If you’re curious about building your very own hexacopter drone using the Apm 2.8 Ardupilot, you’ve come to the right guide. Here, you’ll be walked through every crucial step, ensuring you have all the essentials to get your drone up and flying. Whether it’s assembling the frame or connecting the electronic components, you’ll have everything you need to navigate the process smoothly, all inspired by the handy insights from Indian LifeHacker.
With the Apm 2.8 flight controller as your trusty companion, this guide gives you the scoop on creating a functional flying machine right from your workspace. Avoiding the pitfalls of costly imports, you’ll find ways to source parts locally, paired with useful tips on tackling customs and delivery. So, get ready to embrace this exciting project and have fun as you embark on your journey into the world of drone-making.
In this video, you will be guided step by step on how to make a Hexacopter drone using the Ardupilot Apm 2.8 flight controller.
Tutorial of Drone with kk 2.1.5 (in Rs 8400): • How to make a Cheapest Drone with KK2…
Stuff needed for this video:
Hexacopter Combo kit with Apm 2.8: https://www.flyrobo.in/hexacopter-dro…
Suggested battery and charger:
Limbos 11.1V 3S Li-ion Battery (approx. 15-20 minutes flight time): https://www.flyrobo.in/11.1v-3s-li-io…
iMAX B6-AC: https://www.flyrobo.in/imax_b6-ac_b6a…
Low quality and low price charger: https://www.flyrobo.in/imax-b3-lipo-b…
(Additional) Camera gimbal: https://www.flyrobo.in/2-axis-brushle…
Software: https://ardupilot.org/planner/docs/mi…
Music by: / ikson
Required Materials and Tools
Constructing a hexacopter from scratch can be both an exciting and rewarding endeavor. To kick off your build, you’ll need a clear understanding of the materials and tools required. Let’s dive into the essentials.
List of all necessary components for building the hexacopter
To construct your hexacopter, you will need:
- Hexacopter Frame: This is the skeleton of your drone. It should be lightweight yet strong enough to handle the motors and electronics.
- Brushless Motors (x6): These motors are responsible for propelling the hexacopter and must be compatible with your frame.
- Propellers (x12): Six pairs are needed, as each motor requires a matching pair for optimum balance.
- Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) (x6): These regulate the power to your motors, ensuring smooth speed control.
- APM 2.8 Ardupilot: Your flight controller that will manage the drone’s flight dynamics.
- Power Distribution Board: Distributes power equally amongst the primary components.
- GPS Module (optional): For enhanced navigation capabilities.
- Battery: A high-capacity LiPo battery that suits your flight time requirements.
- Receiver and Transmitter (Tx/Rx): For remote control operations.
- Wiring and Connectors: To connect all electronic components.
Suggested battery and charger models
For a reliable power source, consider a 3S or 4S Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery, with a capacity ranging between 3000-5000mAh depending on your desired flight time. Pair this with a compatible balance charger like the iMax B6AC, ensuring consistent and safe charging cycles.
Tools required for assembly
To assemble your hexacopter, have the following tools on hand:
- Soldering Iron and Solder: Essential for making secure electronic connections.
- Screwdriver Set: Both Phillips and flat-head for assembling the frame and securing motors.
- Wire Strippers: To prepare wires for connection.
- Heat Shrink Tubing: For insulating exposed wires.
- Pliers: Useful for tightening components and manipulating wires.
- Multimeter: To check voltage and ensure proper connections.
- Allen Wrench Set: For securing motor mounts and other frame components.
Understanding the APM 2.8 Ardupilot
The heart of your hexacopter’s flight system, the APM 2.8 Ardupilot, is where all the essential calculations and decisions happen during flight.
Overview of the APM 2.8 flight controller
The APM 2.8 Ardupilot is a widely-used, open-source flight controller capable of managing multi-rotor drones. It consists of onboard sensors for navigation, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and often a magnetometer for improved stability and control. This device allows you to program flight paths and modes, giving you ultimate control over your build.
Comparison with other controllers like KK2.1.5
When contrasting the APM 2.8 with the KK2.1.5, several differences emerge. APM 2.8 is feature-rich, supporting GPS functionality, advanced stabilization algorithms, and broader programming capabilities. In contrast, the KK2.1.5, while easier to set up and suitable for beginners, lacks advanced features like autonomous flight modes and requires manual nodes for stabilization which limits its scope.
Benefits of using APM 2.8 in hexacopters
The benefits of the APM 2.8 lie in its versatility and extensive functionality. It supports multiple flight modes, including loiter, return to home, and autonomous missions. This makes it highly advantageous for hexacopters designed for various applications, from aerial photography to automated delivery solutions. Additionally, its open-source nature allows for customization and community support.
Assembling the Drone Frame
Now that you have your components ready, it’s time to bring them together starting with the frame assembly.
Steps to assemble the hexacopter frame
Begin by laying down the bottom plate of your hexacopter frame. Securely attach the arms to the plate, ensuring stability and alignment. Next, secure the top plate over the arms, leaving enough space between the plates for the flight controller and other electronic components. Check that everything is tightly fastened to prevent any movement during flight.
