Needing clarification on WKM Waypoint c/w datalink

[PeterLester]

I find this realtime Google Earth 3D long range capability most intriguing and am considering going with the 900Mhz or 2.4 Ghz datalink. Seems the 900 Mhz datalink would be a good way to go since I am currently usig a Futaba T8FG Super 2.4 Ghz system and need to avoid rfi interference issues. http://www.dji-innovations.com/products/wkm-waypoint/features/

Am I correct in assuming that I can fly this system by means of PC @ 900Mhz only and simply use the RC radio for takeoff/landing and remote control camera work?

 

[ksrimoungchanh]

yes.. if you have the single waypoint, just hold down the space bar and left-click on where you want the WKM to go. you have to do this for each point, unless you have multple waypoints. You can also hook up a USB Joystick and use the Joystick(after parameter setup) and fly with that too. Essentially, like using your keyboard to fly it.

Good luck.

KS

 

[PeterLester]

But do I really need my Futaba RC system connected as well? Seems that the 900Mhz datalink with GCS is all that I require for the complete flight if I understand the documentation correctly?

 

[hover.ch]

I strongly advise you to use always use the R/C, even if would be technically feasible to not use it. If GS or your computer crashes (yes, this happended to me already), with your R/C you always have a safe way of controlling your MR. With a single flip of a switch (Autopilot/GPS Atti -> Atti or Manual) you can get immediate control of the copter whatever happens to GS.

For me that's the one reason why I'm using GS although I'm still concerned about many issues. I always leave my finger on the magic flight-mode switch and within a fraction of a second I get my MR back under control. That did work all the times, so far.

 

[PeterLester]

Thanks hover.ch..... I was not aware that a simple flip of the GPS/Attitude/Manual switch could tell the WKM to abandon GCS control and take control by conventional RC all in midair realtime!!! Is that is one of the manuals somewhere or is it an undisclosed "bonus feature"? Once back on conventional RC control, is it then possible to switch back to GCS control in midair?

I strongly advise you to use always use the R/C, even if would be technically feasible to not use it. If GS or your computer crashes (yes, this happended to me already), with your R/C you always have a safe way of controlling your MR. With a single flip of a switch (Autopilot/GPS Atti -> Atti or Manual) you can get immediate control of the copter whatever happens to GS.

For me that's the one reason why I'm using GS although I'm still concerned about many issues. I always leave my finger on the magic flight-mode switch and within a fraction of a second I get my MR back under control. That did work all the times, so far.

 

[hover.ch]

Is that is one of the manuals somewhere or is it an undisclosed "bonus feature"? Once back on conventional RC control, is it then possible to switch back to GCS control in midair?

I honestly don't know but I think I read that somewhere. I think the manual states that you have to switch to manual in order to get back (R/C) control. In fact you can also switch to Atti mode, it has the same effect. A brief switch to Atti and back to GPS Atti (you probably want to be in "position hold" mode) does the job best.

In fact you can get back into waypoint mode, i.e., return control to GS. It took me several test flight to find out. After taking control (Atti/Manual), you have to
1. press Pause (GS)
2. press Keyboard mode (GS) // no way without this 2nd step //
3. press Continue (GS)
With this sequence the GS-controlled waypoint flight continues where it was interrupted.

It's one of those things why I'm not happy with DJI and my DJI dealer. I asked this question several times but never got any answer. Everyone has to find out such important "features" himself, that's what disappoints me most. And I'm talking about a software/license for > $1000...

 

[khardi12volt]

I have 2,4ghz datalink and to 2,4ghz futaba 8fgs working "together" with no interference.

But a bit off topic.. My G.S. shows 3.0 volt (!,?) in the motor/volt window. I use 5s. How can i make it show the battery volt? Do i need to calibrate it or something?

 

[PeterLester]

khardi....hover.ch can likely give you more complete and/or better answers but IMHO....

If both radio systems are frequency hopping spread spectrum it is conceivable that they will workaround each other as that is the intent of fhss.
However when one transmitter is more powerful and/or it's antenna is too close to the other, all bets are off as one can easily overpower, i.e., tramp all over the other etc.

I have to read the both the GCS and the WKM manuals again but I do believe that 99% of the system calibration such as in air trim and battery level one and two protection levels are configured within WKM Assistant software. GCS only allows for the calibration of PC peripheral analog inputs such as a USB connected Logitech Joystick or 3rd party dual joystick rc dummy training transmitter. The keyboard keys for flight control are strictly digital such that calibration of these is unnecesary (you must however have WKM air trimmed using an RC transmitter.

I have 2,4ghz datalink and to 2,4ghz futaba 8fgs working "together" with no interference.

But a bit off topic.. My G.S. shows 3.0 volt (!,?) in the motor/volt window. I use 5s. How can i make it show the battery volt? Do i need to calibrate it or something?

 

[hover.ch]

But a bit off topic.. My G.S. shows 3.0 volt (!,?) in the motor/volt window. I use 5s. How can i make it show the battery volt? Do i need to calibrate it or something?

That's strange. I'm using 4s batteries and the voltage in GS exactly matches the one in my (standalone) battery monitoring/telemetry system. If I remember right, there are actually two voltages, one in the bottom line (footer) and a second one in the fancy yellow-bordered widgets which can be moved all around the screen.

Where do you actually see the 3.0 volt?