GLUONPILOT ASSEMBLY

This guide will walk you through the process of assembling and soldering your GluonPilot UAV autopilot

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Soldering the Connections

To assemble the GluonPilot module you will need a soldering iron and some solder, however if you do not want to do this you can get a pre soldered version from the UK store, or from Belgium

With your GluonPilot Kit, you will recieve some right angle headers, and some straight headers.  The small 4x1 right angle header is used for the GPS connection, The 6x3 right angle header is used for the servo outputs.  The last right angle header is used for PWM inputs.  The straight headers should break apart, but it is recommended you use some cutters to snip them neatly.  Cut a row of 6 headers for the FTDI cable so that you can program and configure your module.  If you want you can put straight headers in all the other pins if you need them for things such as powering the module by a separate battery, or using the GluonPilot extension board.

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Solder the headers as shown in the image below.

GluonPilot with headers soldered- click for high resolution version

If you want to use servo outputs 7 and 8, you will need to solder another 2 straight male header pins on those pins.  These servos will require power  via a BEC as GluonPilot does not provide power to PWM outputs 7 and 8

Powering GluonPilot

When you are programming and configuring your module, it will be powered via the FTDI cable.  There are two ways to power your GluonPilot module when it is onboard your UAV.  Gluonpilot requires a 5V input (+-2.5%).  

1. Powered through your ESC (default)
   All modules purchased from Unmanned Tech have this setting by default.  This option is the easiest, however some cheaper ESC have too much noise, so make sure everything is working properly via the GluonCS program before you fly your UAV.  If you purchased your GluonPilot from Unmanned Tech, this will be the default method to power your module, all you need to do is connect up your RC gear and servos as described in the next section.
2. External separate power supply
   This option will allow you to power your gluonpilot module with a separate battery,  and your RC gear/motors with another battery.  If you want to use this method, you will need to open the solder jumper SJ.5V as shown in the image above.  This will require you to power your module with a 5V battery, and your RC gear and servos can be powered through a separate power source such as your ESC

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GluonPilot Power Diagram

Connecting everything on GluonPilot

GluonPilot supports PWM, or PPM input.  Most receivers operate with PWM, and the image below shows to connect everything together if you are going to be using PWM.  Your Motor/ESC is connected to the output 4 connector.

Connecting everything with PWM

Click for a full size version

Connecting everything with PPM (advanced users)

Some hacked receivers use PPM, allowing you to connect your receiver with fewer cables.   This is only reccomended for advanced users, for more information see this page

Click for full size version

Connecting with your PC

Now that everything is connected, you will need to connect it to your PC to configure the module.  The first step it to download the latest configuration software from here - http://code.google.com/p/gluonpilot/downloads/list
Download the latest version of the GluonCSInstaller. 

Downloading FTDI drivers

If you are using windows 7 the drivers for the FTDI cable should be installed automatically, however if not they can be downloaded here

Connecting via FTDI cable

Plug your FTDI cable into your module with the black cable on the bottom of the board as shown.






Now you can configure your module, or update the firmware, for more information see the next guide on how to configure and update your GluonPilot Module 

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