ArduPilot 2.2 software released -- now with built-in stabilization!

zlite · Mar 11, 2009, 12:12 AM

I'm delighted to announce the release of the ArduPilot 2.2 software, now in public beta. This software uses the current ArduPilot hardware but handles the FMA Co-Pilot stabilization function itself, without the need for a separate stabilization unit. It is, in short, a complete integrated autopilot. That little ArduPilot board can do a lot!

2.2 Features:

All the ArduPilot 1.0 functions: programmable 3D waypoints; return-to-launch mode, in-flight reset ability, fully programmable actions at waypoint and totally expandable board.
Now integrates the stabilization and navigation functions, eliminating the need for a FMA Co-Pilot and vastly improving waypoint tracking
Controls elevator, ailerons/rudder and throttle
"Fly-by-wire" mode stabilizes the aircraft in RC mode, duplicating the function of the FMA Co-Pilot
Stores home waypoints and sensor calibration in EEPROM, so they are retained even in the case of a system restart
Currently optimized for the three-channel EasyStar. Versions have also been tested on Funjet and four-channel Superstar (code coming soon)
Currently supports the EM406 GPS and uBlox 5 in efficient binary mode, and all other GPS modules in NMEA mode.
Uses "chained PID loops" to combine the stabilization and navigation functions seamlessly
Uses small desktop app to load ArduPilot settings and waypoints, without having to work with code
Full ground station software with "moving map" capability when optional wireless telemetry is added.

What you need:

ArduPilot board ($24.95)
EM406 GPS module ($59.95)
XY and Z sensors ($115)
A FTDI cable, such as the this one ($20.00)
An expansion board with airspeed sensor ($47.50)
ArduPilot 2.2 code (Free)

The product's manual is here.

chancesAU · Mar 11, 2009, 10:16 AM

Very cool! this made me just order one up

aperture · Mar 11, 2009, 03:05 PM

I have been following the ardupilot development with interest.

Can the ardupilot board used for version 2.0 be modified efficiently when 2.1 releases, or will it be required to start with a new board for that version? Since I am in no great hurry, I could wait, or go ahead with the 2.0 config now, and modify for the upgrade later.

Ken

zlite · Mar 11, 2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aperture

I have been following the ardupilot development with interest.

Can the ardupilot board used for version 2.0 be modified efficiently when 2.1 releases, or will it be required to start with a new board for that version? Since I am in no great hurry, I could wait, or go ahead with the 2.0 config now, and modify for the upgrade later.

Ken

The hardware has not changed: it's the same board for 1.0, 2.0 and 2.1. These are just software updates. So go ahead and get the board now and you can upgrade the software as the new versions come out.

brakar · Mar 11, 2009, 03:59 PM

Would the present code also work with other trainers similar to EasyStar? (HobbyStar, Sig Kadets, ets)

Which Z-sensors will be recomended for the v2.1 software?

brakar

zlite · Mar 11, 2009, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brakar

Would the present code also work with other trainers similar to EasyStar? (HobbyStar, Sig Kadets, ets)

Which Z-sensors will be recomended for the v2.1 software?

brakar

Sure, it's just a matter of tweaking gain settings for each airframe. We use the FMA Z sensor.

Mick Molloy · Mar 11, 2009, 07:26 PM

Do you also need the male machine pin header, and female machine pin header or do they come with the board from spark fun ?

zlite · Mar 11, 2009, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick Molloy

Do you also need the male machine pin header, and female machine pin header or do they come with the board from spark fun ?

The board doesn't come with any header pins--you need to add them to your order if you don't already have them. You don't need machine pin headers (you can use standard male+female headers), but we like the machine pins better. It's up to you.

Mick Molloy · Mar 11, 2009, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zlite

The board doesn't come with any header pins--you need to add them to your order if you don't already have them. You don't need machine pin headers (you can use standard male+female headers), but we like the machine pins better. It's up to you.

Too late I had already completed my order... I will find them locally
I went off the what you need list above....

add the macine pins too..

Cheers Mick....

zlite · Mar 11, 2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick Molloy

Too late I had already completed my order... I will find them locally
I went off the what you need list above....

add the macine pins too..

Sorry. I've now updated that list above to include those.

Mick Molloy · Mar 11, 2009, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zlite

Sorry. I've now updated that list above to include those.

Cheers

air · Mar 12, 2009, 05:19 PM

Hi Chris,
Those buying the Ardu now might wish to purchase the Z sensor at the same time as the XY from FMA. Is it the FMA sensor which will be used in 2.1?
Thanks,
Fionn.

zlite · Mar 12, 2009, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by air

Hi Chris,
Those buying the Ardu now might wish to purchase the Z sensor at the same time as the XY from FMA. Is it the FMA sensor which will be used in 2.1?
Thanks,
Fionn.

