Make an Open Source Drone: More Fun from Udemy

In our first drone course “Make an Open Source Drone”, you learned how to build a quadcopter based on open source software and hardware.

You now have a modern programmable aircraft and a good understanding of the principles of drone flight and of the skills needed to enjoy being a drone pilot.

In this course, you’ll take your knowledge and skill to the next level. You’ll go past the basics and explore some of the most exciting features and capabilities of your drone.

Your drone, from simply reacting to your radio instructions, will look as if it has a mind of its own, and fly itself.

I promise, the first time you experience your drone flawlessly execute a mission, you will feel proud and thrilled.

By the end of this course, you’ll learn:

how to improve the features of your FlySky radio controller so that you can take full advantage of the hardware,
How to set up radio telemetry between your computer and the drone so that you can track and control your drone from your computer in real time,
How to configure fail-safes to prevent avoidable injuries and damage to your drone,
How to record high-definition flight video and transmit first-person video to a monitor on the ground,
How to setup and configure flight modes,
And most important, how to design simple and more complicated missions that your drone can execute on its own.

I invite you to review the free lectures in the first section of this course to find out more details about it.

If you are excited about learning how to to make your open source drone even more fun, join many other Makers and me in "Make an Open Source Drone: More fun".

What's inside

Learning objectives

Improve the features of your flysky radio controller so that you can take full advantage of the hardware.
Set up radio telemetry between your computer and the drone so that you can track and control your drone from your computer in real time.
Configure fail-safes to prevent avoidable injuries and damage to your drone.

Record high-definition flight video and transmit first-person video to a monitor on the ground.
Setup and configure flight modes.
Design simple and more complicated missions that your drone can execute on its own.

Improve the features of your flysky radio controller so that you can take full advantage of the hardware.
Set up radio telemetry between your computer and the drone so that you can track and control your drone from your computer in real time.
Configure fail-safes to prevent avoidable injuries and damage to your drone.
Record high-definition flight video and transmit first-person video to a monitor on the ground.
Setup and configure flight modes.
Design simple and more complicated missions that your drone can execute on its own.

Syllabus

Introduction

2000 - About this course

Parts and Tools

Flysky FS-i6 firmware upgrade

2030 - Flysky FS-i6 firmware upgrade Introduction

2040 - Upgrade objectives and tools

2050 - Download firmware installer and upgrade process

2065 - How to unbrick your controller

2067 - Re-bind transmitter and receiver

2070a - Transmitter calibration

2070b - Transmitter calibration

2080 - Subtrim calibration

Radio Telemetry

2100 - Radio Telemetry introduction

2105a - Setup the radio telemetry hardware

2105b - Configure the radio telemetry net ID

2110 - Setup channels using a serial monitor

2120a - Connect and test radio telemetry

2120b - Using APM Planner on Mac OS

2130 - Radio telemetry test flight

Failsafes

2150 - Failsafes Introduction

2160 - Radio failsafe (transmitter loss of connection)

2170 - Geofencing

2180 - Battery failsafe

2195 - Test flight: geofencing

Cameras

2210 - Introduction to drone cameras

2220 - Setup the HD recording camera Firefly Q6

2250 - Test footage of the HD recording camera

2240 - Test footage of the HD recording camera

2260 - Setup of the FPV monitor

Flight modes

2300 - Introduction to flight modes

2310 - Basic flight modes

2320a - Setup flight modes on RC switches

2320b - Super Simple Mode and Simple Mode

2325 - How to change flight mode parameters

2330 - Test flight- flight modes

Mission planning

2410 - Introduction to mission planning

2420a - Simple Mission design

2420b - Simple Mission simulation

2420c - Simple Mission upload to drone

2420d - Simple Mission refetch a map segment

2430 - Create a more advanced Mission

2440 - Agricultural-type mission

2450 - Polygon fencing

2455 - Test flight- Mission

Power

2470 - Introduction to Power

2480 - Pixhawk ESC secondary power

2500 - TOP - Battery tester

Conclusion and Bonus Lecture

What's next

Bonus Lecture

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds upon the foundational knowledge from the first course, allowing learners to explore advanced drone features and capabilities

Teaches how to configure fail-safes, which is crucial for responsible drone operation and preventing accidents or damage

Explores mission planning, enabling drones to execute autonomous flights, which is a key aspect of modern drone technology

Requires learners to have already completed the first course, 'Make an Open Source Drone,' before taking this course

Focuses on the FlySky radio controller, so learners without this specific hardware may find parts of the course less applicable

Uses APM Planner on Mac OS, so learners using other operating systems may need to adapt instructions or use alternative software

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Make an Open Source Drone: More Fun with these activities:

Review Drone Flight Principles

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Reviewing the fundamental principles of drone flight will help you better understand the advanced features and mission planning aspects covered in this course.

