Ok, so I'm in a bit of a quandary with my radio selection. I'm trying to decide on a radio and I'm really leaning towards the spektrum 10t, but I'm wondering if its overkill. For a hexacopter, how many assignable knobs/switches, are available for axillary use? I'll be using the APM2.5 board
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I plan on using the spektrum receiver that comes with the 8x or 10t, whichever I finally settle on. The head tracker FPV I'm looking at allows you to select which trainer channel you want to use, so I'm set there. I do still want to make my own single controller box (for when I don't have the head tracker), but that will take some time to master.
Be carefull with the Hitec Aurora 9. Yes they have two analog channels that can be used for camera control, but you cannot use a second transmitter and send those channels to the first one in trainer mode.
This is because the Aurora 9 does not allow selective trainer mode. (it does allow it only on channels 1 to 4).
I've asked to Hitec and they will not modify the firmware for this to become possible. That's a pitty because other manufacturers generaly do allow selective trainer mode on all channels.
ok, so I've taken a look at the gimbal, I think I just may be able to fit my FPV on there without interference. So one task eliminated, a single pan/tilt. I guess the only thing left is to find out if i can have 1 knob and 3 switches with the remaining outputs of the TX.
just saw the new post, so aside from a third joystick, I could use a 3 position switch for the tilt, yes? up moves it up, down, moves it down, center leaves it in position. one controller only is the goal
Thanks for the in-depth response, I will try to address it as best as I can. I have separate pan/tilt because I might not always have the gopro attached, and I thought it would be easier to control. I suppose if I have a small enough gimbal I can place my FPV on it somehow. I'm not really looking at "missions" I want to fly out on a recon, aim the camera, and snap an image. my original thought process for the cameras/leds was to use an arduino to arduino bridge over xbee. I thought i could make a second controller and set up serial activations of the outputs. If I can do this with the TX, then why carry two controllers, ya know. if the APM can allow me to control pan/tilt/roll for one camera I may be able to adapt, and even use one switch for shutter. right now I'm trying to decide if I can get away with using an spectrum 8x, or if the 10t is better for my application. I must say, the 10t is sexy with all of those switches.....:D
Let me make sure I get this right, if I have an 8 channel RX, then I only need to connect 5 to the APM? camera stabilization is automatic without an input? can I use the right stick as pan and tilt? I foresee in my mind, left stick to fly, right stick for camera, not sure if that is entirely accurate.
Thanks, that helps a little. What I really would like is a better description of the APM2.5 and how it uses the pan/tilt/shutter on the outputs. I have 2 pan tilts, one is FPV, teh other is a gopro. Here's is a basic list of my "needs"
hexacopter flight
mode select
pan tilt for FPV
pan tilt for gopro
on/off for aux 1
on/off for aux2
select for aux 3, with on/off as well (think like a led color select or device, then on/off)
Replies
I plan on using the spektrum receiver that comes with the 8x or 10t, whichever I finally settle on. The head tracker FPV I'm looking at allows you to select which trainer channel you want to use, so I'm set there. I do still want to make my own single controller box (for when I don't have the head tracker), but that will take some time to master.
Be carefull with the Hitec Aurora 9. Yes they have two analog channels that can be used for camera control, but you cannot use a second transmitter and send those channels to the first one in trainer mode.
This is because the Aurora 9 does not allow selective trainer mode. (it does allow it only on channels 1 to 4).
I've asked to Hitec and they will not modify the firmware for this to become possible. That's a pitty because other manufacturers generaly do allow selective trainer mode on all channels.
I just realized Samuel is thinking about a Hexa...
that only leaves two PWM outputs available on the APM for a 2nd camera.
The built-in APM camera sled controls are discussed HERE.
The typical drive is only a tilt - 'pitch' in multirotor lingo. The pan function is done with vehicle yaw.
As Samuel implies, he can simply turn the vehicle on the vertical axis to look in another direction.
-=Doug
ok, so I've taken a look at the gimbal, I think I just may be able to fit my FPV on there without interference. So one task eliminated, a single pan/tilt. I guess the only thing left is to find out if i can have 1 knob and 3 switches with the remaining outputs of the TX.
just saw the new post, so aside from a third joystick, I could use a 3 position switch for the tilt, yes? up moves it up, down, moves it down, center leaves it in position. one controller only is the goal
Let me make sure I get this right, if I have an 8 channel RX, then I only need to connect 5 to the APM? camera stabilization is automatic without an input? can I use the right stick as pan and tilt? I foresee in my mind, left stick to fly, right stick for camera, not sure if that is entirely accurate.
hexacopter flight
mode select
pan tilt for FPV
pan tilt for gopro
on/off for aux 1
on/off for aux2
select for aux 3, with on/off as well (think like a led color select or device, then on/off)
See this discussion: link