Discussions

APM 3.1

Posted by Tim on September 29, 2015 at 2:09am

I've had 3 apm mini 3.1 boards now and they have all failed in some way or other.  The latest one refuses to run channel 2 but if I switch channels then bingo.  Is there a reliable simple board that will run gps and RTL out there?  I love mission planner but hate the boards.  to be fair, i'm buying chinese so maybe just buy the original??

Any thoughts?

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Replies

  • Moderator
    Graham Dyer October 2, 2015 at 11:06am

    I use the AUAV-X1 and soon the AUAV-X2 from http://www.auav.co/product-p/auavx2.htm. It's not a clone but a legitimate open source FC that is 100% compatible with any Ardupilot firmware. A little cheaper than a Pixhawk and no DF13 plugs. The one X1 I have works great.

  • 100KM
    keeyen pang September 30, 2015 at 11:30pm

    I also would like to use original APM and Pixhawk but unfortunately I'm base in Malaysia where export to our country is restricted. I'm using HK Pilot Mega 2.7 from Hobby King, and touch wood, had yet to encounter any issue. 

    As for the 3DR APM, I'm wonder if they have solve the 3.3 v regulator issue. 

  • Andre K. September 29, 2015 at 2:02pm

    there is no such thing as APM 3.1 , except some cheesy lookalikes, (I don't even call them clones), you can expect bad or worse components, (maybe some IMU/magnetometer that did not pass quality control) and a lot of corner-cutting , (less/smaller capacitors, higher tolerance resistors, etc)

    get the real thing - or a proper *copy* - if anyone find and prove existence of such a thing as an actual non-3DR , high quality APM/Pixhawk.

    • Tim > Andre K. September 29, 2015 at 2:32pm
      Good advice.

      Thx
      • Richard > Tim September 29, 2015 at 2:58pm

        You were good enough to say you bought Chinese: most people who buy clones and then have issues often swear they bought original and still expect the community to diagnose their problems.

        Yes, stick with the original.

        • Tim > Richard September 30, 2015 at 4:03am

          Hi Richard,

          I totally get that.  can you recommend a good retailer for quality parts?  Also, I am struggling to understand the significance of the amp rating on the esc's.  how do I match this to motor and prop size?

          Thanks

          • Andre K. > Tim October 2, 2015 at 8:12am

            the only one I know to be good is 3D Robotics, there may be others, but I stick to 3DR myself.

            ESC must be able to handle the max current of a given motor, with a given prop-size, at a given voltage.

            Use your motor's datasheet to find correct propeller, then max current will be listed there.

            Or, there is a service like http://ecalc.ch/ that allows you to verify designs.

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