The autopilot module has the main role to stabilize the platform and to fly it at locations received from the sensor node. The autopilot requires an inertial measurement unit (IMU) typically hosting three axis accelerometers and gyroscopes, and a barometric sensor for stabilization. For navigation at the desired points it requires a GPS unit and a compass. A battery monitoring unit allows for failsafe landings on low battery. An abort signal (kill switch), sent in a separate frequency band (72MHz) allows for a forced landing or for a safe return to the launch point in case of major software failure on the sensor node. The commands from the sensor node are sent using the ​MAVLink format through an USB link.

Components

• Autopilot details
• Abort signal (killswitch) details
• GPS +Compass details
• Ground Control Station (GCS) details
• Power Setup (for the autopilot, mobile node and LEDs) details
• RC Transmitter details
• The autopilot is using MAVLink commands details

Firmware and Params

Current Version: APM 3.1.0-rc8 with patch
Tested Params: Tested Params for Hexa copter v3_1_0_rc8_after_patch​

Simulation Setup

Two methods:

• Software in the loop (SITL) details
• Hardware in the loop (HIL) details?