Comments

• Moderator

  David Anders February 8, 2013 at 1:08pm

  Hi Thomas,

  The process to build a hex is almost identical to the quad (just add 2 more legs), so it should be quite straight forward.  However, the recommendation to start your own discussion is a good one and then we can answer your specific questions.

  Cheers,
  David.
• 

  Aeropixel February 8, 2013 at 8:39am

  Hi Thomas.

  Here's the info about the ports you should use for your gimbal and how to configure it in the Mission Planner.

  http://code.google.com/p/arducopter/wiki/AC2_Camera

  Perhaps it would be better if you started a new discussion within this forum specific to your issue. It'll be more organized, searcheable and easier to answer your questions.

  Best regards.

  António Cabral
• 

  Reto February 7, 2013 at 8:54pm

  @Xomby: manual of your Rx p. 6 states following. Could it be the cause of your problem?
  "Because of the built-in regulator the AR7100/AR7100R has a minimum recommended operational battery voltage of 5.5 volts and is designed to use 6-volt 5-cell NiMH, 7.2-volts 6-cell NiMH or 7.4-volt 2-cell LiPo batteries. (Higher voltage should be used only if the servos are compatible.) While the AR7100 will continue to operate down to 3.5 volts, the AR7100/ AR7100R features a built-in 5.2-volt regulator for the Rudder, Aux 2, Gear 2, Throttle 2 channels output. A 4-cell 4.8-volt battery will not provide sufficient headroom (voltage margin) to maintain a 5.2 regulated voltage. Regulated outputs are provided to allow the gyro, gyro gain and throttle to be operated at the necessary lower voltage while the cyclic servos (aileron, elevator and pitch) are powered directly by the pack voltage (typically 5-cell 6-volt NiMH or if high voltage compatible servos are used 2-cell 7.4-volt LiPo batteries)."
• 3D Robotics

  Chris Anderson February 7, 2013 at 3:01pm

  Xonby: Use the Power Module with your LiPo. It's the best way to power the board. 
• Xomby February 7, 2013 at 2:50pm

  Hey Chris,

  Yes, I see I confused things a bit.   I was just TRYING to do the setup calibration with my Rx battery connected, because it was not working with only USB connected.  I do not plan to have an Rx battery once this thing is flying.   I think I read some post that said possibly the receiver may not have enough consistent power through the Arducopter only.

  I'm at the very initial stages of configuration and have not yet connected my LiPo's or anything.   I did get the Power Module with my kit and will be using that.

  So, should I try this initial calibration using my LiPo battery?

  Hope this helps,

  Xomby
• 3D Robotics

  Chris Anderson February 7, 2013 at 12:53pm

  Xomby: I'm a little confused by your power setup. What do mean by "Rx battery"? Typically copters don't have that. Also, are you using the APM Power Module? If not the little JP1 jumper that came with APM should be on. 
• Xomby February 7, 2013 at 12:44pm

  Hey Chris and Group,

  I am having a similar problem as Thomas Mc Grory.  The only difference is I got the Hexa-B kit, have assembled everything according to the manual.  I am at the "setup" step where I am to calibrate my tx/rx channels.

  I have a JR 9303 2.4 radio system and am using a Spektrum 7100 receiver (JR and Spektrum are interchangeable as most know).

  When my receiver is connected to the Arducopter, it just doesn't react at all.   I have tried when only connected to the USB power from the computer.   I have also tried with my Rx battery connected directly to my receiver (power from the Arducopter is also connected).    

  The receiver light will not come on when connected with EITHER power scenario.

  I saw a guy on YouTube that had the same problem, but he says he just changed wires from the 5 way connector wire designed for the Arducopter to Receiver connections.  Oh, I have put tone to the 5 way connector wires mentioned above, everything appears to be solid there.

  Any advice?

  Thanks,

  Xomby 
• 3D Robotics

  Chris Anderson February 7, 2013 at 7:04am

  Thomas, do you mean you bought it with a Spectrum RC included, and the transmitter and receiver are unbound?
• 

  Emin Bu February 2, 2013 at 5:21am

  no,hexa with payload of 2,3 or more kg wont stay in air if lose one motor...teorethicly answer is yes,but when u lose motor brain is not capable of reacting so fast...Y6 frame and octa X8 frame could survive one motor loss,octa maybe with two...been there than that with normal hexa..my one also have trust enough for 9kg,but when u lose motor hexa make salto mortale on the side where is that motor...
• Randy Brazeau February 1, 2013 at 12:55pm

  Wow...that's a good payload. Perhaps flight time is measured in seconds. I have a friend that's thinking about shooting some video. Asking me what he would need, quad, hex or octo. My experience is a GoPro. Perhaps 10 minutes of flight time.