Roberto Navoni's Posts (180)

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Dear Friends, 

this is the first render of new Virtualrobotix enclosure design. Do you like it ? Suggestions about new design are welcome :)

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The enclosure will be available on virtualrobotix shapeways shop until the molded version not be available . 

Here are available more info about the new products :

VR micro Brain 5 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmic...

VR GPS 8 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/gps-ublo...

About VR Brain 5.2  http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrain5-d...

Best

Roberto 

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These are the board developed by VR Lab available in the store : VR micro Gimbal , VR Multi Constellation GPS 8  ,VR Micro Brain 5 and plug and play VR micro telemetry board  . The VR Brain 5.2 is in pre order.

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Example how is possible to assemble  the boards togheter , the form factor is very small and lightwheight . 

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In the picture below is presente the VRX Radio Module lite , Standard and Advanced ( OSD support ) 

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This is a very exclusive video  example of fully autonomous fly using VR Leash experimental kit . You can set the position where put the drone by VR Leash natural reposition system or by PAD / Smartphone user interface available in VR Pad Station Pro.

These electronic component is in the stock on the store and with the Black Friday coupon you can obtain a discount of 20 % for Friday 27 November 2015 :) and for 28 November 2014. You need to insert the coupon during the checkout process.

The Standard Coupon is : 20%VRBlackFriday2014

The "Secret" Coupon is :  20%VRBlackFriday2015

VR micro Brain 5 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

VR GPS 8 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/gps-ublox-8-detail

VRX uBrain Telemetry module lite option 433 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-ubrain-radio-module-lite-433-mhz-europe-38-61-detail

VR uBrain Telemetry module lite option 868 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-ubrain-radio-module-lite-868-mhz-europe-38-61-62-detail

VR radio module lite option 433: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-radio-module-lite-433-mhz-europe-38-detail

VR radio module lite option 868: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-radio-module-lite-868-mhz-europe-38-61-detail

VR micro Gimbal Board :  will be available at december 

VR Leash : available for OEM and Pro project.

About VR Brain 5.2 

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrain5-detail

today we officially open the pre order for VR Brain 5 sorry for delay but we did some update to the project now the current release is VR Brain 5.2 we add some new connector respect of rev 5.1, more detail came on wiki in the next days .

The delivery will be from 18/12/2014 if we have some update about new early dates will inform you by broadcast mail on virtualrobotix.com so you register on it please.

We decide to open today so you can use the VR Black Friday coupon .

Best

Roberto

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In this video is possible to see, the first long range test of  one of advanced functionality that  will be available in a new pro revision of VR Pad station , with this feature is possible recive in realtime a streaming in h.264 with latency near 300  ms. The new feature support : Wifi - 3G - 4G LTE . With Video streaming you recived in realtime the telemetry data from the drone. 

Another interesting video about a new advanced follow me functionality that will be available on VR Pad Station and VR Leash ,too 

 

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VR Pad Station is an app that turns your Android smartphone or your pad into a ground station combined with a powerful digital remote control radio for use with your RC model or with your drone. 
Is designed to be used on Rover, Airplane or Drones for hobby and professional use. It 's a project dynamic and evolving based on feedback from users of our community: www.virtualrobotix.com
It use mavlink 1.0 and support the firmware APM Copter , Plane and Rover

The current version is a preview suitable only for BETA testing use it carefully.
Use VR Radio only with the simulator, until new updates.

In Version 2.1.0 we adding the support for new VR Gimbal that use mavlink protocol for setting and control the camera . This is last video of new gimbal with mavlink support that use the mission planner mavlink but will be support of our new VR Pad Station  : 

Version 2.1.0

- Updated USB serial library (need more test)
- Added USB compatibility for VR Micro Brain
- Added VR Gimbal configuration panel
- Added a confirmation dialog when enabling RC override
- Improved communication handling
- Improved device compatibility with less requirements
- Fixed some crash problems
- Fixed other bugs

Version 2.0.9
- Added MavLink telemetry logs option
- Fixed FollowMe and Guided Mode
- Fixed "out of memory" problems on some devices
- Fixed a problem where gimbal parameters are not downloaded automatically inside settings
- Fixed crashes on loading airports
- Fixed a bug during arming

Version 2.0.8
- Fixed HDOP decimals
- Added confirmation dialog for ARM/DISARM/TAKEOFF
- Sticks are aligned to the RC of the drone before override
- Separated acc calibration from mag calibration panel
- Added button in mag calibration for compare the drone yaw with the device gps yaw
- Screen never in standby
- Added support to 19200 and 38400 serial baud rates
- Added solar radiation level info inside overview panel

Version 2.0.7
- Changed USB serial library, now it supports more devices

Version 2.0.6
- Added failsafe configuration settings

Version 2.0.5

- Added radio calibration in GCS settings;
- Added airports locations on map, in an area of 100km from user/drone position, activated from map settings;
- Fixed minor bugs;

Version 2.0.4

- Corrected gimbal settings layout on smartphones
- Added waypoint commands
- Long click on a waypoint in the list opens an editing dialog
- Option for setting the zoom when auto-pan is enabled
- Added option during the generation of polygon for set the altitude
- Added, where available, range/units/values of parameters
- 3D map in some areas with normal map type
- Now you can interact with map in the VR Radio, if RC override is not enabled
- Fixed an error in VR Radio where the channels goes directly from RC_MIN to RC_MAX
- Added failsafe and sensors status into HUD
- Added HDOP indication in the action bar

In the new revision 2.0.3 is available

  • A new info bar with a lot of usefull information battery level , gps status , active mode .
  • A new follow me standard mode .
  • Only one connection for different application.
  • Parameter setup for gimbal.
  • New configuration option pannel .
  • New advanced user interface compatible not only with PAD but also with Smartphone android device.
  • A early revision of VR Glass Station a special revision that work on Google Glass device.

