Drone Technician

COURSE INFORMATION

During the six months duration of Drone Technician trade a candidate is trained on professional skills and professional knowledge related to job role. In addition to this a candidate is entrusted to undertake project work and extra-curricular activities to build up confidence. The broad components covered related to the trade are categorized in six months duration as below:-

The trainee begins with learning first aid, fire fighting and various safety practices for working in industrial environment. Identify & select different types of drones, drone rules and regulations, drone applications, and important safety precautions. Identify & select different drone’s mechanical parts, aerodynamics of wings, propellers and disassembly and reassembly of common drone platform with flying practices. Identify and test various electronic SMD components using proper measuring instruments and Identify, place, solder and de-solder and different SMD discrete components and ICs package with due care and following safety norms using proper tools/setup. Measure different type electrical parameters and record the data related with drone hardware. Identification of different type of batteries, battery specifications and their charging techniques used in drone. Test different sensors, their characteristics and repair which are commonly used in different drones. Identify, select and test hardware assembly, driver for BLDC motors. Inspect, test and execute GPS navigation and telemetry module, different RF blocks and antennas used in RF transmitter and receiver. Test and troubleshoot Flight Controller Board (FCB), Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) and its associated peripherals. Calibrate and troubleshoot drone gimbal and drone payload. Identify and resolve common error messages and corrections by Software debugging. Inspect, test and execute primary and secondary servicing with troubleshoot malfunctioning, and repair issues discovered. Also the trainee will learn to Communicate with required clarity, understand technical English, environment regulation, productivity and enhance self-learning.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Table below depicts the distribution of training hours across various course elements during a period of six months: -

S. No. Course Element Notional Training Hours
1 Professional Skill (Trade Practical) 580
2 Professional Knowledge (Trade Theory) 140
3 Employability Skills 80

GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of the Trade DRONE TECHNICIAN
NSQF Level Level - 4
Duration of Craftsmen Training Six Months (800 Hours)
Entry Qualification Passed 10th Class Examination with Science and Mathematics or its equivalent
Distribution of training on hourly basis: (Indicative only)
Total hours / week Trade practical Trade theory Employability Skill
40 Hours 29 Hours 7 Hours 3 Hours

