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

NI-VISA Universal I/O Interface Software NI-VISA Licensing Info The Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) is a standard for configuring, pr…

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Comments

Matt May 6, 2009 at 10:18pm

Chris, can you specify the OS X version required?
Is it one of these? (http://sine.ni.com/psp/app/doc/p/id/psp-411)

NI-VISA Support - National Instruments

NI-VISA Universal I/O Interface Software NI-VISA Licensing Info The Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) is a standard for configuring, pr…
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson May 6, 2009 at 10:06pm

I just tested it on a clean machine. Problem solved!
Saiful Azuwan May 6, 2009 at 6:55pm

Thanks Chris, my ground station now show Com8 port. But not yet test with ardupilot.
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson May 6, 2009 at 6:07pm

Peter and others having trouble seeing the serial ports with this. We think we've found the problem: the runtime engine doesn't have the hardware serial drivers. You also have to download and install this:
http://joule.ni.com/nidu/cds/view/p/id/1071/lang/en

I've updated the post accordingly. Let me know if this works for you. And thanks for your patience!
Carlos May 6, 2009 at 2:54pm

OK, thanks for the aid, will deal with not bothering, much: -), a question the control of accelerator by the pitot tube, this like with himself? I saw post on the matter where it comments 100 prototypes, this sera at the same time, of vercion 2,2
Gracias, Saludos-- Carlos
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson May 6, 2009 at 9:35am

Carlos,

Yes, version 2.2 and above (due out in a week or two) will include a NMEA parser that supports other GPSs. BTW, Jordi habla Espanol, so you can PM him too.
Carlos May 6, 2009 at 8:51am

Hello Chris, my English is not good, but I read each post of your project, and is spectacles you have an automatic pilot, previously I bother to you if vercion were possible to have one that it works with plots NMEA, because my GPS works thus and I do not have the one you recommend EM406, I have installed everything in my ATmega328+xysensor airplane, I wait for the new code NMEA that comment to realise, thus I prove everything,
Gracias, Saludos-- Carlos
Peter Seddon May 4, 2009 at 9:12am

Thanks Chris - I will stop tearing my hair out!

Peter
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson May 4, 2009 at 7:35am

Peter, that's a bug that we're working on. I think it's something to do with the runtime engine (we use the full version of LabView on our machines), but we're working with NI to solve it. Please stay tuned.
Peter Seddon May 4, 2009 at 7:09am

I am now using an Xbee serial link to Ardupilot and receiving data at 57600, but I cannot get the Groundstation to receive any data.

I have typed in COM8 under Choose Port and hit Refresh but nothing.

Anyone have any idea as to what to try next?

regards Peter

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