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mkapuscik edited this page Sep 5, 2016 · 5 revisions

Here is the basic setup required to work with the current version of the board: everything except the ltc3426 boost converter can be found in this cart: and the ltc3426 from here: the radiometrix can be bought from here: I am still looking for an easy source for the ublox max-m8q that isnt straight from ublox

External Components: AVR ISP programmer, any will work. FTDI to usb board of some sort for debugging.

###Connections: Since I can't upload a picture directly I'll do my best to explain the necessary connections to program and debug the boards.

Orient the board with the AVR / GPS chip on the top (radio transmitter on the bottom). Pin 1 is indicated by the reset button and layout follows standard IC pin layout / numbering.

  • Pin 1 -> AVR ISP RESET
  • Pin 2 -> N/C
  • Pin 3 -> FTDI RX
  • Pin 4 -> 1.5v - 4.5v
  • Pin 5 -> N/C
  • Pin 6 -> GND
  • Pin 7 -> N/C
  • Pin 8 -> AVR ISP MOSI
  • Pin 9 -> AVR ISP MISO
  • Pin 10 -> AVR ISP SCK

###Programming: Once these are connected flash the arduino bootloader. Once the bootloader is installed open the firmware from this github and edit it to suit your setup (ie replace callsign / comment with your own). Select Arduino pro / pro mini, ATmega328 (5v, 16mhz) as the board in the Arduino IDE. Once this is set program the board and check the serial output on the FTDI, you will see what looks like garbage, this is a good sign and normal.

###Add an Antenna: The tracksoar comes with a 2 meter wire antenna. This is a simple wire antenna with 2 19" wire leads forming a dipole. The Tracksoar board has a footprint for an SMA connector if you prefer another type of antenna. You can purchase an SMA connector like http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/CONSMA003.062/CONSMA003.062-ND/1577208

###Flight preparation: Once the firmware is uploaded there is a brief boot up procedure. You will need to short the jumpers near the ublox gps receiver. with the GPS antenna in the upper right of the board,the bottom right 4 pins are the jumpers in question. the left 2 are the TX headers, and the right hand set the RX headers. To boot the board the RX pins must be shorted until the PTT LED comes on. Once that LED lights up you are ready to fly.

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