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Little help with first time Autopilot

Posted by Balazs Bagi on March 12, 2012 at 11:08pm

Hi there,

I'm getting a little confused by all of the different hardware configurations that are available, so I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction based on my needs:

I have purchased and built (and upgraded) an HK bixler plane.  What I am looking for in an autopilot are the following features:

1.) Ability to take a mission plan and fly the plane with accurate GPS / Baro sensors along set waypoints

2.) Ability to send a trigger command to a CHDK hacked camera to capture images at set points along the flight path

3.) Ability to send telemetry data back to a ground station.

4.) Ability to log gps, baro, and camera attitude data with each image.

Is that too much to ask... :)  ?

I see an APM2 available for $199 (amazing), but I also see complete kits including Xbee telemetry running on APM1.X for over $500.

Can someone give me good advice on what to purchase?  Assume you're talking to an intelligent baby.

Thanks,

B

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Replies

  • Jake Stew March 21, 2012 at 12:25am

    Your telemetry is going to be the problem.  There really aren't any good long range solutions out there.  The APM 2 ArduPlane board seems to be the best value for the buck at the moment.

    It's unfortunate that they're still using old skool 8-bit processors STILL.  But if you want something more advanced you'd have to go with paparazzi, in that case you better know your linux well and enjoy editing text files.

    -Jake

  • Balazs Bagi March 12, 2012 at 11:08pm

    PS, requirement 3 is optional

    :) B

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