We are work in progress with some advanced features as Special follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration and advanced low latency h.264 video trasmission.

The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.

Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .

Join us in beta testing this is the direct link to google store : 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.laser.VrPadStation

 Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station continue to join new member  this is the link : 

http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161

This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0.3 :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0

Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve VR PAD Station with new feature under development.

Best

Roberto

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This is a video example of how you can add the telemetry module to VR micro brain and test the board with VR Pad Station. Now is possible to connect directly VR micro brain and VR micro Gimbal to VR Pad Station by a usb OTG cable.

These are the board developed by VR Lab : VR micro Gimbal , VR Multi Constellation GPS 8  ,VR Micro Brain and plug and play VR micro telemetry board .

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Example how is possible to assemble  the boards togheter , the form factor is very small and lightwheight . 

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In the picture below is presente the VRX Radio Module lite , Standard and Advanced ( OSD support ) 

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This is an a video example of new VR micro Gimbal in action.

This is a very exclusive video  example of fully autonomous fly using VR Leash experimental kit . You can set the position where put the drone by VR Leash natural reposition system or by PAD / Smartphone user interface available in VR Pad Station Pro.

Some of board use in these drone is already available : 

VR micro Brain APM Copter rev 3.2 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail   

VR GNSS 8 (support GPS ,Glonass and Egnoss ): http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/gps-ublox-8-detail

VRX uBrain Telemetry module lite option 433 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-ubrain-radio-module-lite-433-mhz-europe-38-61-detail

VR uBrain Telemetry module lite option 868 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-ubrain-radio-module-lite-868-mhz-europe-38-61-62-detail

VR radio module lite option 433: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-radio-module-lite-433-mhz-europe-38-detail

VR radio module lite option 868: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/vrx-radio-module-lite-868-mhz-europe-38-61-detail

VR micro Gimbal Board :  will be available at december 

VR Leash : available for OEM and Pro project.

Best

Roberto

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It support all the standard and advanced functionality that require GPS and magnetometer, too

This is the repo mantained by Stefan : 

In this branch is available the firmware and software that support standard micro brain .

https://github.com/scenkov/TauLabs/tree/VRuBrain_InternalFlash

Here is available the code that support the waypoint ,too but need to add data flash to VR micro Brain .

https://github.com/scenkov/TauLabs/tree/VRuBrain

 

For enviroment Setup :

Setting Linux Enviroment:

https://github.com/TauLabs/TauLabs/wiki/Development-Linux-setup

Setting  Windows Enviroment :

https://github.com/TauLabs/TauLabs/wiki/Development-Windows-setup

 

I succesfully build the code in the Stefan’s Git , today i did my first fly with micro brain and Taulabs code , in this code you can find the binary for VR micro Brain and CGS for linux OS.

https://drive.google.com/a/virtualrobotix.com/file/d/0BwTncyahsmkiZFZyTDRYYm9zc3M/view?usp=sharing

bl_vrbrain.dfu is the bootloader upload it with DFUDemostrator by usb cable .

fw_vrubrain.tlfw this is the last available TauLabs firmware for VR micro Brain . It’s a early revision of code so keep atention to use it.

Enjoy with this new great toy :)

the official wiki page is here : 

http://vrbrain.wordpress.com/quick-start-guide/quickstart-open-pilot-taulab-firmware-for-vr-ubrain-5/

For more info on vr micro brain this is the link:

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

Best

Roberto

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Dear Friend ,

after a lot of month to work and 1 year of experience on VR Gimbal firmware now we are at release 1.20 I'm very happy to present a new revision of product. 

VR micro Gimbal 4.0

In the video you can see the early preview of new product . VR micro Gimbal 4 derived from Brain 5 platform , it's based on Nuttx 7 O.S. support SD card for real time data logging and Mavlink protocol for direct integration with our advanced Flight Control VR Brain 5  and VR micro Brain 5 .

We aere working with other member to Dronecode foundation to try to define a standard for gimbal managment based on mavlink protocol .

We already implement a Mission Planner plugin for direct control the gimbal . Now we are discuss in dev team about the development of mavlink packet manager put over the nuttx os that can re direct mavlink traffic to correct device when it recived from ground station of from the specific application .  

The new oem product will be available in the next month for beta tester and oem for more information send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com 

original blog post here : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/new-vr-gimbal-4-is-coming-new-hardware-design-and-a-lot-of-new-fe

Best

Roberto  

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With VR Micro Brain 5 is possible to develop very light , only 9 gr , fully autonomous drones , in last months i developed different kind of prototype the main targets was :

- Very light platform only 439 gr.

- With support of micro brushless gimbal 150 gr. 

- Support of automatic fly support with high reliability after a lot of test i   developed new kind of technology :

  • a new GPS : VR GPS 8 based on new generation of Ublox 8.
  • a new VR Leash a device for full control of drone in very simple way.
  • a new VR micro gimbal 2-3 axis based on nuttx OS with native mavlink support.

