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Goal | Metric |
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Able to track in one-axis (yaw) | Visual confirmation of heading, comparison using logging data of antenna angle & drone position. |
Able to track in two-axis (pitch/yaw) | Visual confirmation of heading, comparison using logging data of antenna angle & drone position. |
Being able to accept different antennas & systems (including relays) | Ability to swap tracking antenna components to use different systems |
Able to track for the entire duration of a flight window (long or short). | |
Ability to be anchored / tethered to the ground in adverse weather | |
Short startup / calibration sequence | Timed from cold start. |
Weather Resistant | |
Untethered power & system-data input | No wires from the tracking antenna system to the groundstation computer. |
\uD83E\uDD14 Assumptions
Information input will be in MAVLink format from the groundstation (forwarded out of the groundstation)
Antennas will be either:
900 patch
1.3 patch
2.4 yagi (dual)
Receivers will either be:
RFD900
1.3 block
EE Gemini module
Some receivers may have relays
5 and 12v power available at the antenna head.
\uD83D\uDDD2 Requirements
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Requirements / Constraints | Context | Priority | Owner | Notes | ||||||||||||||||||
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Must be able to carry a payload up to 1kg | This would be the heaviest weight of antennas + batteries + relay |
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| Must allow for at least 2 360 degrees in either direction from startup position. | Being able to track the drone if it flies in a circle. |
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| Unlikely that we will need to complete multiple circles @ competition. | ||||||||||||||
Must allow for 0-90 degree rotation in pitch | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Must maintain heading when connection is lost (either gcs → antenna or drone → gcs) | antenna should be in position to re-establish link when the drone follows RTL procedure | |||||||||||||||||||||
Must be able to supply 5v and 12v power. | Common voltages used by onboard devices | |||||||||||||||||||||
One person must be able to setup the system in < 5 minutes | Time & resources on the flight window | |||||||||||||||||||||
Up to 2 primary antennas must be able to track the target simultaneously | Some transmitters use diversity | |||||||||||||||||||||
2 primary antennas must be able to maintain spatial separation of at least 10 centimetres | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Up to 1 antenna must be able to mounted statically away from the tracking head | e.g. omni antenna | |||||||||||||||||||||
Up to 1 relay system must be able to be mounted statically away from the primary antennas | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Must accept 3-6s battery power | Common batteries that WARG uses | |||||||||||||||||||||
Must be able to be transported easily and without damage to the equipment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Open Questions
Question | Answer | Date Answered |
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