{"id":335,"date":"2009-06-18T10:53:28","date_gmt":"2009-06-18T08:53:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.verticallimits.nl\/?page_id=335"},"modified":"2015-02-18T18:10:32","modified_gmt":"2015-02-18T16:10:32","slug":"easystar-uav","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.verticallimits.nl\/?page_id=335","title":{"rendered":"PHASE 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

EasyStar UAV\u00a0with Return-To-Launch autopilot<\/h3>\n

To get the autopilot up an running as\u00a0trouble free as possible\u00a0I opted to use the same system as the guys from DIYdrones. They\u00a0had great succes with the Multiplex Easystar and the code they release has been optimised for this airframe. So it’s better to start with a proven design, get it up and working after which I will alter it to my paraglider needs.<\/p>\n

13.07.10<\/strong> – Succes!! Both Return To Launch as well as AUTO pilot with waypoints worked. I shot 2 videos with my phone hence the poor quality.<\/p>\n

Return To Launch: 13072010009<\/a><\/p>\n

AUTO pilot (waypoints): 13072010010<\/a><\/p>\n

11.07.10<\/strong> – Uploaded Ardupilot 2.6. Got GPS lock back. Also removed pin D13 – design flaw.\u00a0Did some ground test to look for revesed servo’s after which some \u00a0flight tests took place. Stabilisation seems to work with the standard settings. Fly by wire – no idea yet what this flight mode would do but too much wind made flight mode\u00a0unpredictable.\u00a0The ArduPilot Manual is an excellent resource. Throttle is manual. I still need to solder the extra wire.<\/strong><\/p>\n

14.02.10<\/strong> – Uploaded Ardupilot 2.5 RC2. No luck but airframe tester seems to work OK.\u00a0Configure 3 position switch as per manual for fail safe through throttle chanel.<\/p>\n

Field setup:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Check the Remove Before Fly plug is connected<\/li>\n
  2. Power on<\/li>\n
  3. Twitch servos to indicated startup has begun<\/li>\n
  4. Begin looking for a GPS fix – Flash the blue LED until a fix<\/li>\n
  5. Set the Blue LED to solid to indicate a GPS fix<\/li>\n
  6. Twitch servos once<\/li>\n
  7. Calibrate Radio Trims (and optionally XY IR sensors)<\/li>\n
  8. Twitch servos until Remove before Fly pin is removed<\/li>\n
  9. Save home location and flight settings to memory<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To configure your radio, wait for the GPS to get a fix and the servos to twitch. Move your control stick to the extreme corners to recored the full range of motion of your servos. Then hold the stick in any corner for 2 seconds to exit this setup.<\/p>\n

    Need to check out debug mode and plot in Google Earth. If plane does not apprear in Google Earth try switching language to English.<\/p>\n

    http:\/\/www.tchartdev.com\/<\/a>\u00a0– csv2kml,\u00a0\u00a0a free utility to convert csv files to kml format.<\/p>\n

    09.10.09<\/strong> – Finally after so many little things to solve I was able to get a GPS lock. Apparently my shield is not transmitting the GPS signal to the Ardupilot. The solder joints of the small connector needed to be re-oldered.\u00a0Now it’s time to integrate the autopilot to my easystar airframe.<\/p>\n

    Note: to check the GPS\u00a0you can connect you uBlox to the PC directly using your FTDI cable, follow this:<\/p>\n