Sub 250gram Autonomous + Racer APM Based FPV Micro Project

Hi everyone,

I have not been on DIY for a while. I moved on to racers and mini drones.

But I missed playing with Mission Planner and Tower.

Since I have been on this site the new FAA regulations were introduced. But thats 250g and above.

I like doing odd things with drones, I made the first APM LEGO drone,

So I decided to try to build a Sub 250g Fully Autonomous + Racer APM Based FPV Micro

Disclaimer: I know its not a real racer, I have a Vortex Pro 250 but I mean one I can race around not compete ;-)

I wanted Waypoints and also to be able to use ACRO mode to do freestyle.

Chris Anderson, I think sub 250 has a new market and something like this build could sell well at best buy, on the box it can say "no FAA registration needed", just an idea for you ;-)

I have not flown it yet because of a bad motor, but thought I would share what I have so far.

Below is the timeline of my build, enjoy

I started out with a 3d printed frame but went to a CF one for the light weight.

Adding the ESCs

Designed and printed a stand for my APM that sits above the Power Distribution Board

Adding the APM Mini

Adding the motors

Battery on the bottom

Added GPS and FPV, Fits in the palm of my hands

Checking the weight. First battery was too heavy by 12 oz, so I changed to a smaller battery. I need to find something with a weight in between,

Sub 250g, no FAA registration needed completed with FPV

Replies

Brian Tapp February 19, 2016 at 6:42pm

Yea, I did something similar a few months back with an apm with bluetooth. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDzprZwHa0

it was a 250 class though, yours is tinny. would love to see a video of it in action.
- Edgar Scott > Brian Tapp February 19, 2016 at 6:56pm
  
  Thanks, and cool mini, yeah mine is a 150mm. Page 4 is a little video of it flying, sorry it was dark. I'll get a better one one day.
Cala February 19, 2016 at 3:20pm

Don't you have another gps to try? when you remove the cover, check with multimeter if signals pass to the upper side of the connectors from all the wires
- Edgar Scott > Cala February 19, 2016 at 5:02pm
  
  No other GPS, yes they show connection to the other side of the connector where it goes into the board.
  
  At this point I assume bad GPS.
Edgar Scott February 17, 2016 at 7:47pm

I wanted to try a GPS mode on the Sub250g, but noticed that it says

GPS: No GPS

and Lat/Lon are at 0.00

The GPS is plugged in, I did calibrate the external compass on the GPS so I am not sure what else to do to check that the compass is at least on.

I reset the APM to defaults but still no lat/lon showing up.

Is there a way to check that the GPS is alive and working?
- Edgar Scott > Edgar Scott February 17, 2016 at 8:38pm
  
  Never mind, GPS data finally started showing on MP after letting it sit for about 45 minutes :-D
- Richard Kennedy > Edgar Scott February 18, 2016 at 4:55am
  
  were you inside? That's an awful long time. I would try pos hold or something before going to full auto to test the gps. 7 sats minimum is what I do. Good luck!!
- Edgar Scott > Richard Kennedy February 18, 2016 at 5:02am
  
  Yes Richard, but near a large window, my old 3DR apm would pick up faster there, but this is not a good test at all. Ill try it out this weekend, I am 100% sure its just cause I was inside is all.
  
  Is there a way to check exact number of Sats it found? I know there is GPS HDOP but thats a little different.
- Richard Kennedy > Edgar Scott February 18, 2016 at 5:47am
  
  if it seems iffy next time your outside and try it I'd suggest trying a new cable I've had that happened.
- Cala > Richard Kennedy February 18, 2016 at 4:55pm
  
  +1 The gps isn't working; Inside it have to say No Fix, led is working?

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