SYLLABUS FOR DRONE TECHNICIAN TRADE

DURATION: SIX MONTHS

Duration Reference Learning outcome Professional Skills (Trade Practical) With Indicative Hours Professional Knowledge (Trade Theory)
Professional Skill 58 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 14 Hrs Identify & select different types of drones, drone rules and regulations, drone applications, and important safety precautions. 1. Visit to various sections of the institute and identify location of various installations. (02 hrs.) 2. Identify safety signs for danger, warning, caution & personal safety message. (05 hrs.) 3. Practice Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (04 hrs.) 4. Practice elementary first aid. (05 hrs.) 5. Practice Preventive measures for electrical accidents & steps to be taken in such accidents. (07hrs.) 6. Practice Use of Fire Extinguishers. (06 hrs.) 7. Identify Different types of Drones. (05hrs.) 8. Select basic components. (7hrs.) 9. Apply principles of flight to Drones. (12hrs.) 10. Identify & prepare specific Flight Planning Procedures for specific drone flights. (05hrs.) Familiarization with the working of Industrial Training Institute system. Importance of safety and precautions to be taken in the industry/ shop floor. Introduction to PPEs. Introduction to First Aid. Importance of housekeeping & good shop floor practices. Occupational Safety & Health: Health, Safety and Environment guidelines, legislations & regulations as applicable. Different types of Drones, Nomenclatures, History of aerial drones, reputation, airframe, configurations, basic components, current/future uses of drones.
Professional Skill 87 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 21 Hrs Identify & select different drone’s mechanical parts, aerodynamics of wings, propellers and disassembly and reassembly of common drone platform with flying practices. 11. Identify & select different building blocks of the drone. (05 hrs.) 12. Test drone’s different block functionality & their interconnectivity. (05 hrs.) 13. Identify various types of body material used in drone. (03 hrs.) 14. Recognize basic principles of flying like Bernoulli's Principle. (05 hrs.) 15. Identify multi rotor design, various configurations, airframe sizes and their construction. (05 hrs.) 16. Identify different propeller designs and design using 3D printer. (10 hrs.) 17. Design and development of Drone’s body component using 3D printer and related software (20 hrs.) 18. Identify type of motor used in drone. (07 hrs.) 19. Identify & prepare specific flight planning procedures to drone flights. (07 hrs.) 20. Practice drone flying to check to identify faults in drone. (20 hrs.) Understanding Aerial platforms. Types of drones based on aerial platforms. Types of drones based on body material. Introduction to aerodynamics, history of Flight, Newton's Laws of Motion, Bernoulli's Principle, four forces of Fight, three axes of Fight, how they apply to drone Flight. Introduction to 3D printer and its software for designing various types of propellers.
Professional Skill 29 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 07 Hrs Identify and test various electronic SMD components using proper measuring instruments and Identify, place, solder and de- solder and different SMD discrete components and ICs package with due care and following safety norms using proper tools/setup 21. Identify of different types of SMD Components like resistance, capacitance, diode and inductor. (05 hrs.) 22. Measure different components values using SMD Technology Kit, Tweezers and DMM. (05 hrs.) 23. Identify of different types of SMD IC packages. (05 hrs.) 24. Explore and configure SMD soldering and de-soldering rework station. (04 hrs.) 25. Practice soldering and de- soldering the SMD components on the PCB. (05 hrs.) 26. Practice soldering and de- solder various IC’s of different packages. (05 hrs.) Knowledge about soldering station, soldering tools, soldering iron, soldering wicks, soldering temperature etc. Different types of soldering guns, related to Temperature and wattages, types of tips.
Professional Skill 58 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 14 Hrs. Measure different type electrical parameters and record the data related with drone hardware. 27. Identify the type of electronic instruments. (05 hrs.) 28. Measure the resistance, Voltage, Current through series and parallel connected networks using multi meter. (05 hrs.) 29. Measure AC and DC voltage using Digital Multi-meter. (05 hrs.) 30. Measure AC and DC current using Digital Multi-meter. (10 hrs.) 31. Measure frequency using Digital Multi-meter. (03 hrs.) 32. Measure the analog signals like of peak to peak voltage, frequency, time period, and duty cycle using of DSO. (10 hrs.) 33. Measure the frequency and level of RF signals using of spectrum analyzer. (10 hrs.) 34. Practice function generator and Arbitrary Waveform Generator. (10 hrs.) Introduction of electrical components resistance, capacitance, inductance, diode, and transistor. Introduction of electrical parameters like DC voltage, DC current, AC voltage, AC current, frequency, duty cycle and Introduction to electrical and electronic measuring instruments. Working Principle of multimeter, digital storage oscilloscope, spectrum and waveform generator.
