Kit Hardware¶
Note: The 2021-2022 kit hardware is still being finalized. Below, you can find the overview of the 2019-2020 kit, which should be similar to this year’s kit, and can be used as a starting point.
This is a brief run-down on the components that will be found when you open the kit box.
Autopilot/Radios/Electronics¶
Inside the kit, there are two sets of autopilots, a transmitter/receiver combo, two GPS units, and 900MHz telemetry radio system. The two autopilots are the Pixhawk and the APM 2.8. Because of the more delicate nature of the Pixhawk as well as its GPS unit, both of them and the 900MHz telemetry radios have been placed into the transmitter/receiver box to ensure that they are not damaged upon shipping.
The two autopilots are provided so that teams can experiment with the different capabilities of the autopilots without worrying about losting one of them. The Pixhawk is the more advanced variant of the APM 2.8, so please keep that in mind when assembling.
There are two sets of power distribution lines (the thick red/black wires connected to a circuit board in the middle). That will be used to power the Pixhawk/APM 2.8 during flight as well as pass the battery power to the board. Other electronic components included are a safety buzzer and safety switch for the Pixhawk.
Frame¶
The frame components can be see in the following pictures. This is the S500 frame with a built-in power distribution board. Teams will need to solder the ESC connections into the board itself. More details on frame assembly can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibXNw8jLwBs
Propellers/Accessories¶
The kit provides 4 propellers to put onto the motors and quadcopter. Furthermore, the kit provides some accesories such as zip-ties and battery straps to help keep items secure.
A single servo is also provided for the team’s mechanisms. Teams are allowed to buy more servos for their mechanism as long as the quadcopter meets competition requirements.
Batteries¶
The kit provides with a team with two 2200mAh 3C batteries as well as a battery charger. The batteries should provide approximately 10 minutes of flight. Teams are allowed to buy their own larger batteries if they prefer.
A lipo bag is also provided so that teams can store their batteries safely. Always remember to place the batteries back into the provided bags so that if something goes wrong, the damage can be contained.
