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3D Robotics

ArduPilot Roadmap

Posted by Chris Anderson on April 3, 2009 at 11:30pm
As you'll see, we're releasing versions of ArduPilot at quite a clip. The difference between them can be a bit confusing, so here's a roadmap:
  • 1.0: Just navigation and altitude hold (released 1/09)
  • 2.0: Adds XY-sensor stabalization, EM406 only (released 3/09)
  • 2.0.1: Adds Z sensor, ground station support (released 4/09)
  • 2.1: Supports XY sensor in diagonal position, desktop setup utility (does not require Arduino IDE), throttle (if airspeed sensor/shield is connected). Due week of April 20th
  • 2.2: Requires ArduPilot 328 board (current board upgraded to the Atmega328 chip; stay tuned for details). Supports any GPS, fully configurable for different airframes, new navigation modes. Due early May
  • Shields: We will be releasing expansion boards (called "shields" in the Arduino world) that plug into the top of ArduPilot and add additional features and connectors. This first one just adds a differential pressure (airspeed) sensor, 3.3v power regulator, lots of handy ways to add other sensors and GPS modules, and a circuit that allows you to upload code without unplugging the GPS. The first board will be available in May.
  • 3.0: ??? Additional sensors (speed, power). Maybe IMU support?
  • ArduPilot Pro: new board based on Arduino Mega. IMU based. Winter 09
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Comments

  • RaWe April 26, 2009 at 4:53pm
    Hope its been updated! Last time I checked it was still under conctruction..
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson April 26, 2009 at 4:46pm
    We do 1&3 fine (you can use the sensors from the FMA--you don't need the controller). You're on your own with 2 for now.

    Have you checked out our beginners guide (it's right on the home page)? It's got a flowchart and everything.
  • RaWe April 26, 2009 at 4:34pm
    Hi Chris,

    Was looking at some FPV systems for my first UAV for eg.FATshark or some of the gear at RangeVideo. Guess I get overwhelmed by all the specs and I don't want to end up buying things that aren't compatible or has overlapping features.

    My basic procurement schedule for lowest cost UAV is:

    1) Flight stabilisation system (just acquired the FMA copilot),
    2) A live feed video system.
    3) Autonomous flight.

    Would appreciate a more structured guide to navigate thru info about these, before I get too confused and blow the budget on stuff I don't need.

    Thanks!
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson April 26, 2009 at 4:13pm
    RaWe: I don't understand the question. We haven't announced anything about an OSD or FPV. If and when we do, we'll explain what you need. Until then, there is nothing to say.
  • RaWe April 26, 2009 at 4:10pm
    Am confused...

    If I have Ardupilot, XYZ sensors, X-Bee, GPS module, TX and RX, camera
    (wnat type?) what else?

    Do I still need OSD, FPV combo sets and where does a Video Goggle fit in?

    How about compatibility of all these?
  • David Low April 21, 2009 at 9:04pm
    @Chris: thanks for the clarification, cheers~
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson April 21, 2009 at 8:57pm
    @David. We're not ready to announce anything about an OSD yet.
  • David Low April 21, 2009 at 8:56pm
    @Chris: i heard something about the osd :)
    is it going be included in the Ardupilot Pro plan? or a Ardupilot with Atmega328 + OSD shield will do?
  • Cronselaar April 19, 2009 at 2:39am
    that would be really neat...
  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson April 15, 2009 at 5:49am
    Torin,

    I talked to Jordi about a sensor layer, and he says that because every sensor is so different and has such different function, he can't see how to make a standard interface, like an API. The closest thing we have to that is Arduino's built-in analog read function. But I suggest one tab per additional sensor as a way to at least make it easy to read the code.
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