Autopilot

3DRobotics APM

APM 2.6+

APM 2.6

The autopilot system of Conservation Drones is based on the ‘ArduPilot Mega’ (APM) autopilot system, which is being developed by an online community (diydrones.com).

The APM includes a computer processor, geographic positioning system (GPS), data logger, pressure and temperature sensor, airspeed sensor, triple-axis gyro, accelerometer, and other sensors. By combining the APM with an open-source mission planner software (APM Planner), most remote-controlled model airplanes could be converted to an autonomous drone.

For detailed instructions on the assembly of the APM and other electronics, as well as proper configuration and tuning, please refer to the Ardupilot website.