On this week’s episode of MyGeekShow I tested and mastered the auto takeoff feature on the APM I’ve installed on my Nova. It took a few tries and a cracked fuselage to get it, but once I got it performed very well; I set the flight mode to auto, I run down the field, and the motor kicks on without me telling it to, I throw it, and it takes off on it’s own. Very cool.
Next week I’ll be testing the auto land feature, which will be just as exciting.
Equipment Used:
Airplane: Scratch-built Nova, see http://www.MyGeekShow.com for plans and build instructions
Main Camera: iPhone 4s
Airplane Camera: FlyCamOne2
AutoPilot/Stabilization: Ardupilot Mega from http://www.DIYDrones.com
Motor: http://www.hobbypartz.com/75m55-optima450-2220-1800kv-2.html
ESC: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13429
Battery: http://www.hobbypartz.com/77p-sl4400-3s1p-30c-3333.htmlidProduct=6306
Servos: http://www.hobbypartz.com/topromisesg9.html
Prop: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=5437
Stats:
Weight: 32 oz
Thrust: 21 oz
Wing Area: 3.33 square feet
Wing Loading: 5.3 oz per sq ft
If you’re interested in building the Nova, I’ve got free build instructions and plans on my website: http://www.MyGeekShow.com.
-Trent