Dear Friends,
yesterday we start to delivery the VR Brain Micro 5 pre order. Thanks to all guys that join the preorder in last month . I think that the first user start to receive it in the next days . We are working to update the wiki with the updates for quick start FAQ for use our new board.
The info will be update in the next hours on : vrbrain.wordpress.com
If you need support write down in this blog post.
best
Roberto
In this video you can see the first fly review of VRBrain micro 5.0
In this test you can see the great quality of new magnetometer and gps . Emile doing an automatic fly . Set by VR Pad Station 3 waypoint , the last is an RTL . The drone take off from Emile's hand then land exactly in same position :) Emile don't move from his position during all the automatic fly test :)
Dear Friends,
I worked hard in recent weeks to test the new micro VRBrain 5.0
To test the card I used the frame I called our "Personal Robot SDK Fly" The configuration I used for testing and 'the following:
Frame VRX AV250 with Prop Guard
- Micro VRBrain 5
- VR GPS Ublox LEA 6
- 4 10 Amp ESC with Firmware SimonK
- 4 2400 KV Brushless Motors
- 4 Carbon Fiber Propeller dda 5 inches.
- 1 Battery 2200 Mah
- Receiver Futaba SBUS R7008 SB.
- Transmitter T14SG.
During the tests I carried out flight tests and reliability in a stable manner. I flew in different boundary conditions without having any kind of reliability problem. I made flights in both indoor and outdoor.
End the tests with flight manual I started the automated flight test . The GPS took our new GPS VR GPS uBlox LEA6, the main feature of this GPS and 'to have on board the new sensor HMC 5983 with automatic temperature compensation and more accuracy and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
In the tests we performed automated test of loiter mode, hybrid loiter, return to home and waypoint navigation.
Given the excellent results of the tests we have decided to close this firmware revision of the first software will be installed on the cards that will come over the next week.
More info about the components of the test are available here:
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/3dr-gps-ublox-lea-6-30-37-detail
In this video is possible to see the position of main airport in the silicon valley with 4 miles of buffer around the position of airport. Our idea is to activate an a default automatic function that when the user try to fly in that area activate immediatly a landing failsafe procededure .
VR Pad Station is an app that turns your Android smartphone or your pad into a ground station combined with a powerful digital remote control radio for use with your RC model or with your drone.
Is designed to be used on Rover, Airplane or Drones for hobby and professional use. It 's a project dynamic and evolving based on feedback from users of our community: www.virtualrobotix.com
It use mavlink 1.0 and support the firmware APM Copter , Plane and Rover
The current version is a preview suitable only for BETA testing use it carefully.
Use VR Radio only with the simulator, until new updates. This software is a valid alternative at DroidPlanner or Andropilot application. Developed inside VR Lab by Virtualrobotix community.
Version 2.0.5
- Added radio calibration in GCS settings;
- Added airports locations on map, in an area of 100km from user/drone position, activated from map settings;
- Fixed minor bugs;
Version 2.0.4
- Corrected gimbal settings layout on smartphones
- Added waypoint commands
- Long click on a waypoint in the list opens an editing dialog
- Option for setting the zoom when auto-pan is enabled
- Added option during the generation of polygon for set the altitude
- Added, where available, range/units/values of parameters
- 3D map in some areas with normal map type
- Now you can interact with map in the VR Radio, if RC override is not enabled
- Fixed an error in VR Radio where the channels goes directly from RC_MIN to RC_MAX
- Added failsafe and sensors status into HUD
- Added HDOP indication in the action bar
In the new revision 2.0.3 is available
We are work in progress with some advanced features as Special follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration.
The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.
Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .
Join us in beta testing this is the direct link to google store :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.laser.VrPadStation
Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station continue to join new member this is the link :
http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161
This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0.3 :
http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0
Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve a lot the application with new feature under development.
Best
Roberto
Dear Friends,
02 / 06 / 2014
After one month of work the stable firmware for VRBrain micro is ready . We fly a lot in manual and automatic , we are preparing a video and specific blog post about VRX250 the drone platform using for doing test on VRBrain micro 5 all work fine and we are happy to have a good revision of code for user that join us in pre order campaign . We start to deliver first batch of boards in 2 weeks . The good news is that now is possible to upload the firmware to VR Brain micro 5 using standard Mission Planner application. Thanks to Michael and all VR Lab team for doing a good Job around this task.
