Daniel Payne
Senior Mechanical Design Engineer. Build logs from the bench.
My work combines mechanical engineering, controls engineering, firmware and software development to solve complex technical problems. From robotics and automation equipment to autonomous drones and custom test systems, I enjoy building things that move, measure, and solve real-world challenges.
Read the latest log- Logs
- 5
- Projects
- 8
- First
- 2026-06-07
- Latest
- 2026-09-05
Build logs
All logs- 2026-09-05SensorsBuilding a Pure-Python ROS 2 Driver for the YDLIDAR X2This is a pure-Python driver and ROS 2 Jazzy package that reads the LiDAR, decodes complete revolutions, publishes sensor_msgs/msg/LaserScan messages, creates the required TF transform, and launches RViz with a saved…4 min
- 2026-08-30SensorsBuilding a TF-Luna ROS 2 Driver: From UART Bytes to a Live /range TopicI built a Python driver and ROS 2 Jazzy node for the Benewake TF-Luna LiDAR, starting with raw nine-byte UART frames and ending with live distance measurements on a standard sensor_msgs/Range topic. This project…7 min
- 2026-07-21AerialDrone Log #2: Building and Validating an Autonomous Drone with Object TrackingFlight test: the drone detects the red ball and autonomously performs an orbit around it using onboard vision and control software.6 min
- 2026-06-16AerialAutonomous Drone: Object Tracking using ROS2, YOLO Detection, PX4, a Raspberry Pi 4, and the Pixhawk 6C.In this project, I developed an autonomous target-tracking system for a drone using a custom-trained YOLOv8n object detection model and the Robot Operating System 2 (ROS2) . The goal was to have a drone autonomously…6 min
- 2026-06-07AerialPX4 X500 Drone Build Log #1: From Unboxing to First FlightThe Holybro X500 PX4 Development Kit finally arrived, and I had no clue what to expect. It was mostly plug and play although some custom firmware was required. This project is all about building a development…3 min
Projects
All projects- Aerial
Autonomous object-tracking drone
A PX4 X500 quadcopter that detects and follows a target, running YOLO on a Raspberry Pi 4 with ROS 2 talking to a Pixhawk 6C.
- Airframe build
- PX4 setup
- ROS 2
- YOLO detection
- Flight validation
- Sensors
LiDAR drivers for ROS 2
Pure-Python ROS 2 drivers for two low-cost LiDARs: the Benewake TF-Luna (single point, UART) and the YDLIDAR X2 (360° scan).
- Python
- ROS 2
- UART protocols
- Testing without hardware
- Machines
Seed Quilting Machine
I helped design and build a seed quilting machine by developing the control system and programming the PLC and HMI. I also handled wiring, validated all mechanisms, and brought the entire machine together into a fully functional system.
- Control system
- PLC programming
- HMI
- Wiring
- Mechanism validation
- Machines
Covid 19 Vial Machine
I contributed to the development of a COVID-19 vial filling machine by programming the PLC and HMI, and validating valves and actuators to ensure reliable performance. I also handled system wiring and helped integrate all components into a fully functional, production-ready system.
- PLC programming
- HMI
- Valve and actuator validation
- Wiring
- Integration
About
I'm a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer based in Oakland, CA. My background runs from controls to automation to mechanical design, so these logs cover the whole machine: the mechanism, the wiring, the PLC or firmware, and the software on top.
| Roche Diagnostics | Senior Mechanical Design Engineer |
|---|---|
| Production Robotics | Automation Engineer |
| George M. Martin | Controls Engineer |
Mechanical engineering
Product design, CAD development, DFM and GD&T, prototyping, thermal and fluid systems.
Controls engineering
PLC programming, motion control, sensor integration, automation systems, machine validation.
Software and firmware
Python, Arduino, Raspberry Pi applications, data acquisition and automation.