FPV Ardupilot Rover Platform

I recently bought a cheap RC toy tank and I decided to modify it for autonomous and FPV missions.

So I removed some of the original components with just the chassis left, and I 3D printed some elements to convert it into a universal RC platform suitable for Ardupilot. With the added H7 flight controller, GPS and telemetry I could control this rover by simply pointing on the map in guided mode. It can also drive by itself if you upload a waypoint mission and put it in Auto Mode. If you ever happen to lose sight of it, you can also turn SmartRTL on and the Rover will come back to you by following its previous path. Overall I think it's a great project to learn and experiment with Ardurover and its capabilities.

And to make it more fun I also added the CADDX GM3 FPV gimbal with head tracking. With this setup you can really feel like the tiny driver of this rover.

Check out my YouTube video about this project: https://youtu.be/_v1_undSqkU

Basic Parts list:

• Toy tank JJRC C8812 ( https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007523522174.html )

• ArduRover capable Flight Controller ( I used Holybro Kakute H7 Wing https://holybro.com/products/kakute-h743-wing )

• ExpressLRS receiver and radio transmitter

• 2S Battery ( I used 2S LiHv but it can also be Li-Ion or Li-Po)

• Cytron MDD3A motor driver

• Arduino Pro Mini

• Some hot glue, connector and wires, M2 and M3 screws

For Autonomous version

• GPS and Compass Unit ( I used https://holybro.com/products/sik-telemetry-radio-v3 )

• Telemetry Units ( I used M10 Micro GPS https://holybro.com/products/micro-m10-gps )

For FPV setup

• CADDXFPV GM3 Gimbal

• Walksnail VTX kit compatible with GM3 ( I used Moonlight kit )

• 4010 Cooling Fan ( I used a more powerful 24V version )

• Step Up voltage converter for powering the fan ( I used MT3608 )

To print this model I used FormFutura Tough PLA https://formfutura.com/product/tough-pla/

You can also take the GM3 Gimbal Cage design and modify it for your needs. I think it can be pretty universal as it combines the Gimbal, VTX and cooling solution into one compact unit. Don’t try to skip on the fan though, the Walksnail VTXs heat up very quickly. The Protective function of the cage is also really useful as it has saved my gimbal multiple times during crashes and rollovers.