Greetings,I spent much of the day building the Ardustation, and stuffing it in a box. I loaded V12 software, and have both XBee Pro modems configured to 57600 (EM406 GPS). I know they talk to each other, because I use them for a Mikrokopter at 57600 as well. When I turn on the Ardupilot power, I also get a blue light on the Ardustation, which I take to mean they're linked. Unfortunately, I don't seem to get any real data, only zeros.On the plane end, I'm using a Sparkfun adapter, that has a regulator, but nothing else. For the MK's, I've been using the USB adapter version that Sparkfun sells, so this cheaper regulated adapter is sort of an unknown. In the instructions, there are 3 wires, which are power, ground, and data out of the Ardupilot. The instructions show going from the TX pin on the shield to the RX pin on the XBee adapter. In my case, the adapter is labeled Din, and Dout, and I'm connecting to the Din. There's an LED for Din on the adapter that blinks every second or so, which I figure is a good sign.The V12 Ardustation software appears to be defaulted to 57600, as is the Ardupilot software (EM406) I believe. I looked through the airframe file, and there doesn't seem to be a setting to turn the telemetry on and off.I'm sure there's something silly that I'm missing. Any idea what that might be?Thanks,Rusty
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Thanks for the comments. One of the reasons I tried this Sparkfun "regulated explorer" was to see if I could make it work. A friend had problems with one of these on his MK, but had no problem with the USB version. I've used the USB version as well, but decided to try one of these, since it should work.
Comparing the two this morning, it's immediately obvious what the difference it. They put a diode in the DIN line on the "regulated" version, but not on the USB version. Sure enough, jumpering out the diode makes the "regulated" version work just fine. What were they thinking?
Anyway, all's well, and the Ardustation is functioning normally now that I've jumpered out the diode. Pity it's going to be raining all day...
Next question, what is the transistor for? It was included in the kit, but the instructions didn't say to add it, and none of the pictures show it. From looking at the schematics, it appears to be connected to a couple pads that I presume will be used for something in the future?
Final question, what do the top two buttons, and the bottom button do beside making a beep when you push them?
Hi, I also using the SF regulator with Xbee Pro 900. At 1st I having the same problem as you. But now its seen to work greats. What have I done is, change the firmware xbee pro 900 from XBP09-DP to XBP09-DM. Thats all.
Of course adafruite adapter is the best, I can plug SF FTDI to it.
The only thing I can see wrong with the setup is the Sparkfun adapter on the plane side. We've always had trouble with that one, which is why we recommend the Adafruit one there instead.
Replies
Rusty
ardustation 0004a.jpg
ardustation 0005a.jpg
Comparing the two this morning, it's immediately obvious what the difference it. They put a diode in the DIN line on the "regulated" version, but not on the USB version. Sure enough, jumpering out the diode makes the "regulated" version work just fine. What were they thinking?
Anyway, all's well, and the Ardustation is functioning normally now that I've jumpered out the diode. Pity it's going to be raining all day...
Next question, what is the transistor for? It was included in the kit, but the instructions didn't say to add it, and none of the pictures show it. From looking at the schematics, it appears to be connected to a couple pads that I presume will be used for something in the future?
Final question, what do the top two buttons, and the bottom button do beside making a beep when you push them?
Thanks,
Rusty
XBee regulated explorer DIN diode mod.jpg
SF XBee regulated explorer with diode on DIN.jpg
SF XBee USB explorer with no diode on DIN.jpg
Of course adafruite adapter is the best, I can plug SF FTDI to it.
Hope this help.