My time to be a newbie.

[MaxH]

So its my time to be a newbie with some questions.

I bought this hexacopter, with a DX7s, from a friend, and I've looked into it and learned a lot about settings and configuration. The hex is originally bought from ReadyToFly.com and its a Mega 3.21 with firmware 2.2, with a UBLOX GPS, don't know exactly which. (Image: http://bit.ly/1o1dFoc). I also have a Bluetooth module.

First problem is that i cannot connect with my computer. I don't hear a sound from computer as i should. Tried different computers and different cables, with drivers installed. On the board i see a green light when i put the cable in, but that's all. I also tried with and without batteries connected to the hex (i didn't disconnected anything from the board when trying, hoping that wouldn't matter). I assume the USB connection is faulty on board?

However, the Bluetooth works good. I've managed a lot with my android phone and the multiwii ez-gui app. With that in mind, is it possible to flash firmware to 2.3 via Bluetooth, or make changes? I've ordered a LED ring, and it would be great to be able to work it out with the board.

Also, i tried out the GPS hold. while in flight. I noticed that it turned off (via phone speaker) as soon as i touched the sticks. When it was some wind it was kind of annoying, because the hex flew away a couple of meters before the hold was totally engaged. Any way to make this better? Also, more importantly, is there a way to do it NAZA style; so i fly with GPS all the time and the flying is relative to the GPS position, meaning that i more or less fly by wire? Or is that just not meant to be done with MultiWii?

And finally some really newbie question: does it matter how the GPS module is installed, i.e relative to front on the hex? have not found any information at all about that.

Much appreciated for any info you can help me out with. Cheers!

[brewski]

I am assuming you have a Windows PC. Go into My Computer >System properties >system settings >hardware >device manager. Go down to Com ports & look for the odd one out after the Bluetooth ports. The name will depend on the USB to Serial chip used on your board.
Go into GUI (either Java or Win Gui) & select this port. This is also the same port to use with the Arduino IDE programmer.
I'll leave the GPS queries to someone else as mine has still to arrive, but I do know that the typical Ublox 6M has only 2.5m accuracy so don't expect muticopter to do better than this.

[MaxH]

Well, i don't get any more com ports nor the typical sound there when i insert the USB cable. I saw a some guides about this, and as i understood it, i should get another one when the USB is inserted. I have only COM1, and that cannot be connected to.

[brewski]

1. check the part number on USB interface IC & then Google for latest driver
2. try another USB cable
3. check solder joints around micro USB socket- these are easily damaged
4. If all above fail try a new flight controller

[MaxH]

Windows drivers are all up to date and working. Tried with another cable and computer, no luck. Solder joints looks okay... the board at least gets power when i insert the cable, but thats it. I dont have any buddy that has a multiwii board to compare with :/ Seems i'm out of luck on this USB connection issue.

Anyhow, i'd appreciate if someone could answer the other questions aswell.

[brewski]

It looks like your USB on FC is dud. You can prove this by going to Add/Remove programs & deleting the driver you installed. Reboot PC & plug in FC & the "Found new Hardware" wizard should show. If not there is a problem with the connections or the USB to serial chip.
You can get a cheap ($5) USB to serial (FTDI) adapter board that plugs into FTDI port. This is how I communicate with my Crius SE clone Atmel328 based FC as it doesn't have onboard USB. As far as programming the Atmel 2560 chip on FC using Android there is an Arduino IDE App that I have seen but not tried in Playstore.
I just opened the image of your GPS module & it is a Ublox Neo-6M. Just Google Ublox Neo-6m specs & you will get a datasheet on the GPS module.
You can mount module anyway you like but just ensure that the ceramic antenna has clear view of the sky.
If you want to find out info on the board that the module is mounted on look thru the GPS boards on Hobbyking & you will find match with loads for files under "files" tab.

[MaxH]

Thanks loads for the reply. I guess the USB port is damaged, indeed. I''ll see what i can do about it, the FTDI was something i didnt though of, thanks for the tip.

[brewski]

Hi Max,
No probs. My Crius V2 AIO arrived today & Ublox 6-M board similar to yours not far behind..can't wait!
You said you tried a different micro USB cable but some only supply power only for phone charging. I found this out today when I connected my new Crius AIO using an old phone micro USB. I had power lED lit but no data transfer to GUI. I went to local electronics shop & bought a Belkin Micro-USB cable & went into device Manager> hardware & now had a new serial port. Entered this number into GUI & worked perfectly! Definitely worth a try.

[waltr]

If trying a different USB cable doesn't work examine the USB connector solder with a good magnifier. If any soldering looks iffy then re-flow and see if it now works.

[MaxH]

Yay, it works. I cant imagine i didn't think of that myself! I have three USB->microUSB cables, and of course i tried with the two that only had the power lines. Now I tried the third, and now the connection works like a charm! That really easy up my pain about this. Although, i discovered that the third aux is glitchy. But I'm not using it, so im gonna leave that as it is.

thanks loads for the tip!