I have been trying all week- probably 20 hours so far to get the ardupilot code to load correctly. I have checked my driver installation countless times. emailed Mr Anderson several times, called FTDI and talked to customer service, had assistance form a CS grad all with no progress. I am extremely frustrated and am willing to pay if neccessary to get this !@#$%!! thing going.It appears as though the processor will not process any code because the very top line of code is "not declared in the scope" of the program. At one point we reordered some code and got the same error on the new line of code. This indicates to me that something really basic in the program is not being recognized.Any help would be greatly appreciated.ThanksRon Carter
Just a correction: you load the ArduPilot code with File/Sketchbook/Open and then select "ArduPilot_EasyStar [version].pde in the ArduPilot_EasyStar folder.
As for the initialization, reset and jumper that's all covered in the manual. Basically the jumper is required the first time at the field each day to program the EM406 GPS into binary mode, set the home position and calibrate the sensors. After you've removed the jumper and the sensors are calinbrated, you hit the reset button to restart the autopilot (it will remember all the settings)
Thanks for all of your support. I was starting to freak out yesterday over this whole thing!! But finally it all loaded up correctly and I got it done. My problem is gross inexperience- Here are a few points I came across yesterday as I started over and followed all the online instructions I could find. Maybe this will help the next newbie like me to get going with less pain:
1. I finally verified from FTDI that only four driver files should load, even though the driver folder has perhaps 10-12 files in it. You can see this in the device manager in "driver details" I had no way of knowing if my drivers had or had not loaded correctly.
2. When loading files in the Arduino IDE work from the .exe file not the Run file
3. Load files in the IDE through Sketch, Import library, Ardupilot. Not some other even less obvious method like I invented.
4. Read everything until you understand it and take nothing for granted. - some of us insist on thinking we can do this the other way around.
5. Keep checking polarity on the usb breakout board- I plugged this in and out probably 20 times and plugged it in wrong a time or two. My fault. Sorry Chris.
So now the code is loaded- I tried to operate the autopilot with no joy. I may have had a weak battery- I have that handled.
Questions-
1. Is there a procedure for initializing the AP? or do you just power it up?
2. Do I need to hit the reset button to initialize it? If not what exactly is the reset button doing? Does using it affect the code?
3. Also I am confused about the "field setup" D6 jumper. what does it do and when, why or how, should I, could I, would I use it?
space_nut: that's not his problem. He can't get it to compile. It's a simple error with wrong directories. When he logs back in we'll show him what he's doing wrong.
Wasn't there a problem with using the FTDI module from Sparkfun as compared to the actual FTDI cable? Ron, are you using a DIYDrones shield or connecting directly to the Ardupilot? I've had success by wiring the connections according to the documentation from FTDI.. I'm using an FTDI "breakout" that allows connection to each of the 9 "serial" pins. For ardupilot, you should only need 5 if the board is powered from an ESC
It must be frustrating to have so much difficulty so early on in your project.. Keep at it and I know we will be able to get you through..
Send up your configuration screen shots. Also make sure Arduino IDE is set to proper com. port. And set to proper board type. Make sure you are plugging the FTDI in correctly, if its reversed the code will not load. Make sure the ardupilot has power, if it doesn't have power it will not load code. etc...etc..etc...
We need a lot more info from you then you are providing, as well for the initial load, do not modify the code.
As chris indicates, make sure you put the ardupilot folder in the arduino directory properly or the code will fail verify and will not upload.
Screen shots and additional info are needed to assist you.
Comments
Thanks for the clarification on the use of the jumper and reset button.
Ron
Just a correction: you load the ArduPilot code with File/Sketchbook/Open and then select "ArduPilot_EasyStar [version].pde in the ArduPilot_EasyStar folder.
As for the initialization, reset and jumper that's all covered in the manual. Basically the jumper is required the first time at the field each day to program the EM406 GPS into binary mode, set the home position and calibrate the sensors. After you've removed the jumper and the sensors are calinbrated, you hit the reset button to restart the autopilot (it will remember all the settings)
1. I finally verified from FTDI that only four driver files should load, even though the driver folder has perhaps 10-12 files in it. You can see this in the device manager in "driver details" I had no way of knowing if my drivers had or had not loaded correctly.
2. When loading files in the Arduino IDE work from the .exe file not the Run file
3. Load files in the IDE through Sketch, Import library, Ardupilot. Not some other even less obvious method like I invented.
4. Read everything until you understand it and take nothing for granted. - some of us insist on thinking we can do this the other way around.
5. Keep checking polarity on the usb breakout board- I plugged this in and out probably 20 times and plugged it in wrong a time or two. My fault. Sorry Chris.
So now the code is loaded- I tried to operate the autopilot with no joy. I may have had a weak battery- I have that handled.
Questions-
1. Is there a procedure for initializing the AP? or do you just power it up?
2. Do I need to hit the reset button to initialize it? If not what exactly is the reset button doing? Does using it affect the code?
3. Also I am confused about the "field setup" D6 jumper. what does it do and when, why or how, should I, could I, would I use it?
Thanks everyone.
It must be frustrating to have so much difficulty so early on in your project.. Keep at it and I know we will be able to get you through..
We need a lot more info from you then you are providing, as well for the initial load, do not modify the code.
As chris indicates, make sure you put the ardupilot folder in the arduino directory properly or the code will fail verify and will not upload.
Screen shots and additional info are needed to assist you.
-Peter
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