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-# canopy
+# Canopy
 
-Autonomous aerial surveillance drone with object tracking - AcreWatch project
\ No newline at end of file
+Autonomous aerial surveillance drone with object detection and tracking.
+Part of the AcreWatch project family.
+
+## What is this?
+
+Canopy is a custom-built drone platform that uses computer vision (YOLOv8) running on a Raspberry Pi 5 companion computer to detect and autonomously follow targets. Built on the ArduPilot flight stack with a Holybro X500 V2 frame.
+
+## AcreWatch Family
+
+- **BarkBlaster** - Automated deterrent (sound + water turret)
+- **Wi-Spy** - ESP32 CSI passive perimeter detection
+- **Canopy** - Aerial surveillance and tracking (this project)
+
+## Hardware
+
+- Holybro X500 V2 ARF Kit (CF frame, motors, ESCs)
+- Pixhawk 6C flight controller (ArduPilot)
+- Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB) companion computer
+- Pi Camera Module 3 Wide (120 deg FOV)
+- Matek 3901-L0X optical flow + rangefinder
+- Holybro M10 GPS
+- ExpressLRS 900MHz radio control
+- SiK 915MHz telemetry radio
+
+## Software Stack
+
+- ArduPilot Copter
+- YOLOv8n (ultralytics)
+- OpenCV + Picamera2
+- pymavlink (MAVLink control)
+- QGroundControl (ground station)
+
+## Project Status
+
+Phase 1: Prototype - Planning/BOM complete, awaiting parts.
+
+## Docs
+
+- Wiki: https://wiki.jfamily.io (AcreWatch collection)
+- BOM: See wiki or drone_prototype_bom.xlsx
+
+## License
+
+Private - A&E Ventures LLC