Structure/Design

Building Low-Cost Systems for Drone-to-Drone Communication

Our capstone aims to allow for optical communication between two autonomous drones. This is done through the use of python scripts to autonomously fly the drones, while

Applications

The primary focus of this project was to develop this system to allow for sensing pockets of trace gas in the atmosphere. Although there are many applications that this system can be used in, our main focus is only on developing the actual system itself. All applications are independent of our project.

System

The system we aim to build is outlined above, with each component clearly outlined on the drone it belongs to, and the key points outlined in text.

Python

Python is our main programming language for all implementation in this project. The script used to program the autonomous flight of the drones will be done using Python. We are also using OpenCV through Python in order to work with Aruco Markers.

Using Aruco Markers

The use of Aruco Markers will help focus the transmitter drone onto the receiving drone. The raspberry pi camera on the Tx drone will be programmed using Python to continuously search for the marker associated with the Rx drone. After it is detected, the implemented script will then position the drone such that a signal can be launched from Tx to Rx, where it is read and outputted to our ground station Mission Planner.

How the Input is Read

The laser signal is aimed towards the photodiode circuit on our Rx Drone, which generates an analog value. This analog value is read by the photodiode and then sent to an Analog-Digital Converter (ADC) on the flight controller. The flight controller then transmits the digital signal through the established radio connection and is outputted through the Ground Station.

Components

Our project has put together a number of components that help the system function as a whole, components that are both vital to the drone's flight, and to the detection of the signal.

Hexsoon EDU450

Main frame being used for our drones. Capable of holding an additional 1kg of payload

CubePilot Orange

Autopilot controller used for implementing all commands and scripts for the project

FrSky Taranis X9D Plus 2019

Manual controller used in preliminary flights and emergencies

mRo SiK Telemetry Radio

Establishes a wireless connection via radio waves between the drone and ground station

Raspberry Pi

Used to connect the camera to our ground station to enable FPV and Aruco marker detection

Raspberry Pi Camera

Using VNC Viewer, we are able to establish a live video feed that is used for both FPV and Aruco Marker Detection

Laser Diode

Generic laser diode used to transmit optical signal.

FDS1010 Si Photodiode

Photodiode that will be used to detect the optical signal being transmitted

Please contact the group for any further questions regarding the type of components used in this project.

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