MAKE Terry Kilby - Who Is this Book for; The Drone User Community

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)
All related processes involved with unmanned aerial
technology
Whether we like it or not, the word drone will continue to be
used in a sweeping fashion. We are embracing the word and are
aiming to help change the negative connotations, by showing
the beneficial applications of small UAV technology. With that in
mind, we need to increase our own understanding to navigate
the media frenzy that is drone-mania. While the US Federal Avi-
ation Administration is trying to settle on comprehensive small
UAV commercial use policy, we all need to take our aerial pur-
suits as responsibly and safely as possible.
Who Is This Book For?
This book is a set of instructions (with additional suggestions
along the way) for how to build an autonomous quadcopter. A
general understanding of robotics and electronics concepts are
a real advantage in pursuing aerial robotics. It also helps to be
familiar with basic tools and equipment, including a soldering
iron, to have long-term success in designing your own small
UAVs.
If you’re a maker who enjoys persevering through trial-and-error
problem solving while you’re building something, then you’ll
enjoy aerial robotics. Being able to build a
flying robot, and view
scenes from completely new perspectives, is well worth the time
and eort.
The Drone User Community
Sometimes the way to success when you have a problem is
knowing the right questions to ask others. Networking with peo-
ple who share an interest in aerial robotics is an invaluable
resource for helping to pinpoint issues and
finding solutions.
Online forums are a wonderful way to see how others solve simi-
lar problems. One site that has been a favorite of Terry’s is Multi-
RotorForums.com. People on that forum have been incredibly
generous in sharing their experience and insights in building and
flying small UAVs.
2 Make: Getting Started with Drones