Senior Design group 3

Introduction

SmartCopter is a device that is mounted to the underside of a RC helicopter and records flight data. Such as acceleration, rotation, current heading, and current video. All while streaming video from the helicopter.

Motivation

The motivation behind our project is to create a black box device to study the forces involved with RC helicopter flight. With this knowledge we hope to understand how changes in flight surfaces affect the overall flight characteristics. This could then be used as a stepping stone to create an autonomous control system for the helicopter. By analyzing the sensor data we can create assumptions as to how to control the craft. One other reason for developing the black box is similar to the reason black boxes is installed on full sized aircraft, to investigate accidents. With information about why the craft crashed we can use that information to prevent future accidents. Also by studying the forces involved we can try to understand the tolerances of certain components and where structural integrity needs to be increased. Not only that but by recording the flight data user error can be detected and corrected helping train rookie pilots in the operation of the craft.

Group members

Alvida Rolle	is a native Floridian. Her interest in electronics was inspired by her father’s knowledge of computers and printers. After graduation Allie hopes to obtain a job in the field of engineering. She eventually intends to attend graduate school in the possible pursuit of law or architecture. In which both fields she can apply her electrical degree.
Brian Williams	Williams has lived in the central Florida area for about 12 years. It was a collaboration of all his experiences growing up as a military child who sparked Brian’s interest in aerial aviation and in engineering in general. Brian is seeking his Bachelor of Science in the field of Electrical Engineering.
Matthew Campbell	is a native Floridian who has had an great interest in computer science for as long as he can remember. Matthew has also held interest in learning various related electrical engineering applications. He is seeking a Bachelor of Science in the field of Computer Engineering and has a minor in business.