Implementing a UAV controller software

UAV_man · 07-13-2015, 03:50 PM

Hello everyone!

I'm building a quad-copter UAV, equipped with the following payload:
a. Raspberry pie running "Raspbian GNU/Linux" (the UAV's payload controller)
b. IR-Camera (connected to RP)
c. 3-axis Gimbal (connected to RP via serial communication)
d. Laser Pointer (Controlled from RP via GPIO)
e. Wifi transceiver (for ground control, telemetry and video transmitting).

I'm seeking your advice on how to implement the program structure? (architecture-vise).
I can implement the software using C or Python.

Thanks for your help.

rtmistler · 07-14-2015, 06:50 AM

Making a remote control copter with a laser pointer on it sounds like an easy way to get arrested
Decide what language you are going to use, although I feel that C would be a better option
Decide what the device does if/when it goes out of range of the controller, such as something deterministic and safe. Same for situations where battery becomes critically low or other fault conditions
Determine how to speak to all of the hardware by writing programs to prototype this
Control should always overrule niceties
Have one main loop along with a thread for the receiver from the WIFI. Note: If you look at my list of blogs, there's one about using select() and some other ones on how to architect serial USB receivers, and finally one about making a daemon program to control sub-processes
The best thing to do is start your architecture with some thoughts like these and then describe it in your thread for further thoughts from people

UAV_man · 07-14-2015, 12:00 PM

Thank you very much for the replay, and for your help rtmistler.