{"authorId":"","cover":"/content/images/2026/10/9e08d4941150-social-background.png","heroes":{},"kind":"tag","logo":"/content/images/2016/08/projectable-me-4.png","nav":[{"id":"62e854d471683dea63488bcbca5c6188","label":"Home","url":"/","sortOrder":0},{"id":"1bc84fb15620acd635df7735a0b8ddd8","label":"Projects","url":"/projects/","sortOrder":1},{"id":"3207e2fec51d66d2a5b3d8d04feb9dd8","label":"Sim Racing","url":"/tag/sim-racing/","sortOrder":2},{"id":"59115afd52e59a74faa4b386e00ae3fa","label":"About","url":"/about-me/","sortOrder":3}],"page":1,"perPage":10,"posts":[{"id":"068698c87214816b221c88c65c16ae22","siteId":"projectable","slug":"i-finally-got-around-to-re-assembling-my-qav500","title":"I finally got around to re-assembling my QAV500","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eI finally got around to re-assembling my QAV500 quadcopter with my Graupner receiver. Custom compiled ArduCopter 2.9 with hott-for-ardupilot modules and ran through the new calibration procedure. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt took about 5 minutes to do the auto trim setup once I had it outside, but after that it flew amazingly. I am very happy with 2.9, and REALLY happy to have transmitter side telemetry!\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/km3MKnft7AE\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/2db8c3a5b019d188cafa9579f85fe123/tumblr_mh6zhnjDMH1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/60b71282ed033c31360dcff63f11883b/tumblr_mh6zhnjDMH1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/6a609d77c04d3cf5d1b3d19843a51278/tumblr_mh6zhnjDMH1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eI finally got around to re-assembling my QAV500 quadcopter with my Graupner receiver. Custom compiled ArduCopter 2.9 with hott-for-ardupilot modules and ran through the new calibration procedure. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt took about 5 minutes to do the auto trim setup once I had it outside, but after that it flew amazingly. I am very happy with 2.9, and REALLY happy to have transmitter side telemetry!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/km3MKnft7AE\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/2db8c3a5b019d188cafa9579f85fe123/tumblr_mh6zhnjDMH1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/60b71282ed033c31360dcff63f11883b/tumblr_mh6zhnjDMH1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/6a609d77c04d3cf5d1b3d19843a51278/tumblr_mh6zhnjDMH1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2013-01-25T17:34:32Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"d03c70e6aae5722d51bf48da97ccec26","name":"QAV500","slug":"qav500"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"628aadac58c16c3012b3a15bf4d3eb9c","siteId":"projectable","slug":"project-hexa-dual-channel-rgb-led-strip","title":"Project Hexa - Dual channel RGB LED strip flight+battery status module.","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Dual channel RGB LED strip flight+battery status module.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an arduino pro mini 16mhz with 6 PWM outputs coupled to an ULM2803 8 channel darlington array. This will power 2x 3 LED strips for each of the arms of the hexacopter. The channels will be used left vs right, and will indicate flight mode and battery status alternatively to flight mode. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the APM is not armed, both sides will indicate battery status from green-\u0026gt;orange-\u0026gt;red solid color. When the APM is armed, they will pulse between left color (red) or right color (green), to blue or white depending on GPS lock, and then the battery status. Communication with the APM will be done via the Mavlink protocol.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/7a57f372fcff66377acc93d98f31cc50/tumblr_mgu1wrDX5n1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/b59ee1ff6bad0dc17e36ec2aa0d5ffcf/tumblr_mgu1wrDX5n1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/e60e4dd7619a9e5c7c90eee3a0bbd807/tumblr_mgu1wrDX5n1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Dual channel RGB LED strip flight+battery status module.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is an arduino pro mini 16mhz with 6 PWM outputs coupled to an ULM2803 8 channel darlington array. This will power 2x 3 LED strips for each of the arms of the hexacopter. The channels will be used left vs right, and will indicate flight mode and battery status alternatively to flight mode. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the APM is not armed, both sides will indicate battery status from green-\u0026gt;orange-\u0026gt;red solid color. When the APM is armed, they will pulse between left color (red) or right color (green), to blue or white depending on GPS lock, and then the battery status. Communication with the APM will be done via the Mavlink protocol.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/7a57f372fcff66377acc93d98f31cc50/tumblr_mgu1wrDX5n1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/b59ee1ff6bad0dc17e36ec2aa0d5ffcf/tumblr_mgu1wrDX5n1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/e60e4dd7619a9e5c7c90eee3a0bbd807/tumblr_mgu1wrDX5n1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2013-01-18T17:58:00Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2e01ade8e1326ef9eb4cabafb484592b","name":"Arduino","slug":"arduino"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"d5608b952a3fd913c296d2e5d87e189b","siteId":"projectable","slug":"project-hexa-minor-tweaks-and-2nd-flight","title":"Project Hexa - Minor tweaks and 2nd flight!","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Minor tweaks and 2nd flight!