DJI Innovations XP3.1 GPS/INS Autopilot Review

[rerazor]

I thought I would share with everybody the stages of the new system.

XP3.1 standard is a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System and Inertial navigation system) based helicopter autopilot developed for the model market.


Here are the first pictures as I opened it from the box. I will update this post the best as possible and try to document everything and answer questions along the way.

The package to my surprise was much smaller than I was expecting.

Everything was packaged very well.

I will be mounting this system to a Maxi Joker and eventually the PS1 VR360 after initial flight testing.

All contents were sealed and labeled very nicely.

Now its time to begin the install and setup work flow.

[Hangerash]

Excellent Robert!

Good luck on the install and flight testing. Cant wait to read about the results!

[Craneman]

Wow! I want one... please keep us posted

[rerazor]

Main Controller and anti-vibration frame mounted to helicopter.

Had to make some custom brackets.

I chose to mount the main controller in the "forward" position (Two DB ports facing forward).

From the manual:
1) For the helicopter with gasoline engine and electric motor, the minimum distance between the Main Controller and the engine/motor is 10cm; but for the heli with methanol machine, one does not need to consider the distance between them.
2) The distance between the Main Controller and the center of gravity should be close enough, the shorter the better. Also to avoid being blown by the airflow caused by the rotation of the main rotor.
3) The installation direction should as straight as possible, or it will decrease the control accuracy.
4) The Main Controller should be far away from heat sources, electromagnetic interference and servo.
5) Users should reserve enough space for the insertion of connecting wires to Adapter or to the computer in front side of the Main Controller (the side with two DB ports).

Note: After test flights I might have to alter location. However, PS1 is willing to make custom adapter plates for their PS1 VR360 mounts.

[rerazor]

Moving right along. I have to say this install up to this point is very easy for the avg. person. The instructions are an absolute joy to follow.

Temporarily mounted the Adapter unit (per instructions).

Connected the DB cable from Main Controller to Adapter. Make sure to allow slack in cable to prevent any friction of the Main Controller.

Connected Adapter wires to RX. Very nice touch that DJI provided by labeling the wires and giving excellent diagrams for Futaba and JR Rx's in the manual.

Note: Please ignore the other wires and mess in pictures.

[andrebandre]

Great job.Thank you.

[rerazor]

Connection of the servos, gyro and ESC to Adapter finished. Again very easy with the excellent diagrams provided in the manual. All types of Swash plates supported.

Connection between the LED Status Indicator and Adapter finished.

Connection between the External GPS & Compass and Adapter finished.

This concludes all the hardware installation. Cleaning up of wires and final mounting of Adapter and Rx is all that is left. This has, to this point been a very easy install. Much easier than expected. Very impressed so far.

Pics to come later of above steps.

Up next is Software Installation, Tuning and Setup.

[GJestico]

Are you still keeping the 601 gyro on there ? I dont get these multi thousand $$$ autopilots where you still need a seperate gyro. Like how good can the IMU/software be if a $400 gyro can beat it on 1 out of 3 axes.
Anyways thanks for the review. looking forward to seeing more.

[disciple4123]

Glad to hear your progress Rerazor. Hopefully AP in Mich is better than here

[rerazor]

Originally Posted by GJestico

Are you still keeping the 601 gyro on there ? I dont get these multi thousand $$$ autopilots where you still need a seperate gyro. Like how good can the IMU/software be if a $400 gyro can beat it on 1 out of 3 axes.
Anyways thanks for the review. looking forward to seeing more.

611 not a 601. The gyro and tail servo actually runs thru the system. From my understanding the Gy401 was sufficient enough in their testing for autopilot needs. No 3D type locking needed. I understand your point but until I get the test flights in I have no idea. I'm leaving the 611 on for now because I see no need to change it. Maybe in the future I will throw on 401 on there and see if I notice a difference. Either way I will report my findings.

Also, expo can be used on the TX with no problem.

Setup and Calibration today is on schedule.

[rerazor]

Originally Posted by disciple4123

Glad to hear your progress Rerazor. Hopefully AP in Mich is better than here

Well with this Arctic blast we have going on I think "anything" will be better.

[R-4-L]

sounds like a new system i haven't heard of, whats the price of this version please?

[rerazor]

$4k or less

[MLaBoyteaux]

Does the $4k price include the GPS?

[rerazor]

Yes, it includes the GPS and everything in the pics plus full service and support.

The future release models will include "Attitide and Flying Situation Display", "Map Navigation Mode", "Gyro stabilized Camera with Pan and Tilt Control". All are upgradeable from the Standard version.

[rerazor]

Back to installation.

Installed provided software. Usb to Db adapter driver included. No problems installing driver.

[Markeydoo]

Just a few questions...
Did you weight the heli before you installed the system? What kind of weight will it add without the camera and the PS1?
Does it also have a down link? Will you be the local vendor for this product?
Thanks and nice job on the documentation.
Mark

[rerazor]

Main control box =245g
Adapter = 130g
Compas and GPS = 80g

Standard version does not have down link but can be upgraded via software (future release). The adapter has 4 Ext. ports, 3 are vacant with Standard version.

Yes, I will be providing the N.A. distributor and support (pending finalization of intial tests and official authorization from DJI Innovation). You can contact me via PM for my e-mail address and/or questions regarding this.

[rerazor]

Main Controller and GPS Offset Setting procedure:

Select Main Controller direction (forward or right)

Enter Main Controller offset measurements

Enter GPS Controller offset measurements

Finding the CG (origin point is a little tricky but with some thought and patience it was obtained). Will elaborate on this in the future.

[Jay]

Looks like my Obama Tax stimulation refund will be going to China.
Thank you for posting this as it appears to be the best on the market for the price.
Really looking forward to seeing how this works