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Looking for a fixed wing autopilot system

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Looking for a fixed wing autopilot system

Old 09-09-2014, 06:35 PM
  #1  
308jockey
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Default Looking for a fixed wing autopilot system

Evening all,

I've been approached recently by some land owners in the area regarding a way to keep an eye on their property. A lot of it is in crops but much of it is wooded and not being used in a structured way. Their interests seem to be partly a way to keep an eye on crops but also a way to keep an eye on areas that see fewer people. While I don't know specifically what they are trying to determine in the planted areas (I'm not a farmer) I suspect their greater interest is to see that no one is trespassing and perhaps setting up agricultural operations surreptitiously ie. no one is growing pot in some of the more remote areas which has become a problem for some landowners in the area. Anyway, they are looking for a way to easily watch the area on a regular basis without physically visiting it all.
They've heard all the media buzz on drones and figure there is something to this. My solution is to use a fixed wing gas powered airplane with an autopilot that can be programmed to fly a specific mission and use either FPV or something like a Go Pro that can be downloaded and analyzed later. My personal requirements include gas power, 90+ minutes range in fuel and batteries and a total weight of about 18 pounds. The airframes I like for this are either the Aeroworks GT Trainer or a Robinhood. The GT has the advantage of being a good quality ARF that looks like it should be able to carry enough fuel and batteries to fly for 90 minutes and operate the onboard electronics as well as carry a good quality video camera. The Robinhood will have to be built from plans, is heavier and slower but will lift a lot of weight and has a cavernous fuselage. Another alternative would be a Kadet Senior for shorter missions. I've flown all three of these airplanes many times so am familiar with their characteristics. There is plenty of room for takeoff and landing so for that reason as well as simplicity and reliability I'm less interested in heli's or multicopters.
My question then is what autopilots would be available at reasonable cost that can be programmed to fly a set course and return to a starting point? It needs to be reliable and straightforward to program and operate. None of these flights will be over any populated areas so I'm not concerned with damaging anything should the plane go down but I want something I can count on to be proven and not full of bugs. It doesn't have to be the very latest, it just needs to be able to fly the mission described once or twice a month. I would guess this plane will see about 10 hours of use per month probably 10 months out of the year. I can research the various systems out there but wonder what is working the best for people right now? Any insights will be appreciated. Thanks.

Rick H.
Old 09-26-2014, 09:14 AM
  #2  
Thunder Chicken
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How about a tethered balloon with a camera?
Old 09-26-2014, 11:16 PM
  #3  
dancerindark
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Maybe help you!


Jouav autopilot support Fixwing, Helicopter, Mutilcopter, flap wing, cyclogyro.
This autopilot name AP-201.
This is autoland!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ltei_2LeS8

120kg fixwing,autoland,The autopilot comes from jouav。 http://en.jouav.com

This is auto takeoff!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5djMXHSyDes

This is AF25B hover test ,The Autopilot is AP-201H
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMcBEuZkUSw

This is f550 frame is disturbed. The Autopilot is NP-100. The autopilot comes from jouav.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAnT...jLpm__zJEQGRbw

This is flap wing. Thie Autopilot is MP-100.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjQ9...jLpm__zJEQGRbw

This is cyclogyro. The Autipilot is MP-100.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=mEC1fhlYflY
Old 06-11-2015, 07:20 PM
  #4  
myrcfpv
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MFD Autopilot control
MFD Autopilot manual:
http://www.mymfd.com/download/MFD_AP_en.pdf
video wiring of the Autopilot:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peX3BOoyPFk
MFD Autopilot shop:
http://pt.aliexpress.com/store/produ...294826160.html
fpv shop:
www.mymfd.com
MFD AP is by MyFlyDream. here is the feature of the AP.
Main Features:
1. All In One design. AutoAntennaTracking/AHRS based AutoPilot(3-Axis gyro+accelerometer
+magnetic compass + barometer)/Advance OSD/Power module/... are all built in this small,light unit.
2. Fully compatible with AAT system
3. Rich extension ports for Sonar/Air Speed Sensor/Other accessories.
4. AHRS is build-in with Anti-vibration design, easy to install on the plane without any damper.
5. Compatible with MAVLink protocol. Support APM Planner GroundStation software. You can synchronize the waypoints by clicking one button. There are also some GS Apps for mobile phones available.
6. Support PPM/PWM input.
7. All functions/parameters can be accessed by the transmitter and OSD menu.
8. The first AutoPilot transmitting downlink data for tracking via both VIDEO and AUDIO signals.
9. Shipped with customized shielded cables for camera/video transmitter, 10Hz LS20033GPS, 100A current sensor and USB programmer for firmware update. easy to setup.
One unit have everything, If you have MFD AAT. You don't need to use the telefly now. the AP can handle the fly and also the downlink for the tracker, it can be use video signal and audio signal to download the data from the airplane. I have been flying with it for 4 months. enjoying it and also help to test fly the AP. for more information, look at my youtube channel and the MyFlyDream. Also if you live in USA, can PM me for more information.
my personal experience is easy to setup and tune. the product that you can put your equipment on it.
MFD AP need to please contact me.

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