LibrePilot Forum

Users => Applications - Autonomous Flight => Topic started by: OmniGeek on September 28, 2016, 11:08:56 pm

Title: Can I fly with GPS and an impaired magnetometer? What adverse effects should I e
Post by: OmniGeek on September 28, 2016, 11:08:56 pm
I'm setting up a HK CCS Mini Revo for fixed-wing FPV flight (but not autonomous beyond return-to-origin) in a Great Planes Syncro EDF (this is an electric foam nearly-a-glider with an overwing ducted fan); I have a video system, a uBlox GPS, and an OSD, but I foresee a problem in using the Revo's magnetometer with this model.

The Syncro uses several small but powerful magnets to hold the engine pod together (and to hold it on the wing), as well as to hold the canopy closed. I can remove the canopy magnets and slide the FCS forward, but I still expect the engine pod magnets to seriously affect the performance of the FCS magnetometer. (Note that I'm not even trying to use the external I2C mag on the GPS to get away from the engine pod magnets; I know there are support issues there). Removing the magnets may be quite destructive, as it requires digging them out of pockets in the foam.

My question is, what performance features will this degrade? Will I get a decent direction-to-home arrow on the OSD with a squirrelly magnetometer, or will return-to-origin be impaired as well?

Thanks,
Steve
Title: Re: Can I fly with GPS and an impaired magnetometer? What adverse effects should I e
Post by: f5soh on September 29, 2016, 12:02:40 am
The RTB feature need a good Mag (not disturbed) like all autonomous features.

Title: Re: Can I fly with GPS and an impaired magnetometer? What adverse effects should I e
Post by: OmniGeek on September 29, 2016, 03:18:36 pm
Thanks; I rather expected that to be the case. I'll just have to see how badly the magnets disturb The Force. In the worst case, I will have to buy a new foamie with no magnets. (Ooh, must buy a new plane! Such hardship ;-)