Developer

ArduCopter 2.6 released!

Version 2.6 of the ArduCopter code is now available in the AP Mission Planner and in the downloads area!

 

Updates to MavLink 1.0 means you will need to use "ArdupilotMegaPlanner10.exe" to connect.  If you've updated your mission planner recently you should find this executable in the directory where the mission planner is installed.

 

The above video is done using a prototype 3dr ublox GPS which seems to have better accuracy than the standard mediatek.

 

Improvements over 2.5.5 include:
     - MavLink 1.0 support (use with ArdupilotMegaPlanner10.exe) [Tridge, Craig]

     - Stability improvements especially during level hover [Jason]

     - throttle range improvement (higher min and max) [Jason]

     - improved standard Loiter PIDs [Alan, Heino, Jason, Angel]

     - dataflash erase speed up ('+' messages removed but it only takes 6 seconds now) [Tridge]

     - Copter LEDs [Robert Lefebvre]

     - RTL loiter stage target set to home to improve final landing position [Jason]

     - flip & acro improvements [Jason]

     - circle mode target improvement for ground station [Jason]

     - Auto Approach [Adam Rivera / Marco]

 

Bug fixes include:

     - UBLOX driver fixes (lock should now be more reliable) [Tridge]

     - enable mavlink messages during dataflash erase which resolves issue in which new APMs fresh from the factory appeared unresponsive [Tridge]

     - proper printing of lat/lon values in dataflash logs [Randy]

     - removed duplicate GPS reads [Jason]

     - resolve flooding of telemetry link with low-battery warnings [Tridge]

     - RTL bug would land if rtl_approach_alt was more than 1 [Jason]

     - WP Radius could not be set larger than 1.3m [Jason/Randy]

 

Tuning:
PIDs are optimised for the 3DR/Jdrones quad with 850 motors and 10" props.  If you're using more powerful motors/props and are seeing bad flight behaviour in stabilize, start by turning down Rate Roll P in 25% steps.

This time we spent some time optimising the loiter PIDs.  Tuning loiter can be tricky so please refer to the discussions which will appear below for more community feedback on what parameters work best.
 
All feedback welcome below.  Enhancement requests and bug reports can be put into the arducopter issues list.  When possible please include logs (tlog and/or dataflash) and tell us whether you're using APM1 or APM2 and what version of the software you're using (presumably 2.6 but tell us anyway!).

 

Happy flying!

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Replies

  • I've just uploaded 2.6.

    I actually wanted to start over fresh, but it seems that all my previous parameters and settings are still the same as my last settings.

    How can I update to new standard PID settings?

    There used to be a command eeprom clear (reset).

    Apparently it's not done automatically.

     

    Can some tell me how to do a clean install?

  • Hello, on the topic "Copter LEDs" where I find the documentation for how to connect the harness and control of the LEDs? thanks

    Roberto

  • i got 1 problem about MP version 1.1.92  MAVlink 1.0

    after write waypoint to APM2, i cannot click menu configuration,

    attached screen shot error appear something like DLL missing.

    i update again  MP, now can go to configuration menu, but if  write waypoint again, same error occure.

    how to solve it.?

    thanks3692445776?profile=original

  • Guys this is my first post here, I am still a noob on navigating this wiki and even my Tri. I'd like to know which PID's to play with if my YAW is slow. Secondly...when I loiter the tri seems to swing more and more to left and right.... Its like the autocorect settings happen to slow...
    I have a Rc Explorer design with DT750 motors, 3 cell bat, and about 1.6kg in weight...
    Any help please pointing to which PID's to adjust
  • Moderator

    I just flew a pack with 2.6. I found it well. The loiter was a bit better but still needs some tuning on my part. I found the stability was much better with 2.6 than 2.5. It might be a placebo type effect but I found my copter handled wind better.

    For anyone getting the Mavlink error, there are two executable files. The one with 10 in the filename is the Mavlink 1.0 one.

  • ive had trouble today with altitude hold in loiter - the first switch to loiter resulted in dropping out of the air (not quite like a stone, but close).  further attempts with no change in parameters in a few cases worked, but usually caused a climb or a descent.

    i wonder if it might be related to TRIM_THROTTLE as i have seen some very different values between flights - now its at 430 which is pretty normal, but i saw it as low as ~380 earlier.  could it be taking the average over too short a period?

    anybody else seen this? as yesterday i didnt have this problem and everything else is perfect.  attached log with "stone drop" and climbing loiters.

    james

    2012-06-16 20-46 3.log

    https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/3690941056?profile=original
  • Is there any documentation for using CopterLEDs?  I do know about U4eake's showleds blot entry, just wondering if there's anything more current for the 2.6 release.  Like which pins to use and how to control it.

  • Wow what a great release. I'm coming from previous MP released version which was already very nice but this is rock solid to fly. I've tried all the auto functions and it works perfect. I'm using 3DR stock frame, standard motors and 10" carbon reinforced props (makes big difference) and jani gopro mount, 3300, 5000 or 6000mAH 4S battery, APM2, xBee900MHz, Castle 10A BEC and soon to install sonar. Great work everyone. Thanks!

  • does the new version of MP still require Net framework 3.5? One a new laptop I'm having trouble installing UARTS and the ports aren't showing up in MP Also the arm and disarm text is missing 

  • APM2 + Arducopter Quad 2.6 Superb..

    just upgrade new 2.6 firmware on my:

    Quad X650 aircraft, stock motor,18a turnigy esc plush, frsky wieght  -+ 1.2kg ,

    testing LOITER & RTL, very stable in strong wind. default PID

    creditz to the arducopter team..

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