ArduPilot MEGA 2.5 - Setup failsafe with any tx

by Bjarkix2 | May 22, 2013 | (4) Posted in How To

This is a Video showing you how to setup failsafe on the ArduPilot 2.5 with any transmitter. I will be using my stock Turnigy 9x radio, which does not have the failsafe funktion built in. This is really simple, and only uses the Mission Planner and the ArduPilot 2.5 board.

The video is 10 minutes long, and has all the information you need. Enjoy :-)

Components used:

Ardupilot 2.5+ EU Store http://www.unmannedtechshop.co.uk

                       US Store http://store.3drobotics.com/

Mission Planner https://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/downloads/list


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COMMENTS

Hasersys on May 24, 2013
Nice, I have been looking into buying Ardupilot. I was not aware that you could do this. I was under the impression that I would need to buy a new radio with failsafe. thank you for the information.
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Sirglider on June 13, 2013
Hi!
I have tried your method last night but it doesn't work. My throttle signal is with Tx minimum throttle at 950 but when I turn the Tx off, the throttle signal stays at the same level. Any idea? Would be useful if it would work for me ;)
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Bjarkix2 on June 13, 2013
hmmm, 950 is very low, have you tried putting your throttle on 50% and then turning it off, see if it then jumps down to 950, if this works, trim your throttel channel up untill you get to about 985, then set it up as to work. if this doesnt help, just comment and i will try something else :)
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Sirglider on June 13, 2013
Nope, the throttle signal stays at the same value if I turn off my Tx. Btw, I have open9x on mine, but I don't think it should come from it.
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Bjarkix2 on June 13, 2013
no, the failsafe is a feature of the reciever. when it reads incoherent signals it automatically cuts the throttle (most of the time apparently) okey, we need to single the problem out, try using another receiver, if it still doesnt work, its the transmitter, if it does, its the reciever.
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Sirglider on June 13, 2013
All right, so I have tried with the Rx HK6Ch V2 and the Turnigy orignial 8Ch Rx and both do the same. With the 8ch the minimum value is at about 970 but when I turn off the Tx, it keeps its last received value... But I think even if it's Rx dependant, my old version of open9x might be the reason of it. Might reflash it tomorrow...
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Bjarkix2 on June 13, 2013
yeah, since thats the only thing we dont have in common (so to speek) it must be the firmware then. Let me know if it works out :)
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Sirglider on June 14, 2013
Ok, flashed my Tx with Open9x 2.13, calibrate my sticks, calibrate my ESC, but the problem remains: my CH1 signal goes from 911 to 1898 and turning OFF the Tx does not change anything on the Rx signal received for this channel... I'm afraid your solution won't apply to me. But I like the idea anyway ;)
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Bjarkix2 on June 15, 2013
that´s unfortunate, well i am using mode 2, meaning that my throttle channel is CH 3, other than that i don't know :)
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MDOwn on June 13, 2013
Would recommend to anyone buyin Ardupilot to buy a cheaper Megapirate compatible board. My friend bought the APM 2.5+, and I got the Crius AIO Pro (I believe it's called the Multiwii and megapirate board in USA), It required a little more work, but I have a board that does as much as his for 1/4 the price, is lighter and we have done some tests and mine seems to last 2 minutes longer flight time, plus with the open source nature of the APM coding theres really NO DIFFERENCE! There are equivalent options for both boards so don't worry about expanding later. Get the cheaper open source boards and save your money!
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Bjarkix2 on June 13, 2013
Then again, the ardupilot is more plug and play. but if you have the time, the cheaper board would save allot of dollars. You could make an article showing how to make it.
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Bjarkix2

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ArduPilot MEGA 2.5 - Setup failsafe with any tx