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.
Comments
The mast is now available in the 3DR store:
https://store.3drobotics.com/products/gps-mast
Chris, any news on the mast for the GPS/compass? Haven't seen it show up in the store yet.
I just noticed Foxtech have some neat looking folding GPS masts:
http://www.foxtechfpv.com/foxtech-foldable-gps-seat-p-1265.html
I have setup same DJI and I can Compassmotor from 24% to 1-2% only.
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.
Glad to hear it! We're going to be releasing a mast for that GPS/compass next month, so that will make your future builds easier.