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWrapped some electrical tape around the ESCs and wiring near the motors, this should cut out some airflow vibration that was happening, it will also make things a little more water resistant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid some PID tuning on the APM side of things. Still not perfect, but its getting close.\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/2yAmazvluUI\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/7a497d923f438564b6bfb7638eae5f74/tumblr_mgood0JKaB1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/e69344a7e65367973af855b0a8054f8c/tumblr_mgood0JKaB1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/e00a45a18bb163be36057f47eb99eb73/tumblr_mgood0JKaB1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Minor tweaks and 2nd flight!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWrapped some electrical tape around the ESCs and wiring near the motors, this should cut out some airflow vibration that was happening, it will also make things a little more water resistant.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDid some PID tuning on the APM side of things. Still not perfect, but its getting close.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/2yAmazvluUI\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/7a497d923f438564b6bfb7638eae5f74/tumblr_mgood0JKaB1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/e69344a7e65367973af855b0a8054f8c/tumblr_mgood0JKaB1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/e00a45a18bb163be36057f47eb99eb73/tumblr_mgood0JKaB1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2013-01-15T20:17:21Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"121c48130100db740a832f58dc0edd92","siteId":"projectable","slug":"project-hexa-maiden-flight-finally-got-things","title":"Project Hexa - Maiden Flight!","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Maiden Flight!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally got things assembled, and firmware built with the HOTT modules (no GPS support, still causes random disarming).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerrible first flight, to be expected, nothing has been tuned. But at least I now have a baseline.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/EyYN65MrUcI\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/ae4166d29235fb953e1b9f94e3134018/tumblr_mgmnsgkejg1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/55e1e23e7f635ffc1383847455896f8a/tumblr_mgmnsgkejg1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Maiden Flight!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally got things assembled, and firmware built with the HOTT modules (no GPS support, still causes random disarming).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerrible first flight, to be expected, nothing has been tuned. But at least I now have a baseline.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/EyYN65MrUcI\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/ae4166d29235fb953e1b9f94e3134018/tumblr_mgmnsgkejg1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/55e1e23e7f635ffc1383847455896f8a/tumblr_mgmnsgkejg1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2013-01-14T18:09:50Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"5f9b91865a07dc5a1c48bfaeb79c204b","siteId":"projectable","slug":"project-hexa-quicky-before-i-leave-on-vacation","title":"Project Hexa Update","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Quicky before i leave on vacation update.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGot the new graupner radio gear in place and somewhat tested. Basic telemetry data from APM over HOTT is working after much fussing and commenting out of code (GPS telemetry update method causes stack to wonk out and disarm everything). \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTODO when i get back:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eFasten dome cover\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSetup receiver failsafe\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDebug HOTT GPS telemetry problem\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/ce8c454bb9066fe9b71d46db8cf01be4/tumblr_mfe8ttDxeY1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/7307b9c5114ede34f60c8abd19a388db/tumblr_mfe8ttDxeY1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Quicky before i leave on vacation update.