Week 1 (13-19 May)
- Researched on overall structure and components of a drone
- Created the sensor module
- Started working on the code for the remote control
- Scavenged for old spare parts and hardware for us to play with!
- Sourced for parts purchases
- Summary: Drone Hardware Research 1.0
- Brainstormed ideas and split responsibilities
Week 2 (20-26 May)
- Decided on the overall design of the drone
- Tested and improved on the sensor array
- Decided that the four sensor array has to pivot and move to detect slanted objects
- Learned how to use the servo and tested to move the sensor array
- Read and executed different functions based on joy stick
- Read buttons and executed different code
- Displayed lights accordingly
- Included weight and thrust considerations
- Updated: Drone Hardware Research 2.0
Week 3 (27 May – 2 June)
- Sent and received data between two Arduinos
- Discussed and finalised the Bill of Materials (BOM) list
- Purchased items from BOM list
Week 4 (3-9 June)
- One-way communication established
- Received goods
- Reordered lipo batteries due to delivery issues
- Accounted for received goods: Drone Hardware Research 2.1
Week 5 (10-16 June)
- Set up receiver to remote control
- Calibrated Ardupilot flight controller and motors
- Connected Ardupilot flight controller to motors
- Decoded receiver data
- Researched on normal flight mode of flight controller
Week 6 (17-23 June)
- Pin layout optimisation
- Decided on number of channels
- Receiver emulation by Arduino
- Basic two-way communication established between RF modules
- Established identity of drone: HILDA (Helping Idiots Land Drones Again)
- Completed assembly of HILDA 1.0, worked on hardware and soldering
Week 7 (24-30 June)
- Drone arming achieved
- Conducted first test flights of HILDA 1.0
- and… Crashed HILDA 1.0
- 3D Printed landing gear + Battery holder 2-in-1 for HILDA 2.0
- and… Crashed HILDA 2.0
Week 8 (1-7 July)
- Purchased new receiver
- Updated BOM List: Drone Hardware Research 3
Week 9 (8-14 July)
- Flat drone created for code testing
- Ardupilot flight controller replaced due to faulty barometer
- HILDA 3.0 assembled (new landing gear)
- HILDA 3.0 flight tested and… Crashed
- Leg replaced for HILDA 4.0
Week 10 (15-21 July)
- New landing gears 3D printed for HILDA 4.0
- Conducted indoor stabilization and directionality tests using strings, adjusted RC trim values
- Explored autotrim function to enhance stability
- Sensor mount 3D printed and added onto HILDA 4.0
- Alt Hold flight mode tested, configured advanced parameter values -> Good stability achieved
- Indoor unbounded flight tests conducted
- Drone arm and channel control established using Arduino (Armed with a button!)
- Anticollision code refined with mission planner interface
- Video Storyboard created (MnT Storyboard)
Week 11 (22-28 July)
- CNYang FOP very busy!
- Finalised anticollision code
- Video storyboard settled
Week 12(29-5 August)
- Filming and Video + Poster editing
- Conducted anticollision trials against hard surfaces successfully
- Project presentation