As a followup to a conversation in this thread: http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/3dr-gps-mag-back-in-stock
I have successfully used this $15 sparkfun HMC5883L breakout board: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10530
as an external compass on my APM 2.5.
Used the instructions here: http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-external-magnetometer-for-improved-performance/
The process is even simpler than those instructions, since the sparkfun board is already wired for 3.3V. Just connect four wires and cut a jumper on he APM to disable the onboard compass.
I wasn't able to source the correct cable from sparkfun, but got one that was 1mm OC instead of the 1.25 OC that the APM uses on the i2c port. A little very minor pin bending and hot glue to hold it in seemed to do the trick.
The HMC583L is the same sensor that's on the APM and on the 3DR external compass/GPS module.
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Comments
Good post! Would have even better 48 hours earlier. Thanks for the tip on the micro JST too Charles - I spent a long time finding the cable and even then have probably ordered the wrong one. Presuming that this will also suit APM2.
Mounting hardware should be stainless steel, nylon or aluminium etc.
MJ
For anyone in Australia. You can get a HMC5883L module from core electronics (core-electronics.com.au) for AUD5.97 :-) only have to add a connection wire...I used a micro JST 1.25mm 4-Pin Connector to connect to the I2C.
Nice find and thanks for sharing. I am just wondering about the metal screw in the picture. Does calibrating take care of that?
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