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGot the new graupner radio gear in place and somewhat tested. Basic telemetry data from APM over HOTT is working after much fussing and commenting out of code (GPS telemetry update method causes stack to wonk out and disarm everything). \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTODO when i get back:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eFasten dome cover\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSetup receiver failsafe\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDebug HOTT GPS telemetry problem\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/ce8c454bb9066fe9b71d46db8cf01be4/tumblr_mfe8ttDxeY1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/7307b9c5114ede34f60c8abd19a388db/tumblr_mfe8ttDxeY1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2012-12-21T18:32:15Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"dad9814d4f4424c01e9c45de0972687a","siteId":"projectable","slug":"project-hexa-almost-completely-assembled-this","title":"Project Hexa - Almost completely assembled.","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Almost completely assembled. This is an ATG-700-AL frame, with Ardupilot Mega 2.5. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCamera gimbal is assembled and works. Motors/ESCs have all tested well too. I think ill try and take it out for its maiden flight at lunch today!\u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/KyPhVac-6Mw\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/18151fa15f9a610d995d563e6a9dfb36/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/d7f4aa225868462ed40b422f8a0b1668/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/27f0895167ba9db3b8d22cb34d9f8f60/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/95a6a73a7fc0d0b68a1d6663ecff4329/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Almost completely assembled. This is an ATG-700-AL frame, with Ardupilot Mega 2.5. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCamera gimbal is assembled and works. Motors/ESCs have all tested well too. I think ill try and take it out for its maiden flight at lunch today!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/KyPhVac-6Mw\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/18151fa15f9a610d995d563e6a9dfb36/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/d7f4aa225868462ed40b422f8a0b1668/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/27f0895167ba9db3b8d22cb34d9f8f60/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/95a6a73a7fc0d0b68a1d6663ecff4329/tumblr_mfc15a86lu1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2012-12-20T13:51:06Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"0f73898fce0144ea040bcbb8b6f7887b","siteId":"projectable","slug":"project-hexa-rebuild-after-many-many-months","title":"Project Hexa Rebuild","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Rebuild! \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter many many months sitting in pieces, I have started to assemble this again. I decided to rewire everything to make it super tidy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eFrame: ATG700-AL\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMotors: A2208-17\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESC: Hobbywing 20A\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3DR IV: Voltage/Amperage monitor\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/16425725f96a2f8b1a0d1a1fae4eadf5/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/d7d06a686962b7da1da044be1db19ba2/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/819fa32327633aec58e2a984cca52217/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/58aa6b9e090266429319a73049d164b0/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/ded0d7adee3002bfe569d2b14b72569e/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo5_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/4884a398d426e08c53a46507c9845579/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo6_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/abbad7eae754083318fcecbdf29abfdf/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo7_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/d6385910be3425f65e82aca0bdf23f64/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo8_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/f34dceaa9c10b4a891711dddec8a510d/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo9_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProject Hexa\u003c/strong\u003e - Rebuild! \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter many many months sitting in pieces, I have started to assemble this again. I decided to rewire everything to make it super tidy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eFrame: ATG700-AL\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMotors: A2208-17\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eESC: Hobbywing 20A\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e3DR IV: Voltage/Amperage monitor\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/16425725f96a2f8b1a0d1a1fae4eadf5/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/d7d06a686962b7da1da044be1db19ba2/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/819fa32327633aec58e2a984cca52217/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/58aa6b9e090266429319a73049d164b0/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/ded0d7adee3002bfe569d2b14b72569e/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo5_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/4884a398d426e08c53a46507c9845579/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo6_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/abbad7eae754083318fcecbdf29abfdf/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo7_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/d6385910be3425f65e82aca0bdf23f64/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo8_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/f34dceaa9c10b4a891711dddec8a510d/tumblr_mf8z9z9l1I1rgpsuzo9_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2012-12-18T22:17:00Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"0997ef49e64e6ccb5d034fdf4b1069cc","siteId":"projectable","slug":"yesterday-i-received-my-black-friday-specials-from","title":"Goodies from 3DRobotics!","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eYesterday I received my black friday specials from 3DRobotics. I now have everything assembled with the new goodies and its looking good!