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We are glad to announce the release of a micro navigation and control module to serve as an autopilot for UAVs/MAVs. NavStik is one of the smallest and most powerful such platforms available with open-source RTOS based software/drivers that can be used for a variety of applications related to mobile robotics.

This module is intended for use by researchers and hobbyists. All the firmware and drivers are available in open-source to help users start building their applications, quickly.

Key features of this module are:

• 3-axis Accelerometer
• 3-axis Gyroscope
• 3-axis Magnetometer
• Barometer (Static Pressure Sensor)
• GPS
• Temperature Sensors for Temperature Compensation of Sensor Data
• Cortex M4 Based Microcontroller (STM32F4: 32 bit, 168 MHz)
• Onboard SPI Flash with 16 Mb Memory
• Connectors for Interface Board (required for power and interface to external world)
• Connectors for Gumstix Overo® (optional - available from Gumstix; for power intensive applications)
• Connector for GPS Antenna (optional; required for GPS applications)
• Differential Pressure Sensor (optional; for air-speed estimation)
• Power Regulators and Switches (for programatically controlling power to subsections)

Interface board (IvyPRO) provides following additional features:

• 12 PWM channels: In/Out Reconfigurable
• Micro-SD Card Support
• Telemetry Port (UART)
• 2 Full-Speed USB Ports (one can be used for firmware upload)
• Port for Spektrum Receiver (UART)
• Gumstix Overo® UART and USB (2 nos) ports
• Debug Port (for connection to IvyGS for JTAG debugging and console)
• Onboard current measurement
• Battery voltage monitor
• Efficient DC-DC converter for wide input voltage range (4.5 V - 14 V)
• Automatic power switching between USB and Battery
• ESD and short-circuit protection

The ground-station board (IvyGS) connects to the interface board using the debug cable, and provides these functions:

• JTAG debugging
• NavStik console
• Overo® console
• Telemetry port for GCS (UART)

A suitable interface board may be selected based on the application. A debugging (JTAG) and ground-control-station board (with telemetry interface and console) is also available. For more details please checkout the community portal: http://www.navstik.org. Limited boards are now available and can be ordered from the NavStik store: http://www.navstik.com.

We look forward to feedback from the research and hobbyist community on NavStik and how would they want it to evolve. Please do leave your comments below or write to us at info@navstik.org.