Welcome to the Quad-Copter website!
The Quad-Copter is a small lightweight hover-capable vehicle that can be controlled over a custom wireless system. The Quad-Copter has a robust sensor suite so that it can also operate in a more autonomous mode. The autonomous mode includes subsystems such as a GPS module so that the Quad-Copter, once given a GPS target location, can make its own way to the target coordinates without further human control. This flight mode requires additional subsystems such as ultrasonic proximity sensors, so that the robot can detect and avoid obstacles (including the ground) and a digital compass, so that its direction can be detected and corrected. All of these sensors send a lot of data to the MCU, the brain of the Quad-Copter, which must process the information according to its algorithms and prompt the appropriate subsystems to action. An especially complex task assigned to the MCU is to maintain level flight by varying the speed of individual motors based upon the calculation of data received from the IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The IMU combines data from a triple-axis accelerometer and a dual-axis gyroscope using a sensor fusion algorithm. The subsystems of the Quad-Copter are interdependent, linked by the MCU, the physical frame, and the power system. Power comes at a premium in an aerial vehicle where flight duration varies directly with its total weight. The frame must be designed strong and rigid enough to support all the other systems yet, light enough to so as to prolong flight duration to acceptable levels.
- The people that made it happen -
Stephen Smith will be graduating from the University of Central Florida with a BSCpE in December 2010. He is planning to enter the workforce in the field of computer engineering upon graduation. His interests include reading and martial arts.
David Malgoza will graduate from the University of Central Florida with a BSEE in December 2010. He is planning to enter the workforce upon graduation and to pursue graduate studies in the field of power electronics. Dave’s interests include classical and jazz music.
Joshua West will be graduating from the University of Central Florida with a BSCpE in December 2010. He is planning to enter the workforce in the field of embedded system engineer upon graduation. He currently interns at SAIC, and is hoping to have a career there
Engers F. Davance Mercedes will be graduating from the University of Central Florida with a BSEE in December 2010. He is planning to enter the workforce upon graduation and to pursue graduate studies in the field of communication theory and radio frequency engineering. His interests include video games and cooking.