Drone on Table (DOT)

Description

Drone on Table (DOT) – The Ultimate Real-World Drone Training & Testing Platform

Learn. Test. Debug. Innovate. All Without Taking Off.

Drone on Table (DOT) is a powerful, lab-ready drone training and simulation platform where all real drone components are mounted on a secure flat board instead of a flying frame. Motors spin, sensors respond, telemetry streams live data but the drone stays safely grounded.

It’s not a virtual simulator. It’s a real drone system, engineered for safe hands-on learning, hardware debugging, R&D prototyping, and UAV education.

Perfect For

• UAV Training Labs
• Engineering Colleges
• Drone Internships
• R&D Prototyping
• Hardware & Firmware Testing
• Sensor Integration Practice

With DOT, students and engineers can safely perform calibration, configuration, telemetry setup, sensor testing, motor checks, and full system debugging all using industry-standard ground control software like Mission Planner and QGroundControl.

Why Drone on Table (DOT)?

1. Real Components, Real Data & Zero Crash Risk
   Motors rotate, GPS locks, LiDAR measures altitude, telemetry streams live data but the drone remains fixed.
2. Complete Signal Flow Understanding
   Battery → PCB → ESC → Motor
   RC → Flight Controller → PWM → ESC
   GPS → FC → GCS
   Telemetry → Laptop
   You see everything working in real-time.
3. Safe for Beginners
   No propeller risk. No uncontrolled takeoff. Perfect for first-time UAV learners.
4. Built for Research & Prototyping
   Supports: External sensors, Companion computers, GPIO expansion, Payload release mechanisms, Camera integration.

What You Can Learn with DOT

• Arming & Disarming logic
• TX–RX binding
• ESC calibration
• Motor rotation verification
• Radio calibration
• GPS configuration
• LiDAR & Ultrasonic rangefinding
• Telemetry setup
• Flight log analysis
• Camera feed integration
• Payload release mechanism testing

DOT transforms drone learning from theory into practical experience.

System Architecture Overview

Drone on Table includes:

• Flight Controller (MiniPix V1.2)
• 4× RS2212 920KV BLDC Motors
• 4× 20A Electronic Speed Controllers
• Power Distribution PCB
• GPS + Compass Module
• Telemetry Module
• LiDAR Sensor
• Ultrasonic Sensor
• RC Transmitter & Receiver
• Buzzer & Safety Switch
• Servo Release Mechanism
• 12V XT30 Bench Power Adapter Support

Technical Specifications

1. Flight Controller – MiniPix V1.2

• Processor: STM32F405VGT6 (32-bit)
• Gyroscope & Accelerometer: MPU6500
• Compass: VCM5883L
• Barometer: LPS22HB
• PWM Outputs: 6 (OneShot/DSHOT/PWM)
• UART Ports: 2 MAVLink, 1 GPS
• I2C Ports: 3
• Input Signals: PPM / SBUS / CRSF
• Operating Temperature: -30°C to 85°C
• Weight: 15g
• Dimensions: 39 × 39 × 12 mm

Key Functions: Attitude Stabilization, Sensor Fusion (IMU + GPS), Waypoint Navigation, Failsafe Handling, GCS Communication.

2. Power Module

• Input Voltage: 2–12S
• Max Detection Current: 90A
• BEC Output: 5.3V ±0.2V
• BEC Current: 2A

3. BLDC Motors – RS2212 920KV

• Type: Brushless DC
• KV Rating: 920KV
• Thrust: ~500g per motor
• Weight: ~60g
• Shaft Diameter: 6mm
• Rotation: CW & CCW variants

4. Electronic Speed Controller (20A)

• Continuous Current: 20A
• Peak Current: 30A
• Battery Support: 3–4S LiPo
• Frequency: Up to 621Hz
• Programmable Timing: Yes

5. Power Distribution PCB

• MR30 high-current connectors
• Dedicated 5V regulated rails
• 3 LED power indicators
• Raspberry Pi support
• GPIO expansion pins
• Secure XT30 battery input

Designed for clean power routing and lab safety.

6. RC Transmitter & Receiver (FS-i6 System)

• Frequency: 2.4 GHz
• Channels: 6
• Protocols: SBUS / PPM / iBUS
• Range: 1–3 km (training environment)
• Controls: Throttle, Roll, Pitch, Yaw, Flight modes, Auxiliary switches

7. Telemetry Module

• Frequency Options: 433 / 915 MHz
• Range: 500m – 2km
• Protocol: MAVLink
• Baud Rate: 57600+
• Antenna: SMA
• Enables: Live battery monitoring, GPS tracking, Parameter tuning, Mission uploads, Log downloads

8. GPS Module – Radiolink TS100

• Positional Accuracy: 50cm (triple mode), 2.5m (single mode)
• Update Rate: 10Hz
• Velocity Precision: 0.1 m/s
• Max Height: 50,000m
• Operating Voltage: 5V
• Compass Included: Yes

9. Mini LiDAR Sensor

• Function: Laser-based distance measurement
• Interface: UART / I²C / PWM
• Voltage: 5V
• Applications: Precision landing, Low-altitude sensing, Obstacle detection

10. Ultrasonic Sensor (HC-SR04)

• Range: 2 cm – 4 m
• Accuracy: ±3 mm
• Voltage: 5V
• Interface: Trigger / Echo

Ideal for indoor & short-range measurement.

11. Buzzer & Safety Switch

• Voltage: 5V
• Sound Level: ~85 dB
• Functions: Arming indication, Low battery alert, Failsafe warning, Debug signals

12. Servo Release Mechanism

• Servo-driven payload latch
• Mechanical locking system
• RC or FC triggered
• Ideal for training payload operations

13. 12V Input Adapter (XT30)

• Output: 12V DC
• Connector: XT30
• Use Case: Indoor testing, Lab experiments, Battery-free debugging

Safety-First Design

• Propeller-free testing
• Secure mounting
• Reverse polarity protection
• LED power diagnostics
• Controlled motor output
• Regulated voltage rails

DOT eliminates crash risk while preserving full system behavior.

Ideal For

• Engineering Colleges
• Drone Training Institutes
• UAV R&D Labs
• Robotics Clubs
• Internship Programs
• Defense & Aerospace Training Units