Field Outing (Week 15)

 Today’s lab was at Professor Hupy’s residence, where we engaged in a Mavic M210 based mission of search and rescue. The main goal of this lab was to use the M201’s thermal equipped sensor and camera to practice using these technologies in real-world applications. I arrived at 9:19am and waited for more of the class to show up. Before the exercise, the class surveyed the land being used in the activity and met dogs Huron and Brule who assisted with tracking in the event.




Picture 1: Dogs Huron (left) and Brule (right)

Field Outing

The M210 was setup in between the garage and the workshop on a table as to give it as much room as possible during take offs and landings. First legs were assembled, then props, then the XT2 thermal sensor. It should be noted that no thermal sensor should ever be pointed at the Sun. The XT2 goes into a green slot on the M210 with both red and green dots on connector pieces having to be aligned for a secure connection.


Picture 2: M210 setup with XT2 sensor and Z30 camera

The Z30 is set up after XT2 is. The Z30 is a camera that can take video surveillance and is great for overall inspection. Its most useful feature is its incredible zoom capabilities. After Z30 is setup in a similar fashion, the crystal sky display tablets are attached to both controllers. These screens give easy and larger access to what the M210 is seeing during flight.

The batteries for the M210 controllers were dead, so M300 batteries were used instead. Some troubleshooting was needed to get everything running. M210 was first powered down, payloads were switched because of the inability to switch payloads. Both the Z30 and XT2 were taken off, then XT2 was placed back on. M210 powered up àpowered offà powered on and then transmitter was turned off. When powered back on M210 was ready for flight.

A duo would operate the M210. One would pilot while the other operated sensors and camera. Beforehand one classmate working with the M210 would trek into the woods equipped with a  paintball pistol with limited ammunition and a few fireworks. The ignition of the fireworks was to act as a sort of flare, hopefully giving visual cues as well as a heat reading for the XT2 to pick up. This action triggered 3 other classmates to hunt down the lone survivor in the woods. The survivor would have to be found by the duo operating the M210 as well as defend themselves from any foes.
Picture 3: M210 takeoff

Picture 4: Participant



Weather Conditions in Relation to Lab

Unfortunately, the thermal sensor was limited in functionality due to the bright, clear day. It was difficult to distinguish between drastically different temperatures present. However, the Z30 proved to be very effective due to the clear conditions and its great ability to zoom in deep.

Assessment

This lab was a really great example of how to incorporate learning, valuable experience, and interesting engagement all in one. Being introduced to the M210 extended features and how these might be applicable in the real world was truly special. The activity was well planned out and executed nicely. Overall, good.  



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