Best Placement for Naza GPS on DJI F550?

[MultiCopterFPV]

Howdy all. Just wanted to get thoughts on the location for the GPS antenna for my DJI F550 and Naza+GPS. I see lots of different setups and wondering if there is a best placement from receiver and other electronics? Or maybe there is a place I shouldn't put it or should avoid placing things near it?

Thanks in advance

 

[PeterLester]

This is all according to my personal preference and may not necessarily be the best for all.

I prefer to locate the controller and RC receiver between the bottom and top plate (frees up top and bottom for other items.
The controller has to be aligned with direction of flight so I like to position it at the center of the airframe.
I put the PMU at the back so and above the top plate on an aluminum L bracket.
I like to keep the MR back end facing me during most of the flight so I can always red the LEDs from the ground etc.

Also the RC receiver antennas I prefer to keep near the back for best possible long distance radio range since I fly nose out most of the time.
Because I mount the batteries on top.... the GPS/compass has to be positioned out of the way. In my case at the front of the top plate on the center line.
This leaves room on the bottom for GoPRO camera at dead center and landing gear.

The short twisted 3 wire connector cables that come with the NAZA limit your distances between the controller and the RC receiver etc.
But you can make your own longer one to allow for greater component spacing. Just make sure the wires are twisted as per the original cable.

 

[MultiCopterFPV]

Thanks for the info. Lots to take in. I have been planing on moving my receiver and its antenna around so they are between the bottom and top plates. I have the GPS out of the way up front right now, but have been thinking that I may need to move it when i hook up my video transmitter later on down the road. So, I thought I would get input now and plan things out a bit better.

 

[PeterLester]

See photos of my Naza and WKM layouts. Naza on the F550
I've changed these layouts multiple times already and continue to change as I add more items.
View attachment 11202

 

[AEA737]

I got rid of the GPS antenna mast and installed it on one of the front arms with hot glue. One less thing to bump into and break and it works perfect, no issues.

Javier

 

[stauntonflyer]

I have done the same thing on my F450, mounted it on the forward right arm. I used Velcro because I travel a bit and have to reset Declination frequently. No issues and it is safe in a crash.

I got rid of the GPS antenna mast and installed it on one of the front arms with hot glue. One less thing to bump into and break and it works perfect, no issues.

Javier

 

[RobertsUp]

May I ask what Z coordinate you guys enter in assistant when the puck bottom is flush with the top plate or arm? - Rob

 

[stauntonflyer]

May I ask what Z coordinate you guys enter in assistant when the puck bottom is flush with the top plate or arm? - Rob

I use "0" My battery is top mounted so the CG is actually at the top plate. If you battery is bottom mounted the CG will be lower and you will have to use a negative number.

You can pick your Quad up by one corner and see how it hangs to make a guess at CG relation to the top plate.

 

[AEA737]

May I ask what Z coordinate you guys enter in assistant when the puck bottom is flush with the top plate or arm? - Rob

I use a low negative number since my Lipo´s and Gimbal are hanging below, so my CG is below the GPS antenna and Naza.