Replies to This Discussion

ModeratorPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on November 22, 2009 at 6:01pm

Better for what? They do totally different things....(UAV DevBoard is an autopilot, ArduIMU+ is an IMU/AHRS)

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Permalink Reply by Morli on November 22, 2009 at 6:15pm

Hi Mathew, Xmas repeats every year , ;)=) , Go for the one you can handle/get away with this year's wish list. My wish list has both but will be happy to get at least one of my wish granted :p

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Permalink Reply by OlivierD. on November 22, 2009 at 6:41pm

UAV Devboard would be my choice because it has been tested by several people on DIYDrones, it is fully functional, just remember you need to purchase a separate ICD2 or PICKit2 programmer to write code to the Devboard prior to flying.
The ArduIMU looks promising too but it is not yet fully implemented in the ArduPilot code so for now you would have to stick to the old thermopiles.
According to Chris, they will release something in Q1 2010. If you absolutely need an 6DOF IMU with working stabilization code, Way Point Nav and altitude hold for Xmas, the UAV devboard would be the best choice.
Check out Brian Cuervo, NS Rana and Bill Premerlani's posts, it will shed more light on what this board can do.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew M on November 22, 2009 at 7:00pm

Thanks for the speedy reply! Thanks Chris your right, I'll go with the UAV DevBoard. I was hoping it would be easier to participate in the Diydrones community (Ardupilot) if I were to go with the ArduIMU but as Oliver pointed out it wouldn't meet the needs of a truly autonomous guidance system independent of environmental input. I imagine an Ardupilot thermophile based UAV becomes difficult after the sun goes down.

The reason I asked is I have a feeling as soon as I buy the UAV DevBoard some ones coming out with something better. :D

Love the site by the way! Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by OlivierD. on November 22, 2009 at 7:28pm

Matthew, for sure somebody will come up with something better at some point, that's inevitable. At the moment, the UAV Devboard is the best bang for the buck.
Thermopiles are OK after dark, they still work, worse comes to worse, if they are off a bit, just recalibrate them but they do a decent job.
Even with the UAV Devboard, you are still part of the DIYDrones community, other people use it here and you can benefit from their feedback, code upgrades etc...
Eventually, Ardupilot will go to ArduPro, intergrate and IMU and other features but these things take time, and it's part of the fun. First the hardware will come out, then a basic code, it will be another 6 months or so after the release before bugs are ironed out, all based on feedback from people on this forum who go out and test the gear. I am sure you will be pleased with the UAV Devboard in the mean time and enjoy it's remarkable stabilization abilities.
Olivier.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew M on November 24, 2009 at 10:10pm

Purchased the SparkFun UAV DevBoard, Should be here Monday. I'll wait till Xmas to open it of course. Now I'm guessing the Pickit3 is just as good as as 2? I'm just being lazy I know but I'm sure you wont mind sharing your experience and knowledge. LOL. :D Can't wait for free day @ Sparkfun.com!

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Hooks on November 25, 2009 at 12:55pm

Pickit3 is just as good as as 2..... Don't think so..

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Permalink Reply by Morli on November 25, 2009 at 3:07pm

Thanks Hooks , that was very educative and good video , I won't be looking at pick it 3

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Permalink Reply by Matthew M on November 25, 2009 at 5:10pm

Disclaimer on my earlier thermopile comment: yes they work at night but can hardly be considered the optimal input for horizontal stability relative to recent MEMS alternatives. Paparazi was ahead of it's time but it's time is over. At least the original version maybe not it's recently evolved iterations.

2. Borderline trolling I know but entertaining nonetheless...

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on December 3, 2009 at 3:17pm

That response is GENIUS. Much respect for Microchip!

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