TARs Hardware Workflow

Overview of Hardware Practices at TAR

Page is still under construction.

What we do

Our hardware teams design, build, and assemble all physical components of our drones. We build drone platforms for software to test their code.

Good Design Practices

• Plan Before You Build: Have a draft before actually designing. This step helps in avoiding mistakes.

• Iterative Design: Test early and test often. Use prototype to check errors and add improvements to your design.

• Documentation: Good documentation can help other people understand your design. It is essential for team work.

Mechanical Designs

Tools

Fusion 360

Solidworks(Tentative)

Tips

• Don't just think of the parts, but also think of how you are going install them.

• Use reference models can be helpful.

• Find online CAD models and make sure they match the real dimensions of your object.

• Parametric design. This will help a lot when you need to change dimensions.

Fusion 360 Tutorials

Self-paced learning for Fusion | Autodeskautodesk

Electrical Designs

Tools

• KiCAD

General PCB Design Procedure

1. Research the design

2. Check open source designs as a potential reference

3. Select ICs and other components

4. Read the datasheets

5. Design the circuit

6. Test on breadboard

7. Make the PCB in KiCAD

Tips

• Test on breadboard first if possible

• Unplug power quickly if the capacitor/ICs light up

KiCAD Tutorials

All the Tools We Use

• Autodesk Fusion360

• Solidworks

• KiCAD

• QGroundControl / MissionPlanner

• 3D Printing Slicers

  • Bambu Studio

  • Ideamaker

• Soldering Tools

• Measuring Tools

• Multimeter

• Oscilloscope

• Logic Analyzer