Page 28 - Build Your Own Quadcopter_ Power Up Your Designs with the Parallax Elev-8

Chapter 1: Introduction to Quadcopters 7

Figure 1.6 HoverflySPORT controller board.

Having said that, it turns out that current Elev-8 kits now contain the HoverflyOPEN
controller board, which gives knowledgeable users the opportunity to add their own control
programs in lieu of using the default software. Figure 1.7 shows the HoverflyOPEN board In
Chapter 2, I will also address the pros and cons of creating your own flight-control software.
Main Electrical/Electronic Elev-8 Components
The main electrical/electronic components that make up the Elev-8 system are shown in
Figure 1.8. There are only 11 essential components, not counting wires, connectors, or any
optional components such as telemetry and LED display components.
With only 11 components, the Elev-8 is not a very complex aircraft due mainly to the
automated control provided by the HoverflyOPEN control board. A fully assembled, basic
Elev-8 is shown in Figure 1.9.
The HoverflyOPEN control board and a Spektrum AR8000 receiver are clearly visible
mounted on the top of the quadcopter. The LiPo battery is disconnected, as shown by the
unconnected power cables that are visible in the front of the quadcopter. Red checkerboard
pattern decals have been applied on each of the two aluminum tubes attached to the right
side of the quadcopter. In addition, black checkerboard pattern decals are on the tubes