Octacopter

Goal-

Build a multi-copter capable of lifting 4 lbs and stay within a $1k budget(this was for my undergraduate Engineering capstone)

Execution-

Designed a custom aluminum chassis laser-cut and assembled with stock aluminum beams. Sourced electronic components: Pixhawk controller, motors, esc’s, batteries, radio receiver and transmitter. Developed a “scooper” mechanism as payload to grip items off the ground.

How I nearly lost my left index finger-

Four nights before the project was due, the drone still couldn’t take off. It was 2am, I spent the whole night calibrating the compass and gyro. I was too tired so I climbed into bed, closed my eyes and fell half asleep. All of a sudden, I realized I forgot to reset one of the parameters on the throttle channel and that might’ve been the issue.

I jump out of the bed, plug in the Pixhawk and reset the parameter. I plug in the battery, switch on the radio transmitter and boom, it takes off. In my room.

Just as it took off, I felt a quick whip on my finger. 

I still have my finger today, but ever since that night, I’ve become super cautious of drone safety. Whenever I notice my scar, it inspires me to make drones safer for everyone.