Hi everyone!
I'm not affiliated with the OpenPilot project, but I figured it couldn't hurt to spread the knowledge - the OpenPilot Revolution ('Revo') platform is available for a limited time (orders close on November 5th).
The Revo is a very capable flight controller, based on the STM32F4 MCU, with a great IMU, built-in telemetry radio and a 5hz GPS.
I suggest you head on to http://www.openpilot.org for more information, but the basic costs are under 200$ for a complete kit (flight controller with onboard radio and GPS + ground station radio module).
Comments
If it is really being done out of altruism, and they aren't interested in a profit, why not just release the board files and let people source their own?
Anyway, I don't get it. But it's not by project.
I just don't want this to turn into an us vs. them flamefest, which has happened elsewhere.
Guys please, let's not turn this into a bashing thread.
They produce a solid program, and they have a different perspective on how to handle the hardware. I would have bought one myself when I got started, but I couldn't so... here I am.
It is what it is. No need for flames.
Ita, the MPU6000 is already doing the oversampling and filtering internally. So I'm not sure how much advantage there would be there.
Being able to run an EKF might be, however. Also true 400Hz ESC updating.
Anyway, I'm glad they finally will bring something to market, a lot of people have been waiting a long time.
If all you're after is manual flying - you don't need a 32 bit MCU.
You might not even need a 6 DoF IMU.
If you want greater autonomy, you need better sensors and better algorithms.
This is why several autopilot platforms have moved to the STM32F4 - it has a really fast MCU (168Mhz), with hardware floating point, and a very fast ADC - so it is finally possible to oversample your sensors and use the best attitude estimation and control algorithms (those can easily eat up your resources).
TL;DR - it's not for everyone, but if your use case can benefit from the better accuracy - you'll feel the difference.
Well... from flying APM2, Naza GPS, KK 2.0 and CC3D, I'm pretty excited about this. CC3D is easily the best flying board of the 4, all be it without the features of the APM2 and Naza. This will put it in line with the features of APM with more stable flight (IMO).
If it's anything like the OP CC3D I have it will be AWESOME!!!!!
Just a few quick notes, since I may not have clear enough -
* The Revo platform is very much in 'beta' state. It may still have bugs lurking around, and you will probably have to deal with problems at some point. This is not a commercial product with dedicated support personnel.
* This is a 'kickstarter' style campaign run by the OpenPilot project. It will take at least 8 weeks to ship.
* I am not affiliated with the OpenPilot project in any way, other than being a happy OpenPilot user. I suggest you do not rely on anything I have said - and get your information straight from the openpilot.org site and/or forums (http://forums.openpilot.org).
Happy Flying!
Itamar