- My last target is a long time flight , the first revision of micro drone flew for only 8-10 minutes , now with last updates , new custom motor propeller and battery our time of flight is 27 minutes :)

This is the video of early version of new frame for long time of flight , need to solve some vibration problem i doing all test using EKF and APM Copter 3.2rc12 all work very well.

The next week will be present the new very nice and light frame for our Micro Brain from VR Mechatronic Lab :)

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VR ESC 2.0 Tech Preview

Hello everyone,
after some years of absence from the portfolio of the esc VR, I present the new design.
We made choices very conservative to have 27 and 50 amp ESC from 4s to 6s ... we are doing tests and validations necessary because this is a very delicate component.
Here are the first photos and video of the first test.
The firmware supported are the Simonk and BHely, given the complexity of the topic we did not want to reinvent the wheel but to make a quality product that can be certified and has the ability to be installed on a dedicated distribution board.

Attached are photos and here is the video

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original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-esc-2-0-tech-preview

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Now that Tony Cairoli can fully enjoy about the newly conquered eighth world title in Motocross, Red Bull can reveal some details that have contributed to the success. Here's one: about a year ago, the team of the hugely popular energy drink has involved our Team to create a telemetry system (baptized then Connected Rider and proved an excellent device, almost to Formula One) for use during workouts Tony , to track its performance and uncover the secrets of his guide so unique riding his KTM 350 SX-F.
This is an example of tool used during the data analysis and algorithm implementation and  debug support the video sincronization with raw data from the telemetry device:) 
 
Best
Roberto 
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CRESTED BUTTE, Colo. -- We still don't have hoverboards or flying cars, but in the glorious future we live in today, we do have flying robots that can bring us beer. Unfortunately for those in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration won't yet allow drones for commercial use. That means that while it's OK to fly beers around to your buddies in your spare time, no paid or promotional delivery services are allowed just yet.

            beerdrone.png
            Beer drones ride again!Eric Mack/CNET

But that hasn't stopped brew titan Anheuser-Busch InBev from looking into how drones might be able to help keep the party going in the near future. The company brought some experimental prototypes to Whatever, USA -- a fictional town that Bud Light created in Colorado last weekend for the purposes of throwing a party for 1,000 contest winners and creating all kind of new promotional content -- where I got an in-person demonstration.

I spoke with Federico Treu and Roberto Navoni of an outfit based in California and Italy called XTrace about the Bud Light delivery system that they worked up for "Whatever." Essentially, it's a custom-built quadcopter that's a slave to a beacon that also functions as a very simple remote control. Push one button, and the drone comes to you; a different button and it returns to where it started. Push a third button and the drone will follow you at a safe distance.

The small, lightweight drone can only carry one bottle of beer at a time, but it's still an important proof of concept for lazy beer drinkers everywhere. The drone can easily function as a push-button bartender or a beer-caddy, following you down the street with refreshment just hovering a few feet away, just in case you need a drink (the fourth and last button on the remote tells the drone to land where it is).

"When we started this project, the idea was that, it's really difficult to fly drones," Treu told me outside the Crested Butte "Whatever" Visitors' Center. "But drones nowadays are smart enough to follow you, so even people that have never tried can fly a drone -- just hold the beacon, press the button and go."

For drone nerds, there are also some interesting things going on behind the scenes of what seems like a simple remote-controlled drone setup. For the prototypes in use at "Whatever," Navoni is in charge of safety. He walks around wearing Google Glass running a custom-made Glass app that provides him with a view of what the drone is seeing, as well as all the relevant statuses for the drones current operation.

In other words, while it may seem almost like a simple toy, Navoni is able to monitor everything that's happening with the drone through Glass and take over control of the drone if need be.

Treu says the next challenge for their drones is to automate obstacle avoidance. He says the drone in use at "Whatever" only has a carrying capacity of about 1 pound, but other form factors could easily handle bigger loads.

The drones came to "Whatever, USA" as part of a partnership through the "beer garage," a sort of skunkworks lab run out of San Francisco that looks at use digital tools and other innovations to promote brands like Bud Light.

Check out a delivery in action in the video below. The entire sequence was done by pressing only two buttons on the beacon.

CNET Article : http://www.cnet.com/news/beer-drones-are-back-this-time-with-google-glass/

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Follow different frame and drone configuration : Quad , Hexa , Okto and Plane . The VR Lab Team and member of Virtualrobotix community test all this configuration and send us a very good feedback .

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In these three months of work, from the presentation of vr micro brain to the maker fair in san francisco, we have done a lot of work to make the board very reliable and to be able to equip and test different types of drones. For us, a micro drone has the following features: is equipped with a control system structure. has gps reliable and accurate at all hours of the day that allows you to activate the automatic functions browsing the drone. is equipped with a telemetry system that allows integration with a ground station to the ground. E 'equipped with an advanced system of brushless gimbal that allows the perfect stabilization of the camera. Mount a camera system for on-board recording in full HD and allows you to remotely transmit the preview of the recovery.

These are the board developed by VR Lab : VR micro Gimbal , VR Multi Constellation GPS 8  ,VR Micro Brain and plug and play VR micro telemetry board .

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This is a video example of our you can add the telemetry module to VR micro brain and test the board with VR Pad Station. Now is possible to connect directly VR micro brain and VR micro Gimbal to VR Pad Station by a usb OTG cable.

