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• Thumbstick Controllers

  ken.do • 09/29/2017 at 19:35 • 0 comments

  I got my thumbstick controllers a few days ago. Not sure if I want to use them though. They are quite 'deep', which will make the controller a lot thicker (at least 25mm thick vs 15mm thick with thubsliders). Advantages would be greater incremental control (because of the large size) and mount-ability (come on a PCB with 4 mounting holes)

  Precision control can be a good thing while flying multirotors :) 

• Thumb sliders sizing

  ken.do • 09/22/2017 at 03:40 • 0 comments

  I ordered a bunch of these PSP1000 thumbsliders. They are a lot smaller than I thought they would be...

  But thats ok. I am adjusting the 3D model to fit them. I only need a 12mm hole to fit the entire action limits of these lil guys.

• 3d-printed case

  ken.do • 09/03/2017 at 01:46 • 0 comments

  I 3d-printed up a case, well more of a half-shell, just to see size and layout. This print has a dove-tail sliding mechanism (also 3D-printed as integral). Slides not bad, but I would be worried about long-term durability/slide-ability.

• Let it slide.

  ken.do • 08/24/2017 at 15:07 • 0 comments

  I would like this controller to collapse into something you can put in your pocket. At first I entertained the idea of using some sort of elastic material to both hold the phone in place and tension the two halves together. The structural integrity of this solution seems like it would be poor.

  Another option would be to custom print-to-fit a specific phone model, using the phone as the structural component and an elastic material to hold the sides of the controller to the phone. There are a lot of phone models.

  The option I settled on was to build the controller around a rail system. This system could be 3D printed or sourced out. One of the sources I have considered and will probably go with is igus.com and their linear guide system. Quite pricey, but for prototyping purposes (and for that expensive smooth-glide feeling) I feel like it is the best option for now. This system will expand to accomodate a phone or tablet that is 150mm in one dimension, and collapse to about 180mm total length, 80mm device size. Not exactly skinny jeans pocket size, but smaller and it allows for multiple device sizes.

• Physical Controls

  ken.do • 08/20/2017 at 03:37 • 0 comments

  Keeping size limitations in mind, PSP-like thumbslider 2-axis controllers will feature in this project. The low-profile will help this controller fit in your pocket.

  2 momentary and 2 latching buttons will enable the activation of different flight modes and programs.

  The integrating 'brain' of this project will be the Arduino Nano, or possibly the Mini if the Nano lacks any processing power. It will translate the input from the controls and output PWM signals that can be transmitted via wireless communication channel(s).

• Wireless Communications

  ken.do • 08/20/2017 at 03:31 • 0 comments

  For an FPV multicopter, there are a few off-the-shelf options for wireless control. 

  The Open Pilot CC3D Revolution has built in 433MHz RF OPLink and pairs with an OPLink ground station transceiver.

  I would also like to try using NRF24L01+ as transceivers on both the multicopter and controller.

  Other possible options for wireless control can range from the cheapest end of the spectrum with HC-05 Bluetooth modules, and the more costly end 3DR Solo/Controller Link modules, though size may be an issue. 

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