Professional Skill 29 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 07 Hrs. Identification of different type of batteries, battery specifications and their charging techniques used in drone. 35. Identify different type of batteries Li-ion and Li-Po. (05 hrs.) 36. Record and recognize different battery specifications. (03 hrs.) 37. Explore different charging techniques to charge batteries. (03 hrs.) 38. Measure and record different parameters of batteries using Battery management platform. (05 hrs.) 39. Inspect battery packs faults for bulges or leakage. (03 hrs.) 40. Identify fault related with chargers such as visible damage, voltage and current. (02 hrs.) 41. Measure and record different parameters of charging controller using software. (03 hrs.) Calculate maximum discharge and battery capacities in order calculate flight time. (05 hrs.) Introduction of different types of batteries used in drone. Understand different specifications and their significance of batteries. Different charging circuits or batteries, What is battery management system (BMS) and different Building Blocks of BMS.
Professional Skill 58 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 14Hrs Test different sensors, their characteristics and repair which are commonly used in different drones. 43. Identify and measure condition of drone sensors. (05 hrs.) 44. Explore different converters like V/I, I/V, F/V, V/F.(05 hrs.) 45. Verify frequency response of low pass and high pass filters. (05hrs.) 46. Test and measure different amplifier functions. (05 hrs.) 47. Measure and record the resistance, voltage, current and frequency of different sensors used in drone. (05 hrs.) 48. Test & measure accelerometers, inertial measurement units, tilt and lidar sensor, gyro sensor. (05hrs.) 49. Write and upload computer code to FCB to test sensors results. (05hrs.) 50. Calibrate the compass, Lidar, and gyro sensor. (05 hrs.) 51. Measure and record angular rate, force, and magnetic field through IMU. (05 hrs.) 52. Perform amplification of low power signals using current, power, instrumentation, differential, inverting, non- inverting and buffer amplifier circuits. (13 hrs.) Introduction of different sensors used in drone like accelerometers, inertial measurement units, tilt and lidar sensor, gyro sensor. Principle of operation of various sensors used in drone; their roles and characteristics. Selection of appropriate sensor as per requirement. Understanding and importance of signal conditioning like voltage to current, current to voltage, frequency to voltage and voltage to frequency convertor, inverting amplifier, non-inverting amplifier, instrumentation amplifier, differential amplifier, power amplifier, current amplifier. How to calibrate Compass sensor, Lidar Sensor, Gyro sensor. Concept of sensor calibration and using sensors in digital & analog mode.
Professional Skill 58 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 14Hrs Identify, select and test hardware assembly, driver for BLDC motors 53. Identify different BLDC motors and their specifications (05 hrs.) 54. Inspect and test BLDC Motor driver circuit. (05 hrs.) 55. Measure and record speed- torque characteristics of BLDC Motor. (10 hrs.) 56. Explore driving circuit of DC, BLDC and servo motors. (05 hrs.) 57. Perform running and reversing phenomenon of BLDC Motor. (05 hrs.) 58. Demonstration speed control of BLDC Motor using PWM technique. (10 hrs.) 59. Practice Inverted pendulum balancing using programming technique and PID tuning. (10 hrs.) 60. Measure thrust to weight ratio and payload. (08 hrs.) Introduction to different motors like DC, BLDC, servo motors, working, understanding its functioning. Studying BLDC motor using PWM techniques, speed torque characteristics, degree of freedom in drone. Performing mathematical calculations like payload calculation, speed control techniques, thrust to weight ratio. Introduction of Inverted Pendulum and PID control. PWM Duty operation and Motor control by Encoder counter.
Professional Skill 29 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 07 Hrs Inspect, test and execute GPS navigation and telemetry module, different RF blocks and antennas used in RF transmitter and receiver. Inspect, test and execute GPS navigation and telemetry module, different RF blocks and antennas used in RF transmitter and receiver.61. Identity different antennas like patch, helical, and omni-directional. (02 hrs.) 62. Record and plot radiation pattern of different antennas. (02 hrs.) 63. Measure directivity of the antenna. (03 hrs.) 64. Identify the characteristics of RF circuit blocks like amplifier and filters. (05 hrs.) 65. Configure and operate 433MHz and 2.4 GHz RC transmitter and receiver. (05 hrs.) 66. Perform and check connectivity of transmitter and receiver used in drone. (03 hrs.) 67. Understand GPS and its hardware interfacing with FCB. (03 hrs.) 68. Connect and Measure and record data of GPS module to determine latitude & longitude. (03 hrs.) 69. Perform experiment to record, GPGGA, GPGLL, GPGSA, GPGSV, GPRMC and GPVTG values. (03 hrs.) Various types of antennas used for drones and their characteristics. Introduction of antenna radiation pattern and directivity. Fundamentals of MIC amplifier and different filter used in RF range. Introduction to RF signals and components used for RC transmitter and receiver. Fundamentals of GPS and concept of navigation systems. Usage of signals from GPS satellites to determine latitude, longitude and altitude.