Browse courses on Aerodynamics

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Review notes from the previous drone course.
Watch introductory videos on drone aerodynamics.
Take a practice quiz on drone flight basics.

Read 'Getting Started with Drones' by Terry Kilby and Belinda Kilby

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Reading this book will provide a broader understanding of drone technology, complementing the specific skills taught in the course.

View Getting Started with Drones: Build and... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Getting Started with Drones'.
Read the chapters on flight controllers and programming.
Take notes on key concepts and terminology.

Practice Radio Telemetry Setup

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Practicing the radio telemetry setup will reinforce your understanding of the hardware and software configurations required for real-time drone tracking and control.

Show steps

Set up the radio telemetry hardware as described in the course.
Configure the radio telemetry net ID.
Test the connection using a serial monitor.
Perform a short test flight to verify telemetry data.

Four other activities

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Document Failsafe Configuration

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Creating documentation on failsafe configuration will solidify your understanding of how to prevent injuries and damage to your drone in various scenarios.

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Configure radio failsafe settings.
Set up geofencing parameters.
Configure battery failsafe thresholds.
Document the configuration process with screenshots and explanations.

Design a Drone Mission

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Designing a drone mission will allow you to apply the knowledge gained in the course to create autonomous flight plans.

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Define the objectives of the mission.
Plan the flight path using mission planning software.
Simulate the mission to identify potential issues.
Upload the mission to the drone and test it in a controlled environment.

Create a Flight Mode Configuration Guide

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Creating a flight mode configuration guide will help you consolidate your knowledge of different flight modes and their applications.

Show steps

Experiment with different flight modes.
Document the parameters for each flight mode.
Create a guide explaining how to configure flight modes on RC switches.
Include screenshots and diagrams to illustrate the configuration process.

Read 'ArduPilot: Up and Flying' by Brad Schmidt

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Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the ArduPilot flight controller and its capabilities, enhancing your ability to customize and optimize your drone's performance.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of 'ArduPilot: Up and Flying'.
Read the chapters on flight modes and mission planning.
Experiment with the ArduPilot configuration software.

Career center

Learners who complete Make an Open Source Drone: More Fun will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Drone Pilot

A Drone Pilot operates unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for various purposes, and this course directly enhances relevant skills. This role involves detailed flight planning and execution, which this course addresses by having you design and implement simple and complex missions. A Drone Pilot also needs to be skilled in handling flight controllers and configuring flight modes, both of which are covered in detail. The course's emphasis on radio telemetry, failsafe mechanisms, and first-person-view video transmission also provides skills that are fundamental to the job. If you are interested in becoming a Drone Pilot, this course should be very helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drone Pilot

Hobbyist Drone Developer

A Hobbyist Drone Developer explores the capabilities of drones, often for personal projects. This course may be very useful for someone who wishes to go beyond simply flying a drone. The course's content on advanced features such as firmware upgrades, telemetry, and designing custom missions will be valuable. A Hobbyist Drone Developer will find the hands-on nature of the course, with its practical exercises and real-world experience, useful. If you want to take your hobby to the next level, this course directly applies to your goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist Drone Developer

Electronics Hobbyist

An Electronics Hobbyist engages with electronics for personal enjoyment and learning. This course may be useful for enhancing these interests, particularly in the area of drones. The hands-on exercises in upgrading controllers, setting up telemetry, and connecting cameras, can be valuable for a hobbyist. The course’s focus on practical application makes it a good fit for someone who wants to learn by doing. If you are an Electronics Hobbyist with an interest in drones, this course may help you explore new possibilities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Hobbyist

Drone Systems Integrator

A Drone Systems Integrator combines various drone components into functional systems. This course may be very useful in learning about the practical aspects of this profession. The course content on upgrading hardware and software, setting up telemetry and cameras, and configuring flight modes, could be helpful. Working with failsafe mechanisms and creating custom flight missions, is directly relevant. If you wish to become a Drone Systems Integrator, this course might be a very useful resource for building practical skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Drone Systems Integrator

Robotics Technician

A Robotics Technician is responsible for building, maintaining, and repairing robotic systems, and this course may help build a strong foundation for that task. They often work on the electrical and mechanical components of robots, and this course's focus on advanced drone features, like setting up radio telemetry and flight modes, aligns with the skills needed for this role. Hands-on experience gained from upgrading controllers, configuring failsafes, and designing drone missions would be directly applicable in the field. Someone interested in becoming a Robotics Technician may find this course very useful for the practical skills it provides.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Technician

