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Self-Stabilizing Quad Rotor hElicopter!

 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles have played a crucial role in modern warfare, reducing both cost and human liability. This reduction in cost has been relative and does not offer much for non-defense firms and the general public. The aim of the project is to create a lightweight, low cost, easy to use UAV for various applications. Such a device could have applications in areas such as warfare reconnaissance or for civilian uses such as for humanitarian aid, surveying missions, or amusement purposes.

The quad-copter incorporates a medium to low power usage design running off of battery power.  Two batteries are incorporated into the design, one low power and one medium power, to maintain a clean source for the electronic boards. The main drain to the power source is  from the motors necessary to lift the aircraft off the ground and maintain stability.  As with all aircraft, it is essential to reduce weight; therefore, all components are  lightweight to accommodate for less power consuming motors. The use of smaller motors allows for increased flight time due to a reduction in power consumption.  The main frame of the quad-copter is constructed from lightweight aluminum tubing and designed to provide the largest possible stability to the aircraft.

In order to maximize the stability of the aircraft, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is used to regulate and compensate for aircraft movements. The IMU tracks altitude, speed, position, direction and log the data. This information is then used to stabilize the aircraft and support other features of the craft.

The central controller is the interface for all of the modules on the quad-copter. It is be capable of receiving the data from the IMU and data sent from the user to control the modules responsible for changing motor speed. The central board, with the central processor mounted on it, has pin headers so that the other modules can be connected by wire to the central controller. Connecting the modules in this manner allows for damaged modules to be easily removed and replaced. This also allows for modules to be upgraded or changed based on user preferences.