Micro MinimOSD – D4R-II RSSI using RC Filter
I'm running a Flip32+ using a D4R-II receiver and wanted to get RSSI into the Micro MinimOSD. Googling yielded other results that did not work for me. After digging deeper, I found this worked for my set-up. The solution is an analog RC filter consisting of a cap and few resistors. The idea is to convert the PWM signal to an analog signal so it can be interpreted correctly. Analog will provide an analog…
10 Minute Project – Glowy Pumpkin
Here's a quick project to get some funky flashing / colour changing LEDs into your pumpkin. Just grab a set of addressable WS2812's and some Arduino code and your're done. The 2812's are pretty easy to wire up. Essentially, +5v, GND and data signal get daisy changed through the set of LEDs. Each LED has 3 pins for IN and 3 pins out. Wire from the Arduino to the first IN set, then from…
Micro MinimOSD – Gray Screen – A Fix
Symptom Summary: With the camera plugged in, the OSD would not display the telemetry overlay and only show the camera view. Then, when the camera is disconnected (power), the OSD would show telemtry, but no camera view. This is a repeatable activity. I also verified that my RX<>TX were connected correctly (was able to see the OSD change when moving the quad so I knew this was working). Solution: Fix: Although this may have less…
Quadcopter: 3D Printed Leveling Workstand
I often mess around with my quad configuration. Sometimes I re-flash the firmware which requires the re-calibration of the accelerometer and magnetometer. To calibrating the accelerometer, the quad has to be on a level surface. I have a 4-in-1 Quattro ESC mounted to the bottom, which makes an excellent platform to mount to. After tinkering on TinkerCAD (see what I did there?) for a few minutes, a base was born. I also had…
In-Flight Rate Profile Changes – Cleanflight
As I gain more experience flying, I want to have the ability to swap rate profiles while in flight. Some days I want easy flying, while others I want things a little more aggressive so I can do flips etc. Cleanflight has the ability to set profiles in the PID Tuning tab. You can set different PID values as well as RC Rate etc and save them to 1 of 3 profiles. Values on…
Configuring Lost Model Alarm – Flip 32 and Cleanflight
Earlier, I created an enhanced lost model alarm using an ATTiny85 and some Arduino code. I wanted to have different alarm modes that could be triggered depending on the position of the pitch trim pot. I've since ditched that config for simplicity. The hardware and Arduino Sketch are still valid, so you can use those if you want to build one. These instructions will show how to connect the hardware to a Flip32+ and…
How To: Install FrSky DHT 8CH DIY Kit into Turnigy 9x
Given the help provided by others, I thought I' pay it forward with my spin on the installation of the FRSky DHT 8Ch DIY transmitter in my Turnigy 9x Transmitter. Before getting into the details, I'd like to credit RCModelReviews for Bruce's how-to video as well as for details on how to update the firmware of the D4R-II (to solve the PPM framerate issue). Although this is primarily about the DHT DIY module install, it…
Solder SmokeBGone – A DIY Fume Extractor
This is one of those DIY projects I should have done a long time ago. I solder a fair bit and mostly use lead-free solder, but sometimes there are those projects where you need to use the bad stuff. I cringe each time I do it and pop the gas mask on and bear through it. I finally decided to do something about it . 10 minutes of DIY hacking and I…
Prop Storage Using LEGO Technic Axles
I have a variety of 5040 and 5030 spare props. The need for both CW and CCW props, makes for a mess when trying to find a replacement when you crash and need a new prop. Given I break at least 1 prop per flight (I'm learning flips these days!), I wanted a quick way to access either size or direction of prop. Look no further to your LEGO Technic collection for axles (or…
Quad Landing Gear Meets LEGO Shocks
After a few hard landings, the carbon fibre landing gear that came with the ZMR250 frame were done. After researching different solutions, I gave the zip tie concept a try. The solution entailed creating 'loops' out of zip ties and mounting them to the quad legs. However, they sagged under the weight of the quad only a day or so after mounting them. This caused the quad to be out of level - not a good thing for…