DJI Innovations XP3.1 GPS/INS Autopilot Review

[rerazor]

Finished the Manual and Auto Pilot Mode Switch setting:

I know I have said it before but the setup is very easy to do and follow. Almost to the point that you find the need to re-read the steps in the manual to make sure your not missing anything.

Note: I will be posting screen shots from the manual.

First step is to set swash setting in TX to Norm or 1 servo setup (pretty common for most stabilizers). The mixing is all done internal.

Then its to the screen to setup the Auto pilot mode switch (manual to auto pilot).
Great easy to follow screen and instructions.
Travel Adj. in the TX is adjusted for each switch setting.

[rerazor]

Next stage is Swash setup.

Select Swash type

Adjust the Norm/Rev and or +/- until swash moves correctly

Very cut and dry.

Note: Manual is all in English on the CD. These screen shots are from a preliminary manual.

[rerazor]

Feedback and Servo Calibration:

All stick/servo calibration is done automatically with simple screens to follow for each channel when "Cal" button is selected.

Move stick (following arrows), back to center etc...

[rerazor]

Feedback Test and Controller Orientation Test:

From the Feedback & Servo Calibration screen (see above post for screen shot).

Feedback test button is selected and performed:

<<Users need to check the swash plate. The swash plate will move automatically. The directions as followings: collective pitch: up—down; swash plate tilting: front- back-left-right; Rudder: left-right; throttle: up- down. If the directions are inconsistent, users need to re-calibration corresponding channels.
Switch back to the manual mode and withdraw the test.>>

Controller Orientation test button selected and performed:

<< When helicopter inclines left, the swash will tilt right.
When helicopter inclines right, the swash will tilt left.
When helicopter inclines front, the swash will tilt back.
When helicopter inclines back, the swash will tilt front.
Switch back to the manual mode and withdraw the test
Click Finish and exit>>

After the above tests are done and completed correctly its time to fix Adapter and prepare for first outdoor testing.

Hopefully tomorrow.

Note: I know its repetitive and sounding like "a broken record" but it really has been a simple install and setup to this point. Finding the CG (origin point) measuring offset (x,y,z) and making custom mounting bracket were the only above avg. difficulties (if you want to to call it that).

[disciple4123]

Good progress, awaiting some flight results Rerazor. Is this unit limited to 30 km/hr. ? I thought I had heard something along those lines, was not sure. The menus you pictured use some Chinese buttons on the bottom, usually 4 buttons, I see, is that something you guess at or figured out?

[rerazor]

Note: Manual is all in English on the CD. These screen shots are from a preliminary manual.

I will update screen shots next week.

[makiedog]

"$4k or less"

I thought Frank had initially mentioned the price being $3k. Or does the $4k version have more features?

[rerazor]

From my understanding its a combination of a few things. Poor economy, added component costs and software development dealing with GPS loss of signal or something. The final price is still to be determined. Thats the range I was given and I'm sure they will meet that.

[Exposure]

I have withdrawn my question about how much rerazor paid for his DJI system because he has informed me via PM that he does not want to answer that here.

[rerazor]

Originally Posted by Exposure

I have withdrawn my question about how much rerazor paid for his DJI system because he has informed me via PM that he does not want to answer that here.

That's class with a capital "K".

I paid "less than $4k" but much more than you would think. I'm not doing this review for self promotion or for financial gain. I'm doing it because my day job allows me the flexibility and financial luxury to do so. This is an interest to me or I wouldn't bother with it.

[rerazor]

Moving on with the review:

Fail Safe settings:
Test flight in manual mode was completed and pitch curve was adjusted so "center" stick gives you your hover point. Tx trims were performed and settings saved for Fail Safe. "Auto" mode is also the Fail Safe setting if loss of TX signal happens.

Compass Calibration:
There are Demo videos provided on the CD for this step and will be on the website in the future.

Quick explanation: You have to enter Compass Calibration Mode by simply switching the Auto/Manual switch 10 times quickly. LED will confirm this with the green constantly on.

For Horizontal Axis Cal. - Rotation of the Heli 3-4 times on the ground clockwise making sure to keep the White LED staying constantly lit. (I used one of my 360 pan under slung mounts for this).

For Vertical Axis Cal. - The helicopter has to be held nose down (vertical) while you rotate clockwise 3-4 times. Again, doing your best to keep the White LED constantly on. Not very difficult, however neighbors etc.. might view yourself in a strange manner.

Save Calibration settings by switching Auto/Manual switch 10 times on/off again. All three LED's will flash for 5 seconds confirming a successful save.

Reboot system.

Checking of accuracy of Calibration:

In manual mode, rotate the helicopter ten times clockwise, 90°for each time, and notice the white LED on or off. Stay 5 seconds between each 90 degree pause. If white LED stays off, successful Calibration.

Flight test under Auto pilot Mode is up next. Stay tune, I hope.......

[rerazor]

SUCCESS!!

First Auto Pilot Flight:

1-22-09 - 11:45am(Et.)

Weather Conditions:
Overcast, 27f, Wind 10mph, gusting to 15mph from the West

Slight Vertical oscillations and slight Pitch oscillation.
No Roll or Yaw oscillations present.

Will adjust gain parameters for Pitch and Vertical.

Note: Flipping to Auto Pilot mode was making me nervous. However, "if you know you are going to do it why wait".

Will update when possible.

[disciple4123]

Cool, keep us updated.
----------------
For Vertical Axis Cal... Not very difficult, however neighbors etc.. might view yourself in a strange manner.
---------------

Very funny.


Is this model flybarless compatible? I'd put a flybar on if needed, just curious if 3.1 can run flybarless.

[rerazor]

Do not belive this version supports flybarless. I have two Jokers that are flybarless and Two that are flybarred.

Will confirm and report back tomorrow if upgradable etc..

[rerazor]

There are demo flight videos on CD showing how to adjust gain paramters. Nice touch!

[trackhead]

Thanks for your diligence on this.

[rerazor]

Originally Posted by disciple4123

Good progress, awaiting some flight results Rerazor. Is this unit limited to 30 km/hr. ?

Yes, I have received confirmation on the 30km/hr.

[disciple4123]

Very glad "Auto" worked as planned. There are some SAR activities (even apart from USA) that would want more than 30KM/h That being said I am still impressed with your rapid setup...

[sean911sc]

Any videos? Congrats on the test flight.

Sean

[rerazor]

I will get videos as soon as I get it dialed in. First test flights are short, then adjust gain etc...

Videos most likely not until middle of next week at the ealiest. Have to take the wife skiing Sun-Tues. Have to keep her happy after being locked in my labyrinth all week.