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Whats needed to convert to MK

Discussion in 'Electronics' started by Ryan McCrae, May 31, 2014.

  1. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    Hi everyone,

    Ive finally decided to convert to MK. Ive had a look around and I think I know all the parts I need, but I'm not 100% sure on extras I may need. Heres what I'm looking at getting, if you could let me know if I'm missing any extras that would be great. Also where is the best place to buy it in the states?
    Im going to be using it on a Skyjib frame with the crash cage, with futaba 14sg and r7003sb receiver. Also i will be using Herkules III esc. (MK compatible.)
    Parts:
    - Flight control 2.5 : http://www.quadrocopter.com/Flight-Ctrl-V25-ME_p_1025.html
    -Navi- Control 2.1 with external compass: http://www.quadrocopter.com/Navi-Ctrl-V21-w-External-Compass_p_1254.html
    - GPS 2.1: http://www.quadrocopter.com/MK-GPS-V21-SMD-preassembled_p_21.html
    -GPS shield: http://www.quadrocopter.com/GPS-Shield-11_p_296.html

    - sbus inverter: http://www.quadrocopter.com/Futaba-SBus-Signal-Inverter_p_544.html
    - MK USB: http://www.quadrocopter.com/MK-USB-Adapter_p_100.html
    -Molex cable 15cm for GPS: http://www.quadrocopter.com/Molex-Cable-for-MKGPS-15cm_p_426.html
    - Cable set for Nav Control (are there different lengths?): http://www.quadrocopter.com/Cable-Set-for-Navi-Ctrl-20cm_p_531.html
    - Molex cable flight control to esc?(are there different lengths?) : http://www.quadrocopter.com/Molex-Cable-for-FC-21-and-GPS_p_109.html
    -vibration mounts: http://www.quadrocopter.com/Vibration-Dampeners-M3x15_p_135.html
    -Do I need some kind of telemetry or blue tooth, there are a few options on the quadrocopter site, such as xbee.
    Im not using way points, but are these useful for the set up?: http://www.quadrocopter.com/Xbee-3DR-Radio-Sets_p_551.html

    Thanks in advance, its a bit of a step up from Super X.
     
  2. Chris Fox

    Chris Fox Active Member

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    G'Day Ryan,
    Your should get telemetry direct from the FC, buy plugging the grey telemetry lead into your receiver. The list looks pretty good, just make sure you add in nylon standoffs to mount everything, and a PCB extension to make your LEDs flash, unless the Herkules supports that (not sure on that)
    Cheers
     
  3. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    No Herkules doesn't support flashing :) For some reason I thought you needed graupner for the telemetry to work.
    What length stand offs and vibration mounts do you recommend?
     
  4. Chris Fox

    Chris Fox Active Member

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    you can get the right size vibration mounts from QC or MK direct ... I've bought others before but wouldn't recommend it .... Standoffs ... you can never have too many of every size it just depends on your configuration.

    Just reviewed the manual http://www.mikrokopter.de/ucwiki/en/MK-Parameter/Channels and I think I'm wrong about the telemetry. I have only used futaba controllers to control the movi, I still use graupner controllers to fly.
     
  5. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    Thanks Chris, Il have a read.
    Whats the every one using for a OSD?
     
  6. Chris Fox

    Chris Fox Active Member

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    I just use the telemetry on the TX, (using an MC20) I find that gives me enough information.
     
  7. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    I like having the important info there on the screen so i don't have to look away when flying fpv. If you were to buy a OSD what would you get?
     
  8. Steve Maller

    Steve Maller UAV Grief Counselor

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    The SmartOSD is what some folks use with MK, but it’s not a super well-supported product. I have not used mine in a while.
     
  9. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    Why so few options? Do people not use them?

    Also has any one purchased from Mikrocopter US?
     
  10. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    I've not had the same support problems that Steve has found. I bought mine from Quadrocopter, but they no longer have them on the web site. I would therefore go to Altigator.com.

    Personally, I find flying FPV much safer than any other method as it allows me to fly the copter more accurately and not lose orientation.

    Andy.
     
  11. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    Cant seem to be able to find it in stock anywhere.

    Does any one know where I can buy one from, new or used?
     
  12. Urs Clement

    Urs Clement Member

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    I use the SmartOSD and i'm quite happy with it! It has a simple but great software to adjust the infos you want on the screen... And i definately like it more than the DJI iOSD i use on another drone...

    But the only shop i found it in stock is located in italy, and it's 169€ (I've bought it from altigator for 119€)

    http://www.hobbyhobby.it/contents/en-us/p550_Smart_Osd_per_Mikrokopter.html
     
  13. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    I emailed them about the price and it turns out they dont even have them in stock. Looks like I'm going to have to buy EPI osd or wait for a second hand one to pop up for sale.
     
  14. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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  15. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    I think the SmartOSD folks may have something in the works.... :rolleyes:

    Andy.
     
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  16. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    Any idea what might be different Andy?
     
  17. Andy Johnson-Laird

    Andy Johnson-Laird Administrator
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    Afraid not -- I just remember Irek mentioning that it was in ongoing development. He sent me a test version of firmware about 18 months ago with an experimental "ground track indicator" that computed the actual ground track based on GPS data -- the better to be able to follow a ground feature or straight line shot -- it kinda worked (but with bugs) and he hinted that he'd keep working on it.

    The out of stock situation seems like a reasonable precursor to next generation....

    Andy.
     
  18. Gary Haynes

    Gary Haynes Administrator
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  19. Ryan McCrae

    Ryan McCrae Member

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    Smart electronics got back to me and said there will be a new version released next week. I ended up buying Garys old smart OSD off him, simply because i need to get this set up asap to get back in the air and filming. It will be interesting to see what features they have changed in the new version.
     

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