3DR Solo - From Ordinary to DIY Photo Drone

Part.15 BMSOne – the universal BMS

When my batteries where getting out of juice, I moved to mRo power module mode, as that was the only option available that time.
You can read about it on my 12 post - Part.12 Power module mode + 2x Li-ion 9000mAh battery build
It was not bad at all, only thing, it was not providing each cell voltage, but overall battery voltage and needed careful soldering.

When BMSOne came available, I ordered one to integrate it in my 3DR. Meanwhile managed to shorten and fry something on my mRo power module drone, so I would need to re-solder everything on new board and it was not so easy. So I started with new board, and new BMS - BMSOne.

1st, the BMSOne can be bought on Madhacker.org (the same guy who built 3DR Solo Battery diagnostic tool)
2nd, the latest HOWTO for 3DR is available >HERE< (I see a warning there now, so placed on my G-Drive)

There are several options available (applying 3DR Solo battery connector and placing in battery bay, direct solder), I soldered directly to 3DR solo mainboard and placed it directly under GPS mast (these images are with the old mast)

PXL_20210317_102138374.jpg PXL_20210317_102320170.jpg IMG_20210508_141044.jpg IMG_20210923_102852.jpg IMG_20210923_102908.jpg IMG_20210923_140046.jpg IMG_20210924_164441.jpg IMG_20210926_083648.jpg IMG_20210926_083920.jpg Screenshot_2021-09-27-16-03-44-069_com.fognl.solex.jpg

to be continued ...
 
  • Like
Reactions: Robpower
Part.16-1 FF sensor camera (concept)

When you seriously ambitious about that you’re willing to achieve – move from APS-C to FF.
Those who are following my 3DR photo drone build, already know that I’m flying APS-C Ricoh GR on static mount with servo Tilt for photography purposes. I wanted to go bigger, meaning – moving to FF. And you know what, it’s slowly moving forward.

Last year acquired UAV lens from 7artisans – it’s 35mm f/5.6 weighting only 19 grams.
Then got triggering cable for Sony cameras from Flytron - Sony Multi-Terminal RC Shutter for A7 A7R.
This year bought 1st gen Sony FF camera - A7S (was looking for cheapest A7/A7S, got a good deal on A7S).

First thing what I tested with 3DR Solo – is the HDMI out from camera working, and it was. Check.
Had to buy different micro-HDMI cable as Ricoh-GR has it orientated 180 degree opposite than on Sony – TAROT cables are the best I have came across, but costing its price.

Next thing, I needed to get camera trigger working from 3DR Solo remote. The strange thing was – if camera trigger was working with Rico GR and its cable, it was not working with Sony A7S and its cable. Experimenting with different parameters in MP I finally managed it to work by modifying extSettings.conf file on 3DR Solo drone (will throw info later for those who are interested in) Short hold A = triggering, then short hold B = returning. Check.

Video, how triggering works - TRIGGERING ON THE BENCH

Now when HDMI out working, triggering working, will teardown the camera to reduce unneeded weight (screen, viewfinder, chassis, battery etc.) + then new case 3D printed and so on and so on.

P01112-140655.jpg P01112-140833.jpg P01112-140958.jpg P01112-141243.jpg P01124-143113(1).jpgIMG_20220320_121121.jpg IMG_20220303_164144.jpgIMG_20220323_143222.jpg

to be continued ...
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Robpower
I had same problem with triggering Sony QX1, Sony A5100 and Seagull #MAP2. However I have changed RC7_OPTION to 9 (camera trigger) and now I can use long hold "Pause button" = triggering, then short hold "Pause button" = returning.
 

Attachments

  • servo7.JPG
    servo7.JPG
    176.3 KB · Views: 4
Next thing, I needed to get camera trigger working from 3DR Solo remote. The strange thing was – if camera trigger was working with Rico GR and its cable, it was not working with Sony A7S and its cable. Experimenting with different parameters in MP I finally managed it to work by modifying extSettings.conf file on 3DR Solo drone (will throw info later for those who are interested in) Short hold A = triggering, then short hold B = returning. Check.
Hi @makatanav, could you please share your changes in extSettings.conf file?
I am trying to use time lapse with #MAP2 but when I change CAM_SERVO_ON i.g. to 3 sec timlap, 3DR does only one photo then goes back to CAM_SERVO_OFF = 1500 μS.

I have found only one solution so far using the CAM_SERVO_OFF parameter. When I change it from 1500 to 1275 μS (3 sec) the camera starts working until I go back to 1500. This is good but I would like to asing this e.g. to A and B buttons.

Do you have any tips for smart changing CAM_SERVO_OFF parameter during flight?

Thanks for sharing your knowhow.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Robpower
Part.6 Controller Wi-Fi card update

As I was not very impressed with 3DR Solo flight distance, and signal strength/reliability, I choose to upgrade controllers Wi-Fi card (already have found info online, that it can be done also for drone itself, but can cause brown outs and it’s not suggested).
Some provided info that exchange only of one card will not help, soma said, that it will. I simply did (but only for controller).

Wi-Fi card Mikrotik R11e-2HnD.
Was it worth? Yes, definitely.
Flown 1000m (remote location) and even no red Wi-Fi signal kicked in (that on stock antennas).

View attachment 10854 View attachment 10855 View attachment 10856 View attachment 10857 View attachment 10858 View attachment 10859 View attachment 10860

^ Added in 1st post what's d0ne (will add more with Par.7 ... etc), what's in progress & future plans

to be continued ...
How do you do it
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
13,093
Messages
147,741
Members
16,047
Latest member
pvt solo