Building a Quadcopter from Scratch - Tips & Resources

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on building a quadcopter from scratch, specifically focusing on creating custom electronic components such as a 2.4 GHz FM transmitter and receiver. The user expresses dissatisfaction with existing resources that primarily utilize Arduino boards. Recommendations include using integrated circuits (ICs) from manufacturers like Texas Instruments, Analog Devices, and Cypress for the ISM band. The Jennic 5139 transceiver module is suggested for its compatibility with SPI interfaces and C programming, although a development kit is required for implementation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of RF communication principles, particularly in the 2.4 GHz ISM band.
  • Familiarity with microcontroller programming, specifically in C.
  • Knowledge of interfacing with transceiver modules using SPI or similar serial interfaces.
  • Access to a spectrum analyzer for frequency band analysis.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research 2.4 GHz transceiver modules from manufacturers like Texas Instruments and Cypress.
  • Explore the Jennic 5139 development kit and its programming requirements.
  • Learn about RF circuit design for building custom FM transmitters and receivers.
  • Investigate FCC regulations regarding power levels for RC frequencies.
USEFUL FOR

Hobbyists, electronics engineers, and anyone interested in building custom quadcopters and RF communication systems from scratch.

digitalblggr
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I am planning to build a quadcopter from the scratch. I tried to do some research online, and am not happy with what I found. Everyone used Aurdino boards, and just connected the parts together. eg. http://aeroquad.com/

I want to build all electronic components myself like wireless FM tranmitter and receiver, but I cannot find a good enough source detailing all the requirements.

Any help is appreciated.
 
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digitalblggr said:
I am planning to build a quadcopter from the scratch. I tried to do some research online, and am not happy with what I found. Everyone used Aurdino boards, and just connected the parts together. eg. http://aeroquad.com/

I want to build all electronic components myself like wireless FM tranmitter and receiver, but I cannot find a good enough source detailing all the requirements.

Any help is appreciated.

Sounds like a fun project. Do you have access to a spectrum analyzer that covers the frequency band that you want to use for the remote control? Are you going to use the traditional RC frequencies? I'm not sure offhand -- what is the allowed power level to the antenna for the RC frequencies?
 
I want to build a 2.4 GHz FM transmitter and receiver. ( One of the allowed bands by FCC). I still haven't zeroed on the transmitter/receiver design though. Any suggestions?
 
digitalblggr said:
I want to build a 2.4 GHz FM transmitter and receiver. ( One of the allowed bands by FCC). I still haven't zeroed on the transmitter/receiver design though. Any suggestions?

That ISM band is one of the easier ones to build to. As long as there are no microwave ovens or WiFi routers/laptops nearby, it's a pretty open band.

Several manufacturers make ICs for the ISM band. I think TI, Analog Devices, and Cypress offer ICs and modules. You could google 2.4GHz transceiver modules, to see what manufacturers make them. You would typically interface to the transceiver modules over SPI or similar serial interface, from your uC.
 
Try the Jennic 5139.

You program it in C and the software is free.

You want to get the development kit and that's a few hundred dollars though.
 

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