The ArduPilot from the Maker Shed is a full-featured autopilot based on the Arduino open-source hardware platform. It uses infrared (thermopile) sensors for stabilization and GPS for navigation. Requires a GPS module and an infrared XY sensor (not included). The autopilot handles both stabilization and navigation, eliminating the need for a separate stabilization system. It also supports a “fly-by-wire” mode that can stabilize an aircraft when flying manually under RC control, making it easier and safer to fly. The hardware and software are all open source. The board comes with all the surface-mount parts already soldered, but requires the user to solder on connectors. Firmware is already loaded, but the autopilot software must be downloaded and loaded onto the board by the user.
More about the ArduPilot
4 thoughts on “New in the Maker Shed: ArduPilot”
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Has anyone seen the attopilot? It’s based on the far more powerful Propeller microcontroller. It has more advanced sensors and live data reporting back to the ground. The propeller has always looked like a better microcontroller for autopilots, as flying is an inherently parallel task, suited to the propellers 8 32-bit cores. The arduino has one core, and relies on interrupts, which I think, isn’t the best way to go about flying.
The AttoPilot looks cool, but keep in mind it priced at $600 – $800. That’s a far cry from the base price of the Ardupilot at <$25.