Example how is possible to assemble  the boards togheter , the form factor is very small and lightwheight . 

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This is an a video example of new VR micro Gimbal in action.

This is a very exclusive video  example of fully autonomous fly using VR Leash experimental kit . You can set the position where put the drone by VR Leash natural reposition system or by PAD / Smartphone user interface available in VR Pad Station Pro.

Some of board use in these drone is already available : 

VR micro Brain : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

VR GPS 8 : http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/gps-ublox-8-detail

VR micro Telemetry option : will be available at begin of september 

VR micro Gimbal Board :  will be available at begin of september 

VR Leash : available for OEM and Pro project.

P.S.

if you have more interesting picture of video of your micro drone base on VR micro boards sene me more details so i can add to page of example configuration that i'm creating in official wiki page.

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-micro-brain-5-the-micro-drone-invasion-began

Best

Roberto

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* Pro is only on request and customizable , the PRO IMU could be also based on Maxim , Analog Device and ST mems. * The two expansion bus support indipendent i2c , spi and some some specific I/O for manage multiple chipset. On expansion bus it's available also wifi module with specific nuttx driver. Ask for more info.

As request from some user i try to do a matrix comparison chart , if there are some error on Pixhawk help me to correct please :) 

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After the VR micro Brain 5 here finally get the VR Brain 5.
Sorry for the long wait but we had to work a lot on the operating system, new driver and all the infrastructure to support the mission planner firmware repository.

Today the board is  available on the store.
Here are the first pictures of the oem version, I prefer to show you the board without enclosure because  it's a jewel of technology :)

It will initially be available in the basic version. Only for more experienced users that join our advanced dev program will be available version that supports up to 3 SPI IMU  with (Acc , Gyro , Magnetometer and barometer ) . In advanced configuration the board support until 2 VR Multiconstellation GPS Ublox 8  
Provides CAN Bus with driver on board, SD Card, and realtime operating system NuttX RTOS operating sysyem.

Full tech specification :

Hardware:

  • CPU:
    • ARM CortexM4F microcontroller with DSP and FPU.
    • 1024KiB di flash , 192KiB of RAM.
    • 1 SD Card Slot support until 64 gigabyte.
    •  Jtag support for onboard realtime debugging.
  • IMU Sensor:
    • mems accelerometer and gyroscope (different option , available pro certify ,too ) 
    • barometer with  10 cm resolution.
    • 2  SPI expansion BUS for optional IMU
    • 1  sonar input.
  • RC 
    • 6 RC INPUT standard PPM.
    • 1 PPMSUM 
    • 1 ARM Switch
    • 1 SBUS input compatible with  Futaba and  FRKSY technology. 
    • 8 RC output ( 60 - 490 hz ) , 4 optional RC output ( in SBUS mode)
  • Expansion BUS
    • 1 CAN BUS .
    • 2 serial port for interface VR GPS Ublox 8
    • 1 i2c bus for magnetometer connection.
  • Additional IN - OUT
    • 3 Output Switch digitali (ULN2003) 2 LED 1 BUZZER.
    • 1 input for voltage control.
    • 1 input for current control.
  • Dimension 6x4.
  • Available plastic and aluminium case as option.

IDE and development kit . 

  • Eclipse IDE.
  • Arm GCC Toolchain.
  • Support real time debug .

Firmware:

For this platform are available many libraries developed by the community Virtualrobotix and Diydrones. 

Native support of the operating system Nuttx rev 6.20 to 7.30. 

Bootloading and Automatic Update standard and custom firmware. 

Repository Server with native support Mission Planner 32 and 64 bit.

The supported UAV firmware are  : APM Copter, Plane and Rover

Our dev team support and improve VRBrain NuttX operating systems and AP_HAL_VRBRAIN . The Hardware Abstraction Layer for integration with APM firwmare enviroment. 

The mini site is available at : 

http://vrbrain.wordpress.com/

For more info send a mail to : info@virtualrobotix.com

 

The link where you can buy the board and find more info is this: 
http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrain5-detail

For this product is available a professional customer support program. University and Research Lab use VRBrain 5 in advanced research project. Join to our pro dev team today :) Some company that want certify their drone ask the support to our dev team for support during the qualification test .

For more info send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com 

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-brain-5-0-after-some-month-of-waiting-the-new-professional-vir

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Dear Friends,

I'm very happy to present the result of latest VirtualRobotix's development: the new VRX GPS NEO-M8 .

I'ts the first Virtualrobotix's Multi Constellation GPS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS and SBAS),  engine, using Ublox NEO-M8 receiver.

The NEO-M8 is a 72-channel high sensitive engine that boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of less than 1 second.

The dedicated acquisition engine, with over 2 million correlators, is capable of massive parallel time/frequency space searches, enabling it to find satellites instantly.

Innovative design and technology suppresses interference sources and mitigates multipath effects, giving NEO-M8 GPS receivers excellent navigation performance even in the most challenging environments.

VRX GPS NEO-M8 is  equipped with a Panasonic Amplifier for better reception and a backup battery for quicker warm restarts.

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The VRX GPS NEO-M8 also integrates Honywell's latest high precision digital mag (HMC5983). 

The HMC5983 can be used either in SPI or in I2C (selectable via a solder Jumper), it has a 200Hz output rate and it's temperature compensated, giving the best experience for our vehicles. 

