Following on from my PPM Encoder mods (PPM Encoder Updated), I needed to…

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After my RPM sensor additions to the PPM Encoder, it seems my MUX switch for enabling/disabling the Autopilot is not working.  Some testing with a proportional channel (Throttle) revealed the MUX channel mid value to be about 2800, which is where I have set the RC_MUX_MAX now.  The previous value of 1250 was too low for… Continue

So today, I have got the updated PPM encoder s/ware working to do RPM measurement on one input channel.

 

 

For an RPM range of about 300 - 2000, the output pulse to the AP CPU is ranging from 2mS to 0.5mS.  The ACM code might need modding to accept this, without thinking its a sync pulse, but thats the next task.  All this will need further calibration when I test it with the motor running.

 

The RPM sensor is an IR LED and IR photodiode,…

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Many years ago, I tried building a model heli autopilot out of some old mouse position sensors, an 8031 micro, and my Hirobo shuttle.  The whole thing seemed to work on the bench, but quickly broke a few blades when I slammed the throttle on for an air test.  Such is life.

 

Now - its happening all over again, but this time, due to the excellent work done by the Ardupilot teams, I expect much better results.

 

So I got my APM for xmas, and its taken a month of…

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