Comment by Crasher on August 7, 2012 at 12:52pm

It's amzing how far multirotor performance has come in a year. Back then MK was the only viable option for many. We now have DJI, ZeroUAV, and not least the epic Autoquad!!! Progress indeed.

Developer Comment by R_Lefebvre on August 7, 2012 at 1:53pm

And lets not forget the Arducopter system becoming mature. ;)

Developer Comment by John Arne Birkeland on August 7, 2012 at 3:31pm

Arducopter running APM3 (ARM) and PX4 hardware will get there eventually. APM today has most of the features and more (minus the Ipod and Android GCS), but reliability and flight performance is not yet on par.

It is fascinating to look at some of the hardware design differences you get when you are operating in the $1000 range. The YS-X6 has two 100mhz AVR32 chips and a FPGA chip for computing. And the IMU is a work of art with the sensors built into a steel frame for rigidity and then placed on a internal dampening system.

Comment by Jiro Hattori on August 7, 2012 at 3:47pm

So, we should have some all in one concept that will provides more reliable in the total for upcoming APM3. ArduCopter already has all in one concept that most of the key components are identical to each other, however the total system compatibility is not identical at all. There are several PID settings those needs to adjustment.. 

Developer Comment by R_Lefebvre on August 7, 2012 at 4:01pm

@John, have you flown Arducopter lately?  I find that the quad flies amazingly well, it's hard to imagine it flying any better.  I have only two issues, both relatively minor:

1) Wobble on Descent.  This is not a firmware problem, as much as it is a physical problem which the firmware just hasn't fixed.

2) After flying fast forward, and then returning the stick to center, the quad pitches backward which is sort of like an auto-stop, but not really intentional.  Again, I think this is a physical problem, and the firmware just isn't fixing it.

Do you have any links to a YS-X6 dissection?  I am very curious about the construction you allude to.

Developer Comment by R_Lefebvre on August 7, 2012 at 4:07pm

Oh yeah, found it:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1676150

I wonder how much the cube weighs?  I've experimented with adding weight to the APM to help absorb vibrations (in concert with vibration mounts, of course) with mixed results.  One of the problems is the board is so big, it needs a lot of mass to work.  If the IMU parts are mounted separately from the rest of the components, it is of course much smaller and requires less weight.  Also note they have only a six conductor ribbon cable "jumping the gap".  that helps too.

Developer Comment by John Arne Birkeland on August 7, 2012 at 4:22pm

@R_lefebvre: Sure the Arducopter flies good at the moment, but for how many updates will that last? Constantly redesigning the system and tweaking is what APM and DIY is all about. But if you are lifting $$$ of camera etc. it's not the option I would select.

YS-X6 dissection: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1676150

YS-6X has a 180mhz AM and FPGA, I mixed up the specs for the DJI WKM and the YS-X6.

Developer Comment by R_Lefebvre on August 7, 2012 at 4:28pm

John, I've been reading more and more stuff about the other controllers, and it seems that DIY is not the only system prone to tweaking, fixing what wasn't broken, and releasing unstable stuff.  Even DJI is doing it.

I think the real answer is, don't automatically update to the latest code until it's been in the market for a while, and possibly have a test platform of your own.

Currently I have more faith in Arducopter than I do in some of the other systems.

Comment by Rana on August 7, 2012 at 5:07pm

HK prices are very high (1033US$), same product is available here in 979US$

Comment by Todd Hill on August 7, 2012 at 7:00pm

I have used DJI, and for the price they should have less shortcomings than they actually do.  At one time DJI was a more sound choice, but as APM functionality increases this is becoming less so in my case.  I am certain that In capable hands the APM2 can hold its own against other systems.  Personally I feel that APM2 performance is directly proportional to the amount of time and effort one puts into it.   

Comment

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page