DJI Innovations XP3.1 GPS/INS Autopilot Review

[rerazor]

Originally Posted by nooob

Very revealing... now I see....

Yea, it was a quick pic, I'm not very good with studio pics and that whole W/B thing. I just set it to the green square / auto setting.

[papatango72]

I know this is really exciting.... but is the dude in the hovering video, on the DJI site, actually sporting a chubb?

Geez, if I had of known it was this good, I'd have bought one long ago.....



Eeeeeeewwww.

[nooob]

It was a windy day...

[furyphoto]

Originally Posted by rerazor

Yea, it was a quick pic, I'm not very good with studio pics and that whole W/B thing. I just set it to the green square / auto setting.

You should set it to "P", it stands for Professional! ask me how I know

[rerazor]

3rd test flight

1-24-09 - 9:15am (est)

Weather Conditions:
6f., winds from the west 7mph also known as Cold as H _ _ _.


Lowered Vertical Gain to 28 = Solved Vertical Oscillations

Have slight circular rotation right to left (Roll axis)
Will adjust Roll Axis Gain

Notes: Pretty impressive that it just stays within a 1-3ft box even with Roll Axis needing adjustment. No stick movements (flying) yet until smooth hover is resolved.

Took a couple quick pics with wife's Point and Shoot for Andrew (furyphoto). Couldn't find the "P" setting used simple "heart" setting.

[ErichF]

Robert,

A couple things to look at while you are adjusting...

Helicopter autopilots really like an active head. I can't see from your photos how your rotor head is setup, but if you have a high flybar ratio and/or heavy paddles, that will cause your system to hunt like it is. You have to think of it like a tail, servo, and gyro setup. Slower tail setups never hold as well, and neither will a slow, stable rotor head.

So, before you go chasing gain adjustments, try getting your head more sensitive. Autopilots aren't like us, they think and react a lot faster than us. In fact, on our autonomous Observer, we had to put in a ton of expo on cyclic for R/C mode because it was so sensitive. Then, back in the lab, I thought it would be a good idea to increase the flybar ratio and install smaller, heavier paddles. The next flight, the bird was wallowing pretty bad in a hover. Went back to the original, active head setup, and all is fine.

Also, I'm curious what type of gain adjustments are available to you? Is there just a single gain term, as with a tail gyro? Or, do you have a full PID gain loop to set?

Good luck, and great work,

[rerazor]

Erich,

Just a simple gain adjustment window (pic below from manual). Interesting thoughts on the head. I have it "dumbed" down with Flybar weights currently and CF Mah paddles, No Expo.

I will still try a few more gain adjustments before removing flybar weights.

[ErichF]

Yeah, I did just notice all the weight on the flybar. That is an issue. You will get a much better hold without all that weight, regardless of your gain setting. It might not be as easy for you to fly, but the autpilot will love it.

Essentially, you will have too much gain if the heli starts to oscillate rapidly in roll or yaw, just as when you have too much gain on a tail gyro. It will look like a "crack roll"

[rerazor]

Makes sense. These Maxi's are easy to fly "stock" anyways. I will remove flybar weights. I will bring out the 3D birds for the "crack roll"

Thanks again.

[rerazor]

Test flight #5

1-24-09 -11:10am

Weather conditions:
Balmy 12f, winds NW 8mph

Quick test flight at friends house (driveway-street flight) before my "play" time is turned over to the wife.

Per Erich's suggestion I moved flybar weights all the way in. Did not have time to remove. No adjustment to gain parameters. Much better results. Was able to grab P&S camera and record short video. Uploaded to vimeo.

1-24-09 Test Flight #5 DJI Innovation XP3.1 Standard (0 min 40 sec)

Note: Friend is useless, of no help, to cold for him. Tight confines to fly, need to go back to the field for further testing.

[rerazor]

Already adjustment suggestion direct from DJI Innovations. That is top notch service!!!!!!!!!!

<<Increase the pitch and roll gain by 30% and try again. This is what is
called low frequency oscillation(2 axis together and form a circle)>>

20mins to get response. Impressive!!

[ErichF]

Very nice, Robert. The circular motion is very predictable and does not increase in magnitude...that's a good thing. Just work on the gains now, I think you're very close. The altitude hold seems to be dead on. Does this system use GPS or barometric altitude sensors, or both? The system on our Auto Observer is barometric and accurate to 10 inches...amazing the accuracy of these new baro sensors these days.

Have fun,

[rerazor]

It uses both. I'm very impressed at the Altitude Hold. I will be out of town until Tues.. Going north to our cottage to ski. Might bring Heli but I think the wife might not be to happy.

Thanks for the help.

I will still have internet.

[dreslism]

Cool, looking good.

Will that thing land itself?

[rerazor]

Future versions will have that feature.

[rerazor]

Note: I have been banned from www.runryder.com. I provided a link to this review. I am in the process of resolving this isssue with Mark personally. I was aware of his policies over there and went out of my way not to violate it.

[sean911sc]

Thanks for the information on the latest technololgy that will soon be available. Take a break from the heli and have fun skiing. The review can wait. Have some fun with the family.

You can add me to the waiting list.

[rerazor]

Ban lifted at RR. Talked to Mark. No linking to HF from RR allowed.

All who are interested in purchasing and support can PM me or e-mail. I need to get a list started. Delivery time is approx. 7-10days starting the 1st of Feb..

DJI XP3.1 Standard has an updated warranty now. They are offering a one time crash/physical damage to the unit warranty for 6 months from date of purchase. They will repair and/or replace free of charge. Of course, it also includes workmanship failure. All included in the price!! I was surprised and very impressed with this update. I will handle all repair and replacements, if needed. DJI Innovation is a solid professional company that will take care of ALL its customers. I give you my word I will personally work with everybody and give you full service and support for all your DJI needs.

[disciple4123]

Good to hear your representing them now. I would pass on to them that there are some applications for 60KM/HR+ flight, perhaps in the future.

Thanks for keeping up with things...

[rerazor]

I will let them know and get back to you.