Now that I have an immense headache after spending most of the afternoon trying to figure out how to get this working, I'm turning to you, my trusted genius's.
Using APM 1.1.93 mav 1.0, I can't seem to figure out how to level the plane. I get an error message that says I need AP 2.something. So, I downloaded the newest AP but now I don't know what to do with it! There really aren't any instructions.
But, that's just one of the issues. Another, is how to use the RC controller when the autopilot is hooked up. I was under the impression that you could take over the stick whenever you needed or wanted to do so and when you let go again, the autopilot would again take over. So far, I have no controller control!
Then there's the issue of the artificial horizon just sitting there. Nothing going on 'round here at all! And, when I move the APM board none of the control surfaces move. As far as I can tell, this is just an expensive board with neat little blinking LEDs that sits there and makes the plane look high tech. (yes, I'm really quite frustrated)
Let's see, what else. Oh yeah. I have retractable gear but can't figure out how to tell the autopilot that before you land you'd better put your feet down! And how to tell it, hey there's a switch for the flaps and air brakes. It would be nifty if the autopilot would lower the flaps before take off and landing. We live at 5300 feet and need all the help we can get!
Any help with any of this would earn you my unending gratitude. After all I've put into this project, that's all I can afford! :)
Replies
Well, you raise a number of issues.
Some of the issues seems to be APM Mission Planner questions - that of the leveling error, and the HUD not moving. I would post in the Mission Planner forums.
Most of the others seem to be ArduPlane issues, questions, or suggestions. Those of how auto mode works with control inputs, and of how the control surfaces are not moving while on the bench, and to do with flap behavior and gear handling. I would post in the ArduPlane forums.
It's not a problem, if you want, I'll try to help you here with as much as I can. But I wanted you to know for future reference, the people who follow posts here are interested in the original ArduPilot board, not the APM or ArduPlane or Mission Planner.
I don't mean to sound like it's a problem. I just wanted you to know that you will not find the audience you might think here. But your other post in Aerial Photography, while also not in the ideal place for your topic, will find a lot of the right folks anyways. Cheers.
Bill - this isn't really the forum you want. "ArduPilot (original hardware)" refers to the platform before the APM. The "AP", if you will.