The ArduPilot Mega 2.5 (APM 2.5) is a complete open source autopilot system that allows you to turn any radio controlled fixed, rotary wing or multirotor vehicle (even cars and boats) into a fully autonomous vehicle; capable of performing programmed GPS missions with waypoints and more!
We setup the ARM 2.5 on our H-Quad to test some of the cool features available from this system.
The ArduPilot Mega 2.5 has 3-axis gyro, accelerometer and magnetometer, along with a high-performance barometer. The GPS unit is an option off-board Mediatek MT3329 unit.
You'll notice the barometer has a cotton swap on it, this is important to do if your board is exposed to light or wind. Keeping your barometer protected will keep it from causing drastic pitch changes in during your flight.
The Mission Planner Software is free, open source software that will allow you to setup all of your radio and board controls.
The GPS triangulates your location and the software's robust interface details all kinds of great technical information. Showing you your location on the map, artificial horizon line and much more!
When you take your RC multirotor out to fly, you'll want to be sure you've read all the setup instruction and make sure you have your board setup correctly. Wait for the blue light on the board, and you're ready to fly!
The return to launch mode will return your RC vehicle back to the location where the motors were armed. So be sure to arm your motors away from the location you will be standing especially if you're flying FPV and don't want your multirotor to land on you.
The APM 2.5 that's setup on our H-quad is the very basic setup, with no PID's installed, and it handles great! The board give new pilots more confidence with autopilot features, which allows you to literally fly hands free Experiences pilots will enjoy features of the APM 2.5 as well as the information and setups available with the!
We're excited to spend some more time with the ArduPilot Mega 2.5! Stay tuned for more information and articles detailing the setup and features of the APM 2.5.
Thanks again to DIY Drones for send thing out! To learn more about DIY Drones check out:
http://store.diydrones.com/APM_2_5_Kit_p/br-ardupilotmega-05.htm
APM 2.5 board links available here
Board Details:
http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/wiki/APM25board
Mission Planner Software
http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/wiki/APM2RCSetup