SkyDeck

The skydeck combines a ground station, rc link, and fpv system in a steam deck to create an efficient and portable way to control ardupilot drones

Hardware

Files for 3D printing the backpack can be found here: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/0a85f5b80c6099a2fc1cf05d/w/0408ca52d32ec3c9c9f8f564/e/62ef1ad992c53a1e1d5da3ef?renderMode=0&uiState=656f69ab29fbb41151b55d58

I am working on a list of hardware that will be finalized once I complete a full system test. BElow is what I currently have:

• Steam Deck
• Happymodel ES24 TX
• ESP32S2 Mini
• Walksnail VRX Module
• HDMI Capture Card

RC and Mavlink

RC control and mavlink are both done over a single transmitter using ExpressLRS with the rc-mavlink functionality

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FPV

To pair with low latency RC control, skydeck uses the Walksnail VRX for video feed. This pairs nicely with an OLED steam deck and allows for manual fpv flying

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GUI and Input

Mission planner is used as a GCS and can be installed on the steam deck using mono and following these instructions: https://aur.archlinux.org/packages/ardupilot-mission-planner

Some custom code modified from kkbin505's excellent DIY elrs transmitter code is used to send crsf packets from an ESP32 to the ELRS tx module. This is paired with a python script on the steam deck that sends deck controller output to the ESP32.

A note on reliability

This project uses a very software heavy approach to allow RC control. As always, set a failsafe before you fly, and follow the local regulations regarding drones.