APM 2.6 with external compass

[Jumpy07]

Coming soon..  LEA-6 with built in compass for APM...  guess similar to Naza etc..  also 6s support power module..




Details here : http://www.diydrones.com/profiles/blogs/apm-2-6-gps-with-compass

New APM 2.6 has no on board compass.. some other changes such as bigger fuses and some component upgrades.. but much the same as the 2.5 board.
New LEA 6 with mag will work with older 2.5 and give the same functionality it appears..

[peter_a]

so 2.6 is 2.5 without the compass ?

To me having the compass and gps on a extra board is`nt a improvement .

[DarrenG]

It';s necessary as the compass is easily affected by other components such as motor wiring. Naza has compass in GPS housing.

But you can do the same yourself with the external compass on an APM if you suffer from compass issues.

[Srocupado]

It';s not necessary.
If you move away escs or motors, or event put the apm a few cm away from the source of EMF you will have the same result.
My apm on my quad is just 8 cm away from the lipo and 10 cm from my hobbywing quattro esc. With those figures I get around of 5% of interference (stay below 30% and you are good to go).

[firey1]

the easiest and cheapest solution if you want a separate compass is to fit an external one  you can pick them up on ebay for under $5.00 usd
make your own mounting pole for your GPS/Compass just like a NAZZA

Made mine out of two standard  X servo arms and a carbon rod

[DarrenG]

It';s not necessary.
If you move away escs or motors, or event put the apm a few cm away from the source of EMF you will have the same result.
My apm on my quad is just 8 cm away from the lipo and 10 cm from my hobbywing quattro esc. With those figures I get around of 5% of interference (stay below 30% and you are good to go).

Good for you, but others have not had so much luck.  Mine';s still in the APM and fine, but that';s not the optimal solution for some.

[rickp]

So whilst I';m quite happy with the performance of my 2 airframes with onboard compass - does anyone know if its possible to disable the compass on the APM2? Simple on the 2.5, but I';ve not seen instructions for the 2.0 board...

[DarrenG]

Found this on DIYDrones which discusses how to do it. Not simple by the looks of it!

[firey1]

yes darren much harder on the apm 2.0 than the 2.5