I want to introduce the BBBMINI.
BBBMINI is for people who want to build a Linux autopilot based on ArduPilot themselves. BBBMINI is based on a BeagleBone Black connected to a MPU-9250 IMU and a MS5611 barometer. Both the IMU and barometer sensor can be purchased ready soldered on a breakout board by many manufacturers.
Objectives of the project:
- DIY project, build a Linux autopilot based on ArduPilot with a minimum of hardware
- no SMD soldering required
- DIY friendly 2.54 mm pin header to connect external hardware (other can also be used)
- connection to ground station via (wireless) LAN, or other telemetry radio
- easy start to develop ArduPilot for Linux
- inexpensive
First successful test flight already done.
BBBMINI is already a build target in the ArduPilot master branch:
https://github.com/diydrones/ardupilot
ArduPilot for Linux is experimental, so please take care, it comes with absolutely no warranty.
For more information please check:
Comments
Good work. It is not clear from the docs how are you doing RC Output?
There should be a PXF lite. One MPU9250 and a single barometer. It should cost ~$60USD. This will allow people people who already have a BBB to get into a linux based FC for a minimal investment which will massively increase the pool of people interested and contributing to this aspect of the project.
A kit should be offered for ~$100USD that includes this PXF lite and a mast mounted GPS+magnetometer.
Boom! in 6 months even kids in sub-Saharan Africa will be flying linux based aircraft.
Hi Victor,
I think you'll find that is what is stopping people, I understand that it is still a WIP but at it's current pricing it wont really move.
I believe that the PXF cape has more sensors than the pixhawk (I think it has 3 barometers, is that right, vs the 2 in the pixhawk?) so it would naturally have additional costs, but the PXF cape doesn't have the processors that are on a Pixhawk, so I find it hard to see how 200 euro is a good starting point. I can say that I personally would pay around $150-200AUD, that puts the current pricing around 40% to high. Note that I would have bought one already if it was $150-200, in fact I would have picked up a 2nd one as I just received my 2nd Pixhawk (have several APM2.x's).
I know its a case of lack of economies of scale, limited production runs I'm guessing so therefore high cost per unit.
I also realise people will expect everything to work when they buy it, so if it stays at this current price but reduces once all the hardware is supported that would most likely be acceptable.
To keep costs down, an idea might be to offer a cutdown board with only 2 sensors of each type on it (if they choose the best two after some testing), or we have to wait for someone to take the design and manufacture a larger batch.....
Chris
@Gary,
That's an interesting comment. How much are you willing to pay for the PixHawk Fire Cape?
Great work Mirko! I told people about your BBBMINI port at the Embedded Linux Conference today, so I hope you'll get a few new users from that. I think it is a really great way to get started on the Linux ArduPilot port.
Cheers, Tridge
"ArduPilot for Linux is experimental, so please take care, it comes with absolutely no warranty." BTW Arducopter or Ardupilot software has a warranty of any kind?
Great job Mirko,
I am afraid that the BBB approach somewhat stalled when it turned out that the Fire Cape was going to cost as much as an entire Pixhawk.
Great to see the approach you are taking here.
Best Regards,
Gary
Good work with BBBMINI Mirko! It's great having more support for the BBB. Go Beagles!
-
1
-
2
of 2 Next