Hey, I am fully aware that this is a topic that has been discussed over and over, and I found endless topics on what solutions there could be and suggestions on what could be done. I have tried all of them, except for software code changes. I am not very good at coding and I feel that this would mess things up.
This is what I have and this is what I have tried
This is my setup:
Ardupilot 2.5 with firmware 2.91 Quad
E-flite Power 60 with E-flite 80a ESC's
DX8 with AR 8000
Taoglas GPS tracker w downlink
Here is my problem and what I did:
At first, after programming all four ESC's automatically, they all spun, in the proper direction, but when I tilt and move the copter, it did not correct for its movement.
Then I re-calibrated the axis gyro, suddenly none of the esc's would arm.
I tried the USB connect and then arm the board and then the ESC's, no success. Repeated the EXACT steps, then suddenly all of my four motors would arm and work properly and correct properly when I move the copter around.
I disconnect the battery and reconnected, now only one and two of my four motors spin and correct for movement when I move the copter around. All four outputs work, I switched my working 1 and 2 connections to 3 and 4 in the output and they work because my two motors spin.
So I thought my 3 and 4 esc needed to be calibrated, I plugged them into my RX directly one by one and they both work just fine. I plug them back into my board, no spin, only 1 and 2 spin. I then tried to run auto arm for all 4 again (the full throttle, then disconnect, then reconnect with full throttle and then go idle) but I never get the confirmation beeps after go to idle after the 2nd reconnect. I even tried with the USB plugged in and armed.
I also have re flashed the software in a last ditch effort.
I have to say, I am not happy with this Ardu board. My hobbyking KK 2.0 board works flawlessly with any esc and any setup for 30 bucks! This expensive board is nothing but a headache...
Replies
Thank you for your responses, the ESC's somehow were programmed incorrectly, even after a complete reset.
Anyway, got all of them working now, I just need help now with the PID and IMAX values, I am getting slow and large wobbles and it wants to flip to the side on me with aileron input. Any suggestions, what are your setups?
I have the E-flite 80A ESC, with E-flite Power 60 motors, using Master Airscrew three blade 15x7 props.
Currently, my settings are:
BTW, what is the difference between the Config and PID screen?? One seems to have more adjustment parameters, while the other has fewer.
PID SETUP.png
PID SETUPII.png
I had a similar issue on the weekend, where I could not get the APM to arm with the transmitter, but it would happily accept an ARM command from the MP software. Unfortunately, after arming in the MP software, 3 of my motors were already spinning, even though I had given no throttle commands. This was followed by a very brief, out of control flight which resulted in a crash.
Obviously my APM2.5 was very confused!
After a few hours of messing around, I finally resorted to loading a previous version of the firmware after doing an 'erase' and 'reset'. I chose 2.8.x (can't remember the revision). I then re-uploaded 2.9.1 (after rebooting) and suddenly I was back in business. Not sure if you've tried this already, but it's worth a shot.
Good luck. When it works its a champ.