Best method for position and heading accuracy in horrific rf/mag fields?

ArduCopter
1

(Follow up to a previous post regarding yaw log values.)

I’m currently conducting some research flights in very close proximity to the roof of a building. Rather unfortunately, this roof contains a considerable about of metal (almost everything is clad in corrugated iron sheeting), and even the “floor” is a steel grille. While I don’t necessarily need overly high positional accuracy during flight (a lot of it is manual), I do need the logged data to be as accurate as possible.

Currently I’m using a pixracer and a Here GPS, but planning on upgrading to a cube as the pixracer just doesn’t quite seem stable (and presumably the cubes have much better shielding etc). With flights carried out so far, there is a significant GPS position offset (the aircraft thinks it’s about 15m west of where it is), and at least in the logs 20-30deg of compass error.

So far I’m planning on the cube and probably some sort of rtk system - are there any other upgrades/replacements that will enhance the accuracy of my readings? I am using quite a small aircraft, so dual GPS might not be practical, but could probably be worked around if it is the best option.

Thanks!

2

Is it a clone PixRacer with one IMU? I have 3 PixRacers and they perform well but most of the ones you see now, unless they come from Mro, the ICM-20602 has been removed. That was the better of the 2 IMU’s. Perhaps some other cost cutting measures.

BTW-One is on a 210 size 5" quad. A very good performer.

3

These are genuine Mro units, admittedly they’re far from brand new and have been used on a handful of projects. I’ve had some pretty shocking customer support from Mro lately (Completely different to dealings with them in the past), so no complaints from moving away from them.

4

OK, thanks for the info. Some have bought clone units that even stated they had both IMU’s only to find out the description was wrong. Not suggesting the Cube isn’t a good choice just interested in what’s out there for PixRacers these days.

Not sure about your GPS positional error but you could try a RM3100 compass module.

5

Take a look at the here 3. Good price point with a ton of features that you need to meet your requirements.