Device for Wireless Communication Over Obstacles

Michael Burkard, Zach Korman, Alex Browne, Tyler Smolen, Claire Benjamin

Sponsored by

Background and Design Problem

Requirements for the system:

•Lift a payload of no less than 1 kg•Man-portable•Reusable and costs no more than $500•Maintain its position in space with an error margin of a 10 m radius sphere•Adjust its altitude•Controllable positions•Backup parachute triggered in the event of a system failure•Quiet

Lone Survivor

Purpose: To create an aerial vehicle that will carry a communication device in order to improve communication over large obstacles.

Prototype 1: Parts Selection

Basic Parts:

•Motor•Battery •Power Distribution Board•Electronics Speed Control (ESC)•Propellers•Flight controller•Receiver•Transmitter•Frame•GPS

Prototype 1: Parts testing

Power Distribution board

Amp & Voltage reader

Arduino

Motor/Propeller

Battery connection

Prototype 2: Parts Assembly

Prototype 2: Propeller Current and Lift Testing

most efficient

Note: 12 x 6 12” diameter x 6” pitch

Prototype 2: Full Assembly

Prototype 3: Frame Design

Removable pins will be used in secondary holes

Prototype 3: Frame Simulation

Prototype 3: Arm Simulation

Prototype 3: Failure testing

Arm factor of

safety = 3.8

Prototype 3: Full Assembly

Successes

• Within budget: currently costs $480

• Good parts selection

• Propeller testing validation

• Payload/Frame testing

• Lifts payloads greater than 1 kg

• Man portable

• Reasonably quiet

Direction for Remainder of Project

Features to add:

•Deployable Parachute•Implement GPS waypoints/flight modes•Electronic attachments/holders•Improve frame design•Radio telemetry (possibly)