09 / 05 / 2014
today we finish to test first prototype of micro brain , this is the video of first power on , all work fine , we check all onboard sensor : IMU , BAROMETER . Check eeprom for parameter storage and SD card. Serial port , and usb interface . All work fine :) Check also new bootloader and our mission planner fork with VRBrain support all work perfect . Diego our Electronic Designer doing a great work no error until now :)
Finish the test of all subsystem : Magnetomer , GPS , RC IN PPMSUM and RC OUT and all work fine . See the video .
These are the specification :
CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel 7.1
1 EEPROM or FRAM device for parameter storage.
IMU MPU6000 SPI.
MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.
8 PPM Radio RC Input .
8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.
1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too
1 SBUS Servo Output.
SD Card Reader until 64 Gbyte.
1 RGB LED
2 LED Output
1 Buzzer Output
On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option)
connector for external 3DR/VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER
dimension : 3.2 x 3.2 .
weight : 10 gr
Price is 99 euro the board pre order is open the mass production start in 1 week when finish the test of first production batch .
more info about status of the product on the store: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail
APM Copter , Plane , Rover Firmware available and fully tested by our devteam.
official blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-micro-brain-5-1-is-alive-first-power-up-and-os-check-up-fantas
for more info send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com
Best
Roberto
At Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station continue to join new member this is the link :
http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161
This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0.3 :
http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0
We upload the last revision of VR PAD Station 2.0.3 . We integrated the mavlink 1.0 telemetry function with original Virtual RC project so now is possible to use VR PAD Station as tools for :
In the new revision 2.0.3 is available
We are work in progress with some advanced features as Special follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration.
The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.
Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .
After join the community could be possible download the APK in a special section of google play
This is the direct link to google play store beta registration:
https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.laser.VrPadStation
This is the direct link to google store :
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.laser.VrPadStation
Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve a lot the application with new feature under development.
Best
Roberto
Dear Friends,
in last month of this year our team work a lot on new electronic boards :
Our products have the feature of being based on the original design and not be mere clones, with a research and development team ready to meet the demands and needs of users more evolved.
VR Brain 5 Micro
The VRBrain Micro is a board of the new 5.x series of extremely small dimensions and is based on the powerful micro processor STM32F4 to 168 MHz , the operating system supports Nuttx as the PX4 and Pixhawk and It compatible with the APM firmware Copter , Plane and Rover.
The Brain VR Micro is very small and lightweight only 10 grams in weight and 3.7 x 3.7 cm wide. Ideal for setting up of small and micro sized drones as the frame AV250 .
Supports GPS and magnetometers external standard which it shares with the standard vr brain and allows the controller to provide automatic features as stabilize , return to the home , hybrid loiter auto take off and landing .
The board able to handle up to 12 inputs on sbus receiver and 6 input on PWM standard receiver , 8 PWM outputs for connecting ESC or Servo .
The source code of the project and ' available on the official repository and DIY Drone and ' ongoing integration of automatic features to APM Planner firmware upload directed, via bootloader.
These are the specifications :
Status : First Fly done all work fine available for Pre Order.
VRBrain 5
The VRBrain 5 is the evolution of the 4th revision board, at an architectural level remains very similar to the previous version of Flight Control Board having demonstrated excellent reliability and robustness.
The card features the latest generation processor STM32F4 OS 7.1 Nuttx This card was created with the aim to implement greater redundancy than the earlier and allow the autopilot to integrate into a distributed wifi network environment .
The board allows you to support 2 IMU sensor based on MPU6000 chip , up to 3 magnetometers and two GPS . In addition to the bus for redundancy and imu ' present an additional bus that allows you to add devices bluetooth or wifi network to interconnect directly to the drone PAD and Smartphone , or to the standards network infrastructure .
It 's also available CAN bus for high-speed interconnection of optional devices.
The board revision 5 have a slot for use SD card that allows you to save the flight logs and make them available online for integration with portals log flight management .
The card bootloader allows the card to be updated directly from mission planner or compatible CGS applications.
These are the basic specs :
Status : pre flight check done , all is good , in production .
Available in pre order .
VR GPS
VR GPS Ublox Lea 6H with HMC5983 Magnetometer
First Virtualrobotix GPS engine using Ublox LEA-6H receiver.
This is a 50-channel high sensitive engine that boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of less than 1 second.
