Introduction: Drone Parachute

Summary
This is a spring loaded canister that can be attached on a GoPro Mount. It will hold a 36 to 48 inch paracute. It is meant for drones under 6 lbs. You will need a small screw to attach lid. (2mm x 30mm) and a spring from the inside of a tall sprinkler head. You can also go to Alibaba and find a much tighter compression spring.

Step 1: Buy a Chute

You can get your chute here:

http://www.sunward1.com/yellow-thin-mill-parachute...

Make sure to ask for ultra thin lead lines.

Step 2: Get a Metal Servo

Make sure to get a all metal servo.

This is the one I use:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-EMAX-ES08MAII-Mini-Size...

Make sure your servo arm is also metal. I recommend this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hitec-Standard-Metal-Servo-Horn-3-4-Single-Sided-HRC55701-/371704171397?hash=item568b4b8b85:g:U84AAOSwbYZXVsnY

Step 3: Aquire 3D Print Files.

You can get the files on Google Drive:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-JX5fq9m5VsNTN1...

or Thingiverse:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1719808

Step 4: Aquire Compression Spring

You can get one out of a sprinkler head replacement like the one here.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Rain-Bird-4-in-Plastic-Pop...

or go to Alibaba for a much stronger (and preferred) version

1.5 mm wire thickness. 35mm hoop diameter. 120mm height

Step 5: Put It Together

You can see that the servo will go in the square hole and the two screw holes are there.

You will need Paracord. This can be acquired at any craft shop.

When you cut it, burn the ends to seal.

For best results make your main line the length of the chute width.

Tie the main line to the bar at the bottom of the chute canister through the to hexagonal holes.

Tie the other end to the hoops of the chute.

Put a 2mm x 35mm screw through the lid holes carefully. Do this by screwing in and backing off without forcing the screw all the way on one shot.

This unit is attached with a male GOPRO adapter knuckle.

Step 6: Test It!

You will need to test the servo to make sure it is centered and working.

This system was made for a 3D Robotics Iris+ and powered with a Pixhawk flight system powered by a 5v UBEC.

You can hook this up to your Transmitter as a manual switch but the Pixhawk has auto failure detect and will deploy when drone fails.

Documentation here:

http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/parachute.html

Full instructions on Parachute loading is here:

http://www.shadowquad.com/product/drone-parachute/

Drones Contest 2016

Runner Up in the
Drones Contest 2016