Blogs

Best wishes for a happy New Year from the team of Virtualrobotix

ALBANIAN Gëzuar vitin e ri
ALSATIAN e glëckliches nëies / güets nëies johr
ARABIC aam saiid / sana saiida
ARMENIAN shnorhavor nor tari
AZERI yeni iliniz mubarek
AFRIKAANS gelukkige nuwejaar

ITALIAN buon anno, felice anno
BAMBARA bonne année
BASQUE urte berri on
BELARUSIAN З новым годам (Z novym hodam)
BENGALI subho nababarsho
BERBER asgwas amegas
BETI mbembe mbu
BOBO bonne année
BOSNIAN sretna nova godina
BRETON bloavez mad
BULGARIAN честита нова година (chestita nova godina)
BIRMAN hnit thit ku mingalar pa
CANTONESE kung hé fat tsoi
CATALAN feliç any nou
CHINESE xin nièn kuai le / xin nièn hao
CORSICAN pace e salute
CROAT sretna nova godina
CZECH šťastný nový rok
DANISH godt nytår
DUTCH gelukkig Nieuwjaar
ESPERANTO felicxan novan jaron
feliæan novan jaron (Times SudEuro font)
ESTONIAN head uut aastat
FAROESE gott nýggjár
FINNISH onnellista uutta vuotta
FLEMISH gelukkig Nieuwjaar
FRENCH bonne année
FRIULAN bon an
GALICIAN feliz aninovo
GEORGIAN gilotsavt aral tsels
GERMAN ein gutes neues Jahr / prost Neujahr
GREEK kali chronia / kali xronia
eutichismenos o kainourgios chronos 
(we wish you a happy new year)
GUARANÍ rogüerohory año nuévo-re
HAITIAN CREOLE bònn ané
HAWAIIAN hauoli makahiki hou
HEBREW shana tova
HINDI nav varsh ki subhkamna
KANNADA hosa varshada shubhaashayagalu
KHMER sur sdei chhnam thmei
KIRUNDI umwaka mwiza
KOREAN seh heh bok mani bat uh seyo
KURDE sala we ya nû pîroz be
HUNGARIAN boldog új évet
ICELANDIC farsælt komandi ár
INDONESIAN selamat tahun baru
IRISH GAELIC ath bhliain faoi mhaise
JAPANESE akemashite omedetô
KABYLIAN asseguèsse-ameguèsse
NORWEGIAN godt nytt år
MACEDONIAN srekna nova godina
MALAGASY arahaba tratry ny taona
MALAY selamat tahun baru
MALTESE sena gdida mimlija risq
MAORI kia hari te tau hou
MONGOLIAN shine jiliin bayariin mend hurgeye 
(Шинэ жилийн баярын мэнд хvргэе)
MORÉ wênd na kô-d yuum-songo
LAO sabai di pi mai
LATIN felix sit annus novus
LATVIAN laimīgo Jauno gadu
LINGALA bonana / mbula ya sika elamu na tonbeli yo
LITHUANIAN laimingų Naujųjų Metų
LOW SAXON gelükkig nyjaar
LUXEMBOURGEOIS e gudd neit Joër
OCCITAN bon annada
PERSIAN sâle no mobârak
POLISH szczęśliwego nowego roku
PORTUGUESE feliz ano novo
ROMANI bangi vasilica baxt
ROMANIAN un an nou fericit / la mulţi ani
RUSSIAN С Новым Годом (S novim godom)
SAMOAN ia manuia le tausaga fou
SANGO nzoni fini ngou
SOBOTA dobir leto
SPANISH feliz año nuevo
SWAHILI mwaka mzuri
SWEDISH gott nytt år
SWISS-GERMAN äs guets Nöis
SARDINIAN bonu annu nou
SCOTTISH GAELIC bliadhna mhath ur
SERBIAN srecna nova godina
SHONA goredzwa rakanaka
SINDHI nain saal joon wadhayoon
SLOVAK stastlivy novy rok
SLOVENIAN srečno novo leto
TAMIL iniya puthandu nalVazhthukkal
TATAR yana yel belen
TELUGU nuthana samvathsara subhakankshalu
TAGALOG manigong bagong taon
TAHITIAN ia ora te matahiti api
THAI (sawatdii pimaï)
TIBETAN tashi délek
TURKISH yeni yiliniz kutlu olsun
UDMURT Vyľ Aren
UKRAINIAN Z novym rokom
URDU naya saal mubarik
WALOON (“betchfessîs” spelling) bone annéye / bone annéye èt bone santéye
WELSH blwyddyn newydd dda
WEST INDIAN CREOLE bon lanné
YIDDISH a gut yohr
VIETNAMESE Chúc Mừng Nam Mới / Cung Chúc Tân Niên / Cung Chúc Tân Xuân

