Seems I am corrupting the eeprom on my APM 2.6 almost every time I connect my batteries. I am using 6S 10Ah packs with XT60 connectors. Every time I connect them, I get a large spark. I am guessing this is what is corrupting the eeprom. Should I change to a protected connector? Use a power switch? Anyone else had this problem?
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Hi Greg,
I am hoping to ask whether you solved this issue and found the cause? I am on my first build and anxiously trying to make it test flight ready but when doing initial set up and configuration I seem to be having a very similar issue happening. All set up and calibration steps work fine, but when I move to connect the LiPo I also get a significant spark...ESC calibration seems to go fine but EEPROM is gone every time I plug in and move to LiPo power.
My set up is a hexa platform with HobbyWing 40A ESCs wiring into a PDB. Two 5s (5000 mah) LiPos in parallel (though for now I am connecting only one with its own direct plug) and running through a3A AMP Voltage Current Sensor Module UEBC Output XT60 Plug 2-8S (http://www.goodluckbuy.com/index.php?target=products&product_id...) before powering into the PDB. APM 2.6 with only the 5 radio receiver inputs and the ESC outputs plugged in at the moment. The power module is rated for 28V so I am also baffled to why something seems to be zapping the APM and wiping its configuration. And though you mention sparks can be normal, in my limited experience and past experience with other RC stff they are never a good sign and should not happen regularly on battery contact...or at least not so large (its quite noticeable and unnerving).
So if you or anyone else here could help me out I would greatly appreciate it because I am stumped, anxious and frustrated. :-S
Ian, it turned out to be the optical sensor. I eliminated that and the problem stopped. With two 6s 10,000 batteries, I'm still getting a spark, but it's much smaller than before. Haven't erased the EEPROM since. I figured it out by process of elimination. Unplug one sensor, GPS, etc. at a time, reflash and see if it still happens.
Greg, thanks for the quick reply and info...appreciate it. had hopes there would be some magic quick overlooked solution that explained it, but rarely the case :P. I will try this methodology though I don't even have any sensors on the system yet other than GPS so am doubtful and I may have to do a ground up component test (which involves a lot of deconstruction of this frustrating design of the tarot frame I have). Will give it a shot and hope the solutions presents itself as it did for you, but it is good to know you were eventually successful with the two 6s system and I still have a chance ;)
do you know anything about this power module I am using by chance (http://www.goodluckbuy.com/index.php?target=products&product_id...), my initial thought was that it was the culprit although it is suppsoed to be able to handle the 5s lipos easily. at any rate, thanks again for the feedback
No, I use this module https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10644
That's what I mean by "sensor". Anything that plugs into your APM may be the culprit. Make sure your jumper position is correct for your setup as discussed here http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-apm-2-board/. Double check the wiring on the power module.
Also, try only connecting one BEC from the ESCs. I have read that connecting too many can cause some weird behavior.
Somethings not right in your electrical setup you should not be getting big sparks with XT60s that was a reason people started moving to them. They take more current and are put together easier.