Unmanned Systems Engineer

An Unmanned Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests unmanned vehicles, including drones. This course may help provide a valuable understanding of drone operation and configuration. An Unmanned Systems Engineer should be familiar with flight control systems, telemetry, and mission planning, all of which are covered by the course. The ability to configure failsafe mechanisms and integrate video transmission provides relevant experience in designing resilient and functional robotic systems. If you are interested in a role as an Unmanned Systems Engineer, this course provides useful practical experience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Unmanned Systems Engineer

Robotics Educator

A Robotics Educator teaches robotics to students of varying ages. This course may be useful in expanding the knowledge of a Robotics Educator. The course’s focus on advanced drone operation, telemetry, and mission planning, may equip an educator with a deeper understanding of the technical concepts. The practical experience of building and configuring a drone is useful for designing and teaching hands-on lessons. If you are a Robotics Educator, this course might help you develop new skills to share with your students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Educator

embedded systems developer

An Embedded Systems Developer works on the software and hardware that control embedded devices, which can include drones. This course may be useful in building the skills needed for this role. This course's focus on upgrading firmware, setting up radio telemetry using a serial monitor, and configuring various flight parameters provides hands-on experience with important aspects of embedded systems. If you are interested in becoming an Embedded Systems Developer, this course may give valuable practical experience with real-world hardware.

See salaries and explore the career path for embedded systems developer

Open Source Hardware Developer

An Open Source Hardware Developer designs, builds, and tests hardware that is openly available for others to modify. This course may be helpful as it provides hands-on experience with open source drone technology. The course focuses on practical skills such as upgrading firmware, setting up radio telemetry, and configuring advanced features. This may be useful for development. If you are interested in working with open source hardware, this course might be a good place to start.

See salaries and explore the career path for Open Source Hardware Developer

Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer designs and implements automated systems, and this course may be useful in developing skills related to the automation of drones. The course's content on designing and programming drone missions, configuring flight modes, and setting up failsafe mechanisms may build a foundation for working with automated robotic systems. Someone interested in becoming an Automation Engineer, especially in robotics, may find this course to be a helpful introduction to automation concepts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Automation Engineer

Aerospace Technician

An Aerospace Technician works with aircraft and aerospace systems, and this course may be helpful for those interested in a role working with unmanned aircraft. This role involves understanding the mechanics and electronics of flight, and the course's focus on drone configuration, telemetry, and mission design may build some necessary skills. The experience gained in setting up radio communication, flight modes, and mission planning can be directly applicable. If you want to be an Aerospace Technician, this course might be a good place to begin studying some basic principles.

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Geospatial Data Analyst

A Geospatial Data Analyst uses location data for analysis. This course may be useful if you wish to specialize in drone-acquired data. The course's focus on mission planning, particularly designing missions for mapping and data collection, can provide insight into how geospatial data can be collected. The ability to use telemetry and understand the parameters of a drone during flight might be beneficial. If you are interested in becoming a Geospatial Data Analyst specializing in drone data, this course may provide a valuable introduction.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geospatial Data Analyst

Agricultural Technician

An Agricultural Technician uses technology for farming and agriculture. This course may be of value in understanding how drones can be used in this field. The course’s lesson on agricultural-type mission design has the potential to be valuable. Moreover, the knowledge gained from learning how to setup cameras and monitor telemetry can provide a deeper understanding of data collection in agriculture. If you are interested in becoming an Agricultural Technician, this course may offer you a unique perspective on drone applications in agriculture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Technician

Avionics Technician

An Avionics Technician installs, maintains, and repairs electronic systems in aircraft. While this course focuses on drones, certain skills are transferable. The course content on radio telemetry, setting up flight modes, and configuring failsafes may be helpful to someone interested in this role. The experience gained in upgrading firmware and working with control systems may build a foundation in electronics and communications systems. If you are interested in becoming an Avionics Technician, this course may introduce you to some relevant concepts.

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Remote Sensing Specialist

A Remote Sensing Specialist analyzes data collected from a distance, often using aerial or satellite imagery. This course may be good background study for any Remote Sensing Specialist interested in drones. This course may help with the basics of using drones to collect such data. By learning how to setup cameras, plan missions, and use telemetry, you can gain first hand experience with the collection process. If you are interested in becoming a Remote Sensing Specialist, this course may offer practical experience with the remote data collection process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Remote Sensing Specialist

Make an Open Source Drone

More Fun

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