Su Focus di Gennaio c'e' un bell'articolo che parla dei nostri amati droni si parla di Virtual Robotix , leggete l'intervista che ci hanno fatto , un particolare grazie a Marco Robustini il nostro mitico beta tester che ha dato un importante contributo all'articolo 
Segue la copertina e un piccolo estratto . L'articolo completo è molto ben fatto vi consiglio di leggerlo.

Focus On January there is' a nice article that speaks of our beloved drones are talking about Virtual Robotix, read the interview that we have done, a special thanks to Marco Robustini our great beta tester who has made an important contribution Article 
Following the cover and a small excerpt. The full article is very well done I recommend you read it.

Buon anno !!!

Happy new year !!!

It is with great pleasure that we are able to present the result of our latest work.

In the last 4 months we designed, built and tested 2 frames and 2 Gimbals.

This is just a preview of these new products, production will start in the next month and pre-orders are available through our freshly re-designed web site www.virtualrobotix.it

Black Ops Drone aka B.O.D.

A multipurpose drone specifically designed for gaming and simulated wars. It is a plastic 2 shell frame very resistant and light weight. It is splashproof and can mount a small FPV camera on front. It can be used with many different payloads and mounts 3508 motors with 13" propellers.

VR TIGER SHARK

A powerful, tough and yet simple frame built with only 3k twill carbon fiber and High grade Aluminum.

The frame is designed so that X4 or X8 configuration is possible without any other add-on.

It is extremely tough and resistant, and host propellers up to 14" or 15" .

Typical configuration is with 3510 or 3508 Motors with 13" props, but also 40mm. motors can be mounted with no problems. The arms can be shifted in 1,5cm. steps to allow bigger props (15").

VR SHOCKWAVE GIMBAL

A professional 3 axis Brushless Gimbal built with 3k twill carbon fiber that is able to carry 3Kg. of payload.

This is our masterpiece. It uses high quality Stainless steel bearings and it is integrated with adjustable height landing gear.

It weights about 600gr. and it offers super smooth camera compensation.

VR SHOCKWAVE HANDY

The same Shockwave Gimbal can be used on our hand-held system allowing camera operators and professional photographers to obtain perfect stable images. The hand held mount can be equipped with remote control for PAN, TILT, ROLL and ZOOM.

VR EASYSHOT GIMBAL

A 2 or 3 axis Gimbal designed to fit the most common and light to medium cameras such as:

Sony NEX xx

Canon M series

Sony Cybershot VX420 or similar

Totally built wi Alu and Carbon fiber it is extremely light and it is sold with an antivibration plate suitable for any frame. It's weight without mootrs is 280gr. and is perfectly able to carry 300-400gr. of payload.

Please refer to www.virtualrobotix.it for more details and don't hesitate to askany questions.

The VirtualRobotix team

Hello,

At least with the latest firmware, I was able to log IMU data and download it. This flight was a test with auto take-off,  some waypoints with altitude changes and auto landing. I did it twice with the same result. I'm happy with my quad.

Here are some screens of X  and Y  acceleration data, GPS Data (Sat number and hDop), Altitude Data, and trace of the flight on GoogleMap.

