AQ6 now working with Graupner MX-20 HOTT telemetry

[kinderkram]

Menno posted a new video showing the AQ6 interacting with the Graupner MX-20 telemetry and spoken MAVLink messages using a JDrones IO board (16$) for the status display via external LEDs:




http://store.jdrones.com/jD_IOBoard_p/jdioboard10.htm

Great job, Menno!

[joebar.rc]

[JussiH]

Menno, great work! Looks really good and I think that people will appreciate the long hours you and Peter have put into overhauling mission and message structures when it can be released. I know I do - thanks!

[rwijnhov]

So i need the IO board for getting telemetry to my mx20? Or only if I want leds?

[joebar.rc]

Any arduino board will do, pro mini, nano or whatever. The IOboard is just very convenient because there are 6 high power drivers (0-40V/2A) on board and is as small as a pro mini.
If you only want mav 2 hott without leds you need gnd, 5v (or 3,3v with a 3v3arduino) rx/tx and one digital port.

[rwijnhov]

Sorry but i don't understand. For only mav to hott do I need an extra board. Or can I get it direct from AQ board without extra board? I also use minimosd + 3dr radio.

[kinderkram]

[joebar.rc]

No Norbert, you need an arduino board for that.
Reason is simple, AQ only has 1 serial port available (or lets say, accessible) and AQ really needs mavlink for communication.
So, I decode the mavlink protocol in an arduino and generate the HoTT protocol. At the same time some led stuff.

That way it is plug n play, nothing needs to be changed in AQ and AQ does not have the overhead of another protocol and serial communication with some stupid timing for the HoTT protocol.

If you already use the minumosd, maybe the HoTT protocol can be embedded on that too if some program memory is left and one digital port is available

[kinderkram]

Ok, then I'll take back what I previously stated.
Well ... 16 bucks isn't too much for such a solution. Someone who owns a Graupner HOTT will not have to dig too deep into his wallet.

[Teletubbie]

Or find a cheap arduino board and four (or more) transistors do the trick for the led's.