3DR and PX4 Announces Pixhawk. Next generation flight controller.

[Khosravi]

Originally Posted by R_Lefebvre

Both things really. But with the experience you have, you'll probably be fine.

My biggest fear is some guy sticking an APM on a Trex 800 with no experience, and the first thing he does is trying to lift off in Loiter mode.

Oh yes I absolutely agree with you on that. Believe me, I take things very slow with my aircraft, making sure the bare minimums work before testing more advanced features. Every time I hear someone first buying a multirotor with a Naza or APM on it, I always stress to do the first few flights in stabilize mode. It should be obvious to everyone that if the vehicle can't fly in the basic modes, there's no way in hell it will fly in autonomous modes.

-Chris

[R_Lefebvre]

The problem is, these things are being marketed to total noobs, and they are being told that, yes you can just charge the battery, and go shoot a wedding video.

But even for experienced heli fliers, the Arducopter system presents so much complexity. So many settings are exposed to the user. And there are so many new functions available, that there's a steep learning curve.

[nof55]

Rob,your input please. I bricked my apm2.5 on 3dr hex a so is there any reason I shouldn't replace it with pixhawk rather than apm 2.6? I have the compass/gps already. Is there cables that I would need or any other to consider? thanks

[R_Lefebvre]

How did you brick it?

I don't see any reason not to buy a Pixhawk to replace it, other than a small cost difference. The Pixhawk is a really nice piece of hardware. I've got 2 Pixhawks in the air, and 2 PX4's. No APMs anymore.

Yeah, there are some different cables you'll need. The Pixhawk has 6-pin connectors for the GPS and Telemetry. So you'll need to match that up to whatever you have on the peripheral side.

[nof55]

I guess they sometimes fail on uploading new firmware. 3dr told me the IC was shot. I think pixhawk comes with the cables but will check for sure when I order.

[R_Lefebvre]

Hmmm... I've never had that, and I upload A LOT of firmware.

[Akoni]

Rob can you provide an update on the "follow me" functionality for Pixhawk? Is it close?

[R_Lefebvre]

I think it's been working for a while? I've never actually used it myself so I'm not sure, but I know I've seen a number of videos.

[badfrog]

I saw Pixhawks "follow me" in action this weekend... an associate has Pixhawk on a hex and we did some testing (first time trying "follow me") Saturday.
It works!
As I said, this was the first time any of us had tried this - the hex definitely did follow, although the "corrections" to the hex were producing less than smooth movements - so for instance when we moved the hex "rocked" in the direction as if you had given it extreme cyclic stick as apposed to a minor and smooth flight movement. At this point we don't know if there are settings to adjust that. it followed perfectly though which was very impressive!
I am finishing a build on a hex using the Pixhawk with GPS and ground station which I should have in the air in a week or two.

[sniperpilot]

Originally Posted by GerdS

As the Pixhawk is quite wide with 50mm and doesn't fit into most helicopter chasis, is there a chance to mount it 90° tilted, with its upper side oriented to the left?

Adn did somebody already have a chance here ot test it within a helicopter?

Regards, Gerd

Hello Gerd.

I bought a Pixhawk, and im planing to install in the MJ3 i bought time ago.

Im getting 40 min flight times on 830 semy sims spining at 1050 rpm with 12s 8000 batts

[R_Lefebvre]

To answer the question, I have one mounted rolled sideways, stuck to the side of the frame, and it's working perfectly.

[rgbatson]

Originally Posted by R_Lefebvre

ImRich, nobody has done it yet. I would like to, but don't have budget to buy one. I was saving up for a MA Whiplash Gasser, but since they're closing down that's not an option. And I haven't seen anything else I liked without spending substantially much more money so I'm stuck.

Anwyay, I think it's possible, but it will take a well engineered vibration damping solution. I've successfully flown an APM on an 80" Piper Cub airplane powered by a Saito 4-stroke which is a real thumper. The two stroke on a heli will make more high frequency vibration however. It should actually be easier to dampen but, won't know until we try.

I will be usinbg my Pixhawk on a new (unflown) 72" L4 Piper Cub. Weight 7 lbs, so high wing loading. Can you advise your PID settings?
Many Thanks
Bob Batson
rgbatson at hotmail.com

[R_Lefebvre]

No, I really can't, sorry. It's been 2 years since I flew it, and so much has changed in the code.

[raygamero]

Trex 550 (3 min 5 sec)

This video shows a lot of successful heli flights.
The software has come so far. I rarely fly myself anymore. Auto 90% of the time.

[wrightmw]

Hey raygamero,

Do you have a site or any more info on your Pixhawk Heli. I want to start using one but really want to avoid the obvious stuff. I have been using Pixhawk for about a year on multirotors and planes but not heli's. Just wondering if you had things documented.

Marcus

[prophead]

so this is a plug"n'Play now?
im getting one.

[prophead]

is this it?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pixhawk-PX4-2...3D281594820866

thanks.

[Tugman]

Originally Posted by prophead

is this it?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pixhawk-PX4-2...3D281594820866

thanks.

It might be but you are far better off buying direct from 3dr or getfpv or readymade rc. Could be a reason why its cheap.....I'm just sayin..

[Tugman]

Originally Posted by prophead

so this is a plug"n'Play now?
im getting one.

It is not, it requires setup and tuning, not to mention many other things to be done properly.....
But it is a good unit, I put one in a blade 600x and it took time and hard work to get it all functioning well..

Blade 600X with Pixhawk FBL (5 min 14 sec)

I should add that vibration dampening is the KEY to success, read the description on youtube I posted with the video.
Watch the vid to the very end and you'll see the gratification after many test flights, the 4 fingers I hold up is the second round of flights (got tired waving both hands with many fingers)

[R_Lefebvre]

Originally Posted by prophead

is this it?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Pixhawk-PX4-2...3D281594820866

thanks.

That's an illegal clone. Quality on these is questionable.

Tugman: Glad you got it working. I really wish I could get users feeding back their settings so that we could get a good idea of the range of parameters that work for different helis. This is the #1 thing that makes it difficult to set up.