The VRX GPS NEO-M8 is fully compatible with APM:Copter's  firmware and it's plug and play on VRBRAIN5, VRuBRAIN5, APM 2.5+, PixHawk and all boards that mount the DF13 connectors.

If you don't have a DF13, you can easly solder standard servo pins on the exposed pads.

Now The order is open at:

VRX GPS NEO-M8: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/gps-ublox-8-detail

VR uBrain 5:  http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

The delivery time could be 3/4 weeks

If you are interested in more info to the product send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com

The VRX GPS NEO-M8 has been tested in the field with our VRX300 "Personal Fly Robot SDK Platform"  here are some photos and  graphs from latest flights.

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Flight Controller: VR Micro BRAIN

GPS: VRX GPS NEO-M8

Compass: HMC5983 mounted on GPS board

ESC: 12 A Kiss ESC

Motors: RCX - ZMR 

Propellers: APC 6x4

Lipo: 2200 mAh

Radio: Taranis with SBUS receiver X8R

These are the vibration graphs on the VRX300 

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The number of satellites during this flight started at 11 and arrived to 15, the hdop was  from 1.3 to 1.5.

During my tests we have seen up to 18 satellites with an hdop of 0.7 .

With standard GPS module some times it is possible to see only 5 with an high HDOP

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Here is possible to see the Altitude from Baro vs Altitude from GPS is not so bad :) 

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Some RTL and Loiter tests in the Field with precision of less than 1 meter.

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Features and Specifications:

  • ublox NEO-8 module
  • Concurrent reception of GPS/QZSS, GLONASS, BeiDou
  • Industry leading –167 dBm navigation sensitivity
  • 3,3V or 5V Inputs, with low noise 3.3V regulator.
  • 5 Hz update rate
  • Rechargeable 3V lithium backup battery for high efficient warm start
  • Panasonic Low Noise Amplifier for antenna signal with high gain (19dB)
  • EPCOS SAW high quality low-loss RF filter for GPS application
  • 25 x 25 x 4 mm ceramic patch antenna
  • Dedicated I2C EEPROM for receiver configuration storage
  • High resolution compass (2 milli-gauss) and high speed (2 milli-gauss)
  • Power and fix indicator LEDs
  • ArduPilot Mega compatible 6-pin JST connector
  • Exposed pads for simple soldering connection
  • 38 x 38 x 8.5 mm total size, 19 grams.
  • Receiver type NEO 8
    • 72-channel u-blox M8 engine
    • GPS/QZSS L1 C/A, GLONASS L10F
    • BeiDou B1
    • SBAS L1 C/A: WAAS, EGNOS, MSAS
  • Navigation update rate: 
    • Single GNSS up to 18 Hz
    • Concurrent GNSS up to 10 Hz
    • Position accuracy: 2.0 m CEP
  • Acquisition (NEO-M8Q/N)
    • (Default mode, GPS/SBAS/QZSS+GLONASS with TCXO)
    • Cold starts: 26 s
    • Aided starts: 2 s
    • Reacquisition: 1.5 s
  • Sensitivity 
  • (Default mode, GPS/SBAS/QZSS+GLONASS with TCXO)
    • Tracking & Nav: –167 dBm
    • Cold starts: –148 dBm
    • Hot starts: –156 dBm
  • Connector : Serial Bus , I2C Bus and SPI as option plug and play fully compatible with : VR Brain , APM 2.x , PX4 and Pixhawk Flight Control . Available also solder pad for OEM Application .

Best

Roberto and Emile

original blog post :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vrx-gps-ublox-8-the-first-plug-and-play-multi-constallation-gps-g

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Dear Friends,

yesterday we start to delivery the VR Brain Micro 5 pre order. Thanks to all guys that join the preorder in last month . I think that the first user start to receive it in the next days . We are working to update the wiki with the updates for quick start FAQ for use our new board.

The info will be update in the next hours on :

vrbrain.wordpress.com 

This is the repo with bootloader , driver , updated code for vrbrain micro 4.5 and 5.0

https://github.com/virtualrobotix?tab=repositories

this is internal repository where we ask the pull request to diydrone global repo .

On last mission planner we yet propagate the last patch for work with uBrain .

If you need support write down in this blog post or in virtualrobotix original post : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-brain-micro-5-0-yesterday-start-to-delivery-the-first-vr-brain

best

Roberto 

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Moderator

In this video you can see the first fly review of VRBrain micro 5.0 

In this test you can see the great quality of new magnetometer and gps . Emile doing an automatic fly . Set by VR Pad Station 3 waypoint , the last is an RTL . The drone take off from Emile's hand then land exactly in same position :) Emile don't move from his position during all the automatic fly test :)

Dear Friends,
I worked hard in recent weeks to test the new micro VRBrain 5.0
To test the card I used the frame I called our "Personal Robot SDK Fly" The configuration I used for testing and 'the following:

Frame VRX AV250 with Prop Guard
- Micro VRBrain 5
- VR GPS Ublox LEA 6
- 4 10 Amp ESC with Firmware SimonK
- 4 2400 KV Brushless Motors
- 4 Carbon Fiber Propeller dda 5 inches.
- 1 Battery 2200 Mah
- Receiver Futaba SBUS R7008 SB.
- Transmitter T14SG.

During the tests I carried out flight tests and reliability in a stable manner. I flew in different boundary conditions without having any kind of reliability problem. I made flights in both indoor and outdoor.