Professional Skill 29 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 07 Hrs Test and troubleshoot Flight Controller Board (FCB), Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) and its associated peripherals 70. Identify different flight control board and electronic speed control. (01 hr.) 71. Perform programming and configure flight control board (FCB). (01 hr.) 72. Identify, explore and test interconnectivity of different peripheral with FCB. (02 hrs.) 73. Establish connection of FCB with motor, GPS, ESC and sensors. (02 hrs.) 74. Configure, test and record FCB with battery to monitor battery level and perform return to home operation. (02 hrs.) 75. Perform and carry out drone leveling using IMU sensor. (02 hrs.) 76. Perform calibration of compass, Lidar, and gyro sensor. (02 hrs.) 77. Test communication link between FCB and RF transceiver. (02 hrs.) 78. Write and upload computer code to FCB to test sensors results. (04 hrs.) 79. Test and record data of motor connectivity with ESC. (02 hrs.) 80. Perform motor rotation using FCB and ESC. (03 hrs.) 81. Test signal flow into drone to test ESC parameters on FCB to check its operation. (03 hrs.) 82. Write and upload computer code to FCB to ESC working. (03 hrs.) Introduction to Flight controller boards and its connectivity with different peripherals like sensors, ESC, GPS, RF module. Introduction Electronic Speed Controller and its connection with motor. ESC configurations using FCB to control speed and direction of motor. Introduction to flight control box and various commands used in it. Configuration techniques for FCB with various motors, GPS etc.
Professional Skill 58 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 14Hrs Calibrate and troubleshoot drone gimbal and drone payload 83. Identify the different types of drones and its application in different areas. (05 hrs.) 84. Identify different features and controls of HD and thermal image camera. (05 hrs.) 85. Test and install Gimbal camera assembly. (05 hrs.) 86. Perform and test Gimbal stabilization (05 hrs.) 87. Perform drone camera control using x, y, and z axes rotation. (05 hrs.) 88. Test and install different cameras on gimbal assembly. (10 hrs.) 89. Practice remote sensing, surveying & mapping, photogrammetry and precision agriculture using HD and thermal image camera. (13 hrs.) 90. Identify and record different application drones and their logged data for investigation. (10 hrs.) Fundamental applications of various types of drones. Implementation and handling of HD and thermal image camera for remote sensing and mapping. Introduction to photogrammetry. Image recognition with OpenCV using the drone camera. Fundamental techniques for stabilizing Gimbal.
Professional Skill 58 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 14Hrs Identify and resolve common error messages and corrections by software debugging 91. Identify bugs in the software program as per the algorithms used and the libraries. (05 hrs.) 92. Resolve common error messages and apply the correct logic. (05 hrs.) 93. Perform firmware configuration and updates. (05 hrs.) 94. Download and Install App / Menu / Planning / Set-up / Flight / Application. (05 hrs.) 95. Demonstration and perform base station software to debugging to get GPS and flight data. (10 hrs.) 96. Perform experiments on software debug tool use to identify coding errors at different stages. (05 hrs.) 97. Setup python and Arduino environment. (05 hrs.) 98. Remote automatic drone operation using Python. (05 hrs.) 99. Knowledge and advantage of preventative maintenance of drone. (03 hrs.) 100. Diagnose problems using Log Data / Analyze Data flash Log Data / Remote Communication Log Data / Save and Execute Log Data. (05 hrs.) 101. Upgrade/downgrade drone firmware Identify error message and resolve approach. (05 hrs.) Introduction to software debug tool use to identify coding errors at different stages of development. Introduction to various drone operation using Python and Arduino and setup development environment. Firmware and hardware integration with common errors and their solutions. Introduction to software debugging tools and how to identify cause of coding errors. Introduction to ground base station assembly Introduction to preventive measures for drones.
Professional Skill 29 Hrs; Professional Knowledge 07 Hrs Inspect, test and execute primary and secondary servicing with troubleshoot malfunctioning, and repair issues discovered 102. Perform primary and secondary servicing based upon the checklist. (01 hr.) 103. Test and diagnose drone after 100 hours of flying for preventive maintenance. (03 hrs.) 104. Test and diagnose drone after 500 hours of flying. (05 hrs.) 105. Knowledge about drone troubleshooting check list like Equipment check, System reset, calibration, Motor Troubleshooting, Gimbal rotation, Battery Maintenance, and RF Signal and hardware. (03 hrs.) 106. Diagnose the common drone problem like GPS signals are blocked , Decreased battery life, Wrong direction during flight, Flight Planning, Mechanical issue, and Firmware issue. (05 hrs.) 107. Inspect drone before and after each flight. (01 hr.) 108. First time drone hardware assembly and test. (03 hrs.) 109. Test, locate the fault and repair a wiring of drone. (05 hrs.) 110. Check bent or cracked on legs and feet of the drone. (01 hr.) 111. Demonstration drone wiring connections with different parts. (01 hr.) 112. Perform takeoff/Landing operation and identify faults in system. (01 hr.) Fundamentals of primary and secondary services. Basics of Gimbal handling and its maintenance. Fundamentals of handling errors rise from GPS. Introduction to battery life maintenance, flight path monitoring. Studying throttle control by moving in either direction. Concept of Visual Inspection and Why Is It Important. Understand the various checks to be carried out to ensure the alignment of control surfaces.