Quadcopter Kit: Quickstart Guide

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Revision as of 21:03, 1 October 2018 by Sonny (talk | contribs) (Configuration)
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This quick start guide is intended to get the reader started with the Quadcopter (w/ Joypad) kit.

This guide will cover the following:

  1. Setting up the programming software.
  2. Programming and assembling the Quadcopter.
  3. Programming and assembling the Joypad.
  4. Joypad usage and basic control of the Quadcopter.

Software Setup

Please follow the guide to ensure your software is correctly setup. The software is required to program both the Quadcopter and Joypad.

Download the latest software for your operating system and follow the getting started guides:

Windows
MicroduinoGettingStart-ForWindows.jpg
IDE Install Guide for Windows
MAC
MicroduinoGettingStart-ForMAC.jpg
IDE Install Guide for MAC

Programming the Quadcopter

In the Quadcopter box should be two modules:

  • Microduino CoreRF - the brains of the Quadcopter. A tiny CPU with RF communication capabilities.
  • Microduino USBTTL - programmer which writes the program from your computer to the Microduino CoreRF module.
CoreRF
1DSC01831.JPG
USBTTL
Microduino-ft232r-rect.jpg

The Microduino CoreRF must be programmed with the "Quadcopter" code using the Microduino USBTTLC.

  • Download the code for the Quadcopter: File:MultiWii for Core.zip
  • Extract the .zip folder somewhere. Ensure, you know where the folder is as you will need to navigate to it.
  • Open the Arduino for Microduino software (follow the #Software Setup section if you have not yet).
  • In the software, go to File > Open... and navigate to the extracted folder. Select and open the MultiWii_for_CoreRF.ino file. The code should now appear in the software.
  • Configure the software to program the CoreRF module:
    • Tools > Board and select Microduino/mCookie-device.
    • Tools > Processor and select Microduino/mCookie-Core RF (127rfa1)
  • Stack the Microduino CoreRF module onto the Microduino USBTTL module. Plug one end of the MicroUSB into the Microduino USBTTL and the other end to the computer.
  • Go back to the software and select the port:
    • Tools > Port and select what is usually selectable. (Note: if on Mac, the port is NOT the Bluetooth ones.)
  • Now upload the program by click on the Right Arrow icon on the top left of the software. This is the upload button. Wait for the code to compile and then uploading will proceed. The software will inform once uploading is done on the bottom left.
  • Disconnect the MicroUSB cable from the Microduino USBTTL. Separate (unstack) the two modules (CoreRF and USBTTL).
    • Note: Please be careful when separating the boards as the pins can be damaged. It is recommended to use a flat object to slowly lever one side a little, then slowly lever the other side a little, repeating until the modules separate easily.
  • Place the Microduino USBTTL module aside. As it will be used to program the Joypad later.

Quadcopter Assembly

Microduino Equipment
Module Number Function
Microduino-CoreRF 1 Core board
Microduino-USBTTL 1 Program download module
Microduino-Motion 1 Attitude adjustment
Microduino-QuadCopter 1 Quadcopter driver
2.4G Antenna 1
Other Equipment
Component Number Function
USB Cable 1
Frame 1
Battery 1 Power supply
Screw 8
Screwdriver 1

Quadcopter Material List.jpg

Quadcopter 1.jpg

Quadcopter 2.jpg

Quadcopter 3.jpg

Quadcopter 4.jpg

Note: 10DOF is also known as the Motion module

Quadcopter 5.jpg

Quadcopter 6.jpg

Programming the Joypad

In the Joypad box should be a Microduino CoreRF:

  • Microduino CoreRF - the brains of the Joypad. A tiny CPU with RF communication capabilities.

The Microduino CoreRF must be programmed with the "Joypad" code using the Microduino USBTTL. Note: You'll be using the same Microduino USBTTL from the Quadcopter box.

CoreRF
1DSC01831.JPG
USBTTL
Microduino-ft232r-rect.jpg
  • Download the code for the Joypad: File:Joypad RC.zip
  • Extract the .zip folder somewhere. Ensure, you know where the folder is as you will need to navigate to it.
  • Open the Arduino for Microduino software (follow the #Software Setup section if you have not yet).
  • In the software, go to File > Open... and navigate to the extracted folder. Select and open the Joypad_RC.ino file. The code should now appear in the software.
  • Configure the software to program the CoreRF module:
    • Tools > Board and select Microduino/mCookie-device.
    • Tools > Processor and select Microduino/mCookie-Core RF (127rfa1)
  • Stack the Microduino CoreRF module onto the Microduino USBTTL module. Plug one end of the MicroUSB into the Microduino USBTTL and the other end to the computer.
  • Go back to the software and select the port:
    • Tools > Port and select what is usually selectable. (Note: if on Mac, the port is NOT the Bluetooth ones.)
  • Now upload the program by click on the Right Arrow icon on the top left of the software. This is the upload button. Wait for the code to compile and then uploading will proceed. The software will inform once uploading is done on the bottom left.
  • Disconnect the MicroUSB cable from the Microduino USBTTL.

Assembling the Joypad

Joypad Usage

Layout

Joypad Layout.png

Configuration

  1. Switch on the Joypad with the switch on the right side.
  2. Press Key1 within 2 seconds to enter Configuration mode.
  3. Joypad Configuration 1.png

First Flight