Automated Camera Exposure with a Custom I2C Sensor

ArduCopter Copter 4.5
9

I’m trying to select the right flight controller and compatible components (GPS, rangefinder, etc.) for my setup, but I’m confused by the information I’ve found so far. I would appreciate advice on the following:

1. Flight Controllers:

I see that the ArduPilot wiki frequently mentions Pixhawk, but I came across a post on this forum that mentions Pixhawk 2.4.8 might not be a good option because it’s a generic version from unknown manufacturers and the original is not made anymore. I want to make sure I’m investing in the right hardware.

  • What is a recommended alternative that provides the reliability needed for research-grade applications?

I’ve read here that STM32 H7 processors have enough power to run ArduCopter firmware without restrictions, but when I checked the Matek H743 SLIM V3 (which uses the STM32H743VIH6 processor), I found that many features are unsupported according to the ArduPilot binary features page.

  • Why does the Matek H743 lack so many features despite using the H7 processor?
  • Should I focus on H7-based flight controllers, or are there better options for my specific use case?

2. Choosing the Right Components:

My project requires:

  • Precise waypoint navigation, which likely means using RTK GPS for accuracy.
  • Altitude hold at about 1.5 meters, potentially using a rangefinder for more reliable altitude measurement.

I’m currently leaning towards the option of buying an ARF kit and adding some components myself. I was wondering if it’s better to:

  • Choose the flight controller first and then look for compatible components (e.g., RTK GPS, rangefinders), or
  • Select the components first (RTK GPS, rangefinders, etc.) and then find a compatible flight controller?

3. General Advice:

  • Are there any other hardware considerations I should keep in mind when choosing a flight controller for autonomous missions with custom sensor integration?

I would greatly appreciate any recommendations or suggestions regarding reliable flight controllers and component compatibility for this kind of project.

Thanks in advance for your help!