Below are general answers on typical components of semi-autonomous drones from the list of GAO Tek’s low altitude drones.

 

Electronic Components:

  • Flight Controller: The brain of the drone, responsible for stabilizing the aircraft and managing inputs from sensors and the pilot. It processes data from gyroscopes, accelerometers, GPS, and other sensors to maintain stable flight.
  • Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs): These regulate the speed of the drone’s motors based on commands from the flight controller. They ensure that each motor operates at the correct speed to maintain balance and control.
  • Motors: Brushless DC motors are typically used for their efficiency, durability, and high power-to-weight ratio. They drive the propellers and are essential for lift and maneuverability.
  • Battery: Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are common in drones due to their high energy density and discharge rates. They power the motors, flight controller, and other onboard electronics.
  • GPS Module: Provides real-time location data to the flight controller, enabling features like autonomous navigation, return-to-home, and waypoint missions.
  • IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Combines a gyroscope and accelerometer to measure the drone’s orientation and movement. This data helps in maintaining stable flight and responding to changes in the drone’s position.
  • Radio Transmitter and Receiver: Allows communication between the drone and the pilot’s remote controller. It sends control signals to the drone and relays telemetry data back to the pilot.
  • Camera and Gimbal: For aerial photography and videography, a high-resolution camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal to stabilize the footage and allow for smooth panning and tilting.
  • Obstacle Avoidance Sensors: These include ultrasonic sensors, LiDAR, or optical sensors, which detect obstacles in the drone’s path and help in avoiding collisions.
  • FPV (First-Person View) System: Consists of a camera, video transmitter, and receiver, allowing the pilot to see in real-time what the drone is capturing, essential for precise navigation and photography.
  • LED Lights: Used for navigation, orientation, and visibility during night flights or low-light conditions.

Software Components:

  • Flight Control Firmware: The software running on the flight controller, responsible for interpreting sensor data, executing commands, and controlling the drone’s movements. Popular examples include ArduPilot and PX4.
  • Ground Control Software: Interface software that runs on the pilot’s device, allowing for mission planning, telemetry monitoring, and manual control. Examples include QGroundControl and Mission Planner.
  • Autonomous Flight Algorithms: These include path planning, object recognition, and avoidance algorithms that allow the drone to navigate complex environments without human intervention.
  • Telemetry and Data Logging: Software components that collect and transmit flight data, such as altitude, speed, battery level, and GPS location, to the ground station or for post-flight analysis.
  • Image Processing Software: For drones used in photography, mapping, or surveillance, image processing software is used to enhance images, stitch aerial photos into maps, or detect objects.
  • Firmware Update Systems: Systems that allow for over-the-air (OTA) updates of the drone’s firmware, ensuring it stays up-to-date with the latest features and security patches.

Mechanical Components:

  • Frame: The structural body of the drone, usually made from lightweight materials like carbon fiber or aluminum to ensure durability while minimizing weight.
  • Propellers: Often made from plastic or composite materials, these generate lift by spinning at high speeds. The design and size of the propellers affect the drone’s efficiency, stability, and noise levels.
  • Landing Gear: Provides stability on the ground and protects the drone’s components during takeoff and landing. It may be retractable to avoid interfering with the camera’s field of view.
  • Gimbal Mount: A mechanical system that stabilizes the camera, allowing for smooth video footage and sharp images even when the drone is moving.
  • Cooling System: Some high-performance drones require active cooling for the motors, ESCs, or other electronics. This could include heatsinks or small fans.
  • Connectors and Wiring: High-quality connectors and insulated wiring are essential for ensuring reliable power distribution and signal integrity between the various electronic components.
  • Payload Mounts: Customizable mounts that allow the drone to carry additional equipment like sensors, cameras, or delivery packages.
  • Vibration Dampeners: Mechanical components that reduce vibrations from the motors and propellers, protecting sensitive electronics and improving the quality of captured images and videos.

 

This resource page is for the low altitude drones.

Below are other resource pages containing useful information on low altitude drones:

FAQs on low altitude drones on GAOTek.com

How to Choose low altitude drones

Operation, Maintenance & Calibration of a low altitude drones

Customers in the U.S. and Canada of low altitude drones

Applications of low altitude drones

We have products in stock and can ship overnight to most places in the U.S. and Canada.

If you have any questions about our products or want to place an order, our technical experts can help you. Please fill out this form  or email us.