Beginner Questions...
Hi All,
I wanted to say that this has been a fun ride so far. I've been able to research and figure out most of my problems by reading the forum and triple checking the instructions on the wiki.
However, there are a few gaps in my understanding and it would be awesome if some more experienced builders could help me understand.
As far as I know I think I have successfully loaded the code onto the APM. I can connect to configurator and see the little bars moving around. I have not connected the motors or ESCs because my battery is still in the mail. Per the instructions the next step would be the transmitter adjustment.
I have a Spektrum DX7 and I'm a still a little unclear how to connect it based off of the instructions.
First off, can I connect the AR7000 to the APM without the motors, ESCs or battery connected and work with it in configurator? Will the APM power the AR7000 Receiver?
Secondly, the AR7000 has 3 rows of pins. Does it matter which row I connect to?
Same thing with the APM. There are 3 rows of pins. Which row should the AR7000 be connecting to? (if I was looking at the APM with the shield on top)
(here is a picture of the inputs on the AR7000)
I know this is a long post, but basically I just need a little more info on how to properly connect the RX and TX, and what to watch out for. Any help would be appreciate.
Thanks everyone!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Joel on -
Instead of considering your receiver having 3 rows, it actually would make more sense to say 7 rows. The rows are vertical, not horizontal.(7 channels)
The APM outputs/inputs are vertical rows of 3 pins each as well.
For arducopter-quad, The following page explains which channels on your receiver to connect to what inputs on the APM board.
Check out the first diagram, and either the second or third diagram depending whether you want + or x configuration.
http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/Quad_Radio#Wiring_diagram_...:
I'm assuming you are speaking of arducopter quad. If you are building a traditional heli, please look at this:
http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/TradHeli_ConnectingAPM
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Permalink Reply by Joel on
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Also, i forgot to mention that yes, APM will power the receiver using USB power. I believe I read that you should not connect a motor or any more than two servos without battery power. I've heard of people frying parts of the board doing this.
I have powered the APM/Shield, GPS module, and two servos using USB power. I tend to use a lipo plugged into my ESC though just to be safe :).
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Permalink Reply by Michael Mashlan on -
Thanks for your help! The RX came with a battery so I wasn't sure if I needed that as well.
Do you know if the kit comes with the mentioned " Servo Extension Cable 5cm Female-Female" that I would use to connect from the APM to the RX?
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Permalink Reply by Joel on
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You may also be able to power it using one ESC with the battery your RX came with. What kind of battery is it?
I believe I read in a post that it does include the servo extension cables.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Mashlan on
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the batter that came with RX is a 4.8V 1100mAhr NiCd 4 Cell Rx Pack. Would this work? My Lipo battery is still in the mail.
It's the same connector the ESC uses but they are both female connectors?
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Permalink Reply by Joel on
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Chris, I found something on that page which could be confusing.
http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/Quad_Radio#Wiring_diagram_...:
The first diagram shows AP control on APM input-channel 5.
The two following diagrams show the AP control on APM input-channel 4.
(mode and gps switched)
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Thanks for the catch. Fixed!
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Permalink Reply by Michael Mashlan on
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Sorry, but another question. If the RX if suppose to use the 3 pin connectors for each channel, what is going on in these pictures with only 1 pin connectors being used when connecting to the RX?
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
The other two are power and ground, which they all share. If you want to save wires, you can use only one for all of them.
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Permalink Reply by Michael Mashlan on
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Thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Joel on
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You may want to keep your eye on this thread:
http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/blowing-up-boards-by?xg_source=ac...
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