Lost NaviCntrl on Droidworx AD6 Hexacopter - need help!

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burgor57

Member
Need help from an experienced Hexacopter/Octocopter flyer using Mikrokopter software. Today I lost NaviCntrl mid fllight (after two ealier successful flights). Started out with a good 8 sat lock and 3D GPS lock. After a few moments I lost NaviCntrl.

There is a red light showing on the NaviCntrl board.
Board HW is v 1.1
Software is v 0.24c dated 02/09/11

Was suggested I re-calibrate the compass using the vimeo tutorial as my guide (vimeo.com/21602317). When I try this I do not get the odd buzzing noise they do in the video while rotating round the various axis. I go through the routine anyway - but makes no difference. I have downloaded and reinstalled the software - no difference.

Is there anyone there who is experienced and has a clue what is up and what I can do?
Live in Wilts UK, so anyone UK based willing to talk on phone would be helpful too.
Hope someone can help. Thanks
 

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RTRyder

Merlin of Multirotors
Hook it up to MKtool, there should be an error message in there regarding the Navi board, what does it say?

Ken
 



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burgor57

Member
Pano-Dirk
thanks, yes the message I get is no FC communication. I did actually check the connections between the FC and NC boards and indeed one on the cables was loose. Thinking 'ah-ha' I pressed it home firmly and tried again, but get the same error message. In MKTools same error. My Jeti says I have no NavCntrl and no Sat Lock. Yet, in MKtools I see I do have sat lock and can see GPS data change as I move the Hexa about. There is still a problem between the NC and FC communication.
 

Droider

Droider

Drone Enthusiast
Burgor

Check the ribbon cables are correctly fitted (i have thought they were but found I had not fitted them over both sets of pins) and that the clips that hold the pins in the cables are secure. Check continuity from the pins through the cables to makes sure the ribbon aint bust anywhere. Also check the molex cable between GPS and NAv board. I had a wire break and gave me a weekend of grief before I found it

Dave
 

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burgor57

Member
Dave
thanks. I have physically checked all the connecting cables and everything seems OK, but have not checked for cable continuity. I don't have the tools to do that myself - but I guess that's the only next step to try.
 

quadcopters

quadcopters

Quadcopters.co.uk Drone Specialists
I have offered to take a look at it if Burgor can get it to me , The Hexa as had several bumps so there is every chance of a loose connection somewhere.
I know this because i have been told , and the purchasing of several replacement props on at least 2 occasions :) but anything is possible with the wonderful world of multi rotors.
It was also supplied by myself and went through a extensive testing procedure and then a 5hr handover that was fully documented .
There was also a suggestion by Ken that the compass pin headers could be too long and cause a short , on the V1.1 boards I would always either solder them in opposite and if they did not feel tight then put them in and trim the header pins down as not to push on the navi board , then also a blob of hot glue to hold the compass in place.
My initial thoughts on the error is something as come loose , either a cable or the compass itself .
Im sure we can get to the bottom of this and thanks as always to everybody on here that make this a great forum.

Geoff
 

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burgor57

Member
I want ot add a word of thanks to Geoff for his very helpful support since I purchased this Hexacopter. Especially bearing in mind I had absolutely no experience with RC anything prior to that! I have no doubt in the build quality at all, and agree that after a few less than soft landings where I have broken four props I can imagine that I could have caused a wiring joint or connection to fail somewhere. I can't find it myself but Geoff will have a look at it with me shortly unless I manage to find the fault before.
 

Droider

Droider

Drone Enthusiast
I want ot add a word of thanks to Geoff for his very helpful support since I purchased this Hexacopter.
Click to expand...

Totally agree.. I have had experiences with lots of suppliers over the last 12 months and the one that stands out is QC.co.uk. Even though I did not get my ADX from Geoff he has taken the time to help out where the original supplier seemed to go deaf to my requests for assistance.. Ho hum!

Anyhow Burgor a multimeter is a must for checking for faults.. they are cheap as chips and can save a whole load of head scratching..

Suggest you whizz to B&Q pronto

Dave
 

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