🛠 Phase 1: Core Optimizations & Reliability Testing

🎯 Goal: Get the truck fully operational, test telemetry, GPS, and waypoint navigation.
✅ Step 1A: Core Setup & Testing

  • Mount and wire ESC, SpeedyBee F405W, GPS, FrSky L9R receiver.
  • Bind Taranis X10 transmitter to dual receivers (L9R & X8R) and configure failsafe.
  • Flash ArduPilot Rover firmware and configure settings in QGroundControl.
  • Enable and calibrate IMU (ICM-42688-P) and barometer (SPL006-001).
  • Set up battery voltage telemetry for QGroundControl & Taranis X10.
  • Verify manual mode driving and refine steering & throttle response.
  • Test basic waypoint navigation and check GPS accuracy.

✅ Step 1B: UBEC & Accessory Configuration

  • Install and wire Hobbywing UBEC 10A to a separate battery.
  • Connect X8R receiver and accessories (fans, LEDs, sensors) to UBEC power.
  • Test current draw and voltage stability of accessory power.

🚀 Completion Time: 5 Weeks (~50 hours at 10 hours/week)

🔋 Phase 2: Extended Power & Smart Energy Management

🎯 Goal: Improve battery endurance and enable extended operations.
✅ Replace temporary 3S LiPo with custom 3S 18650 Li-ion pack.
✅ Integrate Daly BMS for safe charging & balancing.
✅ Optimize throttle curves, braking behavior, and low-voltage cutoff settings.
✅ Run long-distance endurance tests and monitor power efficiency.

🚀 Completion Time: 4 Weeks (~40 hours)

🚗 Phase 3: Autonomous Enhancements & Obstacle Avoidance

🎯 Goal: Improve terrain handling & environmental awareness.
✅ Integrate obstacle detection sensors (TF-Luna Lidar, Ultrasonic).
✅ Enable ArduPilot object avoidance & adaptive waypoint navigation.
✅ Refine navigation behavior using IMU, GPS, and sensor fusion.

🚀 Completion Time: 5 Weeks (~50 hours)

📡 Phase 4: FPV & Remote Monitoring

🎯 Goal: Add live video & extend telemetry range.
✅ Integrate FPV system (RunCam Thumb or ESP32-CAM).
✅ Add 5.8GHz VTX for real-time video streaming.
✅ Upgrade telemetry with LoRa for extended range.

🚀 Completion Time: 4 Weeks (~40 hours)

🌞 Final Phase: Drone Integration & Solar Charging

🎯 Goal: Enable self-sustained, modular expansion with aerial capabilities.
✅ 5-inch autonomous drone launch & return-to-home system.
✅ Solar charging system (10W-30W panel, MPPT controller).
✅ ArduPilot sleep mode & wake automation based on battery levels.

🚀 Completion Time: 8+ Weeks (~80 hours)

📌  Project Timeline

Phase 1A - 4 Weeks 

Phase 1B - 1 Week 

Phase 2 - 4 Weeks 

Phase 3 - 5 Weeks 

Phase 4 - 4 Weeks 

Final Phase  - 8+ Weeks 

🎯 Total Estimated Project Time: ~26+ Weeks (~6 Months at 10 hours/week)