ArduPilot Mega Updates, updates!

I have several stuff i would like to explain! Let's enumerate them:

1.-The first batch of ArduPilot Mega's may be released this Wednesday 28.

2.- The lasted shield is ready (codename: Foxtrap) and has many advantages compared to the last board, including the Invensense gyros (cheaper and better against vibration), smaller board size, can be used on the top or in the bottom, build-in absolute pressure sensor (Bosch) and i removed the differential pressure sensor, but you can still add it as an optional expansion board.

The price still the same.... ;-)

Facts you already know about the shield:
-3.3V Regulator.
-Relay switch for cameras, lights or payloads.
-12-bit ADC.
-Build-in Data Logger (The Black Box).
-Piano DIP switch for servo reverse.
-Build-in FTDI, serial to USB.
-Dedicated Modem/OSD port.
-I2C Port for Magnetometer.
-Two buttons (one momentary, second slide).
-Expansion analogs ports and more.

You can give a look to the Eagle Files here:
ArduPilotMegaShield_F1.brd
ArduPilotMegaShield_F1.sch

Latest boards:
ArduPilotMegaShield_F2.brd
ArduPilotMegaShield_F2.sch

About the development names I use: Alpha1 never made it, Bravo1 is the one i sent to Julio (private release), Charlie1 luckily arrived late, Delta1 was canceled because i decided to remove the differential pressure sensor and add the absolute pressure sensor. Eco1 was also canceled because i switched the Gyros from ST to Invensense. Current released candidate is the Foxtrap1..

Check the new logo:

I will order the first batch this Monday, i hope they arrived fast to test and release!

I have many other stuff going on! I have to leave so you will see later.. ;-)

BTW, Thanks to Scott Plunkett for the Bosch absolute pressure sensor and Bill Premerlani for the Invensense gyros explanation!

Some clarifications:

--ArduPilot Mega will be sold by Sparkfun, not us, just as is the case with ArduPilot (this is for regulatory reasons)
--The price has not been set but will probably be in the $60--$70 range
--The IMU/sensor shield will be sold by us, as soon as the final design can be beta tested (we're manufacturing it ourselves with Jordi's new Pick and Place machine, so we can go into production quickly). The price has also not been set, but the aim is to keep the total package price (all parts necessary for a complete autopilot) around or even less than the current ArduPilot package.
--Please keep in mind that the code is not ready for Mega, so even if you buy the boards as soon as they're available, you will not be able to fly with them. I expect it will take at least a month to port ArduPilot 2.6 to Mega and test it properly.
--Likewise documentation will take a few weeks to come together. So please do not buy the boards when they come out and expect to have full instructions on how to use them. We are releasing the boards early for experimenters and beta testers--if you want a plug-and-play experience, you'll be better waiting until later this year.

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Comments

Lew Payne April 25, 2010 at 10:48am

"Thanks to Scott Plunkett for the Bosch absolute pressure sensor and Bill Premerlani for the Invensense gyros explanation!"

Can you share that explanation here? Technical minds are curious !!
Developer

Jordi Muñoz April 25, 2010 at 10:12am

Andrew Burns,

Yes you have a dedicated port for the differential pressure sensor labeled as "Pitot", is located in the middle-right of board.

I remove it because other applications don't require this sensors.
Developer

Jordi Muñoz April 25, 2010 at 9:56am

BTW, Thanks to Scott Plunkett for the Bosch absolute pressure sensor and Bill Premerlani for the Invensense gyros explanation!
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson April 25, 2010 at 9:29am

Some clarifications:

--ArduPilot Mega will be sold by Sparkfun, not us, just as is the case with ArduPilot (this is for regulatory reasons)
--The price has not been set but will probably be in the $60--$70 range
--The IMU/sensor shield will be sold by us, as soon as the final design can be beta tested (we're manufacturing it ourselves with Jordi's new Pick and Place machine, so we can go into production quickly). The price has also not been set, but the aim is to keep the total package price (all parts necessary for a complete autopilot) around or even less than the current ArduPilot package.
--Please keep in mind that the code is not ready for Mega, so even if you buy the boards as soon as they're available, you will not be able to fly with them. I expect it will take at least a month to port ArduPilot 2.6 to Mega and test it properly.
--Likewise documentation will take a few weeks to come together. So please do not buy the boards when they come out and expect to have full instructions on how to use them. We are releasing the boards early for experimenters and beta testers--if you want a plug-and-play experience, you'll be better waiting until later this year.
AVS April 25, 2010 at 8:00am

Excellent, I'm looking forward to getting these boards. Just ordered an IMU Flat V2, don't think it will get much use now :)
Developer

Randy April 25, 2010 at 7:31am

I am soooo looking forward to getting one of these shields - I've already got the beta ArduPilotMega . Great to hear about the more vibration resistant gyros. I actually thought that only the ADXL were good with vibration - in any case, we will see!

If you're looking for people to help test the shield, I happily volunteer! PM me!
Sujit April 25, 2010 at 6:46am

Great work Jordi!!! Waiting to get my hands on them.
Andrew Burns April 25, 2010 at 3:33am

So there's no differential pressure sensor, this means everything is calculated based on GPS ground speed? How then can the aircraft manage throttle to maintain constant airspeed? And if you don't manage airspeed your gains will always be off when you're flying into or away from the wind direction.
Taylor Cox April 25, 2010 at 12:04am

Alex-

The board is not even listed on the DIY drones store yet.
Alex April 24, 2010 at 11:45pm

Excellent work, Jordi!

Just wanna know whether this batch is the one listed in DIY-Drones Store? If yes, I will place order tomorrow. And I didn't see the shield board link, may I know in which column?

Thx.

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