End the tests with flight manual I started  the automated flight test . The GPS took our new GPS  VR GPS uBlox LEA6, the main feature of this GPS and 'to have on board the new sensor HMC 5983 with automatic temperature compensation and more accuracy and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

In the tests we performed automated test of loiter mode, hybrid loiter, return to home and  waypoint navigation.

Given the excellent results of the tests we have decided to close this firmware revision of the first software will be installed on the cards that will come over the next week.

More info about the components of the test are available here:

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/accessories/3dr-gps-ublox-lea-6-30-37-detail

original blog post : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-brain-micro-5-0-vrx-personal-fly-robot-sdk-the-perfect-fly-pla

Best

Roberto

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Moderator

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In this picture is possible to see the position of main airport in the silicon valley with 4 miles of buffer around the position of airport. Our idea is to activate an a default automatic function that when the user try to fly in that area activate immediatly a landing failsafe procededure . 

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VR Pad Station is an app that turns your Android smartphone or your pad into a ground station combined with a powerful digital remote control radio for use with your RC model or with your drone. 
Is designed to be used on Rover, Airplane or Drones for hobby and professional use. It 's a project dynamic and evolving based on feedback from users of our community: www.virtualrobotix.com
It use mavlink 1.0 and support the firmware APM Copter , Plane and Rover

The current version is a preview suitable only for BETA testing use it carefully.
Use VR Radio only with the simulator, until new updates. This software is a valid alternative at DroidPlanner or Andropilot application. Developed inside VR Lab by Virtualrobotix community.

Version 2.0.5

- Added radio calibration in GCS settings;
- Added airports locations on map, in an area of 100km from user/drone position, activated from map settings;
- Fixed minor bugs;

Version 2.0.4

- Corrected gimbal settings layout on smartphones
- Added waypoint commands
- Long click on a waypoint in the list opens an editing dialog
- Option for setting the zoom when auto-pan is enabled
- Added option during the generation of polygon for set the altitude
- Added, where available, range/units/values of parameters
- 3D map in some areas with normal map type
- Now you can interact with map in the VR Radio, if RC override is not enabled
- Fixed an error in VR Radio where the channels goes directly from RC_MIN to RC_MAX
- Added failsafe and sensors status into HUD
- Added HDOP indication in the action bar

In the new revision 2.0.3 is available

  • A new info bar with a lot of usefull information battery level , gps status , active mode .
  • A new follow me standard mode .
  • Only one connection for different application.
  • Parameter setup for gimbal.
  • New configuration option pannel .
  • New advanced user interface compatible not only with PAD but also with Smartphone android device.
  • A early revision of VR Glass Station a special revision that work on Google Glass device.

We are work in progress with some advanced features as Special follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration.

The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.

Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .

Join us in beta testing this is the direct link to google store : 

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.laser.VrPadStation

 Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station continue to join new member  this is the link : 

http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161

This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0.3 :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0

Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve a lot the application with new feature under development.

Best

Roberto

original blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-pad-station-2-0-5-for-pad-and-smartphone-support-apm-pixhawk-a

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Dear Friends,

02 / 06 / 2014 

After one month of work the stable firmware for VRBrain micro is ready . We fly a lot in manual and automatic , we are preparing a video and specific blog post about VRX250 the drone platform using for doing test on VRBrain micro  5 all work fine and we are happy to have a good revision of code for user that join us in pre order campaign . We start to deliver first batch of boards in 2 weeks . The good news is that now is possible to upload the firmware to VR Brain micro 5 using standard Mission Planner application. Thanks to Michael and all VR Lab team for doing a good Job around this task.

09 / 05 / 2014

today we finish to test first prototype of micro brain , this is the video of first power on , all work fine , we check all onboard sensor : IMU , BAROMETER  . Check eeprom for parameter storage and SD card. Serial port , and usb interface . All work fine :) Check also new bootloader and our mission planner fork with VRBrain support all work perfect . Diego our Electronic Designer doing a great work no error until now :)

Finish the test of all subsystem : Magnetomer , GPS , RC IN PPMSUM and RC OUT and all work fine . See the video .

These are the specification : 

CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel 7.1 

1 EEPROM or FRAM device for parameter storage. 

IMU MPU6000 SPI.

MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.  

8 PPM Radio RC Input .

8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.

1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too

1 SBUS Servo Output.

SD Card Reader until 64 Gbyte.

1 RGB LED 

2 LED Output 

1 Buzzer Output 

On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option) 

connector for external 3DR/VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER

dimension : 3.2 x 3.2 .

weight : 10 gr

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Price is 99 euro the board pre order is open the mass production start in 1 week when finish the test of first production batch .

more info about status of the product  on the store: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

APM Copter , Plane , Rover Firmware available and fully tested by our devteam.

official blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-micro-brain-5-1-is-alive-first-power-up-and-os-check-up-fantas

for more info send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com

Best

Roberto 

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Moderator

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At Google Community Group for manage the beta testing of VR Pad Station continue to join new members  this is the link : 

http://plus.google.com/communities/102697330643558260161

This is the official Virtual Robotix Discussion group about VR PAD Station 2.0.3 :

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/group/vr-pad-station-2-0

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Today we  uploaded the last revision of  VR PAD Station 2.0.3 . We integrated the mavlink 1.0 telemetry function with original Virtual RC project so now is possible to use VR PAD Station as tools for :

  • Receive telemetry from drone.
  • Setting Parameter .
  • Change Flight Mode.
  • Set waypoint.
  • Send direct command as Return to Landing point , takeoff , auto landing  or Guided mode.
  • Virtual Remote control with a lot of advanced feature for setup the radio stick . (use virtual stick only with in simulation mode it's a beta for evaluation) 

In the new revision 2.0.3 is available

  • A new info bar with a lot of usefull information battery level , gps status , active mode .
  • A new follow me standard mode .
  • Only one connection for different application.
  • Parameter setup for gimbal.
  • New configuration option pannel .
  • New advanced user interface compatible not only with PAD but also with Smartphone android device.
  • A early revision of VR Glass Station a special revision that work on Google Glass device.