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis includes the APM2.5 case, i had to mod this to allow for the extra headers I installed for UART access, and so that I could continue to use the QAV500 mount points instead of zip-tie'ing to the frame (this means I only used the top of the case including the foam for barometric pressure sensor dampening).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the new 3DR IV in place I have working voltage AND amperage readings (amperage readings are broken in 2.8.1 for attopilot voltage monitor for some unknown reason).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/GDBBDiAGn3w\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcuse the crazy takeoff, it was not calibrated after leveling. Once it figured itself out, it flew really well.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo8_r1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo9_r1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMission Planner\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo5_1280.png\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eYesterday I received my black friday specials from 3DRobotics. I now have everything assembled with the new goodies and its looking good!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis includes the APM2.5 case, i had to mod this to allow for the extra headers I installed for UART access, and so that I could continue to use the QAV500 mount points instead of zip-tie\u0026#39;ing to the frame (this means I only used the top of the case including the foam for barometric pressure sensor dampening).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith the new 3DR IV in place I have working voltage AND amperage readings (amperage readings are broken in 2.8.1 for attopilot voltage monitor for some unknown reason).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/GDBBDiAGn3w\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcuse the crazy takeoff, it was not calibrated after leveling. Once it figured itself out, it flew really well.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo8_r1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo9_r1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMission Planner\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mekbu1vcsk1rgpsuzo5_1280.png\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2012-12-05T14:49:00Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"09d8458f842fa339aa3515edcc83f99d","siteId":"projectable","slug":"more-tweaks-to-the-qav500-platform-i-moved-all","title":"More tweaks to the QAV500 platform.","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore tweaks to the QAV500 platform. I moved all the electronics up to the front, this allows me to stick a battery on the top if need be. After my ESC timing changes I had an excellent flight today. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/embed/lz4TBDYiWl8\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePIDs are 2.8.1 defaults with motor size medium (0.110) as the only tweak.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore tweaks to the QAV500 platform. I moved all the electronics up to the front, this allows me to stick a battery on the top if need be. After my ESC timing changes I had an excellent flight today. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe frameborder=\"0\" height=\"315\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/lz4TBDYiWl8\" width=\"560\"\u003e\u003c/iframe\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePIDs are 2.8.1 defaults with motor size medium (0.110) as the only tweak.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdftqaJpP31rgpsuzo4_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2012-11-13T17:54:00Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"},{"id":"d03c70e6aae5722d51bf48da97ccec26","name":"QAV500","slug":"qav500"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"},{"id":"979b6be427bc27a5de056f4a3855c411","siteId":"projectable","slug":"cleaned-up-my-qav500-quadcopter-during-lunch","title":"Cleaned up my QAV500 quadcopter.","markdown":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eCleaned up my QAV500 quadcopter during lunch today.