Also provide a rechargeable backup battery to improve warm start.
The dedicated acquisition engine, with over 2 million correlators, is capable of massive parallel time/frequency space searches, enabling it to find satellites instantly.
Innovative design and technology suppresses interference sources and mitigates multipath effects, giving LEA-6H GPS receivers excellent navigation performance even in the most challenging environments.
Virtualrobotix GPS uses an high efficient low noise amplifier to improve antenna signal (19dB) and a SAW filter to select GPS frequencies (see graph below).
It also mounting an ultimate 3-axis digital compass, with selectable interface SPI or I2C (HMC5983).
This one is an high speed (220Hz output) and high resolution (2 milli-gauss) magnetometer.
Features and Specifications:
ublox LEA-6H module
3,3V or 5V Inputs, with low noise 3.3V regulator.
5 Hz update rate
Rechargeable 3V lithium backup battery for high efficient warm start
Panasonic Low Noise Amplifier for antenna signal with high gain (19dB)
EPCOS SAW high quality low-loss RF filter for GPS application
25 x 25 x 4 mm ceramic patch antenna
Dedicated I2C EEPROM for receiver configuration storage
High resolution compass (2 milli-gauss) and high speed (2 milli-gauss)
Power and fix indicator LEDs
ArduPilot Mega compatible 6-pin JST connector
Exposed pads for simple soldering connection.
38 x 38 x 8.5 mm total size, 18 grams.
Status : all it's ok a lot of flight without problem , in production , ready for pre order.
Some example from log collected in first test VRX GPS is red Line 3DR is blu
VR Link (telemetry Module) - micro - standard - advanced OSD - base station .
In addition to the autopilot systems in our laboratories have been developing a telemetry system simple , modular and advanced compared to what's available on the market and compatible with the 1.0 mavlink protocol.
We chose to mantain compatibility with the modules 3DR , but we have worked to expand its functionality.
Micro version :
The micro version it's an add on to the micro brain that allows you to add easily and efficiently support wireless connectivity directly onboard .
The module ' based on the micro SILAB 1000 and it' core normally available .
Standard version:
The standard version is a standard kit with a radio that will allow the connection from the drone to the ground, the main peculiarity of the standard version is that can work independently by simply feeding it through a usb battery pack or a small lipo .
On the ground the module replicates the light and sound of the buzzer's drone.
This feature allows you to detect any alarm signal even if the light on the drone is not ' perfectly visible.
The module on board the drone has available an RGB LED and a speaker very powerful signal that allows you to see and hear even at a considerable distance of the drone .
These new modules using the communication protocol mavlink and therefore are compatible with any drone supports this protocol : VRBrain 4.x and 5.x - APM 2.x, PX4 , Pixhawk , Autoquad etc.
With this feature easily solve a problem that often prevents you from realizing anomalies on board the aircraft such as the loss of the GPS signal , the abrupt decrease in battery level or the sudden lack of the radio signal that activates the failsafe .
Osd advanced version :
On board of drone can integrate the function osd simply adding a module dedicated on the telemetry module . This configuration allows you to add the image coming from the analog video FPV camera as overlay of standard fly information as :
artificial horizon, altitude , distance from home , flight mode , battery level , etc. etc..
Status : hardware ok , working progress on first revision of firmware for standard and advanced revision.
We are ready for the worldwide market if you need more info on price , pre order , or you want to became a member of our distributor , support and developer team contact : info@virtualrobotix.com
Best
Roberto
Dear Friends,
today we finish to test first prototype of micro brain , this is the video of first power on , all work fine , we check all onboard sensor : IMU , BAROMETER . Check eeprom for parameter storage and SD card. Serial port , and usb interface . All work fine :) Check also new bootloader and our mission planner fork with VRBrain support all work perfect . Diego our Electronic Designer doing a great work no error until now :)
Today 09/05/14 finish the test of all subsystem : Magnetomer , GPS , RC IN PPMSUM and RC OUT and all work fine . See the video .
These are the specification :
CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel 7.1
1 EEPROM or FRAM device for parameter storage.
IMU MPU6000 SPI.
MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.
8 PPM Radio RC Input .
8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.
1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too
1 SBUS Servo Output.
SD Card Reader until 64 Gbyte.
