I'm thinking my first task will be to design and code up a header connection for LED readout to place outside of the UAV for remote diagnostics. I realize there is already an LED for GPS status, but I'm thinking about a mod to the code that after GPS lock (possibly with a jumper or servo input from the receiver) puts the UAV in "orbit" mode around the launch site. I'd need at least another LED to display this. Luckily the board design has a GND pin right next to the digital pins so making a header to remote the LED display pretty easy.More to come.
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I'd like to get a digital version of the "wiring" diagram for the servo hookup, receiver hookup, etc. I'd also like a CAD drawing of the physical board to design a case with. I would need the clearances and pin locations to do this properly. I suppose I could make this off the PCB files, I'll have to see if that's possible.
I agree there is a balance of what you put up on google vs. this page. I certainly wouldn't have it in both places, but a link here to the google resource should suffice. If their service goes down, we've got bigger problems.... How will I get my searches done!
The way ArduPilot works in practice is that it powers on with the rest of the plane on the ground. You should get GPS lock within 30 seconds and that's when the Return To Launch coordinates are recorded (way_lat[0] and way_lon[0]). It stays locked throughout the flight, even while the autopilot is off. When you toggle the autopilot on, it just checks to ensure the lock is still on, and goes through the waypoints or RTL as requested.
But if you have the GPS module inside the plane, I can see why you'd want an external indicator of lock to make sure everything is working before you take off.
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http://diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/ardupilot-assembly
I'd like to get a digital version of the "wiring" diagram for the servo hookup, receiver hookup, etc. I'd also like a CAD drawing of the physical board to design a case with. I would need the clearances and pin locations to do this properly. I suppose I could make this off the PCB files, I'll have to see if that's possible.
I agree there is a balance of what you put up on google vs. this page. I certainly wouldn't have it in both places, but a link here to the google resource should suffice. If their service goes down, we've got bigger problems.... How will I get my searches done!
But if you have the GPS module inside the plane, I can see why you'd want an external indicator of lock to make sure everything is working before you take off.