Episode 48 – Waypoint Navigation Test
Visit www.MyGeekShow.com to see how to build the Nova! This week I tested the Ardupilot’s waypoint and autopilot functionality, and it had mixed results, which I now have identified as total user error. Go figure. The waypoint feature performed as good as it could, it struggled a bit as my GPS module only has about a 25% view of the sky, which is clearly not ideal. I’m working now on a better mounting location that will give it 100% view. Why do I think it’s the GPS mounting location? 1.) Its mounted in a location that only gives it a 25% view of the sky, that alone is bad. 2.) I’ve since gone out and flown it, and the GPS couldn’t get a lock for like 5 minutes. I moved the APM and GPS out of it’s mounting location and into a full view of the sky, and it got a lock in like 20 seconds, really really fast. So clearly its got such a bad mounting location that it may not even connected as it is. 3.) After improving it’s mounting location even just a little bit, it flew much, much better. That flight (just made yesterday) will appear on next week’s episode. So far so good. I am in total love with the APM and mission planner. Thank you DIYDrones for the awesome equipment and software! Equipment Used: Airplane: Scratch-built Nova, see www.MyGeekShow.com for plans and build instructions Motor www.hobbypartz.com ESC: www.hobbyking.com Batt: www.hobbyking.com Servos: www.hobbypartz.com Prop: www.hobbyking.com Stats: Weight: 32 oz Thrust: 21 oz Wing Area: 3.33 square feet Wing …
Looks great! I was wondering if the ArduPilot has any logging capability. Maybe you could see what mode it was in when. The first wandering part, it might just be trying to get a fix on its location before it heads off. Also, I wonder how many satellites the GPS has lock on during flight. If there was drift, or if the location fix improved over time, the plane might think it was needing to make course corrections. Nice work!
Try to set the failsafe to RTL so if it loses signal on it’s own it will return to launch. even if you r out of range it will come back to you.
Hi mygeekshow, I was just wondering what setup you have(motor, batt, etc.) on this plane. thanks
how much does it cost?
Nice video. I have also build your Nova. It flies REALLY good. I will post my vid as a video response.. (BTW, I have pics on your forum, and PM’ed you, but I haven’t seen any reply from you.)
I agree, you need to set the failsafe on your RX to RTL on signal loss. Consult the manual on your radio to find out to do this.
Looks like you might need to adjust the PID settings to suit your particular plane as well to prevent the wander between waypoints.
what prop size can i put on this bird …??
@adit1001able I use an 8×4, and that is the maximum (8 inches) it will allow without modification of the plans. Thanks!
@basadia Agreed on both counts! My radio doesn’t have a failsafe setting (I don’t think) and it’s something I’ll look into. PID setting adjustment sounds way cool, I’ve seen that screen and read a little about it, but not messed with it yet. Thanks!
@elmardus I’m PM’ing you back!
@rinureal The APM board kit is $250, but don’t let that scare you, you’ve got to visit their site @ diydrones (dot) com as it has tons of features beyond what I’ve shown so far.
@ds2626 Great question. I’ve added all that info in the description section of this video. Thanks!
@BankheadRC Agreed… I’m in the process of learning how to do that now. Thanks!
@12robot345 It does! Its data logging is very detailed and has a high recording frequency, I’ve just got to sit down and figure out how to get that data downloaded and analysed. I believe you’re right on the wondering piece, my GPS is poorly mounted (it’s buried pretty far into the airplane) and that is most likely the cause of this issue. Easily fixed though! Thanks!
You should consider using Dragon Link for anything beyond 2000 feet of your base.
Trend, you should get Turnigy 9x V2 firmware (FlySky FS-TH9X if you buy it from hobby partz but I think it’s V1) it’s really cheap and you can use your R6B receivers you already have. Or buy a FrSky module and swap it out for better range/reception, but FrSky rx are a bit more expensive.
is there a way to make a very cheap adopilot frum the red ardupilot bord could i buy sensers and pu them on it and that be the giro
i have thar problem to and i trying to get my ham radio licence to try to use thr ham radio as a radio and it is good cus u can do more stufe if u have that licence and u can fly very long ways.O and im having alot of trulbe making the wings becas i do not have a hot wire cuter.wat type of stringe do u use for the hot wire cuter
Why Do You Need FPV When You Have The Programmable GPS Flight Computer On Board? Just Wondering Why You Need Both Systems?
Thank You!
@TheRocketboy12
Yes, but It is very outdated, nobody supports it anymore.
And even doing it with the ~$30 ardupilot would end up costing more than the ardupilot Mega after you buy the cheapest workable sensors.
I would say that the APM v2.0 Is the cheapest, because it has all sensors built in, and the most support (it is growing at least)