1 RGB LED
2 LED Output
1 Buzzer Output
On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option)
connector for external 3DR/VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER
dimension : 3.2 x 3.2 .
weight : 10 gr
Price is 99 euro the board pre order is open the mass production start in 1 week when finish the test of first production batch .
more info about status of the product on the store: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail
APM Copter , Plane , Rover Firmware available and fully tested by our devteam.
official blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-micro-brain-5-1-is-alive-first-power-up-and-os-check-up-fantas
for more info send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com
Best
Roberto
I have been working on a new miniquad project where I did plan to use VRBrain controller, but now I must redesign it for the new VR Micro Brain :-)
I plan to use:
- 16mm carbon tubes (so I can mount ESC inside the tubes)
- 20A Slim Afro ESC
- SunnySky 2204s 2300Kv motors
- HQ Prop 6x3 Carbon Composit Props (some info on the motor/prop combo)
- VR Micro Brain :-) + GPS + Telemetry radio
- Have Zippy Compact 1000, 1500 and 2200 3S that I plan to test
Here is some of my ideas so far:
Motor mount
One of my frame ideas:
A other frame testprint (43gr)
today we going in production with the first batch of micro brain 5.1 board. After see some micro drone based on vrbrain fly , we decide to support the development of this great platform ... so we start to develop a special revision of VRbrain 5 for this kind of products where the small dimension and low weight are very important factor.
This is fully total autonomous platform available for micro drone.
These are the specification :
CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel.
1 EEPROM or FRAM device for parameter storage.
IMU MPU6000 SPI.
MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.
8 PPM Radio RC Input .
8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.
1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too
1 SBUS Servo Output.
SD Card Reader
1 RGB LED
2 LED Output
1 Buzzer Output
On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option)
connector for external VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER
dimension 4x4 .
native support of APM Firmware :
APM Copter
APM Plane
APM Rover
Custom firmware available for boat and Paramotor Drone.
I think that special new mode ad hybrid loiter and drift are very interesting for these great toys :)
some example of micro drone developed by Tommyleo and AleBS
Some info and example are available on italian forum baronerosso :
http://www.baronerosso.it/forum/modelli-multirotori/303284-idee-per-un-frame-da-micro-quad-fpv.html
This is the video doing by Bandit with a micro squid
This is a preview of VR Pad Station 2.0.1 enviroment that we use for develop VR Pad Station and check the VRBrain APM Copter and Plane customization before to real flight .
Here you can found the procedure for join Google Group community and download VR Pad Station for alfa testing :
http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-pad-station-2-0-available-for-beta-testing
Here you can found info for install SITL on linux . In my test enviroment i use VMWare with Ubuntu linux and follow this instruction for configure enviroment on my PC :
http://dev.ardupilot.com/wiki/setting-up-sitl-on-linux/
After installation in ardupilot directory Tools/autotest
you can found the file :
sim_arducopter_randy.sh
in mavproxy configuration :
mavproxy.py --master tcp:127.0.0.1:5760 --sitl 127.0.0.1:5501 --out 127.0.0.1:14551 --out 192.168.1.5:14550 --out 192.168.1.7:14550
you can change the ip adrress after --out with the ip of your PAD with Port 14550 . On your pad and on mission planner you need to choose UDP connection to port 14550 normally is default .
For found your ip address on your PAD there are a lot of app on Play store that are usefull for see what's your ip , keep atention if you use DHCP is possible that your ip change every time you connect to wireless network.
This is the screenshot of new Pannel available on VR Pad Station 2.0.1 in this pannel you can connect to drone , receive the parameter and choose what application do you want to start or going inside configuration pannel . If you are not connected you cannot select the application .
The actual release online is only compatible with PAD in the next week we finish the layout also for smartphone and release it.
This is the screenshot of Ground Station app . On all the app is available on the top main information about status of the drone : Battery , GPS Fix , Mode of Flight .
On the top on the right you can found the button for choose the other app available . The app share same mavlink connection so you don't lost time when you change app.
On the left of the screen you can see main navigation info , in the middle of the screen you can found the main command available :
Take off mode : It's a special guided mode we have implemented for take off your drone , we put the drone in guided at 5 meter and when you click take off after arm the drone the drone going in the sky. We test it at the field and it work fine , but at the moment is better to use these function only in simulation not in real world.
After you can activate guided mode and choose the point on the screen and the drone follow your command.
You can choose land or rtl when you want.
