Update on the lost signal alarm

In short, don't use the throttle servo as I did. Apparently it doesn't move enough during flight so the alarm behaves as if the signal is lost from time to time. I'm now using something else, channel 4, whatever that is, but it works fine. Channel 3 is throttle.

Sensors, sensors

 

This is how I've mounted the ultrasonic range finder. It needs to be mounted some distance away from other electronics to avoid interference. I still don't know if this will work but it's a first try. Otherwise I'll have to find another solution. The range finder has a maximum range of five meters and should be pretty exact. I still have no clue how the flight controller will treat it's information in conjunction with it's on-board barometer. That's for the future to tell.

The other sensor, or should I say alarm, is a lost signal alarm. It reacts by emitting beeps after one minute of no change to the servo I've attached it to. It's currently attached to the throttle and so, if I don't change the throttle for one minute, it'll start beeping. I'd say the theory is that if you don't move the stick for more then a minute, your signal should probably be lost. Anyhow, then after another minute, it'll sound a more than 85dB beep until it's regained signal. In theory you should then be able to find your model if it's crashed somewhere out of sight. Cheap insurance policy.

Long time, no post, another package

 

As there hasn't been a lot of progress since last post, I've waited with posting more. However now, I've got another package in the mail containing:

• 9x4.7 propellers
• Another 5000mAh battery
• Spare 3.5mm and 5.5mm gold connectors
• 85dB lost signal alarm
• 3.5v uBEC

I ordered the propellers to have some slightly weaker than the 10x5.0 propellers I ordered previously. I've kind of come to the conclusion that the motors and propellers I ordered are slightly over powered to what the quad will weigh. These propellers will slightly reduce the thrust.

Another battery will gain 5000mAh more and 450g weight. This will counter the thrust and also give more flight time if used in parallel with the old battery.

The lost signal alarm is activated if the signal is lost for more than one minute and will sound at 85dB. This is a cheap insurance policy to find a quad that might lay wrecked in a bush somewhere it'd otherwise not be found.

I ordered the 3.5v uBEC before I understood that the OrangeRX radio receiver I have wants 5v. I blame that on my dyslexia ;).

Another plus is that I've got advance notice of that my package with the replacement motor will be available for pickup Monday. Stay tuned until then!