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

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

Join diydrones

Comments

Hessel April 22, 2009 at 1:27pm

@Reto you can try http://www.spoerle.com/ I couldn't get the shoppingbasket to work from my Mac.

I will wait to get the shield. @Chris how will the FMA IR sensors connect to the shield, should I wait cutting the connectors from the cables ?
dincer hepguler April 22, 2009 at 1:21pm

awesome job and kudos for Chris and Jordi......:) i will have a question.... those differential pressure sensors are working in a narrow voltage band... i have a mpx200a at hand. which is a 4bar 40mv sensor.... can i use this sensor?... as Reto has pointed out before, these are not pricey but freight costs are substansial...
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 22, 2009 at 12:55pm

Again, we'll be selling an expansion board ("shield") with the pressure sensor built in w/in a month or so. We can buy and integrate these things cheaper than you can as individuals (the whole shield will cost less than $25) and they'll be guaranteed to work right with ArduPilot. Stay tuned...
Peter Seddon April 22, 2009 at 12:50pm

Try http://www.active-robots.com/products/phidgets/sensors-phidgets.shtml for diff pressure sensor. They are a UK co.
Peter
Earl April 22, 2009 at 10:47am

My offer to ship from New Mexico in USA still stands. I will get the postage price from post office tomorrow.
Earl
BTW I do have a Pay Pal account
Saiful Azuwan April 22, 2009 at 8:28am

I have test the ArduPilot Config. Tool. for the 1st time after select the port I click on Write and I get this msg --> Something is wrong!!!. What should I do?
Tom in NOVA April 22, 2009 at 7:41am

@ Reto - I have a free sample MPXV5004GC6U, but it's not the DP. I haven't opened the sealed package yet, but you may be able to make a DP out of it. Check out the datasheet for this sensor series. If you think you can make a DP out of it, I can send it to you for free, assuming shipping is not more than $3-4.

I am planning to use the MPXV7002DP (also a free sample) which AttoPilot is using also.
Carlos April 22, 2009 at 7:02am

Hello I congratulate, them by this new version! , flight FPV and is of much east utility AP, you will have the version in NMEA soon, thus shares GPS LV-M8 to 5hz next to my OSD, already has the new ATmega328, by space I do not have problems, is that not to program itself, thanks
Moderator

Graham Dyer April 22, 2009 at 2:58am

After uploading waypoints to the AP board with Arduino and then running the ArduPilot Config Tool, selecting the right com port and selecting read - no waypoints show up in the main window? Am I doing it wrong? Shouldn't it show the waypoints currently in the AP so that one can edit them?
Earl April 21, 2009 at 9:54pm

Chris, Have you noticed the roll indicator doesn't erase itself before drawing the new roll on the horizon most of the time ?

of 15

This reply was deleted.