When building a UAS it’s easy to let the cost creep, and to some extent, this can be tolerated when using a single aircraft. But when designing an aircraft that will be produced in higher numbers cost reduction is necessary.
We set out to construct a low-cost platform that could be used for experimenting with inter-drone communication and collaborative path planning. Multi-rotor aircraft are the favourite for research and seem to get all the attention and for good reason. They are able to fly in close proximity to each other allowing for easy communication, and they can hover while they plan their next action. They are however expensive when compared to their fixed-wing counterparts, requiring four times the speed controllers and motors. They also burn through batteries faster resulting in shorter flight times.
We opted to build our platform using the Eachine Micro Skyhunter, which while small offers enough internal space for an autopilot, flight computer, and peripherals. When paired with the recommended battery, a 1400mha three cell, it is able to fly for 20 minutes.
The hardware consists of the following:
- $70 – Micro Skyhunter Kit (includes motor, esc, and servos)
- $39 – SP Racing F3 Delux (Flight Controller with mag and barometer)
- $16 – GPS
- $20 – Orange Pi Zero (Single board computer, quad core @ 1.2Ghz, wifi)
- $16 – Multistar Lipo (3 Cell, 1500mha)
- $19 – FrSky Radio Receiver
Which results in a total hardware cost of $180. This could be further reduced in future by removing the RC Receiver and passing control signals from the flight computer, to the flight controller, through the serial connection.
Internal view over the Micro Skyhunter showing the flight controller, GPS, RC receiver, and FTDI connection for setup (outside).