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PROJECT SPECIFICATION: SCOUT

Attribute Specification
Codename: The Sky-Eye / The Gnat
Role: FPV Reconnaissance & Parking Spot Designator
Architecture: 2.5" or 3" Analog FPV Pusher (LiPo Powered)
Aesthetic: Muffinland Bumblebee (Yellow Ducts / Red Canopy)
User Profile: Manual Pilot (High Agility)

1. HARDWARE MANIFEST & SEGMENTATION

Segment A: The Airframe ("The Shell")

  • Class: 2.5-Inch "Pusher" CineWhoop.
    • Why 2.5"? It fits in your pocket, is less threatening in public than a 3-inch, but handles wind better than a Tiny Whoop.
    • Reference Frame: BetaFPV Pavo25, GePRC CineLog25, or Custom Printed.
  • The "Face" (Custom Canopy):
    • Material: TPU (Muffinland Raspberry Red).
    • Design: "Stereo Vision" Nose Cone.
      • Left Socket: Analog FPV Camera.
      • Right Socket: XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense (Lens exposed).

Segment B: The Power Plant ("The Burst Core")

  • Battery Config: 3S LiPo (High Voltage).
    • Capacity: 450mAh - 650mAh (Standard Tattu/GNB packs).
    • Connector: XT30.
    • Performance: High C-Rating (75C+) allows for instant throttle response to dodge cars or pillars.
  • Propulsion:
    • Motors: 1404 Brushless (4500KV - 5000KV).
      • LiPo Tuning: These high-torque motors on 3S make the drone feel "locked in" and precise.
    • Props: Gemfan D63 (2.5-inch 3-blade) or 5-blade for noise reduction.

Segment C: The Avionics ("The Nervous System")

  • Flight Controller: F405 AIO (20A ESC).
    • Mounting: 25.5x25.5mm.
  • Video Link (Pilot):
    • VTX: 5.8GHz Analog (400mW).
    • Camera: Caddx Ant / RunCam Nano (14mm size).
  • Control Link: ELRS 2.4GHz (Ceramic Antenna or T-Dipole).

Segment D: The Payload ("The Scout Eye")

  • Unit: Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense.
  • Integration:
    • Power: 5V/GND from Flight Controller.
    • Trigger: Connected to an FC UART TX pin (e.g., TX1).
    • Logic: Toggle a switch on your radio -> Betaflight sends a signal -> XIAO snaps a high-res photo.
    • WiFi: Auto-connects to Home Assistant when in range to upload the "Parking Evidence."

2. FABRICATION STRATEGY

  • Soft Mounting: The XIAO S3 is sensitive to vibration. The TPU Canopy must grip it tightly but isolate it from the frame resonance.
  • Ducts: Spray paint or print the prop guards in Sunflower Yellow to match the Muffinland palette.

3. PIN MAP (Payload Wiring)

To make the Flight Controller talk to the XIAO S3:

  • Flight Controller:
    • 5V -> XIAO 5V
    • GND -> XIAO GND
    • TX1 -> XIAO RX (D7)
  • Configuration (Betaflight):
    • Set UART1 to "User Defined".
    • Map an Aux Switch (e.g., ARM + Switch B) to send a pulse or serial command.
  • Code (XIAO):
    • Serial.read() waits for the specific character from the FC.
    • Triggers camera.take_picture().
    • Saves to SD Card buffer.