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?

Thanks Tony - I got the hex, flashed it (all ok) - but still no luck..when trying to calibrate radio, all the values are @ 900.

I have following color wires on the ribbon that goes into lower left of the board (if usb connector is on top left):

1-3) black-red-white -> servo connector with all three pins connected (I assume this is GND(black), 5v(red), channel1(white)) - connected this to d4r-II channel 1

4) blue (this and all following to normal servo connectors with only 1 wire each crimped in)
5) yellow
6) green
7) orange
8) black
9) blue
10) yellow

I have tried shorting wires 4 & 5 (connecting them together), but what I get is still 900's.

If that might be important my d4r-II is flashed with 27ms CPPM firmware so I could use all the channels.

losing hope here :(

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Jun Yamog March 10, 2015 at 1:00pm

Zero progress yesterday. I tried to cover the Barometer with foam that is double taped with a hole in the center. Does not work, now put a tape over the board. The micro APM cases sold are for a different layout than what is sold by HK.

I also discovered some jello on flight. I hardly had jello on the same frame and propulsion system when I was using the Pixhawk clone hk pilot32.
Erik Suit March 9, 2015 at 2:51pm

nope, didn't help:( not 900 any more, 1500s now but still not moving:(
iskess March 9, 2015 at 12:30pm

That should do it
Erik Suit March 9, 2015 at 11:08am

on th eother hand - is it this? http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/common-autopilots/common-apm25-and...
Erik Suit March 9, 2015 at 11:06am

iskess, thanks for your input! any idea where i can find the original hex? sorry, i dont even know how to start looking for it :(
Tony Kenward March 9, 2015 at 9:13am

Jun, it looks like you are the DIYDrones lead test case for the micro. Keep us informed on your progress; as will we.

Hector, ARRGGH!, I too am having SBUS difficulties now. I upgraded (reluctantly?) to 3.2.1 over the weekend on my APM 2.5, and now all I get is 900s on the radio cal page. If I have to re-flash with Flip, then I will have to remove the flight board. I guess that will be my next step. Like you, I don't want to put this thing in a mini without SBUS input of 14 channels (yes, I am greedy that way). Don't lose hope Hector, we always find the (obvious!) solution eventually.
iskess March 9, 2015 at 1:51am

Shorting wires #4 & 5 (Ch. 2&3) should work fine with a D4R-II without any need to upload a .hex. You only need to do that if you are using the SBUS output from the X series FRSky. You need to put it back the way you got it.
It also works fine after flashing the D4R-II with the 27ms CPPM firmware.
Did you jumper Channel 3&4 on the D4R-II?
I haven't gotten my micro APM yet to test, but I have heard reports on RCG that it works fine.
Jun Yamog March 9, 2015 at 1:49am

I got mine flying. Not very impressed, however this is because the quad copter used to have a pixhawk clone hk pilot32.

My GPS has improved despite not being on a mast, just directly mounted on the frame. I do get 9 satellites, 1.7 hdop. But at times it drops to 7 satellites and 2.5 hdop.

I tried to use the PID on the pixhawk, doesn't work. Oscillates too much. Did an autotune, I had to still turn down some settings. I also have to dial down Throttle accel, as it keeps on spinning up and down the motors.

I also had to make a cover for the barometer, as the APM micro case I got does not work with HK board. Seems what is sold as 3.1 micro APM is slightly different from what HK provides.
Erik Suit March 9, 2015 at 12:44am

Thanks Tony - I got the hex, flashed it (all ok) - but still no luck..when trying to calibrate radio, all the values are @ 900.

I have following color wires on the ribbon that goes into lower left of the board (if usb connector is on top left):

1-3) black-red-white -> servo connector with all three pins connected (I assume this is GND(black), 5v(red), channel1(white)) - connected this to d4r-II channel 1

4) blue (this and all following to normal servo connectors with only 1 wire each crimped in)
5) yellow
6) green
7) orange
8) black
9) blue
10) yellow

I have tried shorting wires 4 & 5 (connecting them together), but what I get is still 900's.

If that might be important my d4r-II is flashed with 27ms CPPM firmware so I could use all the channels.

losing hope here :(
Tony Kenward March 7, 2015 at 5:23am

Jun, ohhhhh, that is disappointing. I have the micro GPS, and tried to use it on my APM 2.5, but it was only receiving 4 or 5 sats. Never got an HDOP lower than 3

I have the full-size antenna Neo6M ordered with the micro APM. I was hoping for better GPS locks, but honestly, this thing is going in a FPV260 Racer, so Loiter and RTL is not as important. I was hoping to get better performance in 'Drift' though. {sigh} Let's hope you got a bad unit!! hah!

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