ArduPilot 2.1 released + setup utility and ground station

A big code release tonight--this is the full setup that won the Sparkfun autonomous vehicle competition. Along with general improvements to the code, this is the entire package of autopilot, setup utility and ground station code. It's a full Unmanned Aerial System, not just a UAV! ArduPilot 2.1

All the features of ArduPilot 2.0 plus...
Supports XY sensor in diagonal postion
Requires Z sensor [UPDATE: FMA is no longer carrying those. While we sort out alternative sources, you can buy them from Dean Goedde for $40 (scroll down for price list)
Controls throttle if airspeed sensor is attached via the ArduPilot expansion board.
Supports desktop setup utility for waypoints and autopilot settings. (Waypoints are no longer manually entered in the code. They can only be entered with this utility.)
Last version of the code to support the original ATMega168-based board. Future versions will require the new ATMega328-based board.
Field setup procedures are here
Get it here

If you are using the expansion board and airspeed sensor, to control the throttle you must solder a wire from digital pin 8 to "MUX IN 3" Desktop setup utility

Add waypoints manually; utility displays them on Google Maps
Set max altitude, speed, circle radius
Set elevator, aileron/rudder trim
More features coming
Get it here ("ArduPilotConfigUtility")

When using this utility for the first time with ArduPilot, click Write before anything else in order to format the EEPROM. Also, ensure that the "Set RTS on close" box is checked in your serial port's advanced properties (control panel/device manager), as described in our Arduino debugging tips) Ground station

Requires free Labview runtime engine and serial drivers (install both. Note: if you've already installed Lego's Mindstorms NXT software you may find you've got a driver conflict, because it's based on LabView, too. Uninstall the Mindstorms software first.)
Works with Xbee wireless modules
Displays real-time attitude, speed, altitude, current waypoint, heading, distance to next waypoint, etc
Displays real time position on Google Earth
Get it here
Source code is here

board.no is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect to find he…

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

Comments

Earl April 21, 2009 at 8:18pm

The RP8D1 is the RC RX. also on board is the ping sensor for sensing when below 10 feet while landing.The ping sensor readout is the Gnd-Distance-Inch in above video.(It is pointed toward cealing in room) Primarily for my quadrocopter. The video screen will be cleaned up yet and overlayed onto live camera video from the UAV. Things a coming along ! I sure hope to have this thing ready for the June convention in Rocklin! I'll be there.
Earl
wrono April 21, 2009 at 7:45pm

Fantastic thank you so much this is great just great.
Earl April 21, 2009 at 7:04pm

If the pics are too much...let me know!
Earl
Earl April 21, 2009 at 7:01pm

And the video out of the parallax autopilot.
Earl April 21, 2009 at 6:56pm

Here is a shot of my very messy prototype
with GPS,Accl sensor,Baro sensor,compass,and xb module on the workbench.
Earl April 21, 2009 at 6:50pm

Duhhh...I should know that !
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 21, 2009 at 6:45pm

Earl, GPS just gives you speed over ground, which is irrelevant when you're trying to fly a plane in wind. The only speed that matters is airspeed.
Earl April 21, 2009 at 6:43pm

I noticed you said an air speed sensor is required...how about just using the GPS speed data ??
Earl April 21, 2009 at 6:40pm

Here is a pic of the GS in action with some data from my Parallax autopoilt
Earl April 21, 2009 at 5:00pm

The artificial horizon gets its data from the nunchuck accelerometer hooked to the prop board.No gyro data yet. Need to integrate the atomic 6DOF unit.

board.no - Board Resources and Information.

board.no is your first and best source for all of the information you’re looking for. From general topics to more of what you would expect to find he…

of 17

This reply was deleted.