hi, I would like to get started with programming quad copters. However I do not have knowledge of hardware to build them. I was looking at AR Parrot Drone for $300 that I could program using ROS, node.js, etc. Are there cheaper options ? Can Hubsan Quads,etc be programmed to fly? I'm open to kits that do not require soldering or anything complex. All help appreciated. Cheers, Ronin
The programming interfaces differ, but some of the open source units may be good to start with. http://witespyquad.gostorego.com/flight-controllers.html http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__26588__multiwii_pro_flight_controller_w_mtk_gps_module.html The next step up would be APM: http://store.3drobotics.com/t/parts/autopilots Hobbyking and some others sell APM clones for much less: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__37328__hkpilot_mega_v2_5_flight_controller_usb_gyro_acc_mag_baro.html You can buy some quads that have APM already installed - but you have to make sure they have the real APM as some of the makers tend to change flight controllers: https://github.com/jlnaudin/x-VTOLdrone/wiki/Inside-the-Cheerson-CX-20-Auto-pathfinder-(or-called-the-Quanum-Nova)
Very good information, thanks. Could you point me to tutorial to install APM on ready to fly quadcopters like Hubsan Quads, etc ?
I think it would be better to buy a kit or quadcopter with a built-in USB or other connection so you could install and program the OS..... This is a big APM machine at a low cost: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__55106__Quanum_Nova_FPV_GPS_Waypoint_QuadCopter_Mode_2_Ready_to_Fly_.html Many of the other projects, like multiwii, have forums which give a lot of options. For details you'll probably do better asking questions in some of those places. After all, we are mostly for beginners and RTF here. http://www.multiwii.com/connecting-elements