In this screen you can see the same information but inside artificial horizon , on the map you can see the wayoint you load to drone in last mission and a track with position where you start to fly and the actual position on the point where you guided your drone.
Here you can see on the left the Waypoint editor where you can add or delete waypoint manually or define automatic polygon waypoint creation, upload and dowload waypoint on file or on the drone.
If you decide to go in auto mode you can with auto button . In the middle there are the other button if you want you can retake control of your drone or in guided mode or by RTL or LAND.
This is the VR Radio APP integrated in VR Pad Station , this is a complete app where you control your drone as on your rc radio , you can choose to use PPMSUM output or MAVLINK protocol , if you choose mavlink protocol you can use the app for fly flight inside the SITL enviroment . If you configure Mission Planner or Lasernavigator 3D , you can see in realtime the position of your drone when you interact with virtual stick.
You can arm - disarm the drone , select stabilize and take control of your drone ... put it in loiter choose other app and start to enjoy with automatic functionality .
I'm enjoy a lot with this kind of configuration and i think that SITL is a great enviroment for guy of DevTeam . It's a valid solution for check if the app work fine before to go in the field for doing real flight.
It's a good solution for learn how your APM drone work , you can set different parameter by mission planner or Pad Station and see different reaction from your drone.
We are only in alfa stage but have a lot of idea to develop inside VR PAD Station , join us and give me your feedback so we can improve your user experience .
Best
Roberto
Bottom Layer on pc signal in indoor condition
First prototype bottom layer
Signal in outdoor condition
Position of satellite.
VR GPS Ublox Lea 6H with HMC5983 Magnetometer
First Virtualrobotix GPS engine using Ublox LEA-6H receiver.
This is a 50-channel high sensitive engine that boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of less than 1 second.
Also provide a rechargeable backup battery to improve warm start.
The dedicated acquisition engine, with over 2 million correlators, is capable of massive parallel time/frequency space searches, enabling it to find satellites instantly.
Innovative design and technology suppresses interference sources and mitigates multipath effects, giving LEA-6H GPS receivers excellent navigation performance even in the most challenging environments.
Virtualrobotix GPS uses an high efficient low noise amplifier to improve antenna signal (19dB) and a SAW filter to select GPS frequencies (see graph below).
It also mounting an ultimate 3-axis digital compass, with selectable interface SPI or I2C (HMC5983).
This one is an high speed (220Hz output) and high resolution (2 milli-gauss) magnetometer.
Features and Specifications:
ublox LEA-6H module
3,3V or 5V Inputs, with low noise 3.3V regulator.
5 Hz update rate
Rechargeable 3V lithium backup battery for high efficient warm start
Panasonic Low Noise Amplifier for antenna signal with high gain (19dB)
EPCOS SAW high quality low-loss RF filter for GPS application
25 x 25 x 4 mm ceramic patch antenna
Dedicated I2C EEPROM for receiver configuration storage
High resolution compass (2 milli-gauss) and high speed (2 milli-gauss)
Power and fix indicator LEDs
ArduPilot Mega compatible 6-pin JST connector
Exposed pads for simple soldering connection.
38 x 38 x 8.5 mm total size, 18 grams.
Some example from log collected in first test VRX GPS is red Line 3DR is blu
The module will be available in may , for more info or pre order contact us at
info@virtualrobotix.com
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/3dr-gps-ublox-lea-6-30-37-detail
Origina blog post :
http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-gps-ublox-lea-6h-with-hmc5983-is-coming
This is the final configuration of VR Tiger Shark X8 RTF :
VR Brain is the Autopilot board used in Tiger Shark.
VR Gimbal is the Brishless gimbal controller used in Easy Shot Gimbal .
Between Tiger Shark and Easy shot we put a special anti vibration system that cut vibration from drone frame to gimbal. After a lot of work for setup it work very well :)
The frame configuration is X8 coaxial configuration we choose to use this configuration because is possible continue to fly also without two propeller if the payload is not so heavy .
The Payload for camera is near 1 kg . With a 10 Amp 4S battery we are near 15 min of fight.
This is a last fly test doing by Emile with Tiger Shark and Easy Shot Gimbal.
The fly test is doing with last revision of APM Copter available on our repository :
http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-13-2/
The Fly of drone is very smoth and automatic functionality as loiter are solid as rock.
Yesterday I had a few tests with our Tiger Shark in Octa Quad configuration.
The tests were made to see how the copter would cope the loss of one or two propellers.
