APM 2.6 external compass making a difference

Last month, we had the opportunity to setup an APM 2.6 for a candidate, i.e. this baby will be shipped away after field test. We received one of those revised board that has no onboard compass, where the compass can be placed away from power and motor sources as far as possible to avoid magnetic interference. On this build, we decided to keep it simple, mount the compass/gps on the side bay, as shown on the picture, and the “compassmot” result was at an acceptable range 24% on the first run, so we just left it since then. We average about 10 or more satellites, so we are getting good signal here.

We are pleased with how this external compass can significantly reduce magnetic interference; the loiter is good. We accepted the default PID values, with one exception, we adjusted the Loiter PID P to 0.5 (from 1.0) to reduce aggressiveness as recommended for this release. The build time was reduced by half.

Thanks 3DR!

APM 2.6. Filmed with APM gimbal Keychain Camera #16 Lens D and with the default PID, out of the box DJI motor and propellers.

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Comments

Bill Isenberger February 19, 2014 at 6:45pm

The mast is now available in the 3DR store:

https://store.3drobotics.com/products/gps-mast
Bill Isenberger February 15, 2014 at 6:22am

Chris, any news on the mast for the GPS/compass? Haven't seen it show up in the store yet.
Cory Hill December 2, 2013 at 11:03am

Looking forward to getting a proper mast for my 3DR uBlox as well. In a pinch, you can pick up some balsa wood square dowel from a hobby shop and make a nice light one for testing. Obviously not a good permanent setup, but great for testing and easy flights.
Andrew Chapman December 1, 2013 at 12:13am

I just noticed Foxtech have some neat looking folding GPS masts:

http://www.foxtechfpv.com/foxtech-foldable-gps-seat-p-1265.html
Oliver November 30, 2013 at 3:10pm

I have my compass on a mast, about three and a half inches above the board (and slightly below the GPS so as not to obstruct that). My concern in having it closer to the board is the possibility of the mag field there changing during or between flights. My presumption is that you want not only a low figure, but also a consistent one. Is that being overly cautious?
Balloon November 30, 2013 at 7:23am

I have setup same DJI and I can Compassmotor from 24% to 1-2% only.
cirilo November 30, 2013 at 5:32am

Went from 54% to 10% with external mag too.
noeL November 29, 2013 at 7:48pm

Thanks Chris, more builds to come, that one went to the city manager.
Rick November 29, 2013 at 7:03pm

It would be best to have the GPS higher than the APM. Don't want to degrade the already weak GPS signals by having the GPS in the shadow of the rest of the 'copter.
Alex November 29, 2013 at 4:39pm

As I can see APM very soon will be looks like Naza

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