Visit http://www.MyGeekShow.com to see how to build the Nova!
This week I tested the Ardupilot’s waypoint and autopilot functionality, and it had mixed results, which I now have identified as total user error. Go figure. 🙂
The waypoint feature performed as good as it could, it struggled a bit as my GPS module only has about a 25% view of the sky, which is clearly not ideal. I’m working now on a better mounting location that will give it 100% view.
Why do I think it’s the GPS mounting location?
1.) Its mounted in a location that only gives it a 25% view of the sky, that alone is bad.
2.) I’ve since gone out and flown it, and the GPS couldn’t get a lock for like 5 minutes. I moved the APM and GPS out of it’s mounting location and into a full view of the sky, and it got a lock in like 20 seconds, really really fast. So clearly its got such a bad mounting location that it may not even connected as it is.
3.) After improving it’s mounting location even just a little bit, it flew much, much better. That flight (just made yesterday) will appear on next week’s episode.
So far so good. I am in total love with the APM and mission planner. Thank you DIYDrones for the awesome equipment and software!
Equipment Used:
Airplane: Scratch-built Nova, see http://www.MyGeekShow.com for plans and build instructions
Main Camera: iPhone 4s
Airplane Camera: FlyCamOne2
AutoPilot/Stabilization: Ardupilot Mega from http://www.DIYDrones.com
Motor: http://www.hobbypartz.com/75m42-optima450-2220-950kv.html
ESC: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13429
Batt: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6306
Servos: http://www.hobbypartz.com/topromisesg9.html
Prop: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=5437
Stats:
Weight: 32 oz
Thrust: 21 oz
Wing Area: 3.33 square feet
Wing Loading: 5.3 oz per sq ft
If you’re interested in building the Nova, I’ve got free build instructions and plans on my website: http://www.MyGeekShow.com.
-Trent