Accelerometer and the magnetto. I will be trying to write the code for the barro as i think the barro code has not been completed yet on the original source.

pratheesh,
Here u will find info on how to trim the accelerometer. pl go thru.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1261382&page=1392

you will also find many info if u search the forum for "Accelerometer trimming"

best regards
ashta

Hi Ashta Sir,

I am interested in making a quadcop myself and went through your feed and am interested in buying the controller board. and how should i proceed please guide me.

Regards,

Vaibhav

i have sent you a private message

Hello Mr.Ashta,
It's a marvelous piece of work. I will be glad to buy the "Full version Board". I live in B'lore so let me if we can meet-up.Can I get in touch with you? BTW what's the price?

@Ashta

Sir,
I am planning to make the quad-copter also with the functionality to be obstacle avoiding that is having ir sensor or ultrasonic sensor so can i attach this type of sensor to ur wii controller and i also want to know about which remote control should i use to control the quad-rotor n what will be its cost n ur cost of wii controller please pm me the price n ill be making it on carbon fiber frame. I'll be highly obliged if u msg me the details
thanking you

Regards
Tarun

Dear Ashta,
Nice to see a fellow Kanndiga in this hobby.  I first tried out quads in 2006 (Dragan vti pro)  and have been on and off because of parts and accessories.  But now I am based in bangalore and have built my quad around the openpilot board.  Their boards are very hard to get because of production issues. 
So how much are you selling your boards for?  Would like to give it a shot and compare.
you can PM me at lobo.roland@gmail.com
also would like to know if you guys have a flying area to hang out once in a while

BR
Roland

dear Roland,
Sorry, i am not a Kannadiga though i live in Bangalore from last 34 years.
I just made 15 of these boards for the hobby people and i have no more in stock.
best regards
ashta

Ha.ha,
It takes what, 10 years to get a Green Card in the USA!!!  You more than qualify to be called a Kannadiga,  That is if you wish.
Anyway when do you plan to produce more? 

we can make one more round if we have min another 12 to 15 orders. else it is not feasible, considering all the items procurement, assy, testing etc.

hello friends,

Here is a 35cms motor to motor quad which i recently made.
1. Keda 22-50 motors, 8x4 prop
2. 12 amp Esc with Simon K Firmware reprogrammed.
3. Assan rcvr
4. My own controller baded on Wii and code by Alex Ver 2.0

here are some Pics and a video

thanks for watching
ashta

one more pic and the video.

At the end of the video,  i am landing the quad on to my hand. it has come only that well since the video is taken by myself,  thru my crude Cap camera.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TszXLGIBQqU

How can i stop myself posting comment, it's rock stable, flies like dream.

Thanks Dharmic

Ashtha sir,

superrrrrrrrrrr flying.

thanks rajsigma

wow it looked as if it was obeying orders.. Rock Stable.. take a bow :bow: :bow:

ashta sir i did see it on the field... wow its a nice bird.....:) {:)} {:)} {:)} {:)} {:)} {:)}

thanks pradeep.
I reprogrammed the EScs with the SIMON K firmware for more stability.
Also with version 2.0 sw, The altitude hold, Magnetometer, and stable mode with accelerometer are all working well.
I will post a video soon.

best regards
ashta

wow.. that's awesome sir.. hope to see that in the field this sunday!!!:)

Guys,  Which field do you meet and fly.  I have a quad which I would like to bring and join in the fun! 

ashta sir can you provide one board for me with gyro+acce. ??????
if so please pm me.......thanks in advance sir!!!!

Ashta Sir,  I too am looking out for one.  Are you planning to produce your second batch soon?

Hi Ashta Sir,

   I am Sunil Kumar from Bangalore & This is my First post in the forum, would be interested in a prototype too.
   Please advice on how to get one.

Thanks
Sunil

sorry pradeep, i am going to calicut this week end. we will meet next weekend.


.

hello Jeevan, sunil,deramfly,
I made 15 of these boards last year and i have sold out all. I first of all made this after going thru, hundreds of posts in  the Multirotor forum of RC Groups. Since we have our own Manufacturing unit as well as Cadding group, i Designed the board and did the lay out. I procurred components for 15 sets, assembled them and sold 14/15 at almost the cost price. 1no,I am keeping myself
Now i do not want to make again and take the responsibility. Instead if any Local hobby store is willing, .
1. I can share the schematics.
2. BOM
3. Gerber files etc.
4. I also can assemble and test the boards and give.
for 1,2,3 since i own it i can give it free to the RC community.
for 4,  This is purely an option. LHS can assemble it else where also. However, if we are assembling and testing, there will be assembly charges as per our company norms.
pl see the board details here.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7CHSuX5N-_kNzA5MDM1NzgtZTlmMi00MTk5LWJkNGItYmIxNDIxNjUzNTRh/edit?authkey=CIrMqrUG&pli=1




best regards
ashta

bes

Thanks for sharing Ashta Sir,  You are truely an inspiration for the rest of us. 
I would like to test out your board when you go out flying next week like you mentioned in the forum.  Where do you guys fly from?

thanks dreamfly. we fly at Hoskote. For Multiwii, we can fly anywhere. istay in BTM lay out.

I'wud surely like to meet you Ashta Sir.  Any directions to the Hoskote flying field?

Hoskote is listed in the mega list of fields, with Google Maps etc :

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-locations-and-clubs/mega-list-of-rc-fields-locations-clubs-in-india/

Thanks Anwar,  Hope to make it this week end.

here is a small video, showing the
Acro mode: Only Gyro
Level mode: Gyro+Accelerometer, (Corrects the level automatically)
Magnetometer: Gyro+Accelerometer+ Magnetometer. Auto Level +Head is held in position.
Will post the Altitude hold using Baro  another time.

Thanks for watching,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HF0d7Hy3E3s

best regards
ashta

here is the multi Wii SE 2.0 with FTDI, by HK, launched today (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__27108__MultiWii_SE_V2_0_Flight_Controller_w_FTDI.html)

(http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/catalog/27108.jpg)

This card has  additionally
FTDI  built in
Un used pins brought out thru FETs for further pgmning and usage
On board battery voltage monitoring
On board Beeper alrm drivers.
Up to 2Amp LED Drivers for external LEDs.
if there is a reqmnt of min 100, it should be able to make it around USD50.00

Ashta Bhai

Will review this soon (With this and the Crius GPS I2C Nav module), interestingly this one is compatible with I2C-GPS NAV Module and CN06 GPS rx, for GPS hold and RTH, GPS is U-blox NEO-6M GPS module, will be interesting to review this stuff, planning to put it on a big FPV model and send it for good, let us see how it spans out

also RCTimer is giving a better pricing (No FTDI, and higher shipping), so i guess for now HK is cheaper (Better than Crius or not i dunno) will see it in the review

sure Augustine. Good luck to you.

Ashta sir here is my quad after a few hours of tuning. still a lot of work is left. I am planning to connect an I2C GPS and a zigbee that I  have with me for a long time.... I was only able to repair it last week after the crash I had a few months back....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lXevAHH7Dk&list=UUvw0wbNcXTqaDZwvGgcw7eQ&index=1

sir,
i too required Full version with Gyro, accelerometer, Barometer and Magnetometer. u hv anything in stock

dear radhkrishna,
sorry, i do not have any more boards.
ashta

Hi Ashta Sir,
I need some pro advice on Co Axial build...Iam half way with the build...Expert Advice is welcome...