Marc

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-gimbal-nex7-preview

Best

Roberto

Dear friend,

This is last video doing by Marco with his Marcopter HV2 Full Carbon

yesterday we release last revision of Arducopter rev3.1rc5 for VRBrain with no OS the AP_HAL_VRBrain is very similar to APM.

more tech info about vrbrain here : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/page/vr-brain-v4-0

The name of our revision is APM Copter rev 3.1.11 this release is without OS , We have also available the NuttX-PX4 revision of code but only in alpha revision for dev team test.

see here for more detail on nuttx os on VRBrain : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vrbrain-4-5-last-updat...

On VRBrain the Arducopter code use use only 6-7 % of cpu resource .... on APM 2.x use from 70 % to 95 % of cpu ... so we have a lot of resource available for doing reliable test of advanced functionality . The code need only 480 kbyte we have available 60 % of flash for develop new functionality .

Last revision of code work very well ... we are very happy of these fly result ... in italy a big community of user start to switch to VRBrain from Arduflyer or Cirus Board AIO.

http://www.baronerosso.it/forum/modelli-multirotori/274499-vrbrain-...

Update in 3.1.11

SPI BUS speed for MPU6000 increased to 8MHz
ENHANCEMENT of MPU6000 enabled by default (MPU6000 @ 1KHz and gyro full scale @ 1000dps)
update to latest 3.1rc5 of arducopter code
Corrected bug in Dataflash log download
Yellow led on board now show Scheduler activity.

Please upgrade to this release following this link.

THe Gyro and Accels now are sampled at 1KHz instead of 200Hz and main loop averages 10 samples every main loop.

This has imprved flight performance, but it is still in test, so use accordingly. With this version you can try to rise the INS_FILTER partameter to 42Hz or 98Hz, but you must have vibration under control.

Have fun and fly safe!

Best
Roberto

This video is doing by our VRGimbal user VR Gimbal with Sony 3D HXRNX3D1U ( 720 gr) in handeld mode

This is a video using complete VRGimbal with Panasonic GH2

..and this is another video of the same copter (in HD)

Dear Friends,

These are specification of our : VR Gimbal :

Micro Controller is STM32F1 at 72 mhz.

3 Axis Brushless Direct Drive gimbal :

• Roll (MOT1)
• Pitch (MOT2)
• Yaw (MOT3)

For each channel we have 3 high power pwm 5 Amp output .

I2C IMU that support 3 axis . It is on camera module , so we can know exactly the position of camera and control in realtime the 3 Brushless motors. MPU6050 (6 DOF) + HMC5883 (3 DOF)

1 USB port.

1 Serial port that support mavlink protocol.

1 Power module that support until 3S battery.

4 Radio RC Input for :

• Control ROLL Setup.
• Control Pitch Setup.
• Control YAW Setup.
• IR control repeater.

4 Analog Input 0-3.3v

1 IR Out , so is pssible to control a remote camera by its ir receiver.

On new revision 2.0 we add :

• customizable push buton.
• support for motors ampere monitor for each motors.
• Very intuitive Firmware update tools.
• Simple and powerfull VR Gui for VR Gimbal configuration.
• Serial driver on USB port.
• A complete and updated wiki repository with media gallery with last video from our user.

In this video is possible see the utility available for measure the current used by different kind of motors. This feature is very usefull for evaluate the specification of motors.

Is available a new tools for firmware update you can found more detail here :

https://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/firmware-upgrade/

We release a Major release 1.0.12 we add a lot of new functionality and full support of pan stabilization with 1 IMU sensor or two sensor .

The accelerometer 6 position (scale and level ) calibration is a one-time configuration. You need to do it the first time you power up the board after the firmware update (or if you change your IMU board), then you can save the calibration parameters and don’t worry anymore.

