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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Carl Campbell on July 13, 2012 at 8:59am

Yes, and Yes,  

http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/ArduCopter_TradHeli

And the reasoning is the motor and the metal in the rotor may affect GPS lock.  

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Permalink Reply by Tim on July 13, 2012 at 9:04am

Are other mounting locations available and if so are they a lot more vulnerable to crashes?

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Permalink Reply by Tim on July 13, 2012 at 9:04am

I just want to get into this as cheaply as possible off the start then add functions later, I didn't wanna get the external gps because I wanna eventually upgrade to the more precise model.

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Carl Campbell on July 13, 2012 at 9:09am

http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/450-mounting-positions-lot-of-pics  This will give you an Idea of the various mounting positions.  

 

I am personally planning on using the tail block mount.  With the case on the APM I assume it will be more durable in the event of a crash but I guess nothing is certain and one cannot prepare for all contingencies.  

I personally have not broken a Reciever or my gyro in a heli crash and I have crashed plenty.  many many times during the learning process to fly helicopters. with the way the APM is made I dont really see it being affected in a crash, Unless the rotor hits it and breaks it in pieces.  But that is just my observation. 

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on July 13, 2012 at 10:01am

The better external GPS (uBlox6) is now available. 

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DeveloperPermalink Reply by R_Lefebvre on July 13, 2012 at 10:14am

I have mounted mine very similarly to Wesley, on my 450.  I had a couple crashes, no damage.  Vibration isolation is a bit of a challenge on a 450, just due to extra bulk and weight required.  The onboard GPS works just fine in this location.

On my 600, mounting is easy, and you have a lot more options.  I mounted on the tray that is intended for the Rx.  This obviously needs an external GPS.

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