AP2000i altitude hold?

[AZ ChopperCam]

anyone heard more about when this is going to happen?

I could sure use it right now.... trying to hold manually at 400' +/- 20' is not easy.

Angelos, what's the scoop?

[MLaBoyteaux]

Yeah Angelos!

I bought a Picolario which gives me an audio indication of my altitude every 10 seconds along with a tone or beeps depending on vertical speed. It helps, but it's still hard to hold a precise altitude when hovering very high.

For what it cost, I could've bought a couple more AP2000's. :arggg:

I got a TUCIT set up on my e-Raptor this weekend, it should make shooting panos while solo much easier.

[GGoodrum]

I have a beta unit of an altitude hold widget that Andrey sent me to test. It uses a Zlog unit as the sensor. The idea is that this will drive the pitch channel to hold the altitude. I've been busy lately, but I hope to test this in the coming week.

-- Gary

[dreslism]

I have a beta unit of an altitude hold widget that Andrey sent me to test. It uses a Zlog unit as the sensor. The idea is that this will drive the pitch channel to hold the altitude. I've been busy lately, but I hope to test this in the coming week.

-- Gary

Huh? And this works with the AP2000i? Or completely seperate?

I have a zlog. More info please!

[GGoodrum]

I have a beta unit of an altitude hold widget that Andrey sent me to test. It uses a Zlog unit as the sensor. The idea is that this will drive the pitch channel to hold the altitude. I've been busy lately, but I hope to test this in the coming week.

-- Gary

Huh? And this works with the AP2000i? Or completely seperate?

I have a zlog. More info please!

No, it is independent of the AP-2000i, but it can be used in conjunction with it. You put it in between the radio and the AP-2000i's pitch channel.

I think the idea for the production version is to eliminate the ZLog and just use a direct altitude sensor.

-- Gary

[AZ ChopperCam]

yes... more info!

I have a Zlog too but it's hooked up to my Vizion OSD. I suspect it this unit you speak of could be daisy chained tot he Zlog/Vizion combo?

[dreslism]

The zlog can output altitude on one of the serial ports or something like that. I'm sure that is all the zlog is being used for right now. Some other inline device must just be using the zlog output to adjust the pitch.

Who made this? Andre?

[Angelos]

I’ve built a prototype altitude sensor for the AP-2000i but didn’t have the opportunity to tune the control loop. The weather is getting better and although we are extremely busy organising the ds760 production, I will do my best to get some work done on the altitude hold too.

-Angelos

[MarkWebber]

You put it in between the radio and the AP-2000i's pitch channel.


Before using it, do we have any information on the output of this device? You'll definately want the OK for compatibility before use. The AP2000i will have to be 'happy" with the input signal. Same as using gyros before the AP2000i like on my flybarless conversion.

[DKTek]

This feature would be the final selling point for me. :D I'm almost commited now but let's see what happens with this addition. My XLV would be the ride for it. :smokin: Can I get the AP2000iAH model? That's not the Attack Helicopter model either... :wink:

[MarkWebber]

That's not the Attack Helicopter model either...

Why not...that's the next firmware update I'm after...pesky deer are eating up my landscaping. :D

[AZ ChopperCam]

deer are eating up my landscaping.

30-06

[GGoodrum]

You put it in between the radio and the AP-2000i's pitch channel.


Before using it, do we have any information on the output of this device? You'll definately want the OK for compatibility before use. The AP2000i will have to be 'happy" with the input signal. Same as using gyros before the AP2000i like on my flybarless conversion.

It outputs a standard servo signal level, with 1-2 ms pulse timing, so I'm guessing the AP-2000i will be fine with it, but we'll see.

[GGoodrum]

deer are eating up my landscaping.

30-06

Yipes! :shock: Will your Logo 10 lift one of those?? :D:D

[DKTek]

:lolol

[MarkWebber]

I've got enough of the antlered rats to justify a chain gun :roll:

Interested to hear what you find, Gary.

[AZ ChopperCam]

Yipes! Shocked Will your Logo 10 lift one of those??

ha! I wish! but did rig up an airsoft gun once. was pretty fun!

[Dakine]

30-06


Or:

300 Win Mag! :D

[ssozonoff]

Hi Angelos,

I’ve built a prototype altitude sensor for the AP-2000i but didn’t have the opportunity to tune the control loop.

Have you had a chance to test or work on this yet? ;-)
I know you are very busy at the mo...

Thanks,
Serge

[miami6]

could a UNAV Alt3 circuit board be made to interact with the AP2000i or be installed separate

with the elevator control ( in the pitch Channel )


http://www.u-nav.com/circuitboards/alt3.html

http://www.u-nav.com/images/247_picoalt3.jpg


Quote ----from their specs


* Very small size
* Very low weight
* Plug-n-Fly: no software setup, no calibration
* Easy hookup: interface to industry standard RC receivers and servos
* 2 versions: ALT-E (elevator control) or ALT-T (throttle control)
* Non-volatile program storage: allows embedded programs to be updated in the field *
* Pitch attitude control: uses a SMT barometric sensor for vertical speed control
* Altitude hold: uses a SMT barometric sensor for altitude sample and hold +/-1 ft accuracy
* Electronic mode switching: manual and auto modes ( via RC aux. channel )
* Manual ALT over-ride: climb or descend during altitude-hold mode
* Gain adjustment POT

Specifications

*
PCB Size: 2.0"L x 1.0"W x 0.55"H
*
PCB Weight: 0.3oz ( 0.6oz with RC connectors )
*
Max. Altitude: 15,000 ft MSL
*
Altitude Hold: +/- 20 ft ( level flight )
* Power: 5.5v - 7.0v @ 50ma ( idle )

Note: Not recommended for helicopters, rotor turbulence interferes with sensor.


last part could be fixed with t splitter enven 3 ways to get differential pressures -- like real aircraft do in their static ports tube set ups to get accurate readings on thier guages

[dreslism]

I was surprised at the cost of the unav part. $200 just for alt hold.

[ssozonoff]

FYI, this is the response I got from UNAV regarding the use of the Alt3 in a heli.

Serge,
Yes we've had a few customers try the ALT3 on heli's....that's why we don't recommend using it (on heli's).
You're welcome to try it but the warranty is void for that application (ie. no returns).

Mark, Sales
UNAV, LLC

[rroback]

any updates Gary, or Angelos?

[Edge111]

I’ve built a prototype altitude sensor for the AP-2000i but didn’t have the opportunity to tune the control loop. The weather is getting better and although we are extremely busy organising the ds760 production, I will do my best to get some work done on the altitude hold too.



Any updates on the Alt hold yet Angelos?

[Hyde]

i REALLY MEAN NO DISRESPECT - but man... angelos is spending a ridiculous amount of time on a GYRO. i mean - do we really need another freakin gyro on the market?!? umm, last i checked there were SEVERAL from SEVERAL companies available. what no one has and everyone wants is the inertia sensor that we were told would be out a year ago. or, even this altitude hold sensor because that is something the vast majority of us want and we could ALL USE.

angelos - you used to post regularly in the forums. PLEASE RESPOND and clear this up. no - you don't OWE us an explanation. but please keep in mind that a significant amount of your clientèle have money in hand and have been PATIENTLY WAITING for some info, or a timeframe, or SOMETHING.

PLEASE RESPOND.