3D Robotics

3689600537?profile=originalI just got a Quanum Nova, which is a fantastic APM-powered copter that in many way outperforms the DJI Phantom for less than $300.  Although it's capable of full autonomy, just like any other ArduCopter, the one thing it's missing for easy field mission planning and DroidPlanner compatibility is telemetry. 

In this great tutorial, Jean-Louis Naudin shows how to add that:

Here an explanation for connecting the real time telemetry to the CX-20 or to the Quanum Nova

The telemetry port is located on the I/O board of the APM (the second board at the bottom and pluged to the main CPU board) where all the I/O plug are connected. The telemetry port is fully compatible with all the telemetry transmitter (3DR and all the compatible boards) and also with the Bluetooth boards commonly used with the APM boards.

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Below the pinout which shows the telemetry port I/O (back to the I/O board).

Note from the comments: depending on which radio you're using, you may have to reverse the TX and RX lines. Dmitry in the comments reports: "You must connect RX from the radio to TX on the APM! And vice versa for Radio TX. So I've changed green and yellow wires and it works!"

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sold 4 cables on the telemetry ports alt textthen protect the connections with hot glue alt text

Check the functioning alt text

The 4 pins telemetry plug is installed on the back of the fuselage alt text

Check the connection (at 57600 baud) with the mission planner or the Droid Planner 2 alt textalt text

Then, you may enjoy to use the telemetry... alt text

NEXT CHAPTER: Full autonomous mission with the Cheerson CX 20

 

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Comments

  • Thanks, DroneRanger

  • Great info!

    I used to have this exact same quad (Hobby King's RTF Quanum Nova).  I actually really liked it, and it was a lot of fun to fly, with a great price as well so it was hard to beat.  I have recommended this to several others as a great 'starter' when they want to get into an APM quad.  It was fun to tinker with and learn on, and when i did break a landing leg or anything else, the replacement parts were very affordable. 

  • Thank you, Vinnie!

  • Quanum Nova and Cheerson CX-20 are the same and they come with preflashed custom firmware that you should leave as is unless you know what you are getting yourself into.  OSD has nothing to do with the quad, that is your own customization add-on to the quad.

  • Hello, now I am getting confused - can I use 3.1.5 or 3.2.1 on the Nova (which I'll be receiving soon)?  I want to have OSD, so what should I be doing?  I know they can be used on the CX.  Thank you!

  • The battery is full and it is beeping... I dont underestand.

    Thanks...

  • The beeping is for low battery warning.  If you connected a fully charged lipo battery then it should not beep.

  • As I had mentioned before, I had posted several versions 3.1.5, 3.2 and then 3.2.1 and people have reposted my files too.  You can use the thread tool to search for file attachments. This was the link to the 3.1.5 I had posted http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=31678509&postcoun...

    RC Groups - View Single Post - CX-20 Cheerson Auto Pathfinder
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  • I found this link

    http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2536440&highlig...

    Now I be connected by MP with the telemetry. Thanks a lot. The only problem is a beep that is driving me crazy. I dont know how shut it off. If you can help me ...

    Thanks again

    Gabriel

  • Hi  Vinnie,

    Thanks a lot for your comment. I couldnt find the link in RCGroups.com where you post the versions. Can you help me pleas?

    Thanks a lot

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