PocketPilot , a new Linux FC based on the 25$ PocketBeagle®

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There is a new puppy in the family !!

PocketPilot is a smaller versions of the BBBmini (https://github.com/mirkix/BBBMINI), designed for use with PocketBeagle (https://beagleboard.org/pocket, a small version of BeagleBone Black). It provides a very small & light-weight open-source ArduPilot based autopilot / flight controller for quadcopter drones & robots.

Summary of Technical Specifications
Processor: Octavo Systems OSD3358 1GHz ARM® Cortex-A8
512MB DDR3 RAM integrated
Integrated power management
2×32-bit 200-MHz programmable real-time units (PRUs)
ARM Cortex-M3
72 expansion pin headers with power and battery I/Os, high-speed USB, 8 analog inputs, 44 digital I/Os and numerous digital interface peripherals
microUSB host/client and microSD connectors

For test and initial developments, I have build a prototype using through-hole components & connectors, with sensor modules soldered directly on the breadboard. Since it doesn’t need any SMD components, this is relatively easy to build, for an experienced builder by following this schematic:

Please note that there is no ESD protection for USB1 on the prototype, so be very carefull if you plan to use it. We will implement proper protection on a PCB release.

The initial flight test was performed on a 450 class quadcopter == Youtube video
Please note this is flying indoor using optical flow (Lidar Lite V3 and PX4FLOW)

Integration on a 180 size quadcopter

In order to reflect the compactness of the PocketPilot , I have integrated the prototype into a KingKong 188 (Aliexpress) quadcopter with these components:
4 x Multistar 1704 and DYS20 A ESC (Blheli)
5 Amp UBEC
Micro Flysky PPM receiver
900 Mhz Telemetry radio with Pigtail Spring Antenna
3S Battery 1800 MAh
VL53LX0 TOF RangeFinder

There is no special instructions for the build but you need a good UBEC with a steep voltage rising curve in order to get the PocketBeagle starting becauses of the power/battery management unit.

This is one of the first test on the KingKong, its flying Alt-Hold using the 7$ VlL53L0X TOF RangeFinder

LINUX and SOFTWARE
A special thanks to Mirko Denecke for having adapted the BBBMINI ArduPilot code to the PocketPilot and Robert C Nelson for making the OS Images including: Linux Debian, Kernel with RT patch and the uboot overlays; allowing to define the IO using a configuration file, making the BeagleBone such a powerfull Linux Embedded Computer.

You can read the instructions here: https://github.com/PocketPilot/PocketPilot/blob/master/SoftwareInstructions.md

MORE TO COME:

For anyone interested, we are planning to release a complete sensor cape for the PocketBeagle so stay tuned :slight_smile:

9 Likes
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More informations will be available soon for the Sensor Board (Called a Cape in the BeagleBone World)

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Any chance more than 6 RCOUTs?

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Yes the PRU can generate more PWM and you can map the associated port according to the config-pin mapping.
You can refer to the PockeBeagle GPIO Map here:

We take note of your suggestion for the PCB PocketPilot , Thanks

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Patrick,

Really Excellent! I see you’ve connected the IMU using SPI instead of I2C which is fantastic.

Using SPI for the IMU communication to the main CPU is a really critical difference for good performance and is the main thing that’s holding back the larger BeagleBoneBlue I think.

Great stuff!

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Way to go Patrick! And Mirko, Robert, and all others involved!

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@ppoirier I’m interested in building one of these pcb’s myself. Any instructions on building your own or resistor values? Since I seem to keep having issues with arducopter disconnecting using newer versions on the pi zero, I would like to finally put my pocket beagle board to use.

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Hello Alex ,
You can certainly give it a try, I suggest you join us on gitter https://gitter.im/mirkix/BBBMINI if you have more questions

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Hi, any news/progress on the " complete sensor cape" ?
I would like to try this configuration, but don`t know if I should start ordering the different components or wait for the cape?

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Hello
Progress are made, you can expect announcement in a few weeks
Regards

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Cool :grinning: then I’ll order a PocketBeagle and wait for updates

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Any test capes? I consider using this for a Self Balancing Robot project

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Hello,
we are in the pre-production phase, will let you know when prototypes arrives.

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I missed this, super cool! This is true DIY droning :slight_smile:

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Still in pre production?

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Yes it is, I am flying with the prototype


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Great :blush: any estimate on when it is possible to buy and cost?

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Is there any updates on this project?, would like to know some specifications of the board ( prototype ) you have there.

Nige

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Hello
No date yet, I will give an update once it’s in production

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Thanks I look forward to it.