Above is a video demonstrating a feature of the new DJI Naza GPS / Compass module called Intelligent Orientation Control Course Lock. This feature is often called “carefree” mode on other controllers. It allows the pilot to maneuver the copter without worrying about its orientation. It is a neat feature. I can spin my quadcopter around while steering it around in any direction at the same time.
I control this feature by using a switch that I setup on my transmitter to turn it on and off. Before taking off, this switch has to be flipped a few times to set the initial orientation of the copter. A green led flashes when it is succesfully recorded. After that, it is ready to fly in course lock mode.
Course lock steers the copter relative to its initial starting orientation using the Naza’s compass. There is another Intelligent Orientation Control option called Home Lock that uses the Naza’s GPS. With Home Lock the steering is relative to the initial take-off location.
Thanks, I think I get it, if the copter is behind me, with home lock + elevator forward will move the copter away from me, with course lock + elevator forward will move the copter towards me. If the initial position is in from of me.
Btw, your RTH accident, I read on the forum I’m on that people have problems canceling fail-safe mode. Apparently this is the procedure: If in fail-safe, switch back to Atti mode then back to GPS mode again.
However, one guy was complaining that the motors stopped turning when he switched to Atti mode. Could well been that the throttle stick was set to low?
/Edit:
Just read this in the manual
When switch to Manual Mode or Atti. Mode, MC will disengage enhanced failed-safe mode, you can re-gain control of multi-rotor
Ah, thanks for the info! That sounds like my problem. I tried to switch back to GPS and just happened to be under a tree when I was testing it on my driveway. Oops! I destroyed my GoPro lens. I didn’t have it in the protective case either. I didn’t even have it filming, so I have no great lens cracking video to show. Also, that sounds right on the home vs. course lock thing.
Cheers,
Britt
You have got good timing, just got my GPS unit today. I was first busy installing and setting it up. Dont really know how to exactly determine Center of Gravity yet on my F450 quad, but I think I got close. This for the pesky X, Y and Z values
I was also reading the manual, didn’t really get the difference between Home Lock and Course Lock, but according to you both are kind of the same thing, but Home Lock is relative to the initial take-off location. But so is Course Lock, if you set the initial orientation at the take-off location, or am I missing something?
Btw, I got the tip from someone to program a MIX in my TX. Now I have my 3point switch controlling the GPS/Atti/Man, and another switch sets the naza to fail-safe. Same at turning my TX off.
If the copter is pointing north when course lock is set, the elevator stick will move the copter north and south and the aileron will make it go east or west. With home lock, the elevator stick will always move the copter on a line towards or away from the starting point while the aileron will make it move right or left perpendicular to that line. They are a little different.
Thanks for the tip on the switches! I had a little accident while testing return to home. I will probably blog about it.