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PROJECT SPECIFICATION: ROOST

Attribute Specification
Codename: The Perch / The Mag-Nest
Role: Automated Landing, Charging, & Data Link Station
Architecture: Magnetic Self-Aligning Contact Charger
Aesthetic: Muffinland Helipad (Yellow/Black Caution Stripes + Landing Lights)
Location: Balcony / Window Ledge (Outdoor rated)

1. HARDWARE MANIFEST & SEGMENTATION

Segment A: The Structure ("The Trap")

  • Geometry: 45° Funnel / Hopper.
    • Material: UV-Resistant ASA (Sunflower Yellow).
    • Function: Gravity-assist alignment. As long as SCOUT lands anywhere inside the 30cm bucket, it slides down to the center.
  • The Mag-Lock Floor:
    • Mechanism: 3D Printed Center Stage housing 4x N52 Neodymium Magnets.
    • Polarity: Keyed (North-South pattern) to force SCOUT to rotate and snap into the correct orientation (Front-Facing).
  • Protection:
    • Door: "Garage" style sliding cover driven by a standard Servo (MG996R).
    • Logic: Closes 10 seconds after charging starts to protect SCOUT from Georgia rain/sun.

Segment B: The Power Plant ("The Refueler")

  • Input: 12V Mains (Shared 10A PSU).
  • Dock Side (Transmitter):
    • Connectors: 2x High-Current Magnetic Pogo Pins (Spring loaded).
    • Placement: Embedded in the center of the Mag-Lock floor.
    • Safety: Polyfuse + Diode to prevent shorting if a coin falls in.
  • Drone Side (Receiver):
    • Connectors: 2x Magnetic Target Pads (Flat Nickel-plated circles).
    • Mounting: On the bottom of SCOUT's battery cage.
    • Onboard Charger: Tiny 3S BMS/Charger Module (IP2312 or similar).
    • Function: Takes the raw 12V from the Pogo pins and balances the LiPo cells internally.

Segment C: The Data Link ("The Uplink")

  • Primary Link: WiFi 6 (ESP32 Gateway).
    • The Dock houses an ESP32 acting as a "Presence Sensor."
    • When current flows (Charge = True), the ESP32 tells Home Assistant: "Drone Docked."
    • SCOUT's onboard XIAO S3 wakes up, connects to Home WiFi, and dumps images via FTP.

2. FABRICATION STRATEGY (The "Snap" Fit)

  • Magnetic Layout:
    • Use 10mm x 3mm Disc Magnets.
    • Dock Pattern: N - S (spaced 20mm apart).
    • Drone Pattern: S - N.
    • Result: If SCOUT lands backward, the magnets repel it. It will physically spin itself around until it clicks into the correct alignment.
  • Compass Safety:
    • Critical: The GPS/Compass module on SCOUT is mounted on the Top Plate. The Magnets are on the Bottom Plate (Battery Cage).
    • Distance: >40mm vertical separation prevents magnetic interference during flight.

3. SOFTWARE LOGIC (Mission Cycle)

  1. Approach: SCOUT flies via GPS to the "Home" coordinate (above the balcony).
  2. Descent: SCOUT cuts throttle and drops into the Funnel.
  3. Alignment: Gravity slides it down -> Magnets snap it into the locked position.
  4. Handshake:
    • Pogo Pins make contact.
    • Onboard BMS detects 12V -> Starts Charging.
    • Dock detects Current Draw (>0.5A) -> Closes Hangar Door.
  5. Dump:
    • XIAO S3 uploads "Parking_Evidence.jpg" to Server.
    • System goes to Deep Sleep.

4. SAFETY PROTOCOLS

  • Debris Detection: If the Dock detects a short circuit (Current > 5A instantly), it cuts power to the Pogo Pins (Mosfet Switch) to prevent melting a stray wrench/coin.
  • Thermal Cutoff: If the battery temp rises during charging (monitored by BMS), charging stops.