Development of a Low-Cost, Low-Weight Flight Control System for an Electrically Powered Model Helicopter
Date
2005-03
Authors
Carstens, Nicol
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This project started a new research area in rotary-wing °ight control in the Computer and
Control group at the University of Stellenbosch. Initial attempts to build a quad-rotor
vehicle exposed di±culties which motivated changing to a standard model helicopter as
a test vehicle. A JR Voyager E electrically powered model helicopter was instrumented
with low-cost, low-weight sensors and a data communication RF link.
The total cost of the sensor, communication and microcontroller hardware used is
approximately US$ 1000 and the added onboard hardware weighs less than 0:4 kg. The
sensors used to control the helicopter include a non-di®erential u-Blox GPS receiver,
Analog Devices ADXRS150 rate gyroscopes, Analog Devices ADXL202 accelerometers, a
Polaroid ultrasonic range sensor and a Honeywell HMC2003 magnetometer.
Successful yaw, height and longitudinal position control was demonstrated. Signi¯cant
further work is proposed, based on the literature study performed and the insights and
achievements of the ¯rst rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicle project in the group.
Description
Thesis (MScEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Theses -- Electronic engineering, Theses -- Computer science, Dissertations -- Computer science, Dissertations -- Electronic engineering