UNAV's Picopilot NAT-->do or don't?

[Connexxion]

Hey to all you guys,

Since a while (actually since oct.2006) I've been looking for a reasonably priced and well performing autopilot.
I've seen a lot passing by,but one I couldn't forget about was the Picopilot nat version of UNAV.
The specs are promising but how does it perform in the field?

I've been looking on the internet for some feedback of endusers,but couldn't find satisfying information that would make me order the AP without hesitation.

So,who has one and can tell me some good/bad news about this AP?


Thanks in advance

[d_wheel]

Hey to all you guys,

Since a while (actually since oct.2006) I've been looking for a reasonably priced and well performing autopilot.
I've seen a lot passing by,but one I couldn't forget about was the Picopilot nat version of UNAV.
The specs are promising but how does it perform in the field?

I've been looking on the internet for some feedback of endusers,but couldn't find satisfying information that would make me order the AP without hesitation.

So,who has one and can tell me some good/bad news about this AP?


Thanks in advance

You will not be disappointed with the PicoPilot equipment. It is top quality and easy to install and set up.

Later;

D.W.

[icebear]

Hello,

I agree with DW. I have been using the Picopilot NA for about 2 years now and I am really happy with it.
Check out the thread by 'workshop' (named something like Senior Telemaster + Picopilot) here for a good story about setting ut up and flying with the Picopilot.

/Icebear

[workshop]

I've set up two UAVs so far with PicoPilot. It's a smart package and does a great job. The embedded software is worth the price IMO.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=511550

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=631757

Jeff Parisse
www.teslacoil.com

[Connexxion]

Thanks for the comment you gave.

I found out it was really hard to find any one who experienced the picopilot.

Does the picopilot has any restrictions?As I recall,I read something about a maximum distance from departure point of 50 miles?Correct me if I'm wrong.
Are there any other restrictions regarding altitude and speed?

I believe I read something about a maximum speed of 50miles per hour.

[workshop]

Yes, the PicoPilot does have maximums for all or most of the parameters you mentioned. The exact data can be found at www.u-nav.com

PicoPilot's max values are WAY within reason for the type of mission that would prompt one to use a PicoPilot in the first place.

Jeff

[Connexxion]

Hi,

I just received a mail about the max distance the picopilot can handle.
It's not 50 miles from departure,but 50 miles between every waypoint!
Since the picopilot holds 32 waypoints, 50X32=1600miles in total.

I was wondering how well it performed in holding the altitude during flight.
I also read in a thread of workshop there were some issues with the picopilot holding it's speed it was engaged on.

Thanks a lot for the information you're sharing with others and keep on the good work.

[kd7ost]

Don't forget waypoint 32 isn't user accessible. When you power it up and Pico Pilot gets locks, memory slot 32 is loaded with your current location.

If you don't load any waypoints in at all, waypoint 32 still gets loaded with your location. This can be employed to prevent a fly off.

Waypoint manager in Pico Pilot skips waypoints beyond 50 miles as being wrong waypoints. It will skip right over it and go to the next waypoint. This is a built in safety feature to prevent a fat fingered programmer form sending the small UAV off into oblivion. Remember the Pico Pilot was designed for smaller planes but it can work with larger ones.

I'm not sure what you're plans are. But your excitement to have it fly 1600 miles is a little concerning. I don't think anyone has tried it but it might not come back to you. If you fly a straight line in 50 mile hops, (I would make them a little smaller for safety) when it finally makes way point 31 it might skip waypoint 32 since it won't be within the 50 mile range.

That’s a software thing though and I don't think U-nav tried to make sure that was a function. You might need to do some homework on that one.

Dan

[Connexxion]

The fact that the picopilot can do 1600miles doesn't immediatly mean I'm gonna send my 40-trainer 1600miles away.And if I did that,it would be a tremendous achievement.Imagine that. ;)

But what you're saying is that you have to keep the distance between waypoint 31 and waypoint 32 under 50 miles?

[kd7ost]

The fact that the picopilot can do 1600miles doesn't immediatly mean I'm gonna send my 40-trainer 1600miles away.And if I did that,it would be a tremendous achievement.Imagine that. ;)

But what you're saying is that you have to keep the distance between waypoint 31 and waypoint 32 under 50 miles?

I don't know. I know that 50 miles is the maximum distance between waypoints.

And that waypoint 32 is automatically loaded from where your GPS gets lock when first powered up.

I don't know how the code works if trying to go between waypoint 31 and waypoint 32 if it is beyond 50 miles. That would be a question for UNAV. As far as I know it wasn't a design parameter so I'm not going to try to guess an answer for you.

Also, we don't know you're using a .40 size trainer. You never said that until now. The answers you get will only be as good as the questions you ask.

Dan

[ThaiskyDigital]

I brought Picopilot RTL for long but untill now I can not set it to work yet.

