The Parts of a Drone

For surveying applications, all parts must function properly, although mainly the GNSS, RTK & IMU sensors are responsible for the values ​​used in the data processing.

For surveying applications, all parts must function properly, although mainly the GNSS, RTK & IMU sensors are responsible for the values ​​used in the data processing.

An average multirotor drone has several parts that are essential to be able to fly well.

Source here.

• The printed circuit board: Like a computer, everything comes together here & acts as the backbone of the device. On this we find the 3 gyroscopes, the flight controller, the speed controllers, …
• The built-in ‘Flight Control System’: This has control over all functions of the RPAS & the movements. The flight controller contains the MC (main controller), IMU, GNSS, the compass & the receiver. There are open & closed source flight control systems.
  • IMU: This measures movement & acceleration, as well as posture & height via a built-in barometer.
  • The Compass reads the geomagnetic information to translate the GPS position & altitude of the device into a stable hover.
  • The receiver provides communication with the remote control.
• The LED flight indicators provide information about the aircraft based on colour codes. These are device dependent & can be found in the user manual of most devices.
• The motors: These can operate either with a carbon brush or with a magnetic system. With a brush they have more power, but they also wear out. In practice we notice that most appliances work brushless.
• Propellers or props: These are controlled by the motors. In most cases there are 2 types of props for each device that rotate in different directions & are attached, often indicated by colour dots.
• (Prop guards: These can be additionally attached to protect both the props & the environment. It is useful for learning to fly, but also affects the performance of the aircraft.)
• Battery: Usually Lipo batteries are used because they have a low resistance & therefore deliver a high current. Weight also plays a role in this choice.
• The transmitter: This controls the device, & can consist of different modes. The different & permitted frequencies must also be taken into account.
• The Gimball: This controls & stabilizes the payload.
• The monitor: This displays the image the camera takes in the sky, & is usually mounted on the controller.
• The software for controlling & processing will be discussed later.
• FPV goggles: These are a kind of goggles that you put on your head & then see in 1st perspective how the drone flies. Legally speaking, this is prohibited for the operator in Belgium, although it seems possible to request exceptions.
• GPS tracker: (optional) This can find the device after a fly-away & works with a SIM card that you can call. You will then receive the coordinates in a message.
  • There are also variants of this, or this function can be built into the device.

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