Obviously the test was in a ideal condition where the propeller just loosens and falls off the Octo.
The test was done by removing first 1 propeller, then two propellers spinning in opposite and same direction.
Without 1 propeller the copter flew as it had all the propellers. There was no feeling of something wrong. It took off and landed easily.
Taking off two propellers spinning in the same direction (lower front left and lower back right) resulted in a copter that in take-off yawed a little. Once the I term build up, it was perfectly straight. It was a little unstable due to the fact that two arms were "stronger" than the others, but generally it was perfectly stable even with some wind.
Taking off two propellers spinning in same direction (lower front left and right) resulted in a copter trying to move forward with quite a pace. I took a little pitch back to keep it still, but the overall stability was amazing.....
X8 will not take the loss of two propellers on the same arm, that would result in a crash, unless the recent algorithm gets published and then implemented in ACM code. :)
The code is based on APM:Copter 3.1.2 but runs on VRBRAIN.
Propellers are 13x5 T-motors on the upper and Graupner 13x8 on the lower.
Motors are 3508-700KV with 10Ah 4S battery.
Total weight was about 3.0 Kg.
Thanks to VirtualRobotix.it for the frame and the electronics, and thanks to the APM:Copter dev team that allowed us to fork and use their code, that is progressing fastest than speed light!
Cheers,
Emile
Today i create a Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station this is the link :
http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161
This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0 :
http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0
We upload the last revision of VR radio RC . The new name is VR PAD Station 2.0 . We integrated the mavlink 1.0 telemetry function with original Virtual RC project so now is possible to use VR PAD Station as tools for :
We are work in progress with some advanced feature as Special Follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration.
The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.
Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .
After join the community could be possible download the APK in a special section of google play
This is the direct link to google play store beta registration:
https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.laser.VrPadStation
If you yet register in the community appear this message ....
If your registration accepted you can download the beta testing of our application :)
.
Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve a lot the application with new feature under development.
Best
Roberto
Here's a quite test video from last weekend. The results are not perfect, but there was a fair breeze blowing (about 20-30 km/h) and it was in Loiter which we all know can be quite busy. You can actually see the landing gear in the frame towards the end of the video which gives you some indication of just what the gimbal had to deal with. Overall, I think this is pretty decent so far. Main goal now is to work on better stability of the helicopter and reducing Loiter "busy-ness".
Dear Friends,
i'm happy to present the first Fly of VRI Black Ops Drones ...
See first video ...
After one year of development and a lot of pre serie prototype i'm happy to present the final revision of Black Ops Drone.
It's fly very well in this configuration it use :
VRBRain 4.5 Advanced Edition .
Special custom Distribution Board developed for this design.
- 4 Esc 30 AMP
- T-Motors 3508 .
- 12 Inch T-Motor propeller .
- 433 Telemetry data module
- Ublox GPS + Magnetometer
We fly it in stabilize and gps based functionality as loiter , alt hold , rtl and all work very well :)
What do you think about the new Drones from Virtualrobotix ... It's Sexy :)
more info available here : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/it-IT/prodotti/bod
Best
Roberto
Example of VR Drone configuration : Tiger Shark in X8 configuration + VR Gimbal + VR Easyshot the camera is an Nex6
An onboard video from Tigershark see the quality of loiter in azimutal video :) The Flight board is a VRBrain with APM Copter revision 3.1.13
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/prod/vr-brain
These are some video example from our user more available here :
http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/videos/
After one year of development Gimbal VR has become a stable product.
The latest revision of firmware, we have implemented several functions to make more 'precise and reliable control of brushless gimbal.
http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-13-2/
In addition to improved hardware and firmware have also worked a lot on the mechanics of these two gimbal one dedicated to compact cameras and another for professional cameras.
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/prod/gimbaleasy
The VRGimbal is the only 3-axis opensource gimbal board. Last update is available here.
http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/
If you want help us in development join us :)
The goal of the project is complete integration between the autopilot that use APM code Copter, Plane and Rover to develop complex functions such as object tracking.
It 'available on the wiki APM is an example of how to integrate VRGimbal with cards based on how VRBrain APM, APM 2.6 or Pixhawke.
