Summary of Arduino based Quadrotor on a PCB
This article highlights a DIY Quadrotor project by MIT Ph.D. student Shane Colton, who built the entire system from scratch without commercial radio controls or Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs). The unique design integrates a custom Brushless DC Motor Controller directly onto the PCB that also serves as the quadrotor's frame, powered by an Arduino Pro mini.
Parts used in the Arduino based Quadrotor:
- Arduino Pro mini
- Custom Brushless DC Motor Controller
- PCB acting as the Frame
- Propellers
- Brushless DC Motors
There are many Quadrotor Projects out there. But, they require a hobbyist to deal with the Frame Designing (Mechanical), a bit of Microcontroller knowledge as well as dealing with the Motor Control (Power Electronics). You may purchase a commercial Radio and a readymade Kit for flying. But, to Do-It-Yourself, is an achievement in itself.
Here is a picture of a Quadrotor designed by Shane Colton using Arduino Pro mini as its flying brain. Shane is a Ph.D Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. On being asked about the Project, he replied:
When he says he build the quad from scratch, he literally did it. Neither did he use any commercially available Radio Control, nor did he use any Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs). Instead he went for creating his own Brushless DC Motor Controller, that too, on the same PCB which acts as the Quadrotor’s Frame.
He spent a lot of time researching about propellor balancing as well as vibrations in the PCB. Here is a video:
For more detail: Arduino based Quadrotor on a PCB
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Who designed this specific Quadrotor?
Shane Colton, a Ph.D. Student at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. -
Did the builder use commercially available Radio Control?
No, he did not use any commercially available Radio Control. -
What component was used instead of standard ESCs?
The builder created his own Brushless DC Motor Controller. -
Where is the motor controller located?
The controller is on the same PCB which acts as the Quadrotors Frame. -
What serves as the flying brain for the quadrotor?
An Arduino Pro mini is used as its flying brain. -
What research did the builder conduct regarding vibrations?
He spent time researching propellor balancing and vibrations in the PCB.
