On-Screen-Display (OSD) Info...

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tomapowa

On-Screen-Display (OSD) Info...

Post by tomapowa »

Here's some info re: overlaying flight data onto your RF video signal such to view flight parameters on your goggles and/or FPV LCD display.

Years ago, Eagletree made a cool video overlay circuit-board that worked with their RC data logger and allowed the user to configure the overlaying of data (user selects data and where and how it is displayed, etc... I had one, worked OK but cumbersome as you needed the logger also installed.

The best product I've seen to date is an open-source project called Minim-OSD (for Minimal On-Screen-Display)... a tiny surface mount, updateable/configurable OSD device. This device works with most Micro Aerial Vehicle Link or "MAV-Link" compliant controllers such as some Autopilots such as the CRIUS AIOP and ArduPilot-MegaAPM 2.5/2.6 auto-pilot/controllers. These devices use something called a MAV-link... a data protocol uses in autonomous vehicles. Overlay graphics such as artificial horizons are also possible, as well as any MAV-link data.

Here's a link to the Minim-OSD:
https://code.google.com/p/arducam-osd/wiki/minimosd

Info on the APM can be found here:
http://ardupilot.com/

Info on the CRIUS AIOP and Minim-OSD can be found here:
http://www.multi-rotor.co.uk/index.php?topic=9127.0
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... 863X42.pdf

Some info on the MAV-link protocol is here:
http://qgroundcontrol.org/mavlink/start

Below is a pic of what the latest Minim-OSD looks like (newer ones have better switching power-supply vice an analog V reg which often burn up for some reason... ask me how I know! :\)

This is the cheapest Minim-OSD clone I could find on Ebay... cool/high-qual gadget!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281393284939


Image

Below is a sample Minim-OSD Configuration software screenshot:
Image
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Neons
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Re: On-Screen-Display (OSD) Info...

Post by Neons »

Looks like a nice chip. I am totally noob at this particular setup. It looks like a winter project. I do not know if my transmitter and board can handle it. I have KK2 boards and an OpenPilot in use right now. I did buy a new board still in wraps that has Gps setup. I think it is a Ardupilot or something like that. I forgot the name already. Another winter project to mess with. I may be over my head setting these up.
Bob Pacheco
tomapowa

Re: On-Screen-Display (OSD) Info...

Post by tomapowa »

Yup... if its the Ardupilot (aka APM) you have, that has the MavLink interface! :) (actually, it's the same cable as the one connected to the telemetry connection on the Ardupilot (aka APM)... they share similar pins... one less for the MinimOSD). The KK does not have Mavlink but I heard someone is possibly writing some code trying to get it (KK boards) to work with Mavlink... :\

I've gotten it to work on my ArduPilot APM board... pretty cool! The config software is not for the faint of heart... it's cool but can be very cumbersome... especially if you don't have the specific version of Java running on your computer, etc... Just getting the APM up and going can be a challenge even for engineering peeps like me... I own 4 APMs and have had issues with downloading new firmware to 2 of the units... not sure why... could be bad chinese clones... :(

I'll be back into it myself this winter so maybe we can struggle and share together... lol
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Neons
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Re: On-Screen-Display (OSD) Info...

Post by Neons »

Yea! Thanks Tom, I enjoy making the trip there in the slow winter months. I try to fly and keep busy in the summer and good fall days. I think I want to build a new multi with all new power and SK-Esc system later. I like the H copters as the frames are longer and better accommodation for all components. I also will use motors that can handle 4s lipos. My new APM will go there with GPS and I hope to get the telemetry going also. I will buy that later.
Bob Pacheco
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