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eeglbalazs edited this page Nov 26, 2019 · 12 revisions

Redtail F550 build

Building the Nvidia Jetson Redtail drone on the F550 platform.

Components

Getting all the parts to build the Redtail drone was a bit tricky, especially in Europe. I've sourced the following components:

  • DJI F550 ARF kit - this includes the motors, ESCs, propellers. I'd suggest getting better propellers. I got this from a local shop, some online retailers are selling it though. Mine included a landing gear, adding extra distance bellow the bottom plate. In theory F450 would work as well.
  • Flight controller and accessories: these are available from Holybro. Getting all the stuff that's in the Redtail wiki is tricky though, since they use the Pixfalcon controller and the accessories from Pixhawk Mini. They are shipping from China. The Pixhawk mini in itself is not really suitable for this project. I had to modify the source code of PX4 and compile it to make it work. As an alternative, with all the experience I got through making this work, I'd rather buy a Pixhawk Cube.
  • I got this 4500mAh - 4S LiPo - 35C battery. They also sell good quality chargers.
  • I added this SBEC for safety. It is not in the Redtail build wiki, but it's safer to use this to power the Jetson TX2, instead of connecting it directly to the batteries.
  • Bunch of screws, bolt, nuts, fastensers, tools, cables, connectors. I don't have a list for this, there are plenty of these on Hobbyking. I needed to extend the GPS cable, there are precrimped wires for that too, it's quite easier then crimping for JST SH/GH connectors.

Mounting Jetson TX2 + J120 on the F550 build

This includes three 3D printed components:

  1. Plate for mounting the Jetson on the upper plate of F550
  2. A rollcage around the Jetson - this serves two purposes - providing protection plus distancing the GPS.
  3. Plate for mounting the battery on the lower plate of the F550

The flight controller goes into the middle, between the 2 plates, along with most of the wiring. Battery goes below the bottom plate - you can use the included battery fasteners from the ARF kit.

Printing & assembly instructions

  1. Print the base plate - F550PlateTestUpper v24 WingOrig1.stl
  2. (optional) Print the Arcs - you'll need 6 of them
  3. (optional) Print GPS holder
  4. (optional) Assemble the rollcage from these - you'll need various M2.5 and M3 bolts and nuts (TODO: list the exact length / type of screws needed)
  5. Mount the J120 + Jetson on the 3d printed base plate
  6. Mount the above on the F550 upper plate - this includes unscrewing the wings (if you already have the kit assembled) and then screwing back the plate + Jetson with slightly longer screws. (F550 Wing Support v2.stl can provide support for the wings while they're not fixed to the upper plate)
  7. (optional) Print the battery holder and attach it below the bottom plate (in a similar manner like above)

Clone this wiki locally