We've been describing ArduPilot as a navigation-only autopilot and saying that it needs the FMA Co-Pilot to provide stabilization. But that's actually not true--we just hadn't written the stabilization code yet. ArduPilot is powerful enough to handle both functions, something that Jordi proved this week with his ArduPilot-powered FunJet.
The above picture shows all the elements (click for a larger version): A FMA X-Y sensor is connected to two of ArduPilot's analog inputs. The four wires in the FMA sensor cable are, in order, roll, pitch, 5v, gnd. Connect roll to ArduPilot's analog 0 port and pitch to analog 1.
This is an example of how flexible the basic ArduPilot hardware is. It's the exact same board, but with different code and sensors added on the analog ports. We're going to add an airspeed sensor, too, and other goodies over time. You can do a lot with this little board!
Here is the alpha code, which is just so you can see the basics of how he did it. It's got the GPS stuff stripped out, but Jordi also has a working version with a 5Hz UBlox GPS.
For the public beta, we'll use a 3-channel EasyStar, rather than the FunJet, and the standard 1Hz EM406 GPS. The FunJet is, well, fun, but hard to fly (Jordi crashed it three times this week alone!) and not for everyone, and we want to stick with the simplest, easiest to use equipment for our main releases. Stay tuned.
Jordi,
How difficult was it to solder to the connector pins on the gps, I have been waiting for sparkfun to come out with a breakout board but who know when (if) they will.
Because the protocol, baud speed, precision, refresh rate, size, quality, antenna, and i'm sure many more reasons... But don't worry i will make a version (less reliable) based on em406 too.
I just joined, great work guys! I am working on a solar uav project and planning to get the uav to fly for about 200Kms.
It's a educational project. In the preface, I refer "Thank God for Internet!" We will publish everything once its out and working. We will never forget all those who have also contributed in enlarging our knowledge.
I was using u-center and receiving GPS information directly... Yes is a mini 9 and is pretty good below the sun... But i recommend you the ASUS EEE, cost 350dlls in target, (cheaper than mini 9), mini 9 the keyboard, and pad are pure garbage... my xbee is the UL.F version with this antenna 2.4ghz for laptop(in the bottom, cost 9.99)... yes im using Xbee explorer because i only have one FTDI, that i use to quickly program ardupilot, (im poor man!) .
Jordi,
I have a couple of questions about your ground station laptop.
1. Is it a Dell Inspiron Mini 9?
2. Do you have issues with sun glare (glossy screen)?
3. Does it run Labview even though it is an Atom processor?
4. Overall, do you think it is a good choice for an inexpensive ground station laptop?
5. What kind of antenna (any URL's would be great!) do you have connected to your xBee?
6. Is there a specific reason you are using the xBee Explorer USB adapter instead of an FTDI cable?
Comments
How difficult was it to solder to the connector pins on the gps, I have been waiting for sparkfun to come out with a breakout board but who know when (if) they will.
It's a educational project. In the preface, I refer "Thank God for Internet!" We will publish everything once its out and working. We will never forget all those who have also contributed in enlarging our knowledge.
Enjoy!
I have a couple of questions about your ground station laptop.
1. Is it a Dell Inspiron Mini 9?
2. Do you have issues with sun glare (glossy screen)?
3. Does it run Labview even though it is an Atom processor?
4. Overall, do you think it is a good choice for an inexpensive ground station laptop?
5. What kind of antenna (any URL's would be great!) do you have connected to your xBee?
6. Is there a specific reason you are using the xBee Explorer USB adapter instead of an FTDI cable?
Thanks!
Pat
any link to see that "ublox gps" specs?
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