Testing before further modifications

After allowing the Araldite to harden for 24 hours I did a test fit of the Dropper attachment to the body of the drone.  The saddle of the attachment is now the correct width but it’s slightly too high.  I’ll need to fit some packing to make the fit snug.

However before doing any further work on the modifications I wanted to test the DJI attachment would actually work on my FIMI drone.  As mentioned in the previous post, the DJI dropper is activated by turning the drone indicator lights on or off.  The FIMI also has indicator lights and I attached the dropper light sensor to the left (Red) indicator of the drone using a rubber band. 

It’s not a great fit and will require modification should the system work.  There’s a cable from the sensor back to the attachment controller box.

With the drone turned on I could see there was probably light hitting the sensor.

There is a function button in the FIMI controller display that allows the user to turn the indicators on or off.

Off

On

The dropper attachment has a small internal rechargeable battery that provides power to both the attachment controller and the small motor that moves the actuator arm which in turn moves the pin.

The four leg extenders were fitted to the arms of the drone to provide sufficient ground clearance for the dropper attachment. 

I then placed a split ring on the dropper pin.

When the status of the drone indicator lights is changed (ie ON or OFF) the light sensor triggers the attachment to activate the actuator arm motor.

When I turned the drone indicator lights off the pin moved to the left dropping the split pin.

In principle the attachment works.    However I need to complete the following

1. Modify the attachment light sensor to prevent it striking the propeller
2. Make the dropper saddle a better fit around the body of the drone.
3. Make some type of fail safe device that will prevent the saddle securing clip from releasing.
4. Test whether the attachment can lift a fishing line and transport it several hundred metres.

At this time I’m pleased with the progress of the project