We are work in progress with some advanced features as Special follow me mode , Fligh log book and VR Gimbal integration.

The App is compatible with APM Copter , Plane and Rover.

Inside the community could be possible discuss directly with developer about the new request feature .

After join the community could be possible download the APK in a special section of  google play

This is the direct link to google play store beta registration: 

https://play.google.com/apps/testing/com.laser.VrPadStation

.

Feedback about our application are welcome ... :) In the next week we intend improve a lot the application with new feature under development.

Best

Roberto

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Moderator

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Dear Friends,

in last month of this year our team work a lot on new electronic boards :

  • VR Micro Brain 5
  • VR Brain 5
  • VR GPS Ublox LEA6.
  • VR Telemetry Module.

Our products have the feature of being based on the original design and not be mere clones, with a research and development team ready to meet the demands and needs of users more evolved.

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VR Brain 5 Micro

The VRBrain Micro is a board of the new 5.x series of extremely small dimensions and is based on the powerful micro processor STM32F4 to 168 MHz , the operating system supports Nuttx as the PX4  and Pixhawk  and It compatible with the APM firmware Copter , Plane and Rover.


The Brain VR Micro is very small and lightweight only 10 grams in weight and 3.7 x 3.7 cm wide. Ideal for setting up of small and micro  sized drones as the frame AV250 .

Supports GPS and magnetometers external standard which it shares with the standard vr brain and allows the controller to provide automatic features as stabilize ,  return to the home , hybrid loiter auto take off and landing .

The board  able to handle up to 12 inputs on sbus receiver and 6  input on  PWM standard receiver , 8 PWM outputs for connecting ESC or Servo .

The source code of the project and ' available on the official repository and DIY Drone and ' ongoing integration of automatic features to APM Planner firmware upload directed, via bootloader.

These are the specifications :

  • CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel 7.1 
  • 1 I2C EEPROM  for parameter storage. 
  • IMU MPU6000 SPI.
  • MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.  
  • 8 PPM Radio RC Input .
  • 8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.
  • 1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too
  • 1 SBUS Servo Output.
  • SD Card Reader until 64 Gbyte.
  • 1 RGB LED 
  • 2 LED Output 
  • 1 Buzzer Output 
  • On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option) 
  • connector for external 3DR/VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER
  • dimension : 3.7 x 3.7  hole 3.2 x 3.2 .
  • weight : 10 gr

Status : First Fly done all work fine available for Pre Order.

VRBrain 5

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The VRBrain  5 is  the evolution of the 4th revision board, at an architectural level remains very similar to the previous version of Flight Control Board having demonstrated excellent reliability and robustness.

The card features the latest generation processor STM32F4 OS 7.1 Nuttx This card was created with the aim to implement greater redundancy than the earlier and allow the autopilot to integrate into a  distributed wifi network environment .

The board allows you to support 2 IMU sensor based on MPU6000 chip , up to 3 magnetometers and two GPS . In addition to the bus for redundancy and imu ' present an additional bus that allows you to add devices bluetooth or wifi network to interconnect directly to the drone PAD and Smartphone , or to the standards network infrastructure  .
It 's  also available  CAN bus for high-speed interconnection of optional devices.
The board revision 5 have a slot for  use  SD card that allows you to save the  flight logs and make them available online for integration with portals log flight management .

The card bootloader  allows the card to be updated directly from mission planner or compatible CGS applications.

These are the basic specs :

  • CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel 7.1 
  • 1 I2C EEPROM  e FRAM for parameter storage. 
  • 2 IMU MPU6000 SPI , second imu option.
  • MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution .
  • 1 MSIC Barometer  option 2th barometer on external  imu. 
  • 8 PPM Radio RC Input .
  • 8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.
  • 1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too
  • 1 SBUS Servo Output.
  • SD Card Reader until 64 Gbyte.
  • 1 RGB LED 
  • 2 LED Output 
  • 1 Buzzer Output
  • CAN BUS for interconnect option module 
  • 1 connector for  VR telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option) 
  • 2 connector for external 3DR/VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER (option)
  • weight : 23 gr
  • enclosure available.

 Status : pre flight check done , all is good , in production .

Available in pre order . 

VR GPS 

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VR GPS Ublox Lea 6H with HMC5983 Magnetometer

 

First Virtualrobotix GPS engine using Ublox LEA-6H receiver.

This is a 50-channel high sensitive engine that boasts a Time-To-First-Fix (TTFF) of less than 1 second.

Also provide a rechargeable backup battery to improve warm start.

The dedicated acquisition engine, with over 2 million correlators, is capable of massive parallel time/frequency space searches, enabling it to find satellites instantly.