1. Power up the board and connect it to the VRGimbalGUI 0.11
2. Open the “Logs” tab
3. Write AC in the command line textbox and click on “Send Command”
4. Follow the procedure moving the IMU as requested. After each step click on “Send Command”
5. If the calibration is successful send the ASC command using the command line textbox
6. Click on “Save to Flash”

rev 1.0.12

• Minor bug correction
• Accelerometer 6 position (scale and level) calibration with saved parameters (see below)

rev 1.0.11

• Stabilize mode on Yaw
• Corrected stabilization issues for pitch near 90°
• Configurable PWM frequency
• Support for auxiliary IMU for more precise Yaw measurement (see here for more information)
• Gyro calibration can be saved to avoid calibration at startup
• Added radio channel for position reset of each axis (you can use the same channel to reset two or three axis)

rev 1.0.9

• Experimental Stabilize mode on Yaw (good with small pitch values)
• Experimental Follow mode on Yaw (need motor steps calibration and PID reconfiguration)
• Experimental support for second IMU for precise Yaw measurement (contact us for more info)
• Added support for analog/digital input (like joysticks and buttons) to be used in alternative to RC:
  • configure channel 100 to 105 to use analog input 1 to 6;
  • use the “JYC” serial command and follow the instructions to calibrate the inputs.

rev 1.0.5

• Completed PID mode on Roll and Pitch, with support of RC commands.
• Manual (RC) mode (to be used on Yaw for now) working but requires improvement.
• USB serial support (see vers. 1.04)

more info is available here :

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-09/

The firmware is opensource the repo is available here :

http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/

So if you want to join in development you are welcome .

This is a screenshot of VR Gimbal Gui developed using .net technology, so could be work also using mono on mac and linux , test on that platform is welcome ,you can connect directly by usb to VR Gimbal or by radio link as 3dr module , blueetooth or other ttl wireles adapter :

We Upgrade also the VRGui with new functionality , slider full support of Pan axis and Full Frame.

With VRGimbal is possible to control this kind of gimbal ;

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Entry level gopro gimbal.

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Heavy dslr gimbal.

This is an example of video doing by our user of VRGimbal on heavy dslr gimbal :

This is official thread in virtualrobotix community is here join us for have more info and support :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group?xg_source=activity

For info or order VR Gimbal 2.0 board send a mail to :

info@virtualrobotix.com

We can also support our user in custom development on oem - odm gimbal hardware or firmware contact us for more detail.

After more than a year of VRBrain 4.5 development , thanks to the efforts of FOXTEAM and the VRI dev team, reached a level of maturity and very high reliability .

It ' was the first platform to support Arducopter 32-bit first through the use of a port of the old library AP_XXX then with new AP_HAL_VRBRAIN library , but without the use of an operating system, as is the case for APM 2.x and now instead of in the video you can see the first pre flight check and the first flight of VRBran 4.5 NuttX that mounts the operating system and the firmware Arducopter 3.1rc5 .

Thanks to PIX4 Dev Team and all the other member of team that develop and support this new OS
To use NuttX of VRBrain we simply add on the expansion port on the SD Card reader
In tests of performance using the mission planner , the cpu  uses NuttX Arducopter with only 6% of the CPU resources , On APM 2.x need 70 %  cpu.
Now are available 4  VRBrain 4.5 firmware and 2 OS Supported:

The first OS supported by VRBrain is FreeRTOS used inside the TauLab project , Stefan a member of dev team working on it  :

https://github.com/scenkov/vrbrain

The new one OS is Nuttx integrated in PX4 enviroment and Arducopter32 the ap_hal use is PX4 instead of AP_HAL_VRBRAIN that we use without OS. Our work on NuttX was  on device driver 

An early revision of our code is available here  :

https://code.google.com/p/vrbrain/downloads/detail?name=nuttxonvrbrainworkspace.rar&can=2&q=#makechanges

You need to install standard PX4 dev enviroment and import our workspace for build the code ... in the next weeks we prepare a ready to use dfu that will be available in VRbrain wiki page.