Please help me to get more understand about how to set the jumper as photo show below

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showatt.php?attachmentid=1260509&stc=1

And also the photo below, since I remove the sticker to show what direction to put to head of aircraft then now I confuse
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showatt.php?attachmentid=1260510&stc=1

[kd7ost]

Your picture is one of two possible units. I can't see enough of them to tell which they are but can still help you.

Your direction is correct. The jumpers and wires go towards the rear of the aircraft.

As far as jumper, you likely are showing a picture of the Nav unit and not the Alt unit.

Jumper to the extreme left is for servo reversing. This doen't mean from your radio. You must set up your unit plane so when the nav unit is disabled you have correct direction. However, then you test the steering. You need the Nav unit to replicate your transmitter direction. The first jumper is for reversing your Nav unit's servo output.

The next two jumpers are for last waypoint and waypoint proximity output. You do not need them to fly.

The farthest right two are for factory programming to upgrade software if needed. Leave the jumpers in place on those two positions.

Dan

[ThaiskyDigital]

Hi Dan

Thank a lot for your info.
When I do not connect this picopilot ( Return to lunch version or RTL) I can control the servo but after I connect RTL I can not move servo, what can be it cause?

Regard

[kd7ost]

The unit has an enable connector that needs to go to a spare channel. One way on the switch turns it off and the other way turns it on. You need to ensure this is connected and that it is disabled.

What kind of Radio and receiver are you using?

Dan

[ThaiskyDigital]

Thank for info.
I use Futaba T9CHP

I connect the enable to Channel 7 and try to use Aux (VR) to control it but still not work.

Even I use other channel still can not work.

A few minute ago i desire to remove the yellow cover to see what inside.

The green board inside is Pico NAV2 which conncect with GPS uint I saw one green cable that do not connect to any point in the board.

Any thing wrong?

OH
Before I post this message , I foud that after I connect the unit and turn the radio control for long time, it show that now I can disable and enable and control the servo.

Is that it take long time to calibate>

[kd7ost]

No, don't get into the pico unit.

The problem is you're using a futaba PCM system with 3.3 vdc pulses connected to a device that uses PIC chips that require a 5 volt TTL Logic.

This thread should help you solve the integration issue.

Dan

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=668465

[ThaiskyDigital]

Thanks and please reply private message I sent to you.

Regard

[kd7ost]

When I try to your email I get prompted to go to a site to verify I'm not a spammer. I'm not going to do that. I'm afraid I'll be signing up for spam. :rolleyes:

Anyway, here's the body of the email I sent you with a picture describing what you are looking to have. I have a price quote in here too.

Dan


Tanate,

I went to the Hobby shop today to pick up some connectors. I'll include a picture of what those parts are plus the unit that I use on my own Futaba to Pico Pilot level shifter. Since you only need to level shift and not delay, you can do both channels with one chip. This unit will allow you to plug in your spare channel for the enable line and connect it up to the Pico Pilot enable. The other line can plug from you rudder output from your receiver and connect up to the rudder (or aileron) input on the pico pilot. This will replicate both pulses at the 5 vdc TTL logic needed to operate the Pico Pilot from your Futaba radio.

The two wires were 4.25 each. The chip is 2.00. I'll build it for free for you so it's only 10.50 for the part. Shipping and handling I don't know about. I think it will cost 10.00 to 12.00 to mail it to your country with packaging and any other fee's. I'll send it as a free electronic toy listed on the customs form so that sales charges or taxes won't have to apply.

That makes the whole thing about $23.00 total. Not a cheap way to get it done. You might find Servo Amp buffers in your hobby shop that will do the job but I don't know what chips were used in what brands so you would have to buy and try.

There is a token Paypal fee so if you want me to make and send one to you I would have to charge $25.00 just to break even. If you want me to do that, I will do it. Let me know.

Dan

[ThaiskyDigital]

Thank you , I also got your mail and alreay reply to your mail.

Yes I am more than happy to pay 25us$ to you please give me your paypal account in private message.

Just say " Electronic Part " that will be good, never say toy.


Regard

Tanate

[kd7ost]

Thank you , I also got your mail and alreay reply to your mail.

Yes I am more than happy to pay 25us$ to you please give me your paypal account in private message.

Just say " Electronic Part " that will be good, never say toy.


Regard

Tanate


OK Tanate,

I'll get it built today. I'll send you a PM with my paypal account information.
My only request is that when you get it and try it is that you post your results back here. ;)

Dan

[kd7ost]

I got your unit built and tested.

My PCM Futaba unit won't control the servo through the Pico Alt. It uses the same processor as the Pico Nav. With the new unit plugged in, all is normal.

You'll note that on the ends of one wire combination I put a piece of red heat shrink. Those two go together and of course the other two pair up as well.

Dan

[Connexxion]

Hi KD7OST,

it's nice to see one helping the other who lives on the other side of the world!

