Quadcopters, also known as drones or multicopters, represent a relatively new field in model construction, emerging in the early 2000s primarily for flying camera inspections. This book explores the various names and applications of quadcopters, highlighting their versatility and the evolution of technology that has made them popular. It delves into their development and the growing interest in their use for both recreational and commercial purposes.
The book explores the transformative impact of 2.4 GHz radio control technology in the early 2000s, marking a significant shift from traditional MHz frequencies in model construction. It delves into how this advancement has influenced modern communication technologies, enhancing the capabilities and performance of various devices. Through detailed analysis, the book highlights the implications of these innovations on the hobbyist community and the broader technology landscape.
The booklet provides a concise introduction to deep learning, focusing on neural networks and their training processes. It explains how computers learn from training data and apply this knowledge to similar problems. Two straightforward Python examples illustrate the concepts of forward and back propagation, demonstrating practical applications such as learning truth tables and recognizing questionnaires. The included code is complete and designed for easy comprehension, making it accessible for beginners interested in artificial intelligence.
Focused on operational amplifier circuits, this collection offers examination papers along with detailed solutions tailored for Bachelor and Master students. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding complex electronic concepts through practical exercises, enhancing both theoretical knowledge and problem-solving skills in electronics.
Focusing on essential information, this booklet offers practical guidance for purchasing quadrocopters and includes a comprehensive flight school. It aims to equip readers with the fundamental knowledge needed to navigate the world of quadrocopters without unnecessary details.
Since the beginning, the development of quadcopters and drones has been strongly influenced by sensors in combination with microprocessors. These flight systems would not be feasible without sensors, because gyros, acceleration sensors and inertial measurement units, for example, are absolutely necessary to make them fly. These are used for axis control. Others, such as the electronic compass, the air pressure sensor or GPS, make control considerably easier for the pilot. Together with sophisticated software, additional sensors such as ultrasonic, infrared or cameras allow additional functions such as automated take-offs and landings, obstacle detection or object tracing. All these sensors and their physical principles are explained in this booklet and their use and possibilities in quadrocopters and drones are discussed.
With understandable formulas and block diagrams
This booklet is intended for everyone who wants to set the control parameters of a quadcopter or who works on his own projects with quadcopters. For anyone who wants to understand why a quadrocopter flies at all, or how it realizes the self-balancing, and how to choose controller parameters so that it reaches a predetermined angle of attack in nick or roll, the reading is recommended. For this purpose, the flight mechanics is first derived in the chapter 'Physical Model'. This leads to the simple model of an axis with two motors. So that a quadcopter can move in one direction, a regulation must be provided which brings it into an angle of attack. This is dealt with in the 'Axis Control' chapter. The drift itself is then either controlled visually by the quadcopter pilot himself or with a superimposed controller that uses GPS as a sensor. This regulation is dealt with in the chapter 'GPS Control'. There are many controller structures for quadcopters in the literature. The one discussed here was deliberately chosen so that it can be implemented with as many flight controllers as possible. In particular, the separation into a subordinate axis control and a superimposed GPS control corresponds to the state of the art in quadcopter controls.
In recent years, brushless DC motors and controllers have begun an unparalleled triumph in model construction and in all technical fields. This book is intended to show how a brushless motor works. The basic principle is discussed first, before all the key terms such as kV and rpm/V, operating voltage, load and idle current, torque, turns, electrical and mechanical power, losses, efficiency, etc. are explained. A brushless motor can't work without a brushless controller, it requires a three-phase AC voltage. To increase the speed properly, the controller must have information on the rotor position. This can be done by Hall sensors or directly via the motor windings. All that will be taken into account in the book.
With calculation examples of motor and propeller combinations
The quadcopters and multicopters used today are driven by brushless motors as standard. In most cases these drive the propellers directly. A gear is used in exceptional cases. This configuration of the drive is essential to the success of the quadcopter in many technical areas and those of everyday life. They can be implemented easily and without complicated mechanics. In addition, the brushless motors including controllers have efficiencies of over 70% and higher, which also makes the drives very efficient. It is therefore to be expected that this type of drive will determine the quadcopters to be developed in the future. In this booklet, the basics for calculating the motor and propeller combinations are worked out. In all cases, these are supplemented with practical calculation examples.
In order to model a real system, differential equations are usually derived, which are based on physical principles. When modelling a characteristic hysteresis, the mathematical equations are also based on the physics underlying hysteresis, but they are nonlinear effects. Therefore, a different approach is taken in the modelling. A measurement is used as the basis for modelling. This means that a specific measurement curve that determines the parameters must first be available. The advantage of this method is that it can be applied to many technical fields. The method presented here can be verified using the example of piezo elements, but it can also be applied to the magnetization characteristic of ferromagnetic materials. The methods of Preisach and Mayergoyz are presented and explained in this booklet. Examples are calculated with Matlab. The Matlab source code is printed at the end.