RC India

Hello!
I am thinking of getting an apm 2.0  (:|~. Was wondering if anyone on this forum has used it? Is it easy to set up? If someone has bought one recently what is the estimated cost of getting one?
Thank you!

If I may know, what are you planning to build? Plane, copter or something else?

Me? I am planning to make a plane(which is more of an excuse to get sponsors as people like things that fly than cars :P ).
I have a completely autonomous UAV in mind with fpv and telemetry in mind for my final year project. Then perhaps move on to a land based vehicle(have some basic experience with arduino codes and proximity sensors).
Moreover the apm will keep me from crashing every time :P

hey use this . it uses a port of ardupilot code called megapirateng http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=765 

the host software and everything is same. its mainly made for copters but canbe used for planes. just need to add gps ( use ublox) and airspeed sensor. also it can provide signals for osd. actually i am also thinking of making it for final year project. but i got drop in 3rd year :-( but i am helping my friend make same thing for copter.

Thanks but I am set on ardupilot for now. I have experience working with arduino and I like the open source nature of it. Also the board offers a lot more from the start than the other comparable autopilot systems.

when you get apm2 tell me how was import experience.

Bump..
Nobody on this forum has used an APM before? :(

Bump.
Will buy it next month .. Would have loved to get someone with first hand knowledge to post on this thread.. :P
Thanks anyways :)

Hey man,

I use APMs on all my airplanes  {:)} and its really cool. The main thing about using an autopilot is if you just want the stabilization features of the APM, you are better off using a i86 stabilizer or such.

If you want everything - FPV, telemetry and all the bells and whistles, APM is the way to go, but you'll have to understand the capability of the open source autopilot - you cannot just go to a field, switch everything on  and just fly off. You need to have a telemetry setup ready before you fly as otherwise some settings like home position are not set on GPS lock properly and you may need to manually set it, etc, etc.

Otherwise, I believe APM is the way to go for you, but due to the open source nature of it, be careful as code often has bugs (firsthand experience).

For me, no hassles on import and I got it from buildyourowndrone.co.uk (http://buildyourowndrone.co.uk) Their proprietor, Martin is a good friend of mine, and I advise you to buy from him as his system of shipping is hassle free and I had no problems in importing.

I generally fly a full setup with APM on a Bixler2, ground-facing terrain mapping Canon camera, HackHD camera(http://www.hackhd.com/ (http://www.hackhd.com/)) for FPV, RFD900 dual diversity telemetry, 5000mAh LiPo and hands down, Ardupilot is THE BEST!  :hatsoff: Also, camera stabilization system in ArduPilot is really helpful for FPV.

Let me know if you have any queries.

Kabir

You from kolkata? ;D Maybe if you get the time can you show me how you have your APMs set up? I live in Ballygunge Place.

Yeah, i live near ballygunge too!

Hey, can you tell us about your apm 2.0 experience? I use it too and would like to discuss it with fellow users.

Yeah, I got the APM 2.5+ Kit. :) What do you want to know?

Get 2.5 Arduflyer, Its really cool and you can upgrade it with anything in future.
www.rctimer.com
Also, you will do telemetry ?

@lastRites, you might find this useful.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZQoGfCKKLo