I 'm starting a 550 HEXcopter build Its going to start with a KK 2 1 flight controler But I ...

[G+_Eddie Foy]

I'm starting a 550 HEXcopter build.  Its going to start with a KK 2.1 flight controler.  But I'm trying to hunt down a FC that has/works with a GPS (for HP, and RTH, and also waypoints)  The Lisa/S seem to be only for quads.  Looking for something plug-n-play with an opensource/hackable level to it.  Prefer ones that will be Mac friendly, but I can deal with Win/Linux if need be. ReadytoFlyQuads has a bunch, but most seem to be flashed to run. (its 3d printers all over again :P )

[G+_Wayne Black]

I've been pondering the same question.

So far, I've been leaning towards the Turnigy 9XR Pro: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__51442__Turnigy_9XR_PRO_Radio_Transmitter_Mode_2_without_module_.html

Open source with removable module and a price that won't break the bank.

My worry is that it looks a bit on the "over-the-top" with switches and knobs.

The more complex, the more can go wrong.

Anyone with something better?

[G+_Eddie Foy]

Wayne, isn't that just the transceiver?  I didn't see anything about a flight controller.  (you'd never be able to fly a quad (or hex) without one.  I've got the transceiver, looking for a FC.

[G+_Wayne Black]

Yes, Transmitter.

I read your comment wrong, sorry. Yes, Flight Controller!

Haven't had my forth cup of coffee yet!

[G+_Steve C]

Eddie, the Pixhawk PX4 from 3D Robotics should work great for that. It's what I'm using on my Hexcopter build. You can pick them up on ebay for about $100 or $136 with GPS and everything which is a lot more than a KK2.1 but it can be programmed to do everything under the sun and will work for any kind of vehicle. The main board includes all the sensors except the GPS and compass that you install as a separate unit to keep it away from electrical noise. You will need at least an 8 channel remote control such as the Fr Sky Taranis to use with it that has a digital output with all the data combined to connect to the PX4, it doesn't work with model plane RC controls that just have the standard 4 analog outputs.  You can also add telemetry and FPV camera to the PX4 as well.

The only problem I've found so far is the crappy open source ground control software you have to use with the PX4. 3D Robotics recommends Qgroundcontrol while Pixhawk recommends Mission Planner and APM Planner 2.0 for the ground control programs to do flight simulation and to program the PX4 for missions and to work with the kind of craft you are using it on.  However when I tried them last year NONE of them would work!  The software guys on Github have been working hard on Qgroundcontrol updating it and fixing bugs and release a new update almost every day so that's the only program I can recommend since Mission Planner and APM Planner 2.0 still won't work and they refuse to fix the problems with them. 

[G+_tptwk]

The APM 2.6 is even cheaper ($70)and should do everything you want.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/APM2-6-ArduPilot-Mega-External-Compass-APM-Flight-Controller-Ublox-NEO-6M-GPS-/121473408167?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c48611ca7

[G+_Eddie Foy]

APM is it.  Ordered it  thanks

[G+_Steve C]

It's interesting that on Oct 01, 2013 the Ardupilot Forum said the APM 2.6 was near it's end of life.  I'm not sure if that means it's outdated or tried and true but it should be well proven by now.  Also the cheap ones from China are said to be illegal clones!  That could be a problem if you need to get support or updates for it.

http://ardupilot.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4682

[G+_Eddie Foy]

How is open source illegal clones?  End of life doesn't bother me that much.

[G+_Steve C]

Well, 2 years ago they were talking about moving up from the APM2.6 to the new PX4. I don't have anything against the APM but 2 years is like a lifetime for something like this and since it's such a fast evolving business you should probably try to keep up with the newest version if you can afford it.  There's a second version of the PX4 already that has more memory so it can handle newer software.  You are likely to run into that problem too and won't be able to get newer software to run but you should be OK as long as the older versions are still available and will do what you want.  If you really want to save money and don't care if it's a clone there are some of them available for just $35!