Hi,
I'd like to share a project I've been working on. It's a fully automated test stand - just push a button and the controller does the rest!
It will run up a motor in steps taking thrust and current draw readings then upload the data directly to Google Sheets.
The prototype
The results -- all generated automatically!
Key Compontents
- Controller: Wemos Mini ESP8266 (which has WiFi so it can connect ot Google Sheets)
- Thrust measurement: a load cell under the motor mount
- Current (amps): an Attopilot Voltage and Current Sensor
- Google Sheets Script: here
- ESP8266 code: I haven't published it to GitHub yet but will as soon as it's been cleaned up a bit!.
- 3D Design files: see outbackuav.com for more details
ESP8266 controller and interface board
I'm using Meccano for the frame with 3D printed parts for the mount and removable motor holders. The 3D design files are designed for 10mm tube -- either aluminium or carbon fibre.
Motors can be changed easily just by loosening one screw.
3D design
Conclusion
The basics work very well but as always there is more to do.
I would like to add a temperature sensor to help avoid stressing the motors, an RPM sensor (possibly tapping into one of the motor wires; the ESP8266 is powerful and might be capable of the high sample rates required).
A simple WiFi configuration is needed for users who don't want to run the Arduino IDE in order to configure the project to connect to their access point. Similarly the Google account and spreadsheet script needs to be simple to install and connect.
I would like to look into why my first choice for current sensor, a Hall Effect unit, produced wildly varying results. The ACS712 based sensor produces very repeatable results and although I still need to calibrate it the results seem to be well within reasonable values.
Here is the video, if anyone has any questions please let me know either here, on YouTube or at outbackuav.com.
Cheers!
Dave
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