Author Archives: Zach

How to build a quadcopter

I “completed” my build last weekend and managed to take pictures somewhat inconsistently along the way which I will show you here.  I successfully tested the video equipment, configured the ESC and flight controller software, and performed a couple test flights … Continue reading

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What makes a drone?

Ever wonder what makes a drone tick? Here’s a run down of what I’m putting into my racing quadcopter. You will find all of these parts in some form or another on any multi-rotor, whether it be store bought or … Continue reading

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The Journey to FPV

All the parts for my racer have arrived!  The plan is to do the build this weekend.  I’ll be taking a lot of pictures to document everything that goes into making a racing-quality quadcopter!  In the meantime I will take a … Continue reading

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Ascending to Drone Racing

I take it for granted that I know what is going on with drones nowadays.  I think there are still plenty of people who might give me a deer-in-headlights look if I tell them “drone racing” is a real thing. … Continue reading

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SEMO Hackathon 1

This weekend from Friday evening through Sunday noon our CS department held an in-house Hackathon in which groups of students worked on their own original software projects.  Inspired by other hackathons and our participation in A.I. programming competitions in Rolla, we … Continue reading

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Gone Girl postlude

Today at 10am was my interview for the NPH stand-in gig.  There was one guy there named Jeff who looked more or less just like him.  Long story short: they picked him. I’m feeling down about it.  Not that I … Continue reading

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Gone Girl day 5: The Bat flies at midnight

quick review of our cast of characters: Rosamund, actress playing Amy Dunne (stand-in: Jody) Lola, actress playing Greta (stand-in: Sidney) Boyd, actor playing Jeff (stand-in: me) David Fincher, director Courtenay, 1st assistant director Mollie and Paul, 2nd assistant directors Ryan … Continue reading

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Gone Girl day off: Playing catch-up

Yesterday (Friday) I returned to my normal schedule.  Planetary Exploration class at 10am, lab assistant hours at 11, then work at MedAssets until 5.  Quite a different day than working with the movie production crew from 6am to 7pm.  Even … Continue reading

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Gone Girl day 4: Winding down

Last night I attempted to watch Fight Club in my hotel room.  I rented it on Amazon Prime for $3 and got through about 20 minutes of it before Erika skyped me.  That lasted almost an hour, and then it … Continue reading

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Gone Girl day 3: No juries, just fire

Today was a good day.  I woke up with a full night’s sleep and went down to the van ready to rock. When I got to base camp Ryan motioned me over right away.  “Go to cabin 25 to see … Continue reading

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