Hex is the world’s first smartphone-controlled, customizable, nanocopter. Flying something has never been this simple: just whip Hex out, power the app, take off and use the built in camera to spy on your neighbors and confirm their patriotism. Hex is completely open source and can be modified as you see fit: with a camera, a water gun, more propellers, etc. Hex further invites tinkering by taking advantage of an Arduino MCU to allow easy reprogramming of the source code or hardware.
Piloting the Hex
What seems to be an extraordinary feat of hand-eye-coordination is actually quite simple with the help of the user-friendly RC Touch control app. All it takes to pilot Hex is a smart device and your thumbs. The RC Touch control system has an extremely user-friendly interface and responds to touch. Basic controls feature throttle, elevator, aileron, and rudder control systems akin to a remote control helicopter or drone. Alternatively, the built-in gyroscopes inside most smart devices can also be used to pilot Hex. If this mode is activated, Hex will imitate the movement of the smartphone or tablet through the air.
To effectively communicate with the mobile device controller, Hex takes advantage of the widely adapted Bluetooth 4.0 protocol, giving Hex units an optimal communication range of 50 m.
Crashing and burning, or crashing and crumbling in this case, is a none-issue with Hex. So you can set your weary heart to rest that a lack of inherent motor skills will not impact your ability to accurately pilot the Hex. The device’s Microwii Copter flight control system takes advantage of various sensors to help make flying steady, coupled with an auto-balancing mechanism that adjusts Hex’s motor speeds in relation to its balance during mid-flight. Furthermore, it’s possible to re-use the auto-balancing circuit to balance other remote controlled projects such as remote controlled motor cycles and submarines, etc.
Aerial photography and videography
Pairing a camera module with Hex is an excellent way to gain a fresh perspective of your otherwise familiar surroundings. The aerial views afforded by Google Earth are much too large scale, flat and un-relatable, but, Hex lets you to see the neighborhood from the eyes of a bird ― a rather rare opportunity. Hex’s aerial view is displayed on the mobile device used to control Hex; however, opting for the Hex Spy Kit includes first-person view glasses to observe in greater detail what Hex is recording. These glasses use a 5.8G Radio telemetry module to transfer video in real-time.
The FPV glasses create a more immersive experience.
Customizable appearance
Hex’s appearance may be customized by swapping between different shells, or frames, and then mounting the main circuit board atop. No soldering necessary ― the board clicks into place. A series of 3D printed shells are provided by the designers; nevertheless, those of a more DIY persuasion are encouraged to design their own shells as they see fit. The best part being that additional shells can just be 3D printed.
The specs
Hex uses a 7.0mm diameter 20mm long motor with 50,000 rotations per minutes to drive four 56×8.5 mm propellers. Power is sourced from a 350mAh battery that weighs only 10.6g. Hex can remain in flight for a solid seven minutes at a time before requiring a quick recharge, or five minutes with the camera activated.
Visit Hex’s official Kickstarter campaign page to learn more.
Advertisement
Learn more about Electronic Products Magazine
