Parrot AR.Drone RC mod with Spektrum DX6i transmitter 2.4ghz

[BobAtRSA]

Ken,

I'm doing the mirumod to my drone using an Arduino Nano AT Mega328 and a DX8 TX. Got it all wired up and the board uploaded and flashed. I used the Arduino 1.0 Mac app and all went well. Since I'm a Mac head and not Windows literate, I folled your video all the way to the serial monitor point. Now I'm stuck.  I must be missing a step because nothing shows on the window. I'm following your vieo because of its clarity using a Mac. Can youy help?

Bob

[kenv98]

@BobAtRSA

I would check out "Doctor UFO's PDF on the miru mod. Basically once you get it flashed with the code, you'll just need to access the Nano via a HyperTerminal or Putty (Windows), for a mac, find something similar. You're gonna connect to verify everything is working. For the miru mod, I used my windows PC to do it. But do read Doctor UFO's instructions, even though it's for a PC, you can figure out how to do it via Mac tools.

[Routing101]

Ken ive got couple quick question.

what is the life expectancy of the battery with the mod and is there anyway to increase it say to an hour (absurd question i know)

you mentioned dont touch the iPhone controls, will that completely become jammed with both controllers?

and last question, how high can this go? usually its around 50 meters or so I thnk

[kenv98]

@Routing101

battery life is about the same. Forgot exact time. To get an hour? You'd probably need a battery that would be 6000MAH+ and it might make it too heavy. I've used 2200mAH, which is double the stock 1000mah... and it's a bit on the heavy side. 

I never really touched the screen and TX at the same time so I can't tell you. It would avoid it.

There is a height limit set, depends if you turned it off.

[Routing101]

If i bought one, would it be possible to pay you to modify it (including the price of the parts ofcourse)

[kenv98]

@Routing101

Unfortunately not, I don't have time them.

[macz801]

Sir, is it possible to use an android phone to control the drone instead of the DX6i? how?

[macz801]

Hello sir, is it possible to use smartphone such as iPhone as the remote of the drone instead of the analog remote DX6i? and instead of wi-fi radio frequency

How?

[Justinio2]

But then do you lose the camera? :( I like trying to navigate it by camera, but yeah, wish the tilt function could just be a second stick like the right one. I'll get used to it though.

[egrims]

Really well explained.

[Tubeboyone]

Thanks for taking the time to post. Great stuff.

[MuzzaHukka]

I've found this "MacGyver" mod on eBay. It comes with a reciever but I was wondering; would any RX 2.4GHz remote control work? Thanks in Advance, Subscribe!

[WA1LBK]

Thanks for posting this tutorial. ;) Long-time fixed-wing RC pilot who just bought an AR Drone 2 weeks ago (& having a blast with it! :D ). Currently flying it with the iPhone 4 and as you mentioned, if you're used to a conventional 2-stick Mode 2 RC transmitter, there's a "learning curve". ;) - No tactile feedback from the virtual "sticks" on the iPhone screen. Hardware costs don't seem bad, electronic tech by profession so soldering's not an issue. Thanks again for posting. :)

[gustyk11]

Great tutorial. Two thumbs up.

[PrecisionIntermedia]

Search "MacGyver Mod AR Drone". It's sooooo simple and comes with the transmitter for 130.00. I frickin' love it. No soldiering, just plug into the USB on the Drone.

[jbalatutube]

Hey I think you can use the 5v from the ArDrone usb port to power the yellowjacket instead of the Bec

[trackercj]

what did this mod cost in total?

[cybervid07]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Doesn't look do difficult a mod to do. Two questions: 1. What battery were you running on the Drone and how do you like it? 2. In iPhone video capture mode, and hooking up to the Drone with the iPhone first (unpair), does the YellowJacket simply overide the WiFi commands coming from the iPhone, because it's not ALSO paired to the Drone is it?

[FSstudios1]

would my exceed wk-2602 work?

[riverokines]

Do you know how much the mod adds to the weight of the Drone? I'm just wondering about adding another payload (like a GoPro HD)

[JollySwagman2006]

Great tutorial on modding the ARDrone to TX very easy to follow well done, thanks for sharing

[patrickbitton]

Wow that is a great mod.

I did a search for a DX6i and since I am VERY new to RC...Is there a cheaper version of an RC controller that I can use for this mod?

Thanks

[kenv98]

@patrickbitton

Sure you can use any transmitter you want. The Turnigy/FlySky 9x should work too.

[patrickbitton]

@kenv98

I was away for awhile and now ready to make a purchase. I like the Turnigy 9x but I read that it is not DSM2 compatible. Your instructions require the AR6100e Module. Is there a one reciever that I can use with the Turnigy 9x? I see a reciever that comes as a package. Will that work?

Thanks

[kenv98]

@patrickbitton

You use any receiver that works with your transmitter. I used AR6100 'cause my TX is a DX6i. Obviously with a 9x, you'd need an RX that works with it. 

[patrickbitton]

@kenv98

Will the one that comes with the transmitter be sufficient enough for this mod?

Thanks

[kenv98]

@patrickbitton

I can't see why not. I've done this mod with FrSky TX and RX, Spektrum and they work too.

[Flyingwigs]

@patrickbitton you can install a dsm2 module into the 9x radio, then you can use spectrum receivers or the clone receiver.

[pawel23467]

it is very nice mod but Gaui 330x is more faster can carry more ,Gaui cost 300 euro, whit spektrum dx6i 460 euro,Ar Dron 300 euro and whit spektrum dx6i 460 and mod hardware 560 euro soo Gaui 330x is much cheaper

[agjake01]

Awesome video.. Looking forward to the mod! Any chance you'd set up the yellow jacket for a fee?

[Ec130Rhine]

I want to do the same with my dx6i with my drone it's look hard to do wish I had some one around that can help me on it in person!

If you sold me your yellowjack can I use it with my drone sent you set it up already ?

[Ec130Rhine]

I use to have a gaui 330x s but I sold it to get the ar drone I think the ar drone alot better then the gaui 330x s so don't buy the 330x s because what you this alot better then the gaui 330x s trust me the gaui can't hold it's hight or spot like the drone can!

[bongbeltran]

why dont you make a video how far away the ar drone would fly with the RC 2.4 ghz transmitter..????

[kenv98]

That could be true but most of the quadricopters don't have the features that the AR.Drone has. I got the drone as a gift for xmas and just wasn't too into the iphone controlling thing so I modded it. but it definitely gave me an appetite for quads now. Looking at a Gaui x330 next year :)

[StewieRc]

i dont get it, if you want to use rc tx then just buy cheapo towerpro combo and make quadcopter itself out of the parts ( cheaper and less hassle )