ArduCopter RC2 "GPS Hold" behavior. What's normal?

I've spent a few flights trying out the "GPS Hold" feature on the Arducopter, and have some questions.

(This is the FahPah kit, with the MTK GPS and untouched RC2 software.)

The ship is rock-solid in Stable mode. No problems; like the most docile helicopter ever.

I make sure the MTK has a Solid-Blue-LED lock before liftoff.

When I engage the GPS Hold mode (via my Tx), I see the RED Led on the board illuminate. Then it gets weird.

The ship might start to descend quickly, or lift off, or translate to the side.

I can 'fight' it with the control sticks to hold it in the origin position, but it requires constant input. If I let go, it wants to dart off to the side.

Also, the altitude control is very lethargic. If the ship starts descending, I have to give almost full UP throttle to get it to stop descending, rebound, and avoid the earth.

I have never successfully had it hold in one position.. there is always a strong bias or unexpected behavior that needs intervention.

How are others doing with this? Could I have something connected wrong?

One other odd bit: The RED Arduino LED (GPS lock) does not track the Blue LED on the GPS directly. I have to engage GPS Hold mode to see the RED LED reflect the GPS status. Normal?

I've used GPS Hold a bit. I also have the Magnetometer. I would describe the operation as being less precise that I can control it myself. I have seen it jump around a bit; but I haven't had to do a great deal of intervention. I've seen it perform as advertised, with an accuracy of about 3-5 meters. Altitude accuracy tends to be about 1-2 meters.

"One other odd bit: The RED Arduino LED (GPS lock) does not track the Blue LED on the GPS directly. I have to engage GPS Hold mode to see the RED LED reflect the GPS status. Normal?"

I have seen this as well.

Different from you, mine has been holding position as advertised. I am disappointed with the accuracy of the position hold, and would like to find a way to improve it. I would like to see the center of the craft stay in a 1-1.5 meter box. Maybe my expectations are too high.

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Ground Loop January 5, 2011 at 11:18am

I have no magnetometer. (Yaw is controlled manually, but has been pretty stable in hover)
You?
Magellan January 5, 2011 at 10:09am

I've used GPS Hold a bit. I also have the Magnetometer. I would describe the operation as being less precise that I can control it myself. I have seen it jump around a bit; but I haven't had to do a great deal of intervention. I've seen it perform as advertised, with an accuracy of about 3-5 meters. Altitude accuracy tends to be about 1-2 meters.

"One other odd bit: The RED Arduino LED (GPS lock) does not track the Blue LED on the GPS directly. I have to engage GPS Hold mode to see the RED LED reflect the GPS status. Normal?"

I have seen this as well.

Different from you, mine has been holding position as advertised. I am disappointed with the accuracy of the position hold, and would like to find a way to improve it. I would like to see the center of the craft stay in a 1-1.5 meter box. Maybe my expectations are too high.
Ground Loop January 5, 2011 at 8:01am

Am I the only one trying Hold mode? :)

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ArduCopter RC2 "GPS Hold" behavior. What's normal?

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