An open source drone typically refers to a drone whose software and hardware designs are freely available for users to modify and customize. This allows tech enthusiasts, developers, and drone hobbyists to tweak the drone's functionalities to suit their specific needs.
1. ArduPilot: ArduPilot is a well-known open source autopilot system used for controlling multicopters, traditional helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and even rovers. It offers a wide range of features and has a large community for support and development.
2. Pixhawk: Pixhawk is another popular open source autopilot that supports multiple flight stacks such as PX4 and ArduPilot. It is known for its reliability and compatibility with a variety of drones.
3. OpenPilot: OpenPilot is a user-friendly open source autopilot system suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It provides stable flight performance and easy tuning options.
1. Customization: With open source drones, users can customize the drone's software and hardware to meet their specific requirements, whether for research, filming, or recreational purposes.
2. Community Support: Open source projects often have a strong community of developers and users who contribute to improvements, provide troubleshooting help, and share knowledge.
3. Cost-Effective: As open source drones usually come with freely available designs and software, they can be a more affordable option compared to proprietary drones.