Installing shock absorbers to prevent vibrations
Shock absorbers play a crucial role in mitigating vibrations that can affect flight stability. Install them between the top plate and any surface that will support your flight controller. Use appropriate spacers or dampening balls as needed to absorb and dissipate vibrations transmitted through the frame.
Attaching the brushless motors to the frame
Each arm of the hexacopter frame is designated for a motor mount. Use the provided brackets to attach the motors securely. Ensure that the propeller mount faces upward and check the direction indicators on the motors to ensure proper orientation, as this will impact the flight dynamics later on.
Installing Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)
The ESCs are the controllers for your motors, managing the speed and direction of propulsion.
Cutting and soldering the ends for ESC connections
To prepare your ESCs, you’ll need to trim the ends of the power leads, ensuring they are adequately stripped for connection. Solder the ends of the ESC’s power wires directly to the power distribution board. Make sure to use good soldering practices, achieving a clean and strong joint for reliability.
Connecting ESCs to the motors correctly
Pair each ESC to a respective motor. The ESC will have three output wires, which need to connect to the three wires on the motor. Initially, connect these without concern for order, but note that if the motor spins in the wrong direction upon testing, you can simply swap any two of the wires to correct the rotation.
Power Distribution Setup
A crucial step, as it ensures your hexacopter has a stable and reliable power supply.
How to solder the power module for the battery connection
First, identify the power module for your battery connection. Solder the power module’s input leads securely to the battery leads on the distribution board, ensuring a solid connection allows for efficient power transfer. Follow up by connecting the output leads from the power module to the corresponding inputs on the flight controller.
Ensuring correct polarity in power distribution
It is vital to maintain correct polarity during all connections. Double-check that all positive wires align with the power source’s positive terminal and similarly for the negative connections. Use a multimeter to ensure there are no shorts and that power flows properly through the setup.
Connecting the Flight Controller
Proper connection of the APM 2.8 ensures that your drone flies smoothly and responds to your commands.
Guidelines for connecting the flight controller to the ESCs
Each ESC needs to be connected to the APM 2.8 via its respective signal wires. Connect the signal wire from each ESC to the corresponding motor output ports on the APM, which will correspond to your particular configuration settings within the controller. This step requires careful attention to ensure correct pairing.
Diagrammatic representation of connections
A diagram is helpful to avoid confusion. You should have a visual representation of connections, showing the ESCs connected to the flight controller, the power module linking to the main battery, and all associated wiring. Visual aids ensure clarity and accuracy, essential for a seamless installation process.
Receiver Installation and Setup
Your receiver is the communication link between your remote and the drone.
Connecting channels on the receiver
The receiver will have several channels that need to be connected to the flight controller. Typically, you connect throttle, pitch, yaw, and roll channels accordingly. This facilitates full control of your hexacopter’s movements in flight.
Ensuring proper positive and negative connections
Much like with the ESCs, ensure that the power connection is correct. The ground and positive connections of the receiver should align with that of the flight controller to prevent any shorts or damage to either component.
Mission Planner Software Configuration
Mission Planner is vital for setting your flight parameters and ensuring your hexacopter is ready for takeoff.
Setting up Mission Planner for the hexacopter
After physically connecting your APM 2.8 to your PC, download and install Mission Planner. Open the software and connect your APM. You’ll see an interface that allows you to configure settings specific to your drone’s flight.
Guidelines for initial setup and firmware installation
Installing the correct firmware is crucial. Use Mission Planner to flash the latest firmware compatible with the APM 2.8. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the initial settings and complete the installation process.
Calibration of various sensors
Calibrate all necessary sensors, including accelerometers, compass, and radio controls. Calibration is critical as it ensures that the sensors accurately detect orientation and movement. Mission Planner guides you through each step, providing prompts and necessary actions.
Flight Modes and Calibration
Mastering different flight modes and calibrations will pave the way for a successful flight experience.
Explaining different flight modes
Your hexacopter supports various flight modes such as stabilize, altitude hold, and loiter. Stabilize mode gives you manual control with stabilized angles, altitude hold maintains the altitude, and loiter keeps position using GPS (if equipped).
Calibrating the compass and radio
Perform calibration of the compass to ensure accurate heading information. This requires rotating the hexacopter in specified orientations as instructed. Next, set up your radio by calibrating the transmitter controls with Mission Planner, ensuring the software accurately captures your inputs.
Ensuring proper motor direction
Power up your hexacopter while safely anchored to ensure motors spin in the correct direction. Adjust the motor connections as necessary, ensuring that they adhere to the movement indicted by your flight software. Correct any discrepancies by swapping motor leads.
Conclusion
Building a hexacopter with the APM 2.8 Ardupilot is truly rewarding. You’ve delved into sourcing materials, assembling components, installing electronics, and configuring software. With meticulous attention and care, your hexacopter is ready for its maiden flight. As you become more comfortable, explore further enhancements, like integrating GPS, telemetry, or camera systems, to expand your hexacopter’s capabilities. Continue your journey with curiosity and excitement, and watch as your project takes to the skies!