Arducopter32 rev 3.1.5 (stable version) :
tested for more than a month with a deep debug coordinated by Marco Robustini and supported by me and Emile and other users of the devteam.

http://vrbrain.wordpress.com/version-3-0/

Arducopter32 rev 3.1.9 ( dev version):

https://code.google.com/p/vrbrain/source/list?name=master_latest_rc4

That ' a video conducted by Marco in the last days ...

VRBrain 4.5 is the only platform that supports Arducopter 32 with and without the operating system. It has the same reliability of an APM 2.x from the first use and guarantees the use of future developments based operating system NuttX.
It is also the basis for the future development of a European project called GinSec whose purpose is to develop an innovative and revolutionize gps inertial for the specific application in the world of UAVs ... but we'll talk about this thing in the coming months :)

for more info about status of the project and future development contact : r.navoni@virtualrobotix.com

The VRBrain 4.5 is available on our webstore at : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/167-2/componenti-elettronici/vrbrain-4-5-detail

If you have some problem on it in your country contact info@virtualrobotix.com

Hello,

I received an APM Led Buzzer card (from Charles Lakins).APM 2x LED / Buzzer Module

Led and Buzzer have + on signal pin of the APM and - on the common - bar.

After searching VrBrain 4.5 documentation and Barone Rosso Forum, I got the right wiring data in order to use that module.

I had to reverse polarity of the module by unsoldering and reversing Leds and Buzzer on the card. Then I changed the wiring on the plugs.

LED_Setting in the APM param list is 11

Here is it on board

Thanks,

Marc

Hello,

I had more flights with my Quad. I'm still impressed with RTL performance but as I explore the settings I have some questions.

I had a try with Fence. I have to do a retry but I'm quite sure there is a problem: I cannot arm motors (after battery exchange) with fence enabled. There is no Red led blinking and save of the new home. I had to uncheck Fence in the config in order to save the new Home and fly.

I had also a try with Saving waypoints (Chan7 and redo the flight Chan8). Fine.

Also a Memory problem with the logs. If I do not flush the old logs, when reaching out of space, the last log is corrupted and download hang.

I keep you in touch and had to have another try at Fence.

Thanks,

Marc

Today I did the first test with my new CTX4 V2 (VRBrain 4.5 + external IMU)
Did some simple test in my garden + alt hold, loter and auto land - no probles, and wery stable.

My great VRBrain controller is running code from today (10.10.2013)  (used Eclipse to pull and build the latest code from Emilie, that does an impressive job)

The auto land function works great.

My CTX4 V2 ready for it`s first test :-)

Next is more test, then add GoPro and FPV

Almost done :-)

I do not use bullet connectors on the ESC to motor cables, so I connect the cables like this while testing.
First, I test if the rotation directions are correct, by connecting the “servo” cable to the throttle channel on my rx. If the rotation direction is wrong, I swap two of the three cables between ESC and motor.

My ESC`s are flashed with SimonK, so before I disconnect the RX, I calibrate the ESC. Disconnect LiPo, set throttle on TX to full, connect LiPo (beeps), set throttle to low (new beeps) – finished
Test the motor (adjust throttle up/down) to check that all is ok.
Do this with all motors.

When done, I solder all the cables, and isolate using shrink tube.
Have soldered the LiPo cables from the ESC`s + the APM power module to a power pcb

Have mounted the frame without the top plate

On the top plate, I have mounted GPS and a housing with the external IMU (compass) on the top, and the VRBrain below (using vibration mounts)

I have mounted my 3DR 433 Mhz telemetry radio in the back
Below the red motor mounts I use Bright Light LED strip
Below the black motor mounts I`m going to use bright white LED strips (have ordered from ebay)
The LEDS are controlled using the two LED outputs on my great VRBrain controller. 
Red LED`s indicate if I have 3D GPS fix
White LED`s for armed/disarmed..

+ I`m going to add a buzzer to the VRBrain buzzer output.

