Discussions

PixRacer with Ardupilot

Posted by Randy on February 9, 2016 at 4:47pm

This is a discussion to focus the feedback and support of ardupilot on the PixRacer board from AUAV.co.

We believe that all teething problems encountered are now resolved and so we recommend people load Copter-3.3.4 which is available for all multicopters through the Mission Planner's (and other GCS's) Install Firmware screens. Note that because regular Pixhawks are still on Copter-3.3.3 the install icon may show Copter-3.3.3 but rest assured, Copter-3.3.4 will be installed (you can check the version by looking at the very top of the Mission Planner).

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

apm:copter, arducopter, ardupilot, pixracer

Email me when people reply –

Replies

Denis July 12, 2016 at 8:04am

Thanks Otto

I know about PixRacer GPS port pinouts. I made a special cable for Pixracer GPS Port, so I can connect GPS and PX4FLOW module. I tried connect i2c external led. It's work fine. I think cable don't have any problem.

Can I use nsh mode to get list of connected i2c devices?
Otto Küng July 12, 2016 at 5:28am

@Denis,

The description (5V,SCL,SDA,GND) ist a I2C Port on Pixhawk 4 pins, The GPS is connected to a serial Port (RX,TX) on Pixhawk or Pixracer 6 pins. On Pixracer the GPS Port is combined with RX/TX and SCL,SDA on a 6 pin connector.

Denis said:

Thanks Marcell

Today I tried connect PX4FLOW to a GPS port (5V, SCL, SDA, GND)
I use this manual: http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-px4flow-overview.html?highl...

Parameters:
FLOW_ENABLE = 1
LOG_BITMASK = 131071

My problem is that dataflash logs not contained OF message’s
Denis July 12, 2016 at 4:48am

Thanks Marcell

Today I tried connect PX4FLOW to a GPS port (5V, SCL, SDA, GND)
I use this manual: http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-px4flow-overview.html?highl...

Parameters:
FLOW_ENABLE = 1
LOG_BITMASK = 131071

My problem is that dataflash logs not contained OF message’s

PX4FLOW Optical Flow Camera Board — Copter documentation
Marcell Kovacs July 12, 2016 at 12:18am

Hi Denis,

By the release notes, it should work, at least on an experimental level.

See https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/blob/master/ArduCopter/Relea...

I wish i could answer this question based on practical experience with px4flow ;)

Denis said:

Can I use PX4FLOW with a PixRacer(AC3.3.4)?

ArduPilot/ardupilot

ArduPlane, ArduCopter, ArduRover source. Contribute to ArduPilot/ardupilot development by creating an account on GitHub.
Denis July 10, 2016 at 2:29am

Can I use PX4FLOW with a PixRacer(AC3.3.4)?
Marcell Kovacs July 9, 2016 at 4:12am

Status update. Seems the issue is introduced in px4firmware. Baro and accep seems to be conflicting. After a few try starting /reseting baro, it starts providing data, but accel stops working (mpu6000). Reproducible with px4 latest beta and master and 3.4rc1 and master. Havent find any related commit yet. (This is still the ugly clone. Genuine is on its way to me)
Tobias July 9, 2016 at 2:25am

When I'm setting HIL_mode to 1 and restart my Pixracer, my radio is not recognized anymore?!?
Tobias July 9, 2016 at 12:12am

Wow, thank you very much! Excactly what I was looking for. :)
Developer

Andrew Tridgell July 8, 2016 at 11:34pm

@Tobias,

Pixracer is a FMUv4 board, so you need "make px4-v4" instead.

Note that you don't need a special firmware for HIL in plane, just set the HIL_MODE parameter to 1 in a normal firmware.

Also, HIL isn't really very good for simulation, SITL is much better. For planes you may like to look at a posting I did recently on using SITL with X-Plane 10:

http://ardupilot.org/dev/docs/sitl-with-xplane.html

Cheers, Tridge

Using SITL with X-Plane 10 — Dev documentation
Tobias July 8, 2016 at 11:01pm

Hi, what command do I need to make a firmware for Pixracer? With make px4-v2 and trying to write the firmware to the Pixracer, MP tells me, an Error: Firmware not suitable for this board.

In fact, I'm trying to make a HIL-firmware to play a bit around with missions, without risking my plane or copter. :)

Kind regards

Tobias