If you make a plan to build open source quadcopter/ drone/ UAV/ hexacopter/ multicopter etc. Then looking for best open source quadcopter and searching relevant resources, you are come to the right place. Hold tight time, it will let you have results!
A quadcopter is a quadrotor helicopter which generates it’s lift with the help of a set of rotors. Quadcopter as the name implies means a helicopter with four rotors. In the drones’ category, the quadcopter is by far the most popular one.
Quadcopters are compact in size with features like good control, stability, power and precision. The quadcopter was originally intended to use in helicopter designs but the controlling the speed of each rotors lent a certain instability to it.
In today’s time drones are seen as a very high end device which can be used for military purposes for aerial viewing and spying.
What is Open Source quadcopter?
For all quadcopters one of the most crucial elements is the interaction between the user and the aircraft and the aircraft and the hardware. This interaction takes place via software. The term open source basically refers to software whose source code is freely available on the internet.
In simple terms open source software allows users to modify the codes to create better user experiences. It is like customizing a particular phone or gadget for use.
Similarly an open source quadcopter allows anyone to modify the software to suit their requirements.
The modifications can be completely different from how the software was originally intended to be used by the original developers.
Typically open source quadcopter software makers will list down certain technological specifications or standards which are widely available thus enabling other companies to create products that are compatible.
How to choose the best open source quadcopter?
The software that powers the quadcopter is like the brain of the drone. While open source quadcopters give you immense options to play with, there are some features that will help you choose the best open source quadcopter.
Altitude Hold, Position Hold, Return Home and Waypoint Navigation are some of the most important features that a open source quadcopter must allow to customize.
While looking for the best open source quadcopter, you must look at these options thoroughly as they will determine your drone usage to a great extent. Apart from this the budget factor is also important. If you are at the beginner level, its suggested to go for low priced software that will hone your skills.
The best open source quadcopters
1) Cheerson Cx-20
Control distance: about 300m
Flying altitude: about 300m
Charge mode: Switching Power Supply
Charging time: about 2 hours
Flying time: about 15 minutes
Functions: GPS hold system, auto-return, up and down, forward and backward, side-flying, left and right turning, hover.
The cheerson CX-20 is a high quality open source quadcopter with the ability to shoot and record aerial videos like a professional. It runs on the Adrupilot APM as its open source firmware. It comes with a GPS/ auto pilot, HD camera and video gimbal control.
2) Arducopter
Arducopter is an open source project started at DIY quadcopter. Arducopter is able to be a complete UAV solution capable of both remote control and fully autonomous waypoint based flight.
Ardcopter is an easy to use quadcopter which is supported by Adrupilot APM. It comes with a lot of features like automatic take off and landing, unlimited GPS waypoints, and fully scriptable camera controls.
3) Fluoreon H101
Charging time: 50 – 60mins
Flying time: 5 – 7mins
Control distance: About 20m
Working frequency: 2.4GHz
Flight battery: 3.7V 150mAh Li-Po battery
Transmitter battery: 3 x AAA battery
Function: 3D inverted flight, Up / down, Forward / backward, Swerve, Turn left / right, 360 degrees rollover, One key to return, Headless mode
This is a basic qadcopter that can be used by beginners. The quadcopter is speciafically for indoor use only so first time users can try their hands on this before purchasing the more advanced options. It is easy on the pocket and can be managed by the Silverxxx h101 –acro firmware
Conclusion
To conclude, open source qaudcopters are exciting and interesting would be an understatement. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced user, you can choose the best open source quadcopters from the above as per your requirements.
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November 29, 2016 at 2:19 pm
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