Hello,

I received my VrBrain4.5 order today. I used an APM2 on a SpiderLike Quad and I just swapped the two units on the frame. As I had a spare 3DR uBlox GPS, I managed to install it with the VrBrain (internal plug).

Firmware is the latest dev VRBRAIN_3.1.5_QUAD_INTGPS_ENHANCED.dfu. 

I had a short flight to check my setup before dinner and i'm quite happy with my new setup. 

Here are two pictures (there is a 6" ruler on the frame). 

Frame is home made.

R/C setup: Futaba T14SG transmitter, Frsky TRF4 PPMSum receiver (8 channels).

VrBrain box is installed on 4 moon gel pads. 

VrBrain box came with 4mm metal screws. I tapped the holes with a 3mm tap and used  short nylon screws to close the box. No risk of breaking the holes, nor magnetic interference.

Marc

Un interessante iniziativa di VirtualRobotix che vuole diiffondere un po' di informazione sui droni e il loro utilizzo con particolare riferimento ai multirotori, molto in voga in questo periodo.

Durante il workshop verrà allestito un Quadricottero da uso modellistico e, temop permettendo, verrà fatta una breve dimostrazione di volo.

Per registrasi usate questo link:

http://www.eventbrite.it/event/6831438015?ref=ebtnebregn

Ci vediamo a Concorrezzo!

To better test if the design is ok, I made a simple VRBRAIN cad model to mount in my frame.

I found that I had to do some changes to fit the controller.

In this image I have used 10mm spacers between the center plates - I may test other lengths -

If I use longer I may be able to mount the LiPo between the plates + the mobius camera ?

CNC next :-)

This video is doing by our VRGimbal user VR Gimbal with Sony 3D HXRNX3D1U ( 720 gr) in handeld mode

This is a video using complete VRGimbal with Panasonic GH2

..and this is another video of the same copter (in HD)

Dear Friends,

These are specification of our : VR Gimbal :

Micro Controller is STM32F1 at 72 mhz.

3 Axis Brushless Direct Drive gimbal :

• Roll (MOT1)
• Pitch (MOT2)
• Yaw (MOT3)

For each channel we have 3 high power pwm 5 Amp output .

I2C IMU that support 3 axis . It is on camera module , so we can know exactly the position of camera and control in realtime the 3 Brushless motors. MPU6050 (6 DOF) + HMC5883 (3 DOF)

1 USB port.

1 Serial port that support mavlink protocol.

1 Power module that support until 3S battery.

4 Radio RC Input for :

• Control ROLL Setup.
• Control Pitch Setup.
• Control YAW Setup.
• IR control repeater.

4 Analog Input 0-3.3v

1 IR Out , so is pssible to control a remote camera by its ir receiver.

On new revision 2.0 we add :

• customizable push buton.
• support for motors ampere monitor for each motors.
• Very intuitive Firmware update tools.
• Simple and powerfull VR Gui for VR Gimbal configuration.
• Serial driver on USB port.
• A complete and updated wiki repository with media gallery with last video from our user.

In this video is possible see the utility available for measure the current used by different kind of motors. This feature is very usefull for evaluate the specification of motors.

Is available a new tools for firmware update you can found more detail here :

https://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/firmware-upgrade/

We release a Major release 1.0.9 we add a lot of new functionality and full support of pan stabilization with 1 IMU sensor or two sensor .

rev 1.0.9

• Experimental Stabilize mode on Yaw (good with small pitch values)
• Experimental Follow mode on Yaw (need motor steps calibration and PID reconfiguration)
• Experimental support for second IMU for precise Yaw measurement (contact us for more info)
• Added support for analog/digital input (like joysticks and buttons) to be used in alternative to RC:
  • configure channel 100 to 105 to use analog input 1 to 6;
  • use the “JYC” serial command and follow the instructions to calibrate the inputs.

rev 1.0.5

• Completed PID mode on Roll and Pitch, with support of RC commands.
• Manual (RC) mode (to be used on Yaw for now) working but requires improvement.
• USB serial support (see vers. 1.04)

more info is available here :

http://vrgimbal.wordpress.com/download/vrgimbal-1-09/

The firmware is opensource the repo is available here :

http://code.google.com/p/vrgimbal/

So if you want to join in development you are welcome .

