Universal, reliable, flexible, future-oriented, this is the AP-Manager.
Designed for the use of two independent running autopilot-systems in your RC-model.
For safety reason and testing purposes.
A must have for the serious commercial or private RC pilot and a step forward to a secure flight for you and your RC-model.
NEW: Extra feature for TRANSFORMER UAV (e.g. multicopter --> aircraft and back)
As seen on:
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This is the AP-Manager
How it works?
Different configurations
What is included?
What is coming next?
Technical Specification
Where will Fundings go?
Risk and challanges
FAQ's
The requirements for the operation of unmanned aircrafts in commercial and semi-professional purposes have changed fundamentally in the past years in Europe and worldwide. ( FAA ) The regulations will get even more strictly in the future.
Depending on the application, the weight, the purpose, the situation, the flight area, spectators and some more reasons, SAFETY is becoming increasingly important.
Single point of failure and redundancy became the keywords for permissions and certifications from authorities and insurances.
Among other parts inside a system, redundancy of the autopilot system is meanwhile mandatory to follow the rules. Especially multicopters are very instable in their flight characteristics when it comes to malfunction of the stabilization system.
We therefore developed a redundancy circuit board which is an automatic monitoring and controlling bridge between two independent running autopilot systems, a mutual protection in case of malfunction in an autopilot system. Even if both autopilots fail (power supply, freezing controller…), the forwarding of the control signals for a manual flight of the aircraft, Delta or Helicopter is guaranteed.
This system also offers the possibility to switch manually between two different autopilot systems to test different software and sensor setups. Another benefit of the AP-Manager is that only one telemetry module is needed to monitor data of both autopilot systems (except for DJI autopilots, here you need two downlinks, from each autopilot seperate).
AP-Manager is a safe attendant for flying and testing of your unmanned aircraft.
AP-Manager provides the best safety for your aircraft, in case of malfunction in one autopilot system.
If the primary autopilot system fails, the AP-Manager automatically switches within fractions of a second to the secondary autopilot system.
However, the switching can also be done manually by remote control.
Hence the AP-Manager is the perfect companion to test the most recent updates or new parameter upgrades for your autopilot system.
Due to an intelligent control system, only one telemetry module is required (except DJI autopilots).
The Data of each autopilot system can be monitored and changed during the flight separately.
In addition, different types of autopilot systems can be operated alternately.
AP-Manager is compatible with any autopilot system.
The only requirement to an autopilot system is that it produces a periodically recurring signal like I2C communication or CAN bus to determine the state of health.
Currently, the autopilot systems:
- Ardupilots 2.5 / 2.6
- PX4
- Pixhawk
- DJI NAZA V2
-
NEW: DJI A2 + DJI A2
have been tested successfully.
Basically there is no reason that other autopilot systems from other manufacturers won’t work.
The board has been designed that all ports are compatible with the common used autopilot systems.
NOTE: In the meantime, the AP-Manager was introduced sucessfully to the Austrian Aviation Authority (Austro Control). The AP-Manager is accepted to be used as a redundancy element to receive the operation approval in terms of the certification process of your RPAS.
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NOTE: No designates orientation for the AP-Manager is needed
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- AP-Manager Board
- straight 3-pin header rows
- User Manual (online for download)
- Software (online for download)
- ...
It is not possible for us to test all possible systems and setup configurations combined with all variations of vehicles.
For this reason we offer our ongoing adaption of the software to the wishes of the customers.
The desires, priorities, or problems of the customers will be analyzed in a discussion forum to adjust and improve the AP-Manager and its software.
For the discussion forum check our website: www.GIZMOtec.eu
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- Width: 40 mm
- Length: 65 mm
- Drill hole distances correspond to APM 2.5/2.6, as well as PX4 and Pixhawk
- Weight: approx. 20g
- Temperature range: 0°C to +50°C (32°F – 122°F)
- Supply voltage: 5V (+/- 5%)
- Separate or external servo power supply possible (for example, for high power servos)
- PPM Input and decoding in PWM for 8 channels
- (16 channels with a second AP-Manager board in preparation)
- ...
Good news is that most of the testing has been done and the product is 95% finished.
But there may be unforeseen production issues, shipping delays, a limited supply of parts and materials that may slow down production.
However we will do all that is within our powers to start shipping units as soon as the campaign ends successfully.
Is the AP-Manager a new Autopilot?
NO it is not. It simply is the intelligent interconnection between two autopilots for safety and/or testing purposes.
Does the AP-Manager only work for Ardupilot-systems?
NO, not only, but for the moment we only tested the Ardupilot-family, the DJI Naza and A2 System
But basically the AP-Manager will also work with other types.
Is it possible to land the model if both autopilots are inoperative (frozen, power loss...)?
YES, if you use a helicopter, delta-wing or normal plane it is possible to land safely manually.
It is very difficult to fly a multicopter without stabilization, so we haven’t implemented an operating state to fly a multicopter manually.
What do I need to implement the AP-Manager in my model?
YOU need one AP-Manager, two autopilots, two GPS modules, one telemetry downlink and two power modules.
NEW Can I use the AP-Manager together with only one autopilot as semi-redundant system?
YES, of course. Simply change it in the given Software interface (via USB) and use the AP-Manager together with the autopilot as a single backup solution.
NEW Can I use the AP-Manager for TRANSFORMER UAV (e.g. quadcopter --> aircraft and back)?
YES, it is possible to use the AP-Manager not only as a intelligent bridge between two autopilot and as 3rd backup for a manual flight.
We are now working on a software change, so IT IS POSSIBLE to fly your UAV as TRANSFORMER, e.g. first as a quadcopter and then switching over to the second autopilot to fly as an aircraft.
Some things to mention here when the AP-Manager is used in the "Transformer state":
A: The AP-Manager then is NOT acting as a redundancy device any more. It is "only" a kind of manual switch, but together with the telemetry signal (at the moment we can only proof that for the ardupilot-family)
B: The already existing mixers on board of the AP-Manager are not active in this configuration.
C: We provide 8 channels for the AP-Manager (like most autopilots) and for the use of a TRANSFORMER with ONE AP-Manager you only can use 4+4 channels.
But if you, depending of your type of transformer, e.g. already use 6 channels to fly your hexacopter, you would need 6+6 respective 12 channels (or 6+4 if the aircraft only needs 4 channels).
In this case you need to have two AP-Manager-boards to provide overall 8+8 channels.
The two AP-Manager are simple linked together with a synchronizing cable.
We will follow up with scheme data soon.
What happens if AP-Manager fails or its power supply is interrupted?
NO problem. If AP-Manager fails, a transistor, mounted on the AP-Manager, automatically switches, together with the telemetry link to the primary autopilot.
Important:
This is only a protection for single failure.
In the case of malfunction of the primary autopilot AND AP-Manager, there is no chance to land your copter safely.
Check for more FAQ's on our website: www.GIZMOtec.eu
We also would like to invite you to our new FORUM
