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Century Helicopter . MTA Hobbies . Model Rectifier Corp

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e-Minicopter Joker > maxi-Joker for science application
 
 
drewg
Heliman
Location:

Hello,

I am the supervisor of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) operations at an oceanographic institute in California. I run a small unmanned, untethered submarine in support of scientists here. I also am a novice Eco-16 pilot.

One of the scientists here saw my helicopter and asked about doing some small-scale aerial surveys with it to get images of the ocean's surface. I told him the Eco-16 wouldn't quite do it, but I put him together a budget for a maxi-Joker with all the fixins for next year. Well lo and behold the budget went through and in January it will be time to start putting up. The concept is "low cost aerial platform for oceanographic research"... low cost here is obviously relative to really expensive things like research vessels ($1K per hour to operate), and unmanned submarines ($200K for the parts)

I intend to outfit a maxi-Joker with Li batteries (the AUV uses these so I have some experience with the chemistry) and an FMA copilot. The instrumentation will initially consist of a GPS, attitude sensor, and camera setup. The copilot is to ease piloting chores and hopefully to enable shipboard operations. I'm also considering floats since the operations will be over water.

I'd appreciate any input regarding the project -- is this feasible at all? probably should have asked before submitting the budget but oh well...

cheers,
dg
12-12-2003 Over year old.
 
 
Danny R
Heliman
Location: Atlanta, GA

Wow, pretty cool of you to get the government to pay for your hobby (I'm guessing your Institute is probably funded by government grants)



Salt-water isn't the greatest for electronics. I'm not sure what you can do to protect the heli though against it.

Depending on how high you go and how far away from shore, you might want to look into other autonomous devices, such as the CARVAC (sp?) system I've seen elsewhere on the forums.
12-12-2003 Over year old.
 
 
ehx
Senior Heliman
Location: Northern Minnesota

Been there, done (or should say doing) that! Having spent more than
15 years in university research I know the feeling of getting funded for
a good idea that kind of just got thrown together. Congratulations!

What you want to do is feasible, but it's harder than you think. The
number one limitation is payload capacity. Designing a system for a
full-sized heli or plane is much easier than a model. The Maxi Joker
with Lipo's might handle about 6 pounds - in good weather. The
gustier the winds the more reserve power you need and therefore
your payload might be reduced. Six pounds might sound like a lot,
but when you start adding things up it really isn't. Remember you
need batteries, wiring, and a frame to hold everything. Not to mention
floats if you want to possibly salvage anything in a crash (OK -
make that emergency landing).

I would really need to know more details of exactly what final
product you want and the equipment you plan to use, but since
I'm currently working on a quite similar system I could probably
help you out quite a bit. If you are interested let me know and
we could discuss this outside the forum. I think others here
would be interested, but I don't know if it really fits the forum.
The question is good, but the technical details won't really be
Joker related.
12-12-2003 Over year old.
 
 
BigRagu
Senior Heliman
Location: Utah

Saltwater

The model boat guy's all spray their electronics with something called "Corossion X" ? I think name is correct, but I'll call someone to verify the name for you.

You open up all plastic cases and spray coat the PCB's and then close it up . . . they have been using it for years.

BigRagu


PS:
Start reading ALL the old UAV and Camera threads here on RR! There are plenty of guy's using the Joker as platform's now I'm sure could help you, some do this for a living. Good luck, I'd love to spend someone elses money for this hobby!
12-13-2003 Over year old.
 
 
Flying Scot
Heliman
Location: Scotland

I hope you do keep it on the forum I for one would be interested.
I am using Maxi Joker as a camera ship, current payload is 5lbs but I am sure it would carry much more. It will certainly carry what you have listed.
The FMA co-pilot for the Joker (CCPM version) is not available yet.

I also did some work on submerisbles many years ago but never got the chance to do this.
12-13-2003 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
majorheli
Heliman
Location: Stow, MA

There is a project at MIT here in the east and at another university in the south I believe and one in the midwest too. These are autonomous projects that involve a lot of payload. I think all of these projects are using glow engines however. The pilot for the MIT project is around here somewhere on the forums. I know him personally from the fields. His name is Raja. He is a great guy and very knowledgeable. I don't know his handle here on the forums. He may be able to help you. They actually use a glow engine 60 size with a 90 engine. They have a lot of onboard equipment.

Tony
12-15-2003 Over year old.
 
 
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RCHover . RC-Direct . HeliDirect

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e-Minicopter Joker > maxi-Joker for science application
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