Size comparison: ArduPilot Mega vs ArduPilot

Many of you have asked for a side-by-side comparison of ArduPilot Mega and basic ArduPilot, so here it is. Note that with Mega, we moved the servo and GPS connectors to horizontal rather than vertical placement, to make them more robust in the case of a crash. As you can see, the main processor in ArduPilot, an Atmega328, is just handling RC input and the failsafe function on Mega, while the main CPU has been upgraded to an Atmega1280, with more than twice as many I/O pins. In a sense, every chip has been upgraded to their big brother on Mega to handle more channels, sensors and communications paths. Basic ArduPilot, especially with the Turn-Rate Limiter Shield, will continue to be sold and will be the best plug-and-play solution for newcomers, while Mega will offer more capability for more advanced users.

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Comments

Paul January 23, 2010 at 3:45pm

I did some measuring in GIMP and I see the board would be approximately: 68x39 in mm. Is that accurate?
Earl January 23, 2010 at 9:21am

Big is good. Makes people pay attention. Good move Jordi.
Earl
Developer

Jordi Muñoz January 22, 2010 at 9:05pm

Earl you got the diode. I know the diode is huge but is the only one i had on stock. ;-)
Earl January 22, 2010 at 5:33pm

Looks like its there in upper right of picture. Black,round with white band.
Earl
Admin

Morli January 22, 2010 at 5:24pm

Earl, I had requested Jordi for it( idiot proof power input) if possible in mockup thread , But I think there is no space for it
Earl January 22, 2010 at 5:10pm

Protection diode for reverse polarity ?
Earl
Admin

Morli January 22, 2010 at 5:02pm

Mega looks twice the area of ardu pilot. Moving the servo and GPS to horizontal placement is good Idea Chris.

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