Develop standard, re-usable inexpensive solutions for IP-enabled always-on UAVs over cellular IP networks such as GPRS, 3G, 4G etc.
Primary goal: Telemetry over low cost cellular [achieved in testing]
Secondary goal: Bi-directional GCS/Telemetry over cellular IP [achieved in testing]
Tertiary goal: High speed IP for streaming IP video over cellular 3G/4G
STATUS: Bi-directional telemetry over cellular IP (UDP or TCP) is now working. It has been flown successfully while logging live telemetry to a GCS at home, several miles away [distance is really unlimited]. Currently working on improving code, more testing and broader hardware support.
Comments
Hi Ludvig,
I see here that a special Arduino version is required; can you guide me to it?
PS Jerry: The server is not a web server, it is just a sort of simple data relay. It accepts TCP and UDP "connections" and relays anything that comes in one one to all the others. It (the Java version) also prints simple decoded MAVLink info on the console, just for hoprfully not needed post crash forensics...
Regards
Soren
Just wanted to report I have tried Soren's web server code, and it works great! I have it running on my Raspberry PI, on my home ip which is static. After three months, my x8 has some serious telemetry range....thanks to soren!
I'm thinking next up is to strap an android device running the new andropilot app. It appears to have a UDP link that acts as either a client or a server. Very cool!
Hi Søren
I downloaded Arduino from this site http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/wiki/Code
Open Arduino and Select APM 2.x under ArduPilot
Set Sketchfolder..
This is how i did it.
Ludvig
Hi MrLudvig,
I'd happily upgrade it for HAL.. only.. can you tell me how you got the new AP to compile, is there a manual, a README or...?
No luck so far. Trial and errors..
Simon: DroneCell is a SIM900 on a nice board with a power supply and a few other things. You should be able to use any other SIM900 board with the same result.
Regards
Soren
i am using also a sim900 based module with arduplane 2.68, too!
Im using SIM900 and work Great :)
Ludvig
Hi guys
I see that there is quiet some progress in integrating the sim900 into the APM code base. Has any one here tested with a DroneCell (AFAIK it uses a sim900 module) so far?
Best
-S
Hi Søren.
Im looking forward to see your version with HAL. :) :)
I have modifyed my 2.9.1 software with simple AT commands for auto startup.
Ludvig.
Hi,
Thank you Jerry and Thalis. Now the ardupilot-cellular-extension has been seen working in three different locations.
Yes it keeps the modem in command/response mode, not transparent. That has the advantages that it will actively try to restore broken connections, and the UDP messages can be framed to contain whole and not partial MAVLink messages.
There is some work to be done in terms of configurability (we need settable host and APN names, even though MAVLink parameters don't support strings), some sort of status light or messages on USB would be nice to have, and memory economy can be improved. I expect to be able to do all that.
Integration into the new HAL enhanced code is not yet done; right no I can't get it to compile even before modifying it.
For others wanting to try, you are welcome! Please use the direct UART2 connector at the side of the board (it has no jumpers to set) and the TxD and RxD connections should be crossed between APM and DroneCell. The DroneCell should be set up in advance to run at 57600 baud and with no flow control.
Regards
Soren
2.68 here. This is arduplane. I don't see a need for arducopter. I don't go far enough away, my 3DR radios are sufficient.