Discussions

I am starting to build an Arducopter. I want to build a standard version. I'm not trying to do it differently. I'm trying to follow the best, most standard, best documented method so that I have the best chance for success and support along the way. I have a few questions about the electronic components that should be used:

1. I purchased an ArduPilot Mega IMU Shield/Oilpan board. I also have a ArduIMU+ V2 (flat) board. Because the online "ArduCopter Manual" indicates that I should use the oilpan board, I assume that's the right approach, and that I won't be using the ArduIMU+ V2(Flat) at all. Is that correct? Is the ArduIMU+ V2(Flat) for something entirely different from the Arducopter (such as plane drones, etc.)?   Or is the ArduIMU+ V2(Flat) the new version of the oil plan and should be used instead of it?  (Again, my goal is to follow the standard approach, not try something out of the ordinary).

2. I have just purchased and received my IMU shield/oilpan from DIYDRONES, so I assume I have the latest and greatest version, the version that I should use on my ArduCopter, but I want to make sure. The online manual says that I should use a V1.4 version (on the "Arducopter Electronics" page: http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/ArduCopter_Electronics), but the link goes to a page in the DIYDrones store that has a title that says 1.0 (although the description seems to imply it's the "new" board). I bought the board from DIYDrones just days ago. The board I physically received says DIYDrones.com HOTEL 1.0 on the back. There is what looks like it may be a date at the edge of the board, but it's cut off so I can't see it, but I think it says something like 0(or8)/19/2010. I don't see any other version info. Is that the right, most up to date board to use?

3. I purchased the GS407 U-Blox5 GPS from the DIYDrones store. The online manual (same page as referenced above), calls for the MediaTek. From what I gathered elsewhere, it sounds like either one will work but the U-Blox is now the preferred/better GPS for the Arducopter. Is that correct?

I appreciate your time.

--Robert