Antenna Tracking Parameters

Cloud9Drones May 22, 2013 at 5:23pm

Hi All,

What APM version are you using (2.0 or 2.5)? Also are you using an external GPS, if so....which one? The reason I ask is because I'm using APM 2.0 with the internal GPS and the latency is slow on the tracker plus the plane is not exactly showing the correct location in the planner on MP while walking the plane around (30-60 meters away). So my plane setup seems to have some interference going on and I think it's the GPS, maybe the 3DR radio with my 433mhz RC transmitter, or all three. Any ideas or others having similar issues?

I'm about to try an external GPS, but just thought I would ask the community.

-Taylor-

FPV-NUT May 15, 2013 at 7:37pm

Hi All,

I am having a weird issue - the setup works well as described in the treads, but only in Maestro config utility.

The APM says its connected to the Maestro on the correct com port, but can't get any movement out of the servos despite the same range, centre and angles configure.

What am I missing?

Bernhard

Moderator

Nathaniel Caner December 24, 2012 at 6:24am

Hello,

I have ordered all the necessary components to assemble my tracker and am familiar with all the configuration but I have two questions about using the Mission Planner that I can't find clear documentation of. In the screen shot below there is a button labeled 'Find Trim Pan (3DR Radio)', what does this do and how do you use it? I haven't been able to find any documentation on it's use or function. I am assuming that it uses your RSSI to derive the location of the aircraft's starting or home location?

The second question is related and has to do with setting up the antenna. I know the antenna base is supposed to be pointed North, but I didn't see a clear answer to the question of weather or not that was true or magnetic North. Also do you then point the antenna at the plane's home position using trim as above?

Regards,

Nathaniel ~KD2DEY

Chris Khosravi December 7, 2012 at 10:12am

Hi William,

I was wondering if were able to solve your problem? I have the same exact antenna tracker as you with the same servos. I was wondering if you finalized your settings and could possibly share them.

-Chris

AlexP November 23, 2012 at 5:40pm

I'm very glad I found this thread. I have followed the following guide to the letter:

http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/wiki/AntennaTracking?ts=134..., but I'm not having much luck.

My setup is the HSHS-645MG servos for both pan and tilt. Pololu Maestro 6 channel servo controller.

This results in a reliable 180 degree radius turn (90 degrees both side) and 90 degree tilt. I'm using the readmaderc.com hardware setup (pod).

Tilt seems to work OK, but pan is a complete mess. My calculated values are:

pan: min 1120, max 1888, 8bit range 384, pwm range: 768. MP set to 180 degrees

tilt: nub 1988, max 1877, 8bit range 394, pwm range: 789. MP set to 90 degrees

Neutral range is set to 1500 in both cases.

Now, my other problem is as follows: the wiki states to always point the AT North. Then set the tracker home location (in the Flight planner screen). The problem is that at my house, the 'home' location of the drone is at 90 degrees (East) of the tracker home location: in other words already at the max right movement.