Randy join in test and developing of VRGimbal and add this page to APM WIKI :
http://planner.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-vrgimbal/
This is official VR Gimbal wiki page.
http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/
Join us to official discussion group :
http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group
The board is available you can buy it at :
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/gimbal-control-board/vrgimbal-3-axis-detail
Original blog post :
if you need more info contact us at : info@virtualrobotix.com
Best
Roberto
Today i recived this mail , I would share it with the member of Dev Team , Thanks a lot :)
Hello,
It is with great pleasure that I send you this news.
There has been a project in Portugal in which an autonomous boat and hexacopter cooperate for monitoring of rivers. http://riverwatchws.cloudapp.net/
We just recently have been mentioned in Hack a Day http://hackaday.com/2014/01/30/riverwatch-an-autonomous-surface-aerial-marsupial-robot-team/
The hexacopter uses the VrBrain as it's controller, and some additional hardware. I thought you would be happy to know about this usage of the VrBrain and maybe help share it.
Thank you so much for reading and for all the work you have put into this.
Paulo Rodrigues
Thank you too Paulo and at your team for this great work :)
This is the Post on hackaday :)
Every once in a while we get a tip for a project that really, really, really blows our minds.This is one of them.
It looks like a basic catamaran with a few extra bells and whistles — except it is so much more than that. You’re looking at a fully Autonomous Surface Vehicle, complete with a piggybacking 6-rotor UAV. It’s decked out in cameras, sonar sensors, laser rangefinders, high accuracy GPS-RTK tracking, an IMU, oh, and did we mention the autonomous 6-rotor UAV capable of taking off and landing on it?
It all started out as a simple experiment within ECHORD (the European Clearing House for Open Robotics Development), and since then it has become a fully funded project atUNINOVA, a Centre of Technology and Systems in Portugal.
The purpose of the mind-blowing robot team is to collect data of river environments — think of it as Google Maps 2.0 — which is almost an understatement for what it is capable of.
You seriously have to watch the video after the break.
VRBrain 5.0 Light
The entry level revision of our new board . It's real DIY , cheap and affordable as 8 bit platform with the power of next gen autopilot technology , and a lot of great improvment . Keep in touch for more info ..
It support APM Copter, APM Plane and Rover in last revision.
VRBrain 5.0 NuttX O.S.
After 4 revisions of boards without full support for a Operating systems it's the time to fully support NuttX O.S. on VRBrain , ew features that are coming.
VRBrain 5.0 PRO
In Europe there are some country start to certify UAV technology for Commercial application , In USA in 2015 the market will be open . VRBrain 5.0 Pro it will be right platform for H2020 research project , Virtual Robotix will be technical support for develop affordable and powerfull UAV technology. Can Bus , Fault tolerant solutions , Advanced hybrid configuration ... a lot of impressive new opportunity to develop the UAV of your dreams.
These picture take yesterday in VRLAB the first RC1 VRBrain 5.0 is ready and under test ...
on our repo appear first release of code for the last revision of VRBrain Board ...
For more info about new product or H2020 research project send a mail to r.navoni@virtualrobotix.com
During my alpha testing with the "APM Copter V3.0" i immediately reported to the dev team that the Loiter mode was very accurate but is not allowed to fly normally, like with other system like DJI and Mikrokopter.
We preferred to make the Loiter mode that would serve to accurately reposition the multirotor, and to help beginners to move safely.
An italian friend and developer, Sandro Tognana, collected my challenge and started to develop a flight mode as I wanted, in line with the other famous flight control board.
Another awesome programmer, Julien Dubois, has joined our team and has worked actively to implement the complicated wind compensation.
After several months of development and testing are pleased to present the "Hybrid flight mode", a sort of "flyable Loiter" with wind compensation.
This new mode is currently being debugged (in alpha phase), it is therefore not available to the public, of course, will have to go into the hands of APM Copter Dev Team who will decide whether to adopt it in an upcoming release.
The results in my video are great, sorry but the audio is bad because it was very windy today, and anyway i speak Italian (soon the subtitles), however, is clearly seen as a "Hybrid" works, is almost perfect.
The tests were carried out on APM and VR Brain, but of course will work on any board that installs "APM Copter" suck PX4 and Pixhawk.
I will keep you updated on the "Hybrid" developments, i'll open a discussion about this with other APM Copter developers to assess any changes in the code.
I want to say thanks to Sandro and Julien for their great work!
Original blog post : http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/hybrid-flight-mode-what-was-missing-in-apm-copter-now-is-reality by Marco Robustini :)
Bests, Marco
