Open Source Cinematography Quadcopter

The goal of this Cinematography Quadcopter is to create an open source platform that can be used for areal photography and cinematography, and provide a platform that can be adjusted or manipulated based on the objectives of the quadcopter.

Background

The goal of this project is to create an open source quadcopter platform that is able to capture 4K resolution pictures and videos. This platform is based on previous open source hardware to control the software and electronics of the quadcopter, and the frame is designed using the open source software FreeCAD to make a 3D printed frame. This 3D printed frame and open source components makes the cost of this project minimal while maintaining a reliable and customizable platform. The quadcopter also contains features to make it weather resistant in order to increase its longevity.

Problem Statement

The current market options for a quadcopter that supports a 4K resolution camera are limited and expensive. Using common quadcopter components and open source options, this solution allows the common user to build off this existing platform to create the quadcopter to fit their needs. This platform allows the user to manipulate or change features on the frame while using software that is completely open source and free to the public. This eliminates the expensive costs of prototyping, and allows the user to customize the quadcopter to add additional payloads.

Project Significance

This quadcopter allows the user to create a customized platform to suit their cinematography needs. It allows the user to add additional payloads or alter the dimensions of the frame to make a larger or smaller quadcopter to fit each scenario.

Project Goals:

• Create a frame platform using open source software
  Use FreeCAD to create 3D models of the frame
• Use open source plugins in FreeCAD to create a 3D assembly of the frame
• Use open source plugins in FreeCAD to perform FEA analysis
• Withstand a fall while in flight

Utilize PETG filament to 3D print the frame

• Control the quadcopter using a handheld remote control
  Utilize an Arduino Uno R3 to control the operations of the quadcopter
• Weather resistant

Create a cover to house the essential components inside the center of the quadcopter

• Verify each components works properly on its own as well as with each other
  Create a demo of the quadcopter in flight and sample photos and videos

Future Goals:

• Create mounting for an additional payload
  The quadctoper will have an attachment on the underside to attach additional cameras or equipment
• Utilize the GoPro mounting system
• Attach a LiDAR sensor to the quadcopter

Allows for the "Follow Me" function as well as autonomous hover

• Attach a GPS unit
  Allows for GPS location lock when paired with a LiDAR sensor for autonomous hovering

Part Choices

Because this quadcopter is open source, the components used to build the quadcopter must be accessible to everyone. Because of this, an Arduino Uno R3 was chosen as it is open source based and minimalistic. This Arduino is paired with the MultiWii drone software which allows the user to input the components chosen into the code and make adjustments. Because this software was chosen to fly the quadcopter, typical components were chosen to simplify the prototyping process. Emax MT2213-935KV motors were chosen as each motor can produce a maximum of 935kV, generating an excess of lift when paired with 10" propellers. This combination allows the quadcopter to carry an additional payload of a camera or other equipment without suffering from a lack of power. Because these high power motors were chosen, 30A BLHeli-S Rev16 V3 ESCs and a 3S lip battery were also chosen to power the motors. These components ensure that the motors are provided with plenty of power while being able to fly for an extended period of time. In order for the quadcopter to accurately determine its pitch, yaw, and roll, a GY85 9 degree of freedom IMU was implemented. Each of these components allows the quadcopter to fly safely and effectively. After these components were chosen, a camera must be chosen to deliver the 4k photos and videos. The camera that was chosen for this task was the RunCam Hybrid Micro FPV camera. This camera uses an onboard microSD card to capture the photos and videos eliminating the use of an external module.

Filament Choice

Since this quadcopter contains powerful motors, the frame must be able to withstand not only the forces of the motors, but also the force generated from a fall or crash. Because of this, PETG was the chosen material for the quadcopter to be made of due to its impressive material properties. The frame components were 3D printed using a Lulzbot Taz Pro using a nozzle that accepts 2.85mm filament.

Printing Settings

In order for the frame to be strong enough to survive a fall, a high infill density is used. An infill density of 80% with an infill pattern of triangles was used. This infill pattern and density allows the frame to be strong enough to survive a fall, but reduces the weight when compared to 100% infill pattern. The high detail setting was also used with a layer height of 0.18mm.

Frame Components

Bottom Plate (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Bottom Plate with mount for the RunCam Hybrid Micro FPV Camera. | 1 |
|

Top Plate (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Top plate with mounts for Arduino Uno R3. | 1 |
|

Back Arms (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Rear arms. | 2 |
|

Front Left Arm (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Front Left Arm. | 1 |
|

Front Right Arm (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Front Right Arm. | 1 |
|

Sliding Covers (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Sliding covers for the arms. | 4 |
|

Center Cover (Photo: Dcmercie on Appropedia, CC BY-SA 4.0) | Center cover to protect the essential electronics. | 1 |

Credits

Senior Design project developed by Dylan Mercier, Joaquin Ganoza, Harris Neill

Where this page came from

This page was imported from Appropedia. “Open Source Cinematography Quadcopter” from Appropedia, by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0. Changed here: set as a page; the project databox, notices and edit links left out; each photo under its own licence, credited in its caption.

Nobody has written it yet — it is the source material at a new address, which is why search engines are asked to skip it and why no one earns from it. It is up for grabs: take it on, and it is yours to rewrite and to earn from.