Yes.

brakar · Mar 12, 2009, 07:23 PM

Just ordered the Ardupilot kit for my Sig Kadet LT40. Since I am quite new to this stuff, I will have to read and learn quite a lot. Is the best way to start just to browse through all the forum posts here and at www.diydrones.com? Would be greatful for suggestions for best way to proceed.

brakar

aperture · Mar 12, 2009, 07:47 PM

I was hoping to buy a ribbon cable from FMA to use for the ardupilot connect, and keep my original intact. I cannot find the ribbon cable on FMA's website, tho I recall it was sold separately in the past. I've emailed FMA, but wonder if anyone else has a link or source?

Ken

Mar 11, 2009, 12:12 AM	#1
zlite Chris Anderson Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: San Francisco/Bay Area Posts: 669	ArduPilot 2.2 software released -- now with built-in stabilization! I'm delighted to announce the release of the ArduPilot 2.2 software, now in public beta. This software uses the current ArduPilot hardware but handles the FMA Co-Pilot stabilization function itself, without the need for a separate stabilization unit. It is, in short, a complete integrated autopilot. That little ArduPilot board can do a lot! 2.2 Features: All the ArduPilot 1.0 functions: programmable 3D waypoints; return-to-launch mode, in-flight reset ability, fully programmable actions at waypoint and totally expandable board. Now integrates the stabilization and navigation functions, eliminating the need for a FMA Co-Pilot and vastly improving waypoint tracking Controls elevator, ailerons/rudder and throttle "Fly-by-wire" mode stabilizes the aircraft in RC mode, duplicating the function of the FMA Co-Pilot Stores home waypoints and sensor calibration in EEPROM, so they are retained even in the case of a system restart Currently optimized for the three-channel EasyStar. Versions have also been tested on Funjet and four-channel Superstar (code coming soon) Currently supports the EM406 GPS and uBlox 5 in efficient binary mode, and all other GPS modules in NMEA mode. Uses "chained PID loops" to combine the stabilization and navigation functions seamlessly Uses small desktop app to load ArduPilot settings and waypoints, without having to work with code Full ground station software with "moving map" capability when optional wireless telemetry is added. What you need: ArduPilot board ($24.95) EM406 GPS module ($59.95) XY and Z sensors ($115) A FTDI cable, such as the this one ($20.00) An expansion board with airspeed sensor ($47.50) ArduPilot 2.2 code (Free) The product's manual is here. Last edited by zlite; Jul 13, 2009 at 10:26 AM.

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Mar 11, 2009, 10:16 AM	#2
chancesAU Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 690	Very cool! this made me just order one up

Mar 11, 2009, 03:05 PM	#3
aperture Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Riverside, WA Posts: 221	I have been following the ardupilot development with interest. Can the ardupilot board used for version 2.0 be modified efficiently when 2.1 releases, or will it be required to start with a new board for that version? Since I am in no great hurry, I could wait, or go ahead with the 2.0 config now, and modify for the upgrade later. Ken

Mar 11, 2009, 03:59 PM	#5
brakar Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Asker, Oslo, Norway Posts: 156	Would the present code also work with other trainers similar to EasyStar? (HobbyStar, Sig Kadets, ets) Which Z-sensors will be recomended for the v2.1 software? brakar

Mar 11, 2009, 07:26 PM	#7
Mick Molloy My other F0rum's Unmanned Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 2,636	Do you also need the male machine pin header, and female machine pin header or do they come with the board from spark fun ?

Mar 12, 2009, 05:19 PM	#12
air Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kerry County, Ireland Posts: 516	Hi Chris, Those buying the Ardu now might wish to purchase the Z sensor at the same time as the XY from FMA. Is it the FMA sensor which will be used in 2.1? Thanks, Fionn.

Mar 12, 2009, 07:23 PM	#14
brakar Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Asker, Oslo, Norway Posts: 156	Just ordered the Ardupilot kit for my Sig Kadet LT40. Since I am quite new to this stuff, I will have to read and learn quite a lot. Is the best way to start just to browse through all the forum posts here and at www.diydrones.com? Would be greatful for suggestions for best way to proceed. brakar

Mar 12, 2009, 07:47 PM	#15
aperture Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Riverside, WA Posts: 221	I was hoping to buy a ribbon cable from FMA to use for the ardupilot connect, and keep my original intact. I cannot find the ribbon cable on FMA's website, tho I recall it was sold separately in the past. I've emailed FMA, but wonder if anyone else has a link or source? Ken