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?

Hi Frank,

First of all, check out wire connections, specially double crimped wires. In my MicroOSD there were some cables touching each other just in the connector because a bad insulation. I think that this kind of connections are not a good idea with connectors so small like MicroOSD ones.

I also have a lot of problems with my Micro OSD, that have an poor and instable performance. Some times (its very frecuent) OSD display no value data until I established telemetry connection with Ground Station. I don't know why because It should work as a standalone device (although I have no ground station). Once I stablished telemetry connection MicroOSD update parameters values. It is also common that OSD don't display anything in first connection if I don't push reset button. And the last strange problem is that sometimes, when OSD is working well, its get crazy and show a full screen of random characters (like Matrix, the movie). I am very disappointed with this MicroOSD.

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Comments

Darren Eger March 10, 2016 at 11:30pm

Does anyone know how to access the OSD and configure it? The minim GUI uses a FTDI adapter that won't work with this unit without cutting cables etc. How are others setting it up?
Tony Kenward November 8, 2015 at 7:39pm

Nick, that module is not going to be useful for inflight telemetry.

That being said, I did increase the range slightly by soldering on two thin gauge wires to the pads at the ends of the PCB antenna. I might get 25' now, but I don't rely on Mavlink for this little hex. It's just convenient for uploading and downloading from the computer before launch. I have OSD and FrSky telemetry while it's in the air.

sorry I couldn't be more encouraging.
Nick November 8, 2015 at 7:34pm

This micro telemetry module is total crap.
I can't get more than 10 feet without it cutting out.
No way its 100mw. More like 10mw.

Is there a way to add an external antenna, instead of this PCB integrated version?
Frank Vitale October 12, 2015 at 11:06am

Also, you tried to reconfigure your odd as well as latest firmware.
Frank Vitale October 12, 2015 at 11:04am

Are you using the HK micro 3.1
Frank Vitale October 12, 2015 at 11:03am

That's a shame. I might try the capacitor between pos and neg. the guy on Hobbyking discussion said that straightened everything out because it stops voltage fluctuations in surges
Eladio L. García de la Morena October 12, 2015 at 10:21am

Hi Frank,

Good luck. I have no OSD data at this moment, after two hours trying to fly with my quad without success. After repeating all the problems that I told you in my last post, now I can't recover OSD, even with a reset of the system, switching it off/on, etc. I am really bored about this OSD and I am just buying a MiniOSD from Bangood at this moment.
Frank Vitale October 12, 2015 at 6:18am

I also heard with this OSD you must gang all of the grounds together and put a capacitor in between the positive and negative. I saw thatin a Hobbyking discussion.that discussion also shows the value of a capacitor and he claims that it stabilizes fluctuations in voltage and current. having said that I am NOT going to try that until I configure my OSD
Frank Vitale October 12, 2015 at 6:14am

thank you for the response but I have checkedall of my connections. I have also disconnected and reconnected and reset at least 10 times.. what I have not done is try to configure the OSD which might be the problem. I might have to change the camera settings such as pal and so forth. I do not have enough TDI which is on the way.. I will keep you posted and let you know what happens. once again thank you for your quick response.
Eladio L. García de la Morena October 12, 2015 at 3:36am

Hi Frank,

First of all, check out wire connections, specially double crimped wires. In my MicroOSD there were some cables touching each other just in the connector because a bad insulation. I think that this kind of connections are not a good idea with connectors so small like MicroOSD ones.

I also have a lot of problems with my Micro OSD, that have an poor and instable performance. Some times (its very frecuent) OSD display no value data until I established telemetry connection with Ground Station. I don't know why because It should work as a standalone device (although I have no ground station). Once I stablished telemetry connection MicroOSD update parameters values. It is also common that OSD don't display anything in first connection if I don't push reset button. And the last strange problem is that sometimes, when OSD is working well, its get crazy and show a full screen of random characters (like Matrix, the movie). I am very disappointed with this MicroOSD.

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