ArduPilot APM 2.8 Flight Control Board with Case - Vertical Pins

This amazing flight controller allows the user to turn any fixed wing, rotary wing, or multi-rotor vehicle (even boats and cars) into a fully autonomous vehicle, capable of performing a wide range of tasks, even programmed GPS missions with waypoints (with the optional GPS module).

Various user interfaces are available for programing, reviewing logs, even some Apps for smart phones and tablets. The optional MAVLink telemetry radio allows for two way radio communication giving you full control and provides live data back to your computer or tablet. The list of what this flight controller is capable of has quickly been surpassed by what it cannot, with features, flight modes and supported platforms. The Ardupilot mega or “APM”, started as an open source project from 3DR robotics and has since been supported by thousands of users pushing this flight controller to be one of the best systems available.

This 2.8 revision of the board is exactly the same as the APM 2.6, however it allows you the option to select between use of the built in compass, or external compass via a jumper. For multorotor use it's best to use an external GPS/Compass module (jumper removed) which can be mounted away from sources of magnetic interference.

What can the APM Board Control?

• Multirotors - APM: Copter (Firmware V3.2.1 or earlier)
• Planes - APM:Plane (Firmware V3.2.1 or earlier)
• Helicopters - APM: Copter
• Rovers - APM: Rover

Features:

• Arduino Compatible.
• Includes 3-axis gyro, accelerometer and magnetometer, along with a high-performance barometer.
• Onboard 4 MegaByte Dataflash chip for automatic datalogging.
• One of the first open source autopilot systems to use Invensense's 6 DoF Accelerometer/Gyro MPU-6000.
• Barometric pressure sensor upgraded to MS5611-01BA03, from Measurement Specialties.
• Optional off-board GPS, Mediatek MT3329 V2 or uBlox LEA-6H module.
• Atmel's ATMEGA2560 and ATMEGA32U-2 chips for processing and usb functions respectively.
• Pre soldered header pins.

Accessories:

• GPS/Compass Module
• Telemetry Kit
• Power Module

The APM 2.8 requires a GPS unit for full autonomy.

Resources:

• APM Wiki

FREE Ground Control Stations / Software

• Mission Planner
• QGroundControl

QGroundControl Software Interface