If you're interested in a quad loaded with open source software right out of the box, take a look at the Sky Viper v2450 GPS. It runs about $150.<p>It runs full ardupilot code, has a ublox gps chip, a taoglas gps antenna, and the video board and transmitter software is open source.<p>It runs a tiny webserver that allows you to configure any of the ardupilot variables, and is compatible with most of the ardupilot ground control software.<p><a href="http://sky-viper.com/product/info/V2450GPS-sd" rel="nofollow">http://sky-viper.com/product/info/V2450GPS-sd</a><p><a href="http://ardupilot.org/" rel="nofollow">http://ardupilot.org/</a><p><a href="https://github.com/SkyRocketToys" rel="nofollow">https://github.com/SkyRocketToys</a>
There is a surprising amount of open source code in RC multirotors in general, I've only played around a bit and I've used:<p><pre><code> Cleanflight[1] & Betaflight[2] flight controller firmware
Deviation[3] firmware for Walkera Devo transmitters
RX5808 Pro Diversity[4] video receiver firmware
1: https://github.com/cleanflight/cleanflight
2: https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight
3: https://github.com/DeviationTX/deviation
4: https://github.com/sheaivey/rx5808-pro-diversity/</code></pre>
After my last drone flew off never to be seen again I started looking into open source flight controllers. The open source platform has come a long way. I consider DJI to be the most advanced at FC firmware. But they intentionally limit you so much.<p>My next drones will most likely be a Spark for the interior and an easily upgradable OSS DIY rig for aerial photography. Running Betaflight or iNav.
This is why I don't understand why companies lock down their hardware! You're getting free software enhancements and support; unlock that thing! Why waste people's time in reverse engineering your crap, when they could be spending that time building new functionality.<p>For example, Canon and the whole CHDK thing. Canon makes money from selling the hardware; so why lock down the software?
So what exactly was done to the drone and how?
As far as i understood the article lists a few methods which could be used to mod the drone but not what he really did and how.<p>Or am I just bad at fast reading a webpage?
Has anyone managed to add automated/wireless charging to an inexpensive drone? It looks like there are a few commercial solutions out there, but nothing for less than $500.
Its sad that the FAA has rules that don't allow any commercial use of a drone in populated suburbs. With real time insurance starting to take off. These rules ought to be revisited, at least for light weight drones < 5 pounds.
Why are there no robotic airships available? They'd solve most payload and airtime issues that drons currently have. Also great for video since they're not as noisy as a quad and you could also turn off the engine.