The code development performed so far included entry estimation energy and addition of flare/touchdown phases.
It was tested first in RealFlight/SITL and then in real world using cheap/short range Lidar sensor (TF mini plus) on T-rex 600 helicopter test frame (whole setup self-funded).
The results achieved for flare/touchdown phases with this setup have been satisfactory, but now time have come to try improve the code without using an high update rate from the rangefinder (update rate was set at 100Hz).
Sample videos summarizing the many test flights performed with current setup/firmware:
In order to decrease the lag of estimated ground distance, suggested solution was to implement a complementary filter for altitude estimation using the default update rate for rangefinder (20Hz).
For this to work the current setup might be very tight, given the small range of the TF mini plus (10m).
It would be desirable to shift to a 100m range Lidar:
An option could be to borrow one from somebody of the dev team, if that’s feasible. Equipment will be returned either way to the organization after completion of the testing activity. @bnsgeyer
I support @Ferrosan request. This is a small investment for the incredible work that Ferruccio has done and can accomplish with this hardware. This will pay huge dividends in the advancement of the code for helicopters to support our commercial customers and increase safety.
Sorry Ferruccio I have missed your post. I could have helped you also but good to see the funding.
If you ever need anything for your project, let me know and I will see what I can help you with.
Hi @champ8242 Bart! thanks very much for your offer, very kind! I have installed the equipment generously provided by the Organization and I’m doing simulation testing at the moment. Will start actual flight tests in the next two weeks. Will keep you posted, thanks for your support!
