CPD4 Co-Pilot or FS8 Co Pilot

[RyanMc]

Hi all

I am new to all this flight stabilisation and I have a quick question about the above systems.

It is which one am i better off with?

I plan to build a uav off sorts similiar to the geocrawler 3 off diy drones. I am going to be using a pda with memory map software on it so i can plot the way points with the serial to servo board but as i asked above i am not sure which one to go for.

I can see the fs8 does alot more than the cpd4 but will the cpd4 still be able to be used for the navigation side or is it solely flight stabilisation.

Also without sounding to cheap the fs8 is alot more expensive than the cpd4 across here in the uk.

[_helitron_]

Hi Ryan,

both have nothing to do with navigation, they do wing levelling only. FS-8 has additional an integrated receiver, so it's possible for example to level wings with two separately controlled aileron servos (not possible with CPD4).

But here in Europe the FS-8 is WAY too expensive (I bought one last year), so I recommend the CPD4 in your case. Don't know what you pay in UK but take a look to eladiomf's (his nick here on RCGroups) webshop here:

http://alai.h3m.com/~s0350672/catalogo/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=214&osCsid=93ea62fda292b9606c62847c5cf38926

I just ordered yesterday an additional CPD4 from him and the thingy is already on the way :).

Then there is still another possibility: I replaced my FS-8 co-pilot (has unfortunately huge range problems with) with another very good IR-stabilizer developed and produced in UK :). It's not the cheapest one but outstanding, the AP2000i from SpartanRC:

http://www.spartan-rc.com/products/ap2000i/ap2000i.htm

I've it installed in my FPV-flagship Cularis (see attached pic) and I'm very satisfied with. The AP2000i is specially developed for helis but also usable for planes. A great advantage of the AP2000i is in my opinion the ability to calibrate it in the air during flight time, with the FMA co-pilots only possible on the ground. Yes, not to forget, the AP2000i is flashable, that means the firmware is upgradable. Give Angelos from SpartanRC a call. An extra hint: when you decide for the AP2000i you need additional the X-Y IR-sensor from the FMA co-pilot (is available as a spare part from FMA) and the cable between AP2000i and FMA sensor (available from SpartanRC).

Cheers,

//Erwin

[RyanMc]

ahhhhhh having reread the thread on diy drones i know see what it is saying. The fs8 (£198 in the uk) is only used for the flight stabilisation the actual steering of the aircraft on the waypoints is done by the Rentron serial-to-servo board and pda.

Have you used the rcap or picopilot?

The as2000i seems a good product and is pretty cheap and £102

[_helitron_]

I've a RCAP3 from eladiomf

http://alai.h3m.com/~s0350672/catalogo/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=205

laying around on my workbench since several month but hadn't the time 'til now to try it out. Additionally I'm now in the beta team of the just new developed outstanding autopilot "Attopilot", so I'll be a bit busy in the next few month :) :

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=734456

Cheers,

//Erwin

[Gary Mortimer]

I saw lots of bad reviews for the FS 8 so I bought a CPD4 instead and have been very happy with it.

Its nothing short of amazing how well the thing works. I could'nt believe it when I switched it on for the first time!!

[RyanMc]

cheers garry

So i am going to get either the cpd4 or the as2000i and forget all about the fs8.

What are you using for the autopilot? Are you using the rcap for this?

when using rcap do you need to use a proper gps unit( garmin etc) or could i still use my pda with a bluetooth gps receiver?

How does it physically connect to the gps unit?

im also going to get an althold kit and zlog 4.

[_helitron_]

For RCAPs lower than version 3 you need a GPS unit with waypoint functions (Garmin for example), the RCAP3 from eladiomf needs additional the WPS-1 from MX (MX from RCGroups)

http://alai.h3m.com/~s0350672/catalogo/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=209

for waypoint sequencing and any standard GPS receiver (GlobalSat EM-406 for example)

http://alai.h3m.com/~s0350672/catalogo/product_info.php?cPath=43&products_id=204&osCsid=bc21369c45029788e5027cc5b979b66a

Cheers,

//Erwin

[Gary Mortimer]

I got all my stuff from Eladio I must admit to not being the sharpest tool in the box and have not got it all working properly yet!!

Many people have though and the thread starts here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=652952

There are very many very talented people in this forum, if you look long enough you will find all the info you need.

Cheers

G

[_helitron_]

Same on me Gary :) , I've also laying around RCAP3, AltHold, etc. from Eladio since months but hadn't find the time to finish the thingies ! Too many pots on the fire :) ! Only FredericG's OSD, which have Eladio and Frederic developed together (Eladio hardware, Frederic firmware), is working hard on my Cularis FPV-glider :D :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPPGGHbIh_Y

Cheers,

//Erwin