OpenPilot CopterControl Platform

The OpenPilot CopterControl Platform – a single board self-stabilizing controller for planes, quads and helicopters.

The CopterControl system aims to be a game-changing entry in the leisure and hobby markets, as well as being a robust base for many commercial and research projects.
 
The board shares a lot with the Pro/INS platform, including the powerful OpenPilot architecture and the cross-platform Ground Control Station (GCS).
 
CopterControl from the OpenPilot project introduces a new generation of multi-purpose aircraft stabilization platforms. The CopterControl platform has been designed from the ground up to perform the following functions:

  • a MultiRotor controller with auto-level, including TriCopters, QuadCopters and HexaCopters
  • a Flybarless Helicopter controller with auto-level
  • a Fixed Wing UAV controller

The CopterControl hardware has the following features:

  • Powerful STM32 32-bit microcontroller running at 90MIPs with 128KB Flash and 20KB RAM
  • 3-axis high-performance MEMs gyros and 3-axis high-performance MEMs accelerometer
  • Tiny 36mmx36mm 4 layer PCB for superior electrical noise reduction and flight performance.
  • Software support for Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Direct high speed USB support with no drivers required, a truly plug and play device.
  • Spektrum satellite receiver support
  • Futaba S-BUS hardware support
  • Innovative Flexi-port technology for superior port flexibility
  • 4Mbits on-board EEPROM for configuration storage

Flexiport
CopterControl also offers the innovative Flexi-port which provides either I2C connectivity or a second serial port. Flexi-port gives CopterControl the flexibility to use either I2C and a single serial port or dual serial ports, according to your connectivity needs.
Superior user experience
We have tried to make your experience with OpenPilot as easy and trouble-free as possible. Naturally for a high-end product, the hardware is complete; there is nothing to solder. The included RC harness allows you to connect any standard PWM receiver. All CopterControl boards are tested before shipping and come with bootloader already flashed. A standard mini-USB cable is used to load the latest firmware and configure everything for your unique airframe.
The OpenPilot project, whist still young, it trying to make Open Source much more user friendly. OpenPilot software is designed to be used by everybody! All major operating systems are supported and install packages are provided. The software is all Free software under the GPLv3 license and not only are you welcome to hack it, but we encourage it!
Everything you need
You won't need to buy add-on boards or extra chip programmers. While it may be common practice among other projects to nickel and dime for extra parts or sell unfinished hardware to make a profit, the OpenPilot project simply believes in providing superior hardware at the lowest possible cost.
Don't be fooled by the price. CopterControl provides comparable functionality to other high-end autopilots at a small fraction of the cost. Commercial projects will charge what they can get away with, regardless of quality or features. The non-profit OpenPilot project is different. Consider getting involved and helping us progress.

The tiny CopterControl board, just 36x36mm, installs easily on just about any craft. Designed to be vibration-resistant, the board can be mounted at any angle. Supplied with the board is a Receiver Cable Set (which also supplies power to the board).
There's an onboard mini-USB connector for easy, quick connection to the Ground Control Station (GCS) for configuration and calibration of the CopterControl.
CopterControl also features our clever FlexiPort connection, which can be configured as an I2C port.
 
 
 
 
The OpenPilot Ground Control Station (GCS) is available for Windows, Mac and Linux. Download the latest version.
 
 
 
 
 
 

CopterControl Components: