Advancing Precision Agriculture using

a Tri copter for Crop Health

Monitoring

A MINI PROJECTREPORT

Submittedby

NAME OF THE STUDENT

Nitin Khetade (112007030)
Yamini Chavan (142207004)
Prem Gaikwad (142207011)

in partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

in

ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATION

COEP TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

APRIL 2024
 CERTIFICATE
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Certified that this project report “………. Advancing Precision Agriculture using a
Tri copter for Crop Health Monitoring ……………..” is the bonafide work of
“…………..Nitin Khetade, Yamini Chavan, Prem Gaikwad.…………” who carried
out the project work under my supervision. Certified further that to the best of my
knowledge the work reported herein does not form part of any other thesis or
dissertation on the basis of which a degree or award was conferred on an earlier
occasion on this or any other candidate.

Dr. Mrs. R. D.Joshi Dr. Mrs.V.S.Vyas

MENTOR

Associate Professor HEAD OFTHEDEPARTMENT

E&TC E&TC

COEP Electronics and Communication Engineering (Old Building), COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

PUNE-1, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005

SIGNATURE
Mr. P.P.Tasgaonkar
Table of Contents-

1) Abstract

2) Objectives

3) Design and Simulation

4) Experimentation

5) Result and Conclusion

6) Specification/Features of the proposed system

7) References
Abstract-

Drones, characterized as small or medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

capable of flying without a human pilot, have become integral in various fields due to
their programmable and remotely controllable nature. This project focuses on the
development of a long- range remote-control system utilizing the 100mW NRF24L01 PA
LN 2.4GHz module in conjunction with an Arduino Nano, specifically tailored for drone
applications.

The remote-control system offers 8 channels, enabling precise control with 6

channels operating proportionally and 2 channels serving as on/off switches. Designed to
cater to diverse model vehicles such as RC planes, RC cars, RC boats, RC work
machines, and drones, the system showcases an impressive range exceeding 2000 meters
(1.24 miles+) under optimal conditions.

In the context of drone applications, the project features the implementation

of a transceiver for controlling a tri-copter. The tri-copter, equipped with three BLDC
motors, is designed for optimal manoeuvrability, utilizing the frame for forward-
backward motion with two motors driven by the shaft of a servo motor, and the tail for
left-right motion with another motor incorporating a servo motor. The control system
utilizes 5-6 channels, making it particularly well-suited for drone control applications.
The programming of the transmitter and receiver is executed using the Arduino IDE,
incorporating various buttons and switches for toggling channels or changing modes. The
NRF24L01 PA LN module functions as the antenna for signal transmission and
reception, while joysticks facilitate the control of primarily 4 channels. This modular and
adaptable remote-control system caters not only to drone enthusiasts but also to
researchers and developers seeking reliable and customizable control solutions for UAVs.

Drones, with applications ranging from traffic surveillance and cargo

delivery to agriculture, entertainment, hobbyist activities, and security surveillance, play
a pivotal role in modern technological landscapes. In agriculture, drones offer high-
precision crop data, aiding farmers in monitoring fields and applying pesticides
efficiently. In disaster management and relief efforts, drones contribute significantly to
damage assessment, rescue operations, and the delivery of supplies to otherwise
 inaccessible locations.

The project underscores the pivotal role of drones in modern agriculture by

harnessing their capability to provide high-resolution aerial imagery and field mapping
and measurement. Through advanced monitoring techniques, these drones offer detailed
insights into field conditions, enabling farmers to make informed decisions about crop
management practices. Additionally, the project emphasizes the efficiency gains achieved
through drone-enabled pesticide application, facilitating targeted and precise
interventions to address pest infestations while minimizing environmental impact and
optimizing resource utilization.

Objectives-
1. Design a lightweight and stable T-shaped frame for the Tri copter drone, ensuring optimal
maneuverability and payload capacity tailored for crop health monitoring applications.
2. Integrate a long-range remote-control system utilizing the NRF24L01 PA LN 2.4GHz module
and Arduino Nano, enabling precise control and seamless mode switching between drone and
airplane configurations.
3. Program the control system using Arduino IDE to facilitate efficient operation of the Tri copter,
incorporating various buttons and switches for channel toggling and mode selection.
Design and Simulation-

Two BLDC motors will be held on

front.
The rotation of
motors(Forward-
backward)

The rotation of
motor(Left-
right

One BLDC motors will be held on

back.

Fig. 1 Frame Structure

Fig. 2 3D modeling in Fusion

 landing VTOL

For aircraft

module
Transmitte

Fig. 3 The block diagram for drone:

Flying mechanism:

Fordward flight

Fig. 4 Floating Operation

Transceiver:

Transmitter:

The transmitter component of the system comprises various elements essential for
controlling the drone. These include trigger switches, potentiometers, joysticks, toggle switches,
an Arduino NANO microcontroller, and the NRF24L01 PA LN module. The Arduino NANO
serves as the central processing unit, responsible for receiving input from the user and translating
it into commands for the drone's operation. The NRF24L01 PA LN module facilitates wireless
communication by generating 2.4 GHz radio waves, which are transmitted to a corresponding
module on the receiver side of the drone.

The PS4 joysticks integrated into the transmitter serve as the primary means of controlling the
drone's movement, enabling the user to command directional changes and maneuvers. These
joysticks provide four channels for motion control, allowing precise adjustments to the drone's
orientation and velocity. Additionally, potentiometers and toggle switches contribute another four
channels,expanding the range of available controls.

With this setup, users can manipulate the drone's flight path, altitude, and speed with ease, thanks
to the intuitive interface provided by the PS4 joysticks and additional control mechanisms.
Furthermore, two of the channels are dedicated to controlling servo motors, which can be utilized
for auxiliary functions such as camera gimbal adjustment or payload deployment.

The transmitter unit serves as the user's interface to the drone, enabling seamless communication
and precise control over its movements and operations. By leveraging a combination of joysticks,
switches, and potentiometers, users can navigate the drone through various environments and
execute complex flight maneuvers with accuracy and efficiency.

Fig. 5 Circuit of Transmitter

The entire structure of transmitter enclosed by the 3d printed remote structured

which is designed in fusion 360.
Fig. 7 3D modelling of Transmitter Body
Receiver:

The receiver component of the drone system plays a critical role in receiving
and
interpreting commands sent by the transmitter. It comprises the NRF24L01 PA LN
module, which receives radio waves transmitted by the transmitter's corresponding
module. These radio waves contain control signals generated by the user through the
transmitter's interface.

At the heart of the receiver unit is the Arduino NANO microcontroller,

which serves as the main controlling unit. It receives the incoming control signals from
the NRF24L01 module and processes them to determine the appropriate actions for the
drone. The Arduino NANO's data pins are utilized to establish connections with the
various components of the drone, including the three Brushless DC (BLDC) motors and
two servo motors.

The BLDC motors are crucial for propelling and maneuvering the drone in
the air, and their connections to the Arduino NANO allow for precise control over the
drone's thrust and direction. Similarly, the servo motors are responsible for controlling
auxiliary functions such as camera orientation or payload release mechanisms, adding
versatility to the drone's capabilities.

In addition to motor control, the receiver unit also interfaces with other
essential components of the drone, including a GPS module for accurate positioning and
navigation, and a camera module powered by an ESP32 module with Wi-Fi capabilities.
The GPS module enables the drone to determine its precise location in the field,
facilitating autonomous flight and waypoint navigation.

Meanwhile, the camera module provides visual data for tasks such as aerial
photography or remote surveillance, leveraging the ESP32's Wi-Fi capabilities for data
transmission.

To power the drone's operations, a LiPo battery is employed, providing the

necessary electrical energy to drive the motors, microcontroller, and other onboard
components. This battery ensures uninterrupted operation of the drone during flight
 missions, offering a reliable power source for extended periods.

Fig. 6 Circuit of Receiver

The receiver unit serves as the central hub for processing incoming
commands and coordinating the drone's various functions and subsystems. By interfacing
with a range of components, including motors, sensors, and communication modules, it
enables precise control and efficient operation of the drone in diverse environments and
applications.

Experimentation-

Crop health monitoring- Drones play a vital role in crop health monitoring throughout
the growing season, offering real-time insights to farmers for timely interventions.
Equipped with various sensors, including visible, near-infrared (NIR), and thermal
infrared, drones can assess crop conditions by computing multispectral indices based on
reflection patterns at different wavelengths. These indices provide valuable information
on factors such as crop conditioning, positions of field, water stress, nutrient deficiency,
insect-pest infestation, and diseases, often before visible symptoms appear.
 Using thermal and multispectral cameras mounted on drones, vast hectares
of fields can be efficiently surveyed in a single flight. Farmers can accurately assess crop
health and make informed decisions regarding pesticide application and other
interventions. Drones provide a cost-effective and efficient means of monitoring crops,
particularly in remote or challenging terrain where traditional scouting methods may be
impractical. Ultimately, drone technology enables proactive crop management,
minimizing yield losses and optimizing agricultural productivity.

The integration of drone technology in agriculture offers numerous benefits,

including increased efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and improved crop

management practices, ultimately contributing to sustainable agricultural development.

Fig-8
The GPS system integrated into the drone provides precise location data, enabling farmers to identify
specific areas of interest within their fields. By correlating this location information with the images
captured by the drone, farmers can effectively monitor various aspects of their crops, such as growth
patterns, pest infestations, irrigation needs, and other factors affecting crop health. This integration of
GPS technology with drone imagery enhances the farmer's ability to make informed decisions and take
timely action to address potential issues, ultimately optimizing crop management practices and
improving overall yields.

Results and Conclusion-

Result:

Agricultural drones are bringing about a revolution in farming, with benefits that can be
seen in data-driven documentary filmmaking.

High-resolution aerial imagery:

Drones can capture detailed images of your fields, allowing you to visually assess crop health,
growth patterns, and potential problem areas. This can be crucial for documenting the
effectiveness of different farming practices or the impact of environmental factors.

Fig. 9 Field view of high revolutionary image

Conclusion-
The development of the Tri copter drone for crop health monitoring represents a significant
advancement in precision agriculture technology. By leveraging unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and
advanced remote-control systems, this project offers farmers a cost-effective and efficient solution for
monitoring field conditions and optimizing farming practices. The Tri copter's stable flight performance,
maneuverability, and payload capacity make it well-suited for a wide range of agricultural applications,
including crop health monitoring, pest detection, and precision pesticide application. Moving forward,
further research and development efforts can focus on enhancing the Tri copter's capabilities, expanding
its applications, and promoting its adoption among farmers to improve agricultural productivity and
sustainability.

Specification/Features of the proposed system-

1. Tri copter Design:

 T-shaped frame design for stability and maneuverability.
 Lightweight yet sturdy construction optimized for crop health monitoring.
 Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities for versatility in various field
conditions.
2. Remote-Control System:
 Utilizes NRF24L01 PA LN 2.4GHz module and Arduino Nano for long-range control.
 Eight-channel remote control system for precise control over flight dynamics.
 Seamless mode switching between drone and airplane configurations for enhanced
versatility.
3. Propulsion System:
 BLDC motors and propellers optimized for vertical flight.
 Propulsion system capable of providing sufficient thrust for stable and agile
maneuvering.
4. Sensor Integration:
 RGB and multispectral cameras for high-resolution aerial imagery.
 Sensors securely mounted and calibrated for accurate crop health monitoring.
5. Control System:
 Arduino IDE programmed control system for seamless operation.
 Joysticks and switches for intuitive control over flight modes and channels.

These specifications and features collectively make the proposed system well-suited for addressing the
challenges of modern agriculture and advancing precision agriculture practices.
References-

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910-914.
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