Idea: Copilot II and ArduPilot "Plug & Play"
I have worked out a way to use a standard CoPilot II system combined with a simple ArduPilot board and GPS (No IMU or Thermopiles)
I would appreciate feed back as to possible invasion of CoPilot II copyright
Overview
The CoPilot II does not currently provide any telemetry. The ArduPilot can send telemetry information via xbee which means the CoPilot II immediately benefits from the solution
If enabled by the tx AUX, the ArduPilot also "steers" the CoPilot (and the CoPilot steers the plane)
Because the CoPilot II system is mature and stable this seems like a simple solution for less experienced users
My configuration also frees up some pwm ports on the ArduPilot for other uses
In this configuration the ArduPilot requires less code and does not require thermopiles or IMU which allows for a much simpler ArduPilot program
I am working on an ArduPilot package that would allow users to plug-in a variety of gps units (choice) without need for re-compile. So one size would fit all!
The CoPilot II would be setup as normal which supports either heli or normal plane and also supports 3D flying
The add-on package would come out very cheap because all that would be required is:-
1 x ArduPilot Board
2 x xbee
1 x gps
So I guess this could be a $70 add-on for existing CoPilot II users.
What attracts me even more to the idea is that CoPIlot II system can be purchased pre-installed in a high wing cessna or a fun jet. All gains pre-set and ready to go!
Does this sound like a useful package? Would it be legal to produce?
Replies to This Discussion
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Interesting, but I'm confused about one thing. ArduPilot already does everything CoPilot II does and more. What's the point of retaining the CoPilot system? It just seems like more cost and equipment for no additional functionality. Am I missing something?
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Wouldn't it be easier to create a version of ArduPilot that's off-the-shelf and easy and limited to just CoPilot-type functions (so there's be no legal issues)? Cheaper, better, smaller, etc...
It seems to me that if you were going to put AP in a box as a simple feature extender for CoPilot II, you've already done the hard work. Might as well go all the way and make it a full replacement. The code is already written and in there. It's just a matter of loading it with the right settings, soldering up the board and putting it in an enclosure.
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
Fair points! AP is licensed for royalty-free commercial use, so you're free to give it a shot. No permission required.
There are only legal issues if it can be used as an autopilot with programmable waypoints. So you'd have to "blackbox" it to avoid that.
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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on -
I meant US regs.
There's a reason why we don't offer a n00b-friendly ArduPilot-in-a-box ;-)
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Gary Mortimer on -
No sadly they can't change that, its a big shame and deep short sightedness (is that a word) on a certain countries part.
Back in the day lots of us started with copilots keeping things level via ailerons and then the rudder changing heading via simple APs. RCAP, then 3D was bought in by Hexpert with one of these http://www.hexpertsystems.com/zlog/ oh happy days. So two boards onboard one to point where you go and the other to sort altitude. We thought we were styling.
Both Ardupilot and AttoPilot grew out of those types and were the promise of a brave new cheaper world.
There is lots of logic to only using a CoPilot for local VLOS aerial photography. They are fantastic mature systems. Getting ever cheaper.
You new lot don't know your born ;-)
I still have my first 406 and will keep it forever as a reminder of what has been! -
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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Gary Mortimer on -
I think the new copilot, which I have not tried was going to spin out all the extra features and have a plug in GPS module but its not happened!
If the new ones are as good as the original they should be great.
In fact thinking about it, if you were new to RC and could fit one of these first and get yourself flight proficient then add AP functionality it might make life more affordable.
I like it back to basics ;-)
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DeveloperPermalink Reply by Mark Colwell on -
Fab,
I have a HDX-500 with Eagletree Pro OSD, I can beta test your gps code with uBlox, EM-406 & MediaTek units, I will setup CoPilot II on a E-Smart 30 with your code. I have been to busy with AP 2.7 bata and X-Plane & FG sims... I almost have it going...
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