Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Emile L. on April 18, 2012 at 5:41am

I think your friend is correct if the jumper is removed you must power it through the input rail. I also need to pull the SD card to get my APM2 to boot. Reset does not seem to get it to work. I have continued to use the board without the SD card and have logged 8 flights. I think the SD card is used to log information and future development.

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Permalink Reply by Hannes on May 13, 2012 at 10:42pm

I have the same problem, I wonder if the diode that feeds the regulator is rated properly... This is the only explanation I have why it is no longer working.

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Permalink Reply by TJ on May 14, 2012 at 9:00pm

My APM2 suddenly stopped working too from Output power rail. If I power it from the 5v/Gnd between the serial connection header pins, it powers up, though have not attempted to fly connected this way. USB power works fine. The only attached external load is the RC Rx. A FlySky/Turnigy system. I found mention, without clear subject, power issues due to a diode which needed to be inspected/repaired? http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/please-help-me-problem-to-boot-apm2.

I hope this is a simple fix.

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Permalink Reply by TJ on May 14, 2012 at 10:03pm

Another related thread: http://www.diydrones.com/forum/topics/apm2-only-powered-over-input-...

Vernon Barry suggest consumers are shorting the APM2's out. I merely connected my battery with correct polarity as always. :(

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Permalink Reply by TJ on May 18, 2012 at 3:35pm

I contacted 3DRobotics in regards to this problem. They also said to ship the board back to them for repair or replacement. I have done so. They don't have any idea how long this process might take :( At least they're trying I guess.

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Permalink Reply by Tsahi Mizrahi on May 24, 2012 at 11:25pm

Hi,

My APM worked fine for 2 short flights at my yard.

On the third flight it just powered off after landing.

Now it does not power on from any ESC on connected to the output rail, only from USB.

What am i missing here ???

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Permalink Reply by TJ on May 25, 2012 at 5:09am

Tsahi, Try powering the board from the input rail or there is a 5V/GND between the UART headers.

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Permalink Reply by Stephan Geenen on May 29, 2012 at 2:39am

Do you know how to operate a digital multimeter? If so, please check the diode next to JP1.

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Permalink Reply by Tsahi Mizrahi on May 29, 2012 at 4:33am

Diode is dead

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Permalink Reply by Stephan Geenen on May 29, 2012 at 6:52am

I had the same problem. Replacing the diode worked for me. Do you have SMD soldering skills?

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Permalink Reply by John Culp on May 29, 2012 at 7:44am

After about 24 flights, it appears I have the same problem with APM2. Powers from the USB, but not the output rail. Any word on how 3DR is dealing with this?

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Permalink Reply by TJ on May 29, 2012 at 5:50pm

All I know is they offered to repair if possible or replace the APM2.

I'm no electronics expert, but I wonder if the diode is absolutely required, if it can be replaced with a higher capacity part, or if this is a run of bad diodes from the diode manufacturer. I tried to get technical details but 3DR has been reluctant to give the specifics other than its a faulty diode :( 

Sadly, I can only imagine the potential magnitude of the problem 3DR faces with this problem or if its just a few boards with. I'm surprised if its a design issue that It didn't turn up in the development testing stages.

I wonder if someone can specify the maximum current handling of the circuit. I sure don't think that my or any marketed Rx should be imposing an unreasonable load on the board.

I would like to understand the scope of the problem I just cant seem to find answers yet.

As for customer service handling the repair/replacement of the APM2 has been nothing short of professional.

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