I am ready to try my first auto mode flight. I've figured out how to set all the waypoints, get the flight entered into the copter, save a mission, load/unload (delete), etc. The only thing I am unclear on, is what happens IF:
1. If I lose connection to the telemetry radio receiver (let's say the transmitter comes unplugged from the android device). If I took off using the radio controller rather than the android device, then set "auto" using the radio rather than the android (in other words, the android is mostly along for the ride (other than to track the path from WP to WP and for the HUD))...but otherwise, all control is via the radio...what then would happen? Should the copter continue the pattern since the radio should still have connection? Or should it go to RTL since it lost the connection the android device had to it? Failsafe is set for RTL.
2. If I lose all connection to the copter, i.e., both radio and android device. Should the copter still continue its mission, or should it go into RTL mode since it is no longer in contact with anything? I'd think this is what failsafe RTL is for. BUT, if it doesn't work, what is the best first thing to try? Get the radio back in contact? Pray? Or try to get an android signal back so at least the android device might be able to track the copter?
3. Let's say I have a flight pattern that goes around a house. The maximum I should be away from the copter is less than 100m as the crow flies, but unless I run after the copter, line of sight might be lost for a moment or two. Should the fact that the house (or tree) might come between me (with radio) and the copter...should a temporary loss of line of sight cause any problems? I guess this question is just wondering how much something like a house might disrupt the signal to copter? How much will the radio signal penetrate obstacles, whether that be a tree, or a house? I just don't know.
4. Let's say the answer to #3 is that it might result in some disruption in signal. Would the copter continue its mission, or would it go into RTL, or continue until maybe the signal got picked up again (would the signal have to be COMPLETELY lost before it goes into RTL mode?) How much does the signal need to be degraded before it goes RTL.
5. I guess what I'm mostly wondering on the last 2 questions, is whether or not I will need to run along behind the copter to try to keep a good strong signal...does the signal have ANY penetrating ability...or is line of sight absolutely necessary...and NOT just because of legal reasons. Just trying to understand how the telemetry works.
Thanks.
Replies
If you have set up your failsafe to RTL it would RTL with loss of RC and if your flight plan is lower than the height of the obstacle you run the risk of flying through it. Of course you would not allow your platform to go out of sight because that would be against the rules in most countries ;-)
I fly with a tablet and traditional RC, I consider the RC a primary control with the tablet as a nice to have. I start auto flights with the tablet. Then listen to what it is doing.
Obviously you are going to try your first auto flight in an open space and not around a building where you might loose sight of your AC.