Project using Ardupilot, XBee, XYZ sensors and GPS modules

Hi all!
I am currently doing a project on airplanes using Ardupilot for a start. I found that DIY drones is a big resources area for me to read but there are too much things to look at.
I have started with soldering of the ardupilot board. Do i need to solder the pin D13? I am seeing some pages soldering it and some don't.

I have an objective on making the airplane flying autopilot.
As my airplane requires 4 channel : 1 for aileron, 2 for elevator, 3 for throttle, 4 for rudder, I do not have an extra channel from my transmitter for the CTRL pin. I am using a 4ch transmitter and 6ch receiver http://www.jethobby.com.sg/cgi-bin/ezsite/prod/manager.cgi?action=show&pid=742&cid=31&idx=1&gid=9. I was suppose to connect either channel 5/6 of the receiver to the CTRL pin, is there any alternative ways that i can do to allow my plane to fly auto pilot? (Wish there is some other ways other than buying a new 6 channel transmitter).

For more information, I am using Cessna TW 747-1 airplane for my project currently.

What do I need to add in the program so that I am able to control channel4(rudder) together with channel1 and 2? In the Arduino default files, there is a program "SERVO SWEEP", but it only works for channel 1 and 2.

I am totally new to Ardupilot programming. Can someone give me a manual/guide for the programming?
I saw many type of source codes in the source code page, but i am not sure what and which to use.
I've downloaded the "ArduPilot_2_7_beta3", "Test Suite" and "ArduPilot_EasyStar_V24" which i read from some different guides. But i am not sure how to use them.

I clicked the Serial Monitor for viewing but what is shown is some weird characters.
What am i suppose to see in the Serial Monitor? How to i choose the BAUD?

I am stuck currently with my Ardupilot, which is my first step of project, so I have not move to the GPS, XBEE and XYZ sensors yet. My project is due about 4 Months later, am i able to complete the project? I have 2 partners working with me currently.

Please give me some comment. Thanks in advance! (:

You need to be a member of diydrones to add comments!

Join diydrones

Comments

Darren Ng August 5, 2010 at 10:19pm

thanks Fab ^_^ I've been reading on that. the document i found is something i found recently. Anyway, i will take note and will be using the google ardupilot. ^_^
http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/project-using-ardupilotred
AVS August 5, 2010 at 9:10am

and use this page for a link to the most current (tested) source and for overview instructions. The page is the page you see when you click ArduPilot>ArduPilot Home from the menu at the top of this site.
AVS August 5, 2010 at 9:07am

Darren,

I would not use the document that you found. It isn't obvious how to find the real ardupilot wiki so here is a link

I suggest you use the link, things will become clearer :) Good luck
Darren Ng August 5, 2010 at 6:53am

Sorry~ i will take note in future.. https://docs.google.com/View?id=ddjmqgw3_1dr5ppggn showing D13 soldered.
http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot/wiki/SolderingBoard showing D13 blanked
ok i will get a 6ch rc set as soon as possible.
need more help on the codings! ^_^
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson August 5, 2010 at 6:36am

Darren, questions should be asked in the discussion forum, not as a blog post. Since a moderator mistakenly approved this, I'll leave it up, but for future reference please use the forum.

Could you point me to that page in the manual where it says to solder/use pin D13?

And yes, you will need at least a 5ch RC set. Transmitters are cheap (see hobbyking.com)

This reply was deleted.