Innovative design and technology suppresses interference sources and mitigates multipath effects, giving LEA-6H GPS receivers excellent navigation performance even in the most challenging environments.

Virtualrobotix GPS uses an high efficient low noise amplifier to improve antenna signal (19dB) and a SAW filter to select GPS frequencies (see graph below).

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It also mounting an ultimate 3-axis digital compass, with selectable interface SPI or I2C (HMC5983).

This one is an high speed (220Hz output) and high resolution (2 milli-gauss) magnetometer.

 

Features and Specifications:

  • ublox LEA-6H module

  • 3,3V or 5V Inputs, with low noise 3.3V regulator.

  • 5 Hz update rate

  • Rechargeable 3V lithium backup battery for high efficient warm start

  • Panasonic Low Noise Amplifier for antenna signal with high gain (19dB)

  • EPCOS SAW high quality low-loss RF filter for GPS application

  • 25 x 25 x 4 mm ceramic patch antenna

  • Dedicated I2C EEPROM for receiver configuration storage

  • High resolution compass (2 milli-gauss) and high speed (2 milli-gauss)

  • Power and fix indicator LEDs

  • ArduPilot Mega compatible 6-pin JST connector

  • Exposed pads for simple soldering connection.

  • I2c / SPI HMC5983 magnetometer .
  • 2 ttl tx-rx ser connection.
  • 38 x 38 x 8.5 mm total size, 18 grams.

Status : all it's ok a lot of flight without problem , in production , ready  for pre order. 

Some example from log collected in first test VRX GPS is red Line 3DR is blu

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VR Link (telemetry Module) - micro - standard - advanced OSD - base station .

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In addition to the autopilot systems in our laboratories have been developing a telemetry system simple , modular and advanced compared to what's available on the market and compatible with the 1.0 mavlink protocol. 

We chose to mantain compatibility with the modules 3DR , but we have worked to expand its functionality.

Micro version :

The micro version it's an add on to the micro brain that allows you to add easily and efficiently support wireless connectivity directly onboard .
The module ' based on the micro SILAB 1000 and it' core normally available .

Standard version:
The standard version is a standard kit with a radio that will allow the connection from the drone to the ground, the main peculiarity of the standard version is that can work independently by simply feeding it through a usb battery pack or a small lipo .
On the ground the module replicates the light and sound of the buzzer's drone.
This feature allows you to detect any alarm signal even if the light on the drone is not ' perfectly visible.

The module on board the drone has available an RGB LED and a speaker very powerful signal that allows you to see and hear even at a considerable distance of the drone .
These new modules using the communication protocol mavlink and therefore are compatible with any drone supports this protocol : VRBrain 4.x and 5.x - APM 2.x, PX4 , Pixhawk , Autoquad etc.

With this feature easily solve a problem that often prevents you from realizing anomalies on board the aircraft such as the loss of the GPS signal , the abrupt decrease in battery level or the sudden lack of the radio signal that activates the failsafe .

Osd advanced version :

On board of drone  can integrate the function  osd simply adding a module dedicated on  the telemetry module . This configuration allows you to add the image coming from the analog video  FPV  camera as overlay of standard fly information as :
artificial horizon, altitude , distance from home , flight mode , battery level , etc. etc..

Status : hardware ok , working progress on first revision of firmware for standard and advanced revision.

We are ready for the worldwide market if you need more info on price ,  pre order , or you want to became a member of our distributor , support and developer team contact : info@virtualrobotix.com 

original blog post : 

http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/virtualrobotix-electronic-boards-roadmap-prossime-uscite-dei-nuov

Best

Roberto 

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Moderator

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Dear Friends,

today we finish to test first prototype of micro brain , this is the video of first power on , all work fine , we check all onboard sensor : IMU , BAROMETER  . Check eeprom for parameter storage and SD card. Serial port , and usb interface . All work fine :) Check also new bootloader and our mission planner fork with VRBrain support all work perfect . Diego our Electronic Designer doing a great work no error until now :)

Today 09/05/14 finish the test of all subsystem : Magnetomer , GPS , RC IN PPMSUM and RC OUT and all work fine . See the video .

These are the specification : 

CPU STM32F4 VR OS based on NuttX kernel 7.1 

1 EEPROM or FRAM device for parameter storage. 

IMU MPU6000 SPI.

MSIC Barometer 10 cm resolution.  

8 PPM Radio RC Input .

8 PWM ESC - SERVO Output.

1 SBUS Radio Input compatible with Futaba SBUS and Spektrum ,too

1 SBUS Servo Output.

SD Card Reader until 64 Gbyte.

1 RGB LED 

2 LED Output 

1 Buzzer Output 

On board telemetry module availabe at 433 / 868 mhz. (option) 

connector for external 3DR/VR GPS + MAGNETOMETER

dimension : 3.2 x 3.2 .

weight : 10 gr

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Price is 99 euro the board pre order is open the mass production start in 1 week when finish the test of first production batch .

more info about status of the product  on the store: http://www.virtualrobotix.it/index.php/en/shop/autopilot/vrbrainmicro51-detail

APM Copter , Plane , Rover Firmware available and fully tested by our devteam.

official blog post : http://www.virtualrobotix.com/profiles/blogs/vr-micro-brain-5-1-is-alive-first-power-up-and-os-check-up-fantas

for more info send a mail to info@virtualrobotix.com

Best

Roberto 

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