Thanks a lot for doing so and I hope you'll get the help you'll ask for some time.

:)

[kd7ost]

Hi KD7OST,

it's nice to see one helping the other who lives on the other side of the world!

Thanks a lot for doing so and I hope you'll get the help you'll ask for some time.

:)


;) Thanks. It comes around.

Dan

[ThaiskyDigital]

Hi KD7OST,

it's nice to see one helping the other who lives on the other side of the world!

Thanks a lot for doing so and I hope you'll get the help you'll ask for some time.

:)

Yes , your word is all what in my heart also.

Just a few post here then I got big help from him KD7OST.

Now I sent money by paypal already.

Regard

Tanate

[kd7ost]

I see it there Tanate,

I'm leaving town for the week but I got your address.
My wife will take it to the post office today. Let me know
how it works for you and best wishes.

Dan

[kd7ost]

Tanate,

The level shifter did get out in yesterdays mail. The 16th. The guy at the post office told my wife he didn't know how long it would take. He said to expect anywhere from 4 to 8 days. Let me know when you get and test it.

Thanks

Dan

[ThaiskyDigital]

Today, Monday 23
I got the product come with nice pack.
When I arrive home it already late at night, I can not wait to test. So I fix pico RTL and the level shifterม I put it to my small electrice car and went out to test.

This is the first time since I brougth Pico for long month. The first time to see it green light.

My car can return to the lunch place with the circular rooth.
Tomorrow if wind not so strong I will test it with my small electric plane, will report you the result.
Thank again for your kind helping.
I am now looking for Data Module for the next device to test.

Thank again.

[kd7ost]

Congratulations Tanate,

I'm glad to here it worked right out for you.

Dan

[Connexxion]

Oh boy,oh boy!

I ordered my Picopilot:

Your order for 1ea PICOPILOT-NA (ALT3T) was shipped 05/02/07 via:
EXPRESS MAIL INT'L XXXXXXXXXXX (thanks Mark!)

Since the Miss2 isn't really easy to get here in Europe,I'm looking for another airframe (suggestions for look-a-likes are welcome).


Will keep you guys posted.

Connexxion

[icebear]

Good luck Connexxion!

Looking forward to your reports...

And check out the guy in Germany selling Miss2's - he's really quick and cheap in shipping - where du you live?

/Icebear

[Connexxion]

Hi Bjorn,

I found one in Germany,but that one was missing the canopy (?).

Still looking for a Miss2,but there don't seem to be alot of them here in

Europe.

My location: Holland


Connexxion


Btw,where did you get yours?

[icebear]

Hi again,

I think it is the same vendor where I got mine - www.rchobbyshop.de - good service but I wounder why the canopy is missing. Just a piece of fliimsy plastic anyway - I cut away most of mine to create space for my LiPO pack!

HobbyLobby has reasonable shipping rates to Europe too - I have bought quite a few planes from them.


/Bjorn

[Connexxion]

Yes Bjorn,it's the same german.

Don't know how they lost the canopy either.

The Miss2 is easy to get in the US.

If I don't find any in EU,I'll get one from the other side of the pond.

[icebear]

Good luck - you will be happy with the flying quality of the Miss 2 for autopilot testing.

Should you choose another airframe, it would of course be intersting to know about!

The Miss2 was just a matter of plug-n-play for the Picopilot so that's why I recommend it so much.

/Bjorn

[Connexxion]

Hi Bjorn,

Thanks for the comments you gave and the time you spent for answering my questions.(And all the other guys who did also)

The picopilot is on it's way and I hope I will contribute to this forum also.

Will first follow the paved way,but will also try my own ideas and shear them offcourse with all you guys who shared yours.

As I recall,you had a daughter,didn't you?

If so,congratulations with your "Miss1"! :D

Connexxion

[icebear]

As I recall,you had a daughter,didn't you?

If so,congratulations with your "Miss1"!

Thanks a lot Connexxion! "Miss1" surely fits well :D

Good luck with your AP - looking forward to seeing your reports! Even if you, like me, try the paved way first, it is always interesting to hear about other peoples experiences and there is always something new to learn...

IBjorn

[Connexxion]

Finally received my Picopilot unit!

Still looking for a proper platform.

[icebear]

Great to hear Connexion!

Hope you'll find a good platform soon!
My Miss2 has been upgraded with a new LiPO pack now for the Lighthouse mission.
I did another 32 Wp, 8 mile test the other day and everything is now ready to go.

Please post an update when you can...

/icebear

[Connexxion]

Thanks Icebear!

I'm feeling excited right now and still looking for a platform since the Miss2 is hard to find in europe.

The Ben Buckle design looks like a stable one.Some of his planes have the same polyhedral wings like the Miss2.

http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=4

Only disadvantage,you have to build the plane yourself.No ARF.

I will keep you up to date and hope to have my own uav soon!