Comments

• Developer

  Randy April 13, 2016 at 5:14pm

  @PaulNBraida,

  Maybe try loading Plane onto the broken boards?  It's possible (if you're not using a 3DR APM) that the last copter firmware meant for the AVR boards doesn't fit on it because the manufacturer has put a bootloader that's slightly too large on it.

  Also even though you can't connect via MAVLink you should still be able to upload firmware.  The issue is that Mission Planner (I assume this is what you're using) needs to first recognise the board (so it can get the correct firmware) and then it needs the board to be in bootloader mode to actually upload the firmware (the board is in bootloader mode for the first few seconds after being powered).  This means you might need to mess around a bit, connecting and disconnecting the board at the appropriate times.  I.e. plug in the board, push the MP's firmware upload button, disconnect and reconnect the board.
• Paul N Braida M.E April 13, 2016 at 8:36am

  I still need help with my two APM 2.5. On one I can upload and verify firmware but it times out connecting to Mavlink. Error no heartbeat packets received. The other APM cannot upload firmware or connect. It has the same error. The port & baud are set ok. While counting down trying to connect I can see the small amber LED flashing slowly. Voltage on the outside pins of IC 2 is ok. I changed the volt regulator.

  I'd really like to use these controllers, not just junk them.

  Thanks
• Chris Leech April 10, 2016 at 7:01pm

  ANother thing that happens is that unless you have some aluminum or kapton tape over the area you will probably blow the tiny caps and resistors off the PCB. And believe me, once they are gone, you are in a fix. Get a nice close up photo of this area to see what I mean. If you need some, I can post a few of one (APM2.6) that I am working on.
• Chris Leech April 10, 2016 at 6:58pm

    @ Paul N Braida M.E, yes you can swap out from another APM, and I have done the surgery. But you must have a hotair rework tool. And it is rather fiddely to be certain. The compass may be purchased new from Ebay in multiples of 5 for less than one from Digikey.  I believe that the M8N will work as a better solution that the Ublox 6N but not the 7. These GPS/Compass combos  can easily be purchased (Ebay), and your biggest task will be to double check the pinout and the 4 and 5 pin connectors.  I am not sure of the  offset that one would make in Mission Planner as one removes the compass from the PCB. This is a major consideration and config with the Naza M Lite and M V2. 
• 

  Cala April 10, 2016 at 6:32pm

  the easiest way is an ext compass, you can use a gps/compass one if you want, that is the APM 2.6
• Paul N Braida M.E April 10, 2016 at 6:18pm

  Can I swap out a compass from another APM?
• Paul N Braida M.E April 10, 2016 at 6:17pm

  oops! I meant external Compass.
• Paul N Braida M.E April 10, 2016 at 6:16pm

  Can I use an M8N compass/GPS unit on the APM 2.5 and configure parameters to external antenna?
• 

  Cala April 10, 2016 at 5:52pm

  You can use external compass
• Paul N Braida M.E April 10, 2016 at 5:49pm

  Looking for APM 2.5 compass help. Says bad compass health yet when connected to mavlink shows it working ok. Can compass be replaced?