Hello all.
I'm at my wit's end and need help. Last fall, I got my new quad flying and did some tests. I needed to move the compass and do another compassmot, but couldn't get around to it due to school. This spring, I got the quad back out to work on it and can't get it to communicate with MP. It times out each time and gives me a 'No heartbeat packets" error and says it can't open the COM port. The APM 2.5 lights up, the red, blue and yellow lights flash, but it times out every time. I can't even reload the firmware.
Here's what I've tried to do so far, with no luck;
- 4 different USB cords
- With and without the receiver attached
- With and without the new external mag attached
- Quadruple checked the cut I made for the external mag as per instructions on this site
- checked and reloaded the FTDI drivers
- Deleted and reloaded the MP, on 3 different computers (Windows 8.1, Vista and XP)
- With and without power from battery and power module
- With and without external GPS antenna
- With many different versions of MP
- Even tried with APM planner
I'm losing my mind and haven't been able to fly all year. Please help!
Jim
Replies
Hi I had similiar the problems the question that I have has this been purchased directly from 3DRobotics or authorized dealer - was this purchased from -on ebay/China/Hong Kong on the gray market. What I found is there a number of "clones" of the APM module and associated hardware - which uses inferior parts. I purchase such a clone and found numerous problems like the one you described.
I sent it back got a refund and purchased directly from 3dy robotics no problems since then
Just my experiences
Mine was ordered straight through 3DR.
I've heard of this issue, and hope to god it's not that. I am a broke college student with a kid who plays hockey- Took me a while to be able to buy the APM in the first place, I can't get another for a long time. I've only have 5 test flights on it!
What are the causes of the blown 3.3 V reg and how can I trouble shoot it?
Jim
It looks as if the 3.3v regulator problem is mainly affecting nav sensors. Doesn't seem to apply here.
Any one else have any clue?
@Rocketman,
Have you tried using a powered USB Hub yet?
Regards,
TCIII Admin
Thomas,
Thanks for the quick reply. I haven't tried that because I read somewhere that you should avoid hubs with APM. I can try that later tonight and post the results.
Thanks- Jim
Thomas-
Good news and bad. The good news is that before, the double red flash didn't last longer than a few seconds while trying to connect, where as now the double red "heartbeat" flash is on when hooked up to USB.
The bad news is that I still get a "no heartbeats" error on timeout.
Any Ideas?
PS- the way it is hooked up right now is APM > USB cord > powered hub with nothing else plugged in > USB cord > laptop.
Jim