Hello again! I'm not so good making intros, so imagine you just read a long and well redacted introduction of why uBlox (the best GPS ever) is so difficult to find and interface with (Specially the SparkFun version). So let's go to the point. ;-)If you are beginner please don't try to make this.Fallow this pictures in order to make the wiring (hurry!):
And this is an example of how to connect it to ArduShield, but you must configure the unit first! So continue reading for instructions.
You will need to configure uBlox module using U-center, only have to do it once, the settings will remain in the EEPROM forever. Download U-center from here and install it:http://www.ublox.com/en/evaluation-kits/u-center/u-center.htmlMake sure you supply the unit with 3.3V and interface it using the FTDI cable. When you are able to see real time data with U-center, you are ready to proceed. Click here for a u-Center user guide.Now UBX has 8 Message Class, we only use "Class 0x01" called "NAV":
Each class has "Messages ID's", we only need 3 ID's of "Class 0x01", the ones marked with blue:
If you need more information about uBlox protocols please download this uBlox_Protocol_Specification.pdf.Everything else must be disabled. Now that you know what we are trying to do, lets go with a more detailed instructions:Go to Message View by pressing F9 (menu View->messages view):
(I'm using Paparazzi instructions but modified).1. Right Click on the NMEA Text on top of the tree and choose disable child messages2. Choose UBX->CFG->NAV5(Navigation 5) - set it to use Airborne 8 <4G. This tells the Kalman filter to expect significant changes in direction.Note that this setting is only good for faster moving airplanes. For a fixed position hovering heli, 'pedestrian' setting is better3. UBX->CFG->PRT - set USART1 to 57600bps4. Change the baudrate of U-Center to 57600bps if the connection is lost at this point5. UBX->CFG->RATE(Rates) - change the Measurement Period to 250ms This gives a 4 Hz position update since 4 x 250ms is one second.6. UBX->CFG->SBAS : Disable (SBAS appears to cause occasional severe altitude calcuation errors)7. UBX->NAV (not UBX->CFG->NAV): double click on POSLLH, STATUS, VELNED. They should change from grey to black.8. UBX->CFG->CFG : save current config, click "send" in the lower left corner to permanently save these settings to the receiver.You are done!! Now plug the GPS to your ArduPilot and fly like a PRO ;-)[UPDATE:]Another great way to do it:
I am working on a quadrotor and using Ublox Neo-6m. You have suggesteded 'pedestrian mode' for a hovering heli, but I observe that in airborne mode (<1g) I have better results. Still I need some more tests to verify my observations. Also I am wondering the performance of the 'portable mode'.
Has anyone tried these mode configurations on their multicopters?
Hi ! just get my uBlox from CoolComponents (UK) the last one and the adaptor from sparkfun, everything is ok at u-center, but, everytime I disconnect the module from pc all configuration is lost, how much time do I need to leave it plugged to charge the micro battery ?
I can't remember the order of the pins on the FTDI cable, but just use jumper wires to go from the adapter board to a breadboard, and then jumper them to the appropriate pins on the FTDI cable. I seem to recall that yellow is Tx and orange is Rx, but you should check. The pics above may help.
does anyone have a ublox image i can upload to mine. my ublox was corrupted and when i reinstalled the firmware i lost all the settings and i dont see them posted anywhere. the new ucentre is different and doesnt have some of the settings were the were in your post.
thanks
Comments
Hello,
I am working on a quadrotor and using Ublox Neo-6m. You have suggesteded 'pedestrian mode' for a hovering heli, but I observe that in airborne mode (<1g) I have better results. Still I need some more tests to verify my observations. Also I am wondering the performance of the 'portable mode'.
Has anyone tried these mode configurations on their multicopters?
Thank you,
Fatih
Here is the confiq. file for ublox, you can upload it using ucenter.
Regards.
ublox5_helix_v11.txt
thanks
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