DX7 W/ Pixhawk, APM 2.8 and Trad Heli

[seanh]

I will be trying to return to the heli world after a few year break, wanting to work on a drone/autonomous project and can use some help.

The issue is that I will be wanting to use a conventional heli with a DX7 and going on the cheap, using a Pixhawk or APM 2.8 flight controller. I call it an issue because from what I can tell I need an 8 channel controller to make this happen.

seems I need channel 8 for the throttle and some short of dial on the transmitter...both of which rule out the Dx7

So, the question is, can I make the chosen controller work with the DX7....the bird will be an electric old style trex 600.

Basically I'm trying to make due with what I have instead of selling off stuff and buying a new tx and "drone" type bird. Eventually I'll go the multi-rotor path but for now I simply don't have the funds

any direction would be helpful.

[flynhawn]

I was able to reprogram my DX7 to work and fly my FW550 using a Naza setup. But I can't help you out here with your Pixhawk or APM flight controller.

Hope you find a solution!

[wrightmw]

Originally Posted by seanh

seems I need channel 8 for the throttle and some short of dial on the transmitter...both of which rule out the Dx7

So, the question is, can I make the chosen controller work with the DX7....the bird will be an electric old style trex 600.

From here: http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/tra...nd-motors.html

The APM2’s input channel mapping is:
Channel 1: Aileron (aka Roll)
Channel 2: Elevator (aka Pitch)
Channel 3: Collective Pitch
Channel 4: Rudder (aka Yaw)
Channel 5: Flight Mode
Channel 6: In-flight tuning knob
Channel 7: Aux function switch (i.e. Camera trigger, Sonar on/off)
Channel 8: Main rotor speed


You could swap CH8 for 7 and you have all you need. Just loose a some camera function.

[seanh]

Flynhawn- How did you reprogram the DX7? I'm not aware of any place to connect to a computer...Did you make a custom interface cable/plug?

I never tried to get the DX7 to work with the APM...I ended up just ordering a Taranis 9D+ Given the difficulty and time available, still haven't messed with the project.

[darne]

Originally Posted by seanh

I will be trying to return to the heli world after a few year break, wanting to work on a drone/autonomous project and can use some help.

The issue is that I will be wanting to use a conventional heli with a DX7 and going on the cheap, using a Pixhawk or APM 2.8 flight controller. I call it an issue because from what I can tell I need an 8 channel controller to make this happen.

seems I need channel 8 for the throttle and some short of dial on the transmitter...both of which rule out the Dx7

So, the question is, can I make the chosen controller work with the DX7....the bird will be an electric old style trex 600.

Basically I'm trying to make due with what I have instead of selling off stuff and buying a new tx and "drone" type bird. Eventually I'll go the multi-rotor path but for now I simply don't have the funds

any direction would be helpful.

I used my Dx6i with APM and a trad. 550 size.
Had to use some switch-hack to make it work, but I'm getting a new radio for cams and other stuff now.