Devlog #4 - Preparing and starting build

Summary

• Had to unpack and arrange all of the electronics I received, checked connectors and what I needed to make connectors for again.
• Realized I had designed for JST-XH rather than JST-SH connectors so spent a while trying to learn all of the different types of connectors so that I can avoid making the same mistake again
• For the time being, I stripped wires, crimped them and used my JST-XH connectors for the FC to ESC connection
• I had no idea how to solder XT60 connectors so I had to learn, and then after a while, I realized I needed to connect a male female pair at the end to avoid deformation so I had wasted the soldering session

Next Steps

• Noticed that JOURNAL.md is more preferred for hardware projects, so I will be switching to that for future documentation
• Will continue soldering, wiring and coding step by step, but more specifically, I will work on checking if the ESC to FC connection works and if I can power the 5V rail on the board

Devlog #3 - Finishing the CAD and Ready to Ship

Summary

• Finished the CAD for Kogane, the drone and the ground station
• Vibe coded firmware temporarily and tested functionality with my laptop webcam manually
• Finished documentation and shipping it to Outpost

Next Steps

• Once approved, I have to order and build
• Will work on firmware while waiting for the parts to arrive to save time

Devlog #2 - Finishing the FC PCB

Summary

• Followed the tutorial for tips to layout the board
• Used more tutorials and datasheets to understand different concepts of board layout like via stitching and filled zones
• Made a 4-layer PCB for the first time and learned how to connect power and grounds to appropriate components with vias
• Learned different routing practices, and despite the suboptimal routing, I am pretty confident now that it will at least be functional

Next Steps

• Finishing the CAD model and final BOM
• Finishing the firmware template, maybe even using some cameras to test the positioning system

Devlog #1 [Real] - Schematic design and shopping

Summary

• Used various different sources to learn about different components used in FCs
• Learned how to use datasheets, Webench, LCSC part selections, etc.
• Spent time reviewing different requirements for batteries and W/T ratios for drones in general and picking the right batteries and circuit designs
• Spent a lot of time scoping and rescoping the PCB, including having to remove battery charger and using an external ESC as it was too complex and tight for the compact PCB, especially while having a separate MCU and a lot of other peripherals
• Learned how to use the STM32CubeMX firmware and how different protocols worked
• Started exploring PCB editor and systematically arranging components

Next Steps

• Finish arranging PCB
• Route the PCB and get it verified
• Finish the CAD model and final BOM
• Come up with a basic template for firmware

Spent some time figuring out how to deal with the placement of different components and the scope of this project. Firstly, I decided that it made sense to use lightweight models for voice and video, keeping it limited so that it can run independently on A7S rather than relying on my laptop. Then I decided to have 2 mmWave sensors to cover blindspots and detect position of humans in the room, and decided it would be cool to integrate CV with mmWave, so added a fixed camera to help inform the drone position. A small FPV camera on the drone can allow it to avoid obstacles, and it would be cool to integrate VISTA (a research paper about drones navigating unknown maps) at least for initial calibration. Still figuring out the feasibility of a custom FC or if it would be easier to have a basic FC and a separate ESP32 for communication, camera and for extending the project to control servos for the rolling screen and a gripper in the future. Drafted the BOM but will find more stuff on AliExpress tomorrow.

I also explored how to use Hackatime with Onshape and started making the head of Kogane