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the size of the ESCs I am using (40a 6s capable), they do not fit in the intended space, and Initially I had them between the dirty (where the motors are) and clean (noise isolated for camera/controllers) platforms. However, this meant I had to add extra height between the 2 sections. This had some unintended side effects, the weight sat too high in relation to the props, and when moving forward or backwards it would be very \u0026ldquo;floppy\u0026rdquo; (for lack of a better word), it would tend to over pitch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have put the ESCs on the underside now, and cleaned up the wiring significantly. Will be testing it tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6qhnLBZb1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6qhnLBZb1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6qhnLBZb1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","html":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cp\u003eCleaned up my QAV500 quadcopter during lunch today.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to the size of the ESCs I am using (40a 6s capable), they do not fit in the intended space, and Initially I had them between the dirty (where the motors are) and clean (noise isolated for camera/controllers) platforms. However, this meant I had to add extra height between the 2 sections. This had some unintended side effects, the weight sat too high in relation to the props, and when moving forward or backwards it would be very “floppy” (for lack of a better word), it would tend to over pitch.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have put the ESCs on the underside now, and cleaned up the wiring significantly. Will be testing it tomorrow.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://66.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6qhnLBZb1rgpsuzo1_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://67.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6qhnLBZb1rgpsuzo2_1280.jpg\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cimg src=\"http://65.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_md6qhnLBZb1rgpsuzo3_1280.jpg\"\u003e","excerpt":"","metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","status":"published","featured":false,"publishedAt":"2012-11-08T20:05:00Z","authorId":"190160de54f2192bd5b8734ec8808086","authorName":"Daniel Chote","authorSlug":"daniel","heroMediaId":"","projectId":"","tags":[{"id":"9bec399c1772c721c401034517cb9218","name":"Multi Rotor","slug":"multi-rotor"},{"id":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","name":"APM","slug":"apm"},{"id":"d03c70e6aae5722d51bf48da97ccec26","name":"QAV500","slug":"qav500"}],"createdAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z","updatedAt":"2026-10-18T13:16:27Z"}],"site":{"id":"projectable","theme":"projectable","title":"Daniel Chote's Project Blog","description":"Software Development, Game Development, Hardware Hacking, Sim Racing, Multi-rotors and Robots!","timezone":"America/New_York","postsPerPage":10,"logoMediaId":"21557257b3f2ecc4b3fa875b808097a7","coverMediaId":"6d7e99f0997d13aac98da38677ca7064","copyright":"© Daniel Chote","twitterUrl":"https://twitter.com/dchote","linkedinUrl":"https://www.linkedin.com/in/dchote","googleTagId":"G-07GJBQVM38","hosts":[{"host":"new.projectable.me","canonical":false},{"host":"projectable.me","canonical":true},{"host":"www.projectable.me","canonical":false}]},"tag":{"description":"","name":"APM","slug":"apm"},"tagId":"2ee6979705d05aa6833997a1d0ddcc38","total":27}

APM

Software Development, Game Development, Hardware Hacking, Sim Racing, Multi-rotors and Robots!

I finally got around to re-assembling my QAV500
I finally got around to re-assembling my QAV500 quadcopter with my Graupner receiver. Custom compiled ArduCopter 2.9 with hott-for-ardupilot modules and ran
Project Hexa - Dual channel RGB LED strip flight+battery status module.
Project Hexa - Dual channel RGB LED strip flight+battery status module. This is an arduino pro mini 16mhz with 6 PWM outputs coupled to an ULM2803 8 channel
Project Hexa - Minor tweaks and 2nd flight!
Project Hexa - Minor tweaks and 2nd flight! Wrapped some electrical tape around the ESCs and wiring near the motors, this should cut out some airflow vibration
Project Hexa - Maiden Flight!
Project Hexa - Maiden Flight! Finally got things assembled, and firmware built with the HOTT modules (no GPS support, still causes random disarming). Terrible
Project Hexa Update
Project Hexa - Quicky before i leave on vacation update. Got the new graupner radio gear in place and somewhat tested. Basic telemetry data from APM over HOTT
Project Hexa - Almost completely assembled.
Project Hexa - Almost completely assembled. This is an ATG-700-AL frame, with Ardupilot Mega 2.5. Camera gimbal is assembled and works. Motors/ESCs have all
Project Hexa Rebuild
Project Hexa - Rebuild! After many many months sitting in pieces, I have started to assemble this again. I decided to rewire everything to make it super tidy
Goodies from 3DRobotics!
Yesterday I received my black friday specials from 3DRobotics. I now have everything assembled with the new goodies and its looking good! This includes the
More tweaks to the QAV500 platform.
More tweaks to the QAV500 platform. I moved all the electronics up to the front, this allows me to stick a battery on the top if need be. After my ESC timing
Cleaned up my QAV500 quadcopter.
Cleaned up my QAV500 quadcopter during lunch today. Due to the size of the ESCs I am using (40a 6s capable), they do not fit in the intended space, and