Part 1: Build your own UAV Predator drone.
Building Your Own UAV: The $250 Drone
Think a military-grade drone is out of reach? Think again! Setting out to answer a simple question: Can you build an open-source UAV drone for a fraction of the cost of something like a Predator? The answer, with some limitations on distance and payload, is a resounding yes.
The project came to life on a shoestring budget of roughly $250. Starting with a common drone frame and off-the-shelf components, then added two crucial elements that transform it into a full-fledged UAV: a Pixhawk and a Raspberry Pi 3 (SBC).
- The Pixhawk acts as the drone’s autopilot and flight controller. It’s the muscle, managing the motors and all the telemetry data essential for stable flight.
- The Raspberry Pi 3 is the brains of the operation. This single-board computer tells the Pixhawk what to do, orchestrating the drone’s missions.
The real magic of having a Raspberry Pi onboard is the endless possibilities it unlocks. Imagine a drone capable of anything from automated payload delivery to vital search and rescue missions, or even specialized military functions. It’s all within reach when you build it yourself!
This post is split into 2 parts. Part 1 is the design and build of the drone. Part 2 is the configuration of the Raspberry Pi.
