ArduPilot Mega Updates, updates!

Jordi Muñoz
DIY Drones

April 24, 2010

I have several stuff i would like to explain! Let's enumerate them:

1.-The first batch of ArduPilot Mega's may be released this Wednesday 28.

2.- The lasted shield is ready (codename: Foxtrap) and has many advantages compared to the last board, including the Invensense gyros (cheaper and better against vibration), smaller board size, can be used on the top or in the bottom, build-in absolute pressure sensor (Bosch) and i removed the differential pressure sensor, but you can still add it as an optional expansion board.

The price still the same.... ;-)

Facts you already know about the shield:
-3.3V Regulator.
-Relay switch for cameras, lights or payloads.
-12-bit ADC.
-Build-in Data Logger (The Black Box).
-Piano DIP switch for servo reverse.
-Build-in FTDI, serial to USB.
-Dedicated Modem/OSD port.
-I2C Port for Magnetometer.
-Two buttons (one momentary, second slide).
-Expansion analogs ports and more.

You can give a look to the Eagle Files here:
ArduPilotMegaShield_F1.brd [ http://api.ning.com/files/u07yOT*K5HabwUogIfBVj-LfFBqCPIZH3nWDy31i4*0ELVwT9HAr5Q9QAnhAtppbCJjWLx6pyP5dKyy*mADEWKUDn8huo2v4/ArduPilotMegaShield_F1.brd ]
ArduPilotMegaShield_F1.sch [ http://api.ning.com/files/8EIPZnEP4U7efI7WX67GfgUeYzZzulGl*YdNi410JYsMVrEDW5hrPVIoiRkTeckEn98wHF0r2OQTMIPZcj2EpvCzXucU*uJi/ArduPilotMegaShield_F1.sch ]

Latest boards:
ArduPilotMegaShield_F2.brd [ http://api.ning.com/files/BN8uzJacn9zyvN17rIDa8l0LOWM89l5wxbc4dJA1aSv4xFBQjjvY8w2g9PpGk4FLq2qE9V2THIGfzqr55r1UHB4LeB47WxL3/ArduPilotMegaShield_F2.brd ]
ArduPilotMegaShield_F2.sch [ http://api.ning.com/files/aE9oJ2ZXz51tGrDQsgdHi7YlxVah2zU5Pa*nxoAwdfpyWS8BuDK-8Cb3Hma*ZVnnT77kjTzqeRFKraBeCqbtelwJDNZHit7B/ArduPilotMegaShield_F2.sch ]

About the development names I use: Alpha1 never made it, Bravo1 is the one i sent to Julio (private release), Charlie1 luckily arrived late, Delta1 was canceled because i decided to remove the differential pressure sensor and add the absolute pressure sensor. Eco1 was also canceled because i switched the Gyros from ST to Invensense. Current released candidate is the Foxtrap1..

Check the new logo:

I will order the first batch this Monday, i hope they arrived fast to test and release!

I have many other stuff going on! I have to leave so you will see later.. ;-)

BTW, Thanks to Scott Plunkett for the Bosch absolute pressure sensor and Bill Premerlani for the Invensense gyros explanation!

7:00pm