Originally Posted by viper522

I forgot to ask this before, but does DOSD have a heading hold mode, or some other hands-free mode that will level the plane while I use pan/tilt controls to look around?

You can enable stabilization hold (either GPS stab, or IMU stab if you have an IMU attached). You can have the stabilization either always on, on only when you turn it on, or on a slider/knob and can adjust how much/little stab gain you want while in flight.

Originally Posted by Vantasstic

Yes, for AHI you need to connect and IMU. The DOSD, GPS, and Current Sensor will provide all the autopilot/waypoint/RTH/stabilization capabilities you'd likely need. The IMU would provide more stabilization refinement plus the AHI. The recommended is the FY-30 with DragonOSD Xlator board...while you're at it, I'd recommend adding a barometric sensor for better altitude readings. All these can be found at ReadyMadeRC. FY-30 ~$99, Xlator ~$20, Baro ~$20. NONE of these items are REQUIRED for AP/RTH/Waypoint. Consider them additional options to enhance your DOSD experience.

Thanks for that info Vantasstic. While we're at it, I' like to get your advice on something. I'm considering buying a GPS tracker like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-GSM-GPRS...item53ee988bfc

It basically sends you GPS coordinates if your plane goes down through txt message. I want to know if it would cause any sort of interference with my DL or GPS or any other component?

Originally Posted by THOMASJONES

Thanks for that info Vantasstic. While we're at it, I' like to get your advice on something. I'm considering buying a GPS tracker like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-GSM-GPRS...item53ee988bfc

It basically sends you GPS coordinates if your plane goes down through txt message. I want to know if it would cause any sort of interference with my DL or GPS or any other component?

I can't answer on the tracker question. If it's transmitting a signal then the possibility exists that it can cause issues. I just use a recorder on my ground station to record GPS info. Of course, if you loose video from the plane then the recording won't be of much use.

Originally Posted by THOMASJONES

Thanks for that info Vantasstic. While we're at it, I' like to get your advice on something. I'm considering buying a GPS tracker like this one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-GSM-GPRS...item53ee988bfc

It basically sends you GPS coordinates if your plane goes down through txt message. I want to know if it would cause any sort of interference with my DL or GPS or any other component?

Check out the beacon from FMKit. It doesn't require a gps signal or a cell signal, or a sim card. It is super small and light, and can transmit for weeks. You just need a cheap walkie talkie to track it. It uses a timer or VOX so it doesn't transmit during flight. $50.

Originally Posted by iskess

Check out the beacon from FMKit. It doesn't require a gps signal or a cell signal, or a sim card. It is super small and light, and can transmit for weeks. You just need a cheap walkie talkie to track it. It uses a timer or VOX so it doesn't transmit during flight. $50.

Link???

http://www.fmtv.us/rf_beacon.html

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1274173

Originally Posted by Vantasstic

I went back and did a step for step connection with my FY30 and FTDI. Wow....follow the instructions and it really does work!!! I had connected my FY30 to early on my previous attempts. I was able to connect and check the firmware version now. I've got V1.16...the latest available, so won't worry about trying to reload with different (older) firmware. Chris is helping me out with this so I should be up and running in the near future. Thanks for the help guys!!!

Glad it worked for you. I did the same thing recently - couldn't get it to connect then followed the instructions exactly and bam.

Thanks also for turning me onto the Xlator board. I'd been using the DOSD to control rudder and FY30a on the ailerons. Is there a post that explains the benefits of using the Xlator?

Originally Posted by Bigster

Glad it worked for you. I did the same thing recently - couldn't get it to connect then followed the instructions exactly and bam.

Thanks also for turning me onto the Xlator board. I'd been using the DOSD to control rudder and FY30a on the ailerons. Is there a post that explains the benefits of using the Xlator?

One benefit is you get an artificial horizon

I've noticed the GPS co-ordinates on the OSD seem to disappear and reappear throughout my flights. Altitude, distance, speed, etc appear to continue updating though so I don't think the GPS is losing sat lock.

Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Originally Posted by rotormonkey

I've noticed the GPS co-ordinates on the OSD seem to disappear and reappear throughout my flights. Altitude, distance, speed, etc appear to continue updating though so I don't think the GPS is losing sat lock.

Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Adjust your...oh crude, I forget now....something ratio (alt ratio?). The lower the number the sooner the GPS display disappears. The higher the number the longer the coords show. It has to do with distance vs altitude ratio. This is normal, not a display problem.

Originally Posted by erkq

One benefit is you get an artificial horizon

No kidding!? I guess I'll have to go back and read up! Thats pretty cool.

Oh man - I had no time to fly this weekend :-( really sad!

Originally Posted by rotormonkey

I've noticed the GPS co-ordinates on the OSD seem to disappear and reappear throughout my flights. Altitude, distance, speed, etc appear to continue updating though so I don't think the GPS is losing sat lock.

Anyone have any idea what's going on?

Originally Posted by Vantasstic

Adjust your...oh crude, I forget now....something ratio (alt ratio?). The lower the number the sooner the GPS display disappears. The higher the number the longer the coords show. It has to do with distance vs altitude ratio. This is normal, not a display problem.

yep, I think thats the one Lee, I set mine to about 10 I think (default 0.7??) and I see co-ords pretty much all the time.

What is throttle gain? Is that throttle step?

Originally Posted by rotormonkey

I've noticed the GPS co-ordinates on the OSD seem to disappear and reappear throughout my flights. Altitude, distance, speed, etc appear to continue updating though so I don't think the GPS is losing sat lock.

Anyone have any idea what's going on?

If you're referring to "Peak values", it should go away once you start flying.
They're meant to provide information in case of failure/crash, so it is possible to record them.