Sonar ALT_Hold Issue

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Hello there,

Yesterday, i added a new senor onto my quad, MaxSonar MB1260 XL for better altitude hold. Before attaching and re-uploading the ArduCopter 2.7.3 onto the APM 2. I erased and reset the board. And then attached sonar as described in the wiki manual. And uploaded the code and followed all initial steps (Of course i enabled the sonar). Everything went smooth. 

Next step, time for test fly. It flew great in Stable mode. However, as soon as i toggled the ALT_Hold switch ON. Quad started acting strange. It kept climbing higher n higher and suddenly dropped out of nowhere. Luckily i managed to control by toggling the switch back to stable mode.

I have checked everything couple of times now. All connection looks good. Mission Planner looks ok. I don't know what the problem. Your help would be so much helpful. I have attached couple of videos below. Please take a look at them. If you need any other information let me know. Thank you.

Quad Setup:

  • DJI F450 Frame
  • HackerStyle 20-22L Motors
  • Turnigy TY-P1 25Amps ESC (Flashed with SimonK firmware)
  • ArduCopter 2.7.3
  • MB1260 XL - Sonar 
  • 4000mah 20C 3Cell Battery
  • DX7 with AR7000 
  • Using one of four ESCs to provide power to the APM 2. 

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Cheers,

-Keyur

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Comments

  • Michael, in my experience, if the copter just keeps climbing and climbing, you probably have noise or vibration causing false returns.  It makes the APM think that it is close to the ground, so it ends up climbing endlessly.

    The shielded wire and filter, and all the baro problems result in a more random wandering up/down and spikes on the motors.  But if it just climbs endlessly, probably a vibration issue.  That's just my experience.

  • Kur, the resistor looks fine.  The capacitor is rated at a way higher voltage than you need.  This makes it bigger, but otherwise isn't a big deal. 10V rating is plenty, I think even 6.5V could be fine?

  • jasonshort

    If you post the Flash Logs I can help. Most likely your sonar is blocked.

    You should make sure you have flown in Stabilize for about 10 seconds to narrow in on your throttle hold center point for any alt hold.

    Jason

    I have created a zip file of all the logs files found in the Program Files/APM Planner/logs folder. LOL. Here is the zip: http://www.mediafire.com/?1di6oshtdc9m87k

  • I have this same exact problem with my APM 1.  Check your sonar on the ground through Mission Planner.  Mine flickers anywhere between a half meter difference.  My system came to me ready to fly from jDrones.  When it came to me it flew perfect, truly a wonder to see.  I have built my own frame with enclosure which I have transfered my jDrones system to.  You described how mine flies; perfect in stabilize then in alt hold if it above two meters it drifts slow and stable up an up.  At low alt it bouces around violently.

  • R_Lefebvre, Should i go ahead and buy these from RadioShack or you recommend something else? 

    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102510

    http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062338#

    XL-Filter.jpg?width=450

    Chris, Yes, i already have the enclosure for the APM 2. I will try that first and see how it goes. :)

  • 3D Robotics

    I'm also thinking that you'll want to shield the baro sensor. The airflow vortex created from the props really throws off altitude reading if you don't have the board in its enclosure, or don't cover it with a cotton pad. I'd recommend you get the enclosure. In the meantime, cover the sensor as shown here

  • R_Lefebvre,

    Is this wiki to add the power supply filter mods? "Adding Power Protection to APM 2.0" or you are referring to something else? If so, can you please link me to it?

    And i believe, i don't need a shielded wire for the sonar. I have seen many people using the servo cable for their sonar. Is it really necessary to use shielded wire [asking because i don't have one ;)]

    Cheers

  • First, the obvious problems:

    You have not done the power supply filter mods, this means adding a resistor and capacitor to the supply lines.  These mods are described in a number of places.  Second, you don't have a shielded wire for the sonar.  It needs to be.

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