Align M690

[russdelaneyuk]

Noticed what could have been a potential problem today, the Gps mounting mast rotates! I am going to apply some thin cyno to prevent it. Worth checking as could lead to a serious problem when airborne.

[ShackFlyer]

Noticed what could have been a potential problem today, the Gps mounting mast rotates! I am going to apply some thin cyno to prevent it. Worth checking as could lead to a serious problem when airborne.

Strange. Mines rock solid.
It has 2 bolts into the base & the whole thing doesn';t rotate from top to bottom.

[russdelaneyuk]

I only noticed because the arrow had shifted out of alignment, it looks like the shaft into the mount. Not the bolts

Arrow points to where it rotates

[ShackFlyer]

Funny. Mine won';t budge there, but the top screws off.

[russdelaneyuk]

Yep took mine apart last night, It was loose on the thread where it unscrews as shown in your pic. I am still going to tighten and then lock with cyno to prevent it unscrewing in flight.

[ShackFlyer]

I';ve threadlocked the ones I can move & will keep tabs on the one you';ve mentioned

[russdelaneyuk]

Just test flown the M690, a couple of observations.

Retracts only went half way up, tried cycling 3-4 times. Might need lubrication?

In GPS hold wanders around a bit, much more than my DJI. May need some tweaking

With 2 packs fitted the C of G was way to the rear, I have not fitted the Gimbal yet but needed to add significant ballast to the front to get even close.
Noticed on the published video they only have the one pack, forward one fitted?

After hovering for what only seemed 5 mins I got the flashing red LEDs (1st low voltage indication). After shut down checked the packs with a checker and both were reading 62% ??

This is with 2 X 6S 6200mah packs!!

Looks like some tweaking required, any ideas welcome.

[ShackFlyer]

Just test flown the M690, a couple of observations.

Retracts only went half way up, tried cycling 3-4 times. Might need lubrication?
This is a PCU issue, which requires an update not cleaning & lubrication. Mine do it. My PCU has gone back to my supplier to do this until this item is widely available http://shop.align.com.tw/product_info.php?products_id=5483

In GPS hold wanders around a bit, much more than my DJI. May need some tweaking
Are you using a FrSKY telemetry Rx like X8R as they interfere with GPS, if not it';ll be the CoG being out

With 2 packs fitted the C of G was way to the rear, I have not fitted the Gimbal yet but needed to add significant ballast to the front to get even close.
Noticed on the published video they only have the one pack, forward one fitted?
On mine with 1x Align 5200 pack fitted on the forward/lower tray I had 900g balast on the gimbal rails to balance CoG

After hovering for what only seemed 5 mins I got the flashing red LEDs (1st low voltage indication). After shut down checked the packs with a checker and both were reading 62% ??
Battery voltage failsafes are very conservatively set in APS-M, & aggressive when they cut in (i.e. first dip in voltage) in my experience.
There is also supposed to be improvement in the same PCU update above to help address this.

This is with 2 X 6S 6200mah packs!!

Looks like some tweaking required, any ideas welcome.

[ShackFlyer]

Oh forgot to mention my flight time;
1x 5200mAh pack & 900g ballast gave me approx 7 mins general flying about (30% left in Lipo after landing), that';s having adjusted failsafe voltages

[russdelaneyuk]

Thanks for quick reply, I think I will try with 1 pack as 2 seem to throw the CofG way out.
Will also experiment with the low voltage settings.

I see that Align have introduced an adapter to update the PCU firmware. Will have to wait until I can get one.

I was hoping to achieve longer than 7 mins flight time hence the 2 batteries. Not sure if this will be achievable?

[russdelaneyuk]

Oh forgot to mention I have a Spektrum AR 9000 with 2 satellites connected to the APS M

[ShackFlyer]

OK Rx';s shouldn';t be an issue in your case then. I ended up going back to a Futaba 14SG/R7008

CoG is very rear biased, I think to carry the 5D Mk3.
I think I could get 8 mins as it stands without going below 20% left.

My plan is to fly with 2x 5000 Overlander packs hopefully as they keep the whole thing just under 7kg with the GH4 on.
It';s either that or one 10,000 Align pack (about to be launched) if I can';t get the CoG to balance.

However as I have just sent the PCU off for the update (so I can fly over the holiday as it should be back) I can';t do any testing today, or over the weekend if the weather is friendly.

WRT the retracts, if you quickly flick back & forth the Tx switch before the gear stops short in its travel you can get it to go full travel. Just not in a single switch cycle if that makes sense.
This seems to trick the PCU to work them right down/up. It';s the PCU current sensing that stops them short I believe.

[russdelaneyuk]

Had 2 more flights today, 1st one with single 6200mah Lipo and ballast on the front. Flight time was 9min 30s
2nd flight with single 6200mah lipo No ballast flight time 14min

The 1st flight had 22% remaining and the 2nd flight had 16%

Probably going to tweak the protection  so I have about 20% after flight?

I have noticed flying with the 2 X  6200mah lipos and ballast significantly reduces the flight time due to the weight, maybe a compromise with a single 10,000 mah lipo might achieve the 15min I am looking for.

Both flights were hands off hovering until red LED warning

[russdelaneyuk]

I have a question about the Fail Safe set up. Should the throttle be set to go to 50% (Centre) in the event of a transmitter fail?

[ShackFlyer]

I have a question about the Fail Safe set up. Should the throttle be set to go to 50% (Centre) in the event of a transmitter fail?

Replied on the ';Merkin'; forum thread 

[russdelaneyuk]

Is anyone else having problems with the HDMI video out?

I fitted my Black Magic pocket cinema to the Gimbal, the blue LED lights up and then goes out.
Followed the instructions and soldered the jumper to the board, still doing the same thing!! Have the IOS info but no video just blue screen.