This is a screenshot of VR Gimbal Gui developed using .net technology, so could be work also using mono on mac and linux , test on that platform is welcome ,you can connect directly by usb to VR Gimbal or by radio link as 3dr module , blueetooth or other ttl wireles adapter :

We Upgrade also the VRGui with new functionality , slider full support of Pan axis and Full Frame.

With VRGimbal is possible to control this kind of gimbal ;

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Entry level gopro gimbal.

Handheld and Air Drone Gimbal 2-3axis Heavy dslr gimbal.

This is an example of video doing by our user of VRGimbal on heavy dslr gimbal :

This is official thread in virtualrobotix community is here join us for have more info and support :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-gimbal-user-group?xg_source=activity

For info or order VR Gimbal 2.0 board send a mail to :

info@virtualrobotix.com

We can also support our user in custom development on oem - odm gimbal hardware or firmware contact us for more detail.

Have mounted a power board + 6 30mm alu standoffs + 4 tube clamps (from flyduino.net)
On the top center plate (at right) I have mounted 6 spacers with vibration damping.

ESC mounted to the side plates with the motor cables pointing to the ends of the side plates

The side plates mounted to the bottom plate – the ESC power cables will be soldered to the power board.

While waiting on the CTX4 V2 CNC work to be done, I have started a new project CX4M  (a mini quad). I have finished the CX4M design. Next step is to get someone to do the CNC part (1,5mm carbone). The CTX4 V2 parts have arrived, so I can start working on that frame while waiting.

My CX4M setup:

Frame:                 25-26 cm motor – motor (1,5mm carbone)

Motors:               Turnigy Multistar 1900Kv

ESC:                      Afro 12A

Prop:                    5x4.5x3

Controller:          VRBRAIN (of course)       + Ublox lea 6 GPS

LiPo:                     Zippy Compact 1000mAh 35C 3S

Camera:              Mobius (HD recording + FPV)

FPV TX:                200mW 5,8Ghz

CTX4 V2 = C:Carbone T:Tube X:quad type 4:quad
CX4M = C:Carbone X:Quad type 4:Quad M:Mini

CTX4 V2 (right)
CX4M center plates (left) - The arm design was not ready when this CNC work was done.

Dear Friends,

after a lot of work on Electronic and Frame we are happy to present first flight test of VRCopter complete of VR 2 Axis Gimbal .

In this fly we test this Copter configuration : 

• VR Copter Frame .
• VR oring anti vibration system.
• VR Copter Landing Gear
• VR Gimbal Frame and Electronic for GoPro Hero 3.
• GoPro 3 Hero Silver
• VR Brain 4.5
• 4 MK3639 motor
• 4 ESC with SimonK Firmware
• 3DR GPS
• 3DR Telemetry KIT
• 4 APC 12 Propeller.
• 10 Amp 3S battery flight time around 20 min without payload until 24 min.

In this test flight I checked the behavior of the drone in different situations both at high altitude I flew about 50 m high and low altitude.
The video that is present in raw format created with the GOPRO 3 silver model you do not notice the presence of high-frequency vibrations, which were removed by introducing a special anti vibrating plate inserted between the frame of the drone and the gimbal . There are only some low-frequency vibrations due to the influence of the wind at high altitude on the mechanics of the gopro gimbal frame we're still working to improve it further.
Overall, we think that this platform can be an interesting alternative to cars like the Phantom of the DJI is that in the previous version thanks to a range of great flight almost 20 minutes.

This drone configuration will be available in DIY KIT before the end of year in the next week will be available more info about it 

best

Roberto 

Great Product if you use 3DR type telemetry radio modules

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...dProduct=45363

Buddy price code: http://www.hobbyking.com/buddy.asp?c...5-F80CD2AC008F