Discussion AttoPilot V3.0 6DOF IMU Q&A

[airmcn_3]

Hello,

This thread is for AttoPilot V3.0 6DOF IMU Q&A. We decided it a better suited title for the thread as we are still wrapping things up.

Further information and links to the AttoPilot V3.0 will be posted in this thread as the information comes. Please check back frequently.

We are starting a list of individuals that are interested in purchasing the new AttoPilot V3.0 6DOF IMU autopilot. Exact prices are not yet set in stone but we can guarantee it will be very competitive with current autopilots on the market. The AttoPilot V3.0 6DOF IMU will include the following:

• 4 servos / 4 Rx channels, for the simplest UAV’s requiring only 3 flight control and 1 trigger.
• Dedicated expander port (serial com at 230.4 kbaud) to drive up to 30 additional servos
• 11g accelerometers and 300 deg/sec gyros. Fully 3D capable IMU
• Improved airspeed filtering and gain scheduling
• Dedicated 2-way telemetry with GPS data in the $ATTO string. User defined baud rate from 4800 to 230.4 kbaud
• SD data logging is now an on-board capture of the serial stream, as a backup in case of COMS loss along with a physical SD card.
• 9 parameters are temperature compensated over the full mil spec -40 to +85C range, using 14 point linear interpolation.
• Uncorrected gyro drift is < 1 degree / minute

• SD logging

• Professional GCS software

- Optional antenna tracking will be available for sale as separate item.

If you are interested in purchasing a AttoPilot V3.0 6DOF IMU autopilot please post your interest and questions here.

If you do not want to publically submit your name to the list please contact me via PM or Info@attopilot.com

This is not a solid order list but a way for us to get a rough determination of how many autopilots we need to make for the first batch. There is absolutely no obligation if your name is on the list.

This list will be passed on to the distributor and will help them in assisting you with information and technical questions.

Prices, availability and export information will follow.


Thank you,

Chris McNair

[Mecha]

can you elaborate more on what kind of expansion servo board is needed?

Is the expansion port working on this model version? I ask because Atto 1.8 has many parameters that do not work or are suppose to be operational in future firmwares.

In regards to the GCS what does professional mean? is this GCS compatible with v1.8

Can you list the differences between the actual GCS and the professional version.

[massimo]

Hi Chris, USA export is possible?

regards

[ios]

Count me in for a couple of units!

[2jers]

Count me for one unit

[Connexxion]

Could you tell us more about export abilities?

At this moment we non-us citizens can't even get our hands on the "standard" Atto,let alone an IMU one!

[d_wheel]

Would love to say I am in, but only after getting some idea of price.

Later;

D.W.

[airmcn_3]

Originally Posted by Mecha

can you elaborate more on what kind of expansion servo board is needed?

Is the expansion port working on this model version? I ask because Atto 1.8 has many parameters that do not work or are suppose to be operational in future firmwares.

In regards to the GCS what does professional mean? is this GCS compatible with v1.8

Can you list the differences between the actual GCS and the professional version.

You do not need a servo expansion board to fly. The main board comes with 4 in/outs.

Every pin will work on the main board...... There are only two sets of pins that are not used on the V1.8 and those are for Pan and Tilt, these were put there for future development. Dean wants to have the ability to provide you with new firmware at a later date so you may have more functions then you initially received. If there are any other parameters that do not work on the V1.8 I would be interested in knowing what they are. Would you please elaborate???

Professional GCS is exactly that. Lots of $ spent to have high quality professional look and functionality.

I will get a list of the differences and let you know.

Thanks,

Chris

[airmcn_3]

Originally Posted by massimo

Hi Chris, USA export is possible?

regards

USA export??? We are in the USA....... Do you mean is export to other country’s possible? If so. Yes would be the short answer. There is a dedicated individual that is working on Export licensing. All you need to do is fill out the paperwork and turn it in to us. For export information please contact Bill at info@attopilot.com

He has been very helpful in making the export process as smooth as possible. I am afraid I can not tell you exactly how long it takes from the time the paperwork is received by the state department.

Thanks,

Chris

[airmcn_3]

Originally Posted by Connexxion

Could you tell us more about export abilities?

At this moment we non-us citizens can't even get our hands on the "standard" Atto,let alone an IMU one!

The reason for the hold up was that AttoPilot was waiting on their license to come in from the state department. AttoPilot needed to have a license that allows selling to overseas customers.

The License was received yesterday morning. For export information you can contact Bill at Info@attopilot.com Bill has all the paperwork you need to fill out.

Thanks,

Chris

[brakar]

Chris, could you please elaborate some more about the differences between atto v1.8 and atto IMU and intened areas of use? Pros and cons with regard to aerial photographying? brakar in Italia

[airmcn_3]

Originally Posted by brakar

Chris, could you please elaborate some more about the differences between atto v1.8 and atto IMU and intened areas of use? Pros and cons with regard to aerial photographying? brakar in Italia

brakar,

I sure can.

1. Lack of XY and Z sensors and the fuss that comes with them: external wires and their clutter, and the wires picking up RF interferences.

2. You can fly in any weather condition.

3. The body rates (pitch and roll rates) were inferred in v1.8 thermopiles by differentiating the attitude positions, whereas with an IMU they are measured directly by rate gyros. The IMU also has a MUCH faster internal rate of calculations (200Hz vs ~50Hz at best for thermopiles). This means that the IMU gives a much cleaner and more precise attitude solution than thermopiles.

4. AttoPilot IMU uses 11g accelerometers with proper RC filtering and code "tricks" so that engine vibration is not much of a deal. In other words, some vibration padding might be needed for the IMU, but it is nothing to lose sleep over. Today Dean and I were flying the IMU in a 20 ounce 3D aerobatic plane with the IMU glued directly to the airframe and had zero problems. In fact the IMU handled not only 115 F temperatures and gusty wind it was also tested in torturous 3D RC and assisted flight without losing attitude solution or having drift.

5. Thermopiles do not have any clue about yaw rate were the IMU does. What this means is for smooth navigation you can use yaw rate to come out of turns slightly early which prevents over steering. The thermopile autopilot more relies on GPS data and good lock where the IMU uses more data coming from the internal sensors to give you a better flight.

So the moral of the story is you will receive a smoother flight thus giving you better video and or pictures.

Attached is a picture of the aircraft Dean and I have been testing today with the IMU attached directly to the airframe with no real vibration mounting.....

Chris

[mpoyneer]

Add me to the list...thanks.

[brakar]

I might sign up, depends on price, evt. avalability of a full feature AP and time frame for a export licence. Dean allready has my personalia. Joined forces with Dean Chris?

[airmcn_3]

Originally Posted by brakar

I might sign up, depends on price, evt. avalability of a full feature AP and time frame for a export licence. Dean allready has my personalia. Joined forces with Dean Chris?

LOL, you could say that We make a good team and get a massive amount of work done. Both of us work like freaks and enjoy it. We get along very well and have a good time doing it. I would say I have a good friend before I would say joined forces.....

Prices are still getting hammered out. I apologize for not posting a number but we do not want to give you false information. There are considerably more expenses that have to be worked into the final price other then physical hardware..... I promise you will see a number soon.

Thanks,

Chris