Received my ArduPilot 2.5+

[DarrenG]

My APM 2.5+ arrived from BYOD on Saturday. Already have it set-up in Mission Planner with the latest firmware. I had a GPS lying around that seems to be working with this fine, it';s reporting position etc (I Work with GPS so it';s the one area I know something about!).

I already have the frame here and built, a Q650 (X650 clone). As soon as I';ve identified the motors and ESCs i need I';ll get them ordered.

In the meantime I need to sort a suitable mount for the APM so that it';s isolated, and I need a longer cable for the GPS so I can mount it in the top of the dome that came with the frame.

Super excited to see how APM performs. I';ve worked with Arduino';s for years but had never heard of the ArduPilot. Was planning to buy a Phantom but when someone mentioned ArduPilot it was a no brainer, a home build and hopefully a Quad with autonomous missions, hell yeah!!

[dazza22]

I love my APM .
Put the time into get the vibration out of the system , and all should
rosie .
I use moongel at the minute to attach the APM to  my quad  .It works well ,but I am not sure  how well glue work on it .So on lookout for other solutions .

[DarrenG]

Ah yes, I';ve not yet decided how to best mount the APM. I need to figure out how to mount it on a gel or foam bed but still secure it in place, perhaps an elastic band over the shell?

[titeuf007]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SORBOTHANE-SHEET-4-X4-x1-4-VIBRATION-ISO-RUBBER-PAD-30-/250446889012?pt=US_Audio_Cables_Adapters&hash=item3a4fcc4034
sorbothane is the best

[DarrenG]

Thank you, got some Sorbothane sheet already.

[Gaza07]

Your going to love the APM its the best flight controller Ive tried up to now 

[DarrenG]

Definitely.  One more APM related question.

I';ve read various discussions on the merits of powering the APM via the ESC or a separate uBEC. I was considering the APM Power Module but read that it had some issues too, so I';ve gone with a Turnigy 5v uBEC, is this the best solution? 

[titeuf007]

yes!

[rickp]

Definitely.  One more APM related question.

I';ve read various discussions on the merits of powering the APM via the ESC or a separate uBEC. I was considering the APM Power Module but read that it had some issues too, so I';ve gone with a Turnigy 5v uBEC, is this the best solution?

I wouldn';t use an ESC as they';re just linear regulators and generate lots of heat. Personally, I use the APM power module and have no problems with it powering the APM and RX. Do not use it to power servos though.