Micro APM Hardware "Just make it smaller.."

Just seen our friends over at HobbyKing have released some new hardware focused toward the mini guys

Or just get the whole Set

The Micro HKPilot Mega master set is a complete open source autopilot and flight controller system featuring matched hardware, cables for a Micro plug-and-play UAV control system.
The new micro Master set total weight is just 23.5g and all components can fit in a 35x35x30 cube, for the smallest UAV total solution available. Perfect for mini MultiRotors and Park UAV missions.
The HKPilot is based on the rapidly evolving and refined Ardupilot mega or “APM”, an open source project from 3DR robotics. This amazing flight controller allows the user to turn any fixed wing, rotary wing, or multi-rotor vehicle (even boats and cars) into a fully autonomous vehicle, capable of performing a wide range of tasks even programmed autonomous missions with waypoints, with the included micro high precision NEO-6M Ublox GPS.
Various user interfaces are available for programing, reviewing logs, setup and even some Apps for smart phones and tablets. The included telemetry radio, OSD, power sensor and GPS allow for full two way radio communication, giving you full control and provides live data back to your computer or tablet. The list of what this flight controller is capable of has quickly surpassed what it cannot. Feature rich settings, flight modes and supported platforms have made this the go-to UAV controller.
The HKPilot Mega Micro master set includes: The NEW Micro HKPilot Mega 2.7.2, the super precision Micro Ublox NEO-6M GPS module with integrated compass, Micro telemetry radio with built in PCB antenna and ground module for bi-directional data, 4s 60A PDB/BEC/ power sensor Module, Micro minim OSD for FPV feedback, complete matching cable sets for a plug-and-play experience.
This product is based on the open source APM Project from 3DR Robotics, the Cad files per the creative commons license are available under the files tab. The APM project is supported by thousands of users pushing this open source flight controller to be one of the best systems available.

So with the APM at the end of its life cycle as far as software support is concerned i do think its great we're getting these variants but how many will they really sell i wonder?

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Comments

Jun Yamog March 7, 2015 at 1:48am

Thanks tony. I do have the neo6m that came with the set which is on the video. I haven't flown it yet. However based on putting it outside the house, I am able to lock on 5 satellites only. Seems not as good as a full size neo 7 I have for my pixhawk.
Tony Kenward March 6, 2015 at 8:23pm

Hector, thank you for that input. I am waiting on my micro APM from BangGood now. Are you able to get PPM input now?

Erik, search for the PPM hex file for the APM; it's not official (written by a Russian guy?), but it does work.

Jun, that previous micro GPS module was discontinued for those reasons; watch the video on HobbyKing on the APM micro set.
Jun Yamog March 6, 2015 at 3:31pm

Ok to answer my own question. It seems I need to cut SJ10 jumper to use the external magnometer.

I tried to connect the micro neo6m gps. Seems I can only connect 4 satellites, as opposed to my neo7 which would get 7-11 satellites.

Is this normal? my readings are:

gpsstatus 3

gpshdop 3.96

satcount 4
Jun Yamog March 6, 2015 at 1:50pm

I am currently setting up mine right now. Things that I have discovered. I have a pixhawk clone (HK Pilot 32), I was thinking to use the power module of the pixhawk. These have smaller pins, anyway I will just use the PDB that came with this.

From what I know the other APM will need to cut something so it uses the external magnometer that is on the GPS. Is this still true of this board? Or can you do it on software like the pixhawk? Thanks.
Erik Suit March 6, 2015 at 1:40pm

Hector, care to elaborate the process a little more? I'm struggling here with the same thing and it is my first APM (third model in fact) and would really appreciate some help, guide or something..

I have this HKpilot micro APM board and D4R-II receiver on a tricopter - would like to get CPPM from receiver to APM
hector hind February 8, 2015 at 1:08am

Ok thought id post this to help anyone else wishing to update there PPM encoder

Jump to Ground

Then short these pads for a second to force it into dfu mode for flip
hector hind February 6, 2015 at 11:16pm

Got mine afew days ago , alot smaller then you think when you get it in hand.

also Hobbyking are currently in breach of creative commons license as there is no Cad files in there files section

this disappoints me as i plan on upgrading the ppm encoder to the unofficial sbus hex
ronhogwarts January 30, 2015 at 6:43am

Well you can still update parameters and fly it, just not download logs, or add new firmware. I think they really should have used a jumper instead of requiring cutting off a track, it is always quite risky.
Thomas Hazel January 30, 2015 at 6:23am

It seems I may have damaged the board. Bad news is that USB communication is affected, but the good news is that the telemetry radio communication works. It seems that the on board compass is still connected, too. I'm concerned about making further cuts. Thanks for your help.
ronhogwarts January 30, 2015 at 12:24am

Firstly make sure you're using 115200 baud rate if using USB, or 57600 if using the telemetry radio. If you are then try the other. I assume you're using the latest version of mission planner. When you did the cut did you go deep? You're only supposed to cut the surface track, if you went into the board too far you may have cut some vital communication unfortunately.

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