Very new guy…waiting on delivery of first MC (3D Robotic’s Iris), but trying to get all my ducks in a row while I wait. The connection to transfer data between my computer running Mission Planner and the APM, is still confusing me. This is done via a cable USB connection, correct? And not via any type of wireless connection? Here is what I got from “the manual” (the part in red is what I added (ie. my question/confusion). Anyway, here is the quote from the manual:
"Connect APM to computer
Once you’ve downloaded Mission Planner onto your ground station computer, connect APM to your computer using the micro USB connector and APM’s micro USB port. Use a direct USB port on your computer, not a USB hub. Click on images to enlarge.
[color=#BF0000]This states to use a micro USB connector on my computer and ALSO a direct USB port on my computer. Is this just poorly worded and that two connections are NOT needed? Can I simply use a cable with USB male on one end (computer end) and a USB micro male on the other (APM end) and this should allow the connection?[/color]
Connect APM using USB port.
Windows will automatically detect APM and install the correct driver software. If you get a message stating “driver not found”, follow these instructions to download the software manually." (end of the quote).
So, see my question in red. If I am correct about the way to connect between my computer and the copter, I assume this will allow me to upload/transfer a route, for example. How then, do I send the copter on its way? I guess I just don’t understand what happens after the connection (and data transfer) since the computer isn’t actually maintaining a connection to the copter once the cable disconnects…or IS it? If so, just how?