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Permalink Reply by Roman Krashanitsa on March 11, 2011 at 6:23pm

Probably what you are really asking is if you can use a usb to serial cable to connect AdrupilotMega to your computer directly instead of XBee? I am sure you can, using FTDI cable or similar device. I don't think that XBee API protocol and addressing is used. Any experts on this?

 

Roman

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Permalink Reply by Darren on March 11, 2011 at 6:38pm

Yes, you can do that by changing

#define GCS_PORT 0 in APM_Config.h

but its actually suggested to use the telemetry port, even if you dont have xbees.

If you have a FTDI cable, make up a pigtail with the tx and rx (and optionally ground) connected to the telemetry port.

Very similar to a GPS to FTDI cable, but without the power.

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Permalink Reply by Kirill on March 12, 2011 at 1:24pm

Ok, thanks for info. Now the situation is clear. It is a little more complicated than I thought. I will either try to do it or will wait for my Xbees.

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Permalink Reply by Darren on March 12, 2011 at 2:19pm

you can also use a ftdi cable on the telemetry port untill you go wireless... :)

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Permalink Reply by Paul Mather on April 11, 2011 at 10:46pm

Did you find a solution? I use my APM all the time with just 2 USB to serial connections. One for GCS data in and out and the other to fake out the GPS datastream.

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Permalink Reply by Kirill on April 12, 2011 at 3:48am

Yes, the solution appeared itself. My Xbee modules were delivered so quickly, so I had no time to test via usb without them.

Nevertheless, thank you, now I know that there is the other way of connection.

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