QGroundControl v3.2 - Initial Impressions

Looks like the QGroundControl is coming along and maturing nicely. I finally had a chance to load this open-source GCS on my Android tablet.

I think it looks great. I think I also prefer the UI and compared to what Tower has become, including the representation of the fundamental Aircraft Instrumentation.

Amazingly, it connected right-up to the APM in my Nova over the SiK-915mhz radio ... and the UI came to life with real-time telemetry from the aircraft. The Android-girl was even calling-out Mode changes as I tested the Taranis.

However, I immediately got a pop-up notification warning-message that v3.3 or higher is required for 100% proper operation. I assume it means ArduCopter because this little APM-252 FC is just running v3.1.5. Ground testing seemed fine, but as I explored the app, I continued to get various other warnings about yet other parameters being missing. It's not a fault of the App, just that this version of ArduCopter isn't new enough (and can't particular FC really be upgraded to v3.3.x).

I still plan on using Mission Planner for Windows for quadcopter and drone setup, calibrations, and parameter tweaking ... while at the workbench. While this seems to be barely working on my old APM aircraft (on the ground) I think I will stick to Tower 4.x for them. I'll reserve this QGroundControl for my PixHawks.

Tower (for Android) 4.0 and Tower Beta 4.0.1 - GCS Testing

Tower v4.0.0
Well, the first couple of times I ran the Tower GCS, after a few minutes it just quit while it was running and dropped to the tablet's HomeScreen. While later researching Tower for this post, I came across some post by other pilots describing similar crashes. Not sure what's up with this, but it's rather off-putting ... I use Tower during most flights and I can't have it crashing. I don't recall any old versions over the years crashing for no reason.

Since they aren't required any more, I tried a long-shot fix ... I un-installed 3DR-Services, and rebooted. Then, and un-plugged/re-plugged the USB cable for the 915mhz SiK-Radio and answered the prompts to use Tower as default App.

Luckily, it seems to run fine now. I ran in many times and no more crashing (but I'll watch it closely). In fact, it works fine now except no RSSI is shown (under the triangle-looking icon). Just confirming a know bug.

Tower Beta v4.0.1
Installed from Google-Play store and rebooted.
Un-plugged/re-plugged the USB cable for the 915mhz SiK-Radio and answered the prompts to use Tower Beta as default App.
Set my desired Settings and Preferences.

Connects fine and NO crashing to HomeScreen... seems to run fine.
However, there is still no RSSI shown. Interesting, because Release Notes say that it was fixed by the new Developer/Maintainer. I was hoping it would work, but I did read a forum post by another user that said it was still broken for them also.

Hmm. Maybe there is a newer compiled version in .APK file, that just hasn't been vetted or uploaded to Google-Play yet?

There is not really a full manual for Tower that I've ever seen. If you are new to Tower, or just need a little refresher course, these 4 videos by RNDrones seem informative and helpful to me. They might be for a 2016 version, but other than not needing 3DR-Services now, they should work fine with v4.x .

What's going on with the Tower app (for Android) lately ?

As you might remember, I use the Tower app (previously known as DroidPlanner) while flying my APM-based quads.

So, I'm trying to spend more time with this hobby lately. One of the things I was checking was what software I should be using, and that everything is up-to-date.

I don't really use Android for anything other than this R/C Tablet, so bear with me (in real-life I live in Apple ecosystem). For some reason, the "auto-update-apps" setting in Google-Play Store was off on my R/C Android tablet, so I turned it back on and various Apps updated. I'm not sure if my last flights were on a late release of Tower 3.x or v4.x.

When I started Tower the first time, I got a "Change-Log" screen. Among other things, it said that the dependency on 3DR-Services had been removed. At the time, I didn't think much of it, other than the fact that my R/C tablet's software-build could now possibly be a little leaner.

At first, I thought the Tower v4.0 release was new. However, after doing some research, it looks like v4.0 was released back in Q4-2016.

Maybe the removal of 3DR-Services had a deeper meaning of things to come?

It appears that Bill Bonney  https://github.com/billbonney has come to the rescue.

https://discuss.ardupilot.org/t/tower-4-0-1-beta-released/17037

Bill, thanks for Tower Beta v4.0.1 . I think this might be the main GitHub dev page

https://github.com/billbonney/tower

Looks like its in the Google-Play store, so we doesn't have to hassle with a .apk file.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.droidplanner.android.beta

The main Tower dev page is here.
https://github.com/DroidPlanner/Tower

It appears to being updated slightly recently, but a new version with those updates is not always uploaded to Goggle-Play-Store. Evidence of that is its Tower is stuck at v4.0.0 since 10-2016.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.droidplanner.android&hl=en

Next, I need to fire-up the Nova and Tower v4.0 and see if the RSSI for my SiK (915Mhz) Radio is truly missing. I do like seeing that . Not just when flying far away, but also as a Pre-Flight check.

Cheerson CX-20 still for sale

Looks like the Cheerson CX-20 (APM Open-Source version) is still for sale.

If you are still flying this nice little brushless quad-copter, now might be a good time to pick-up another RTF package. You will get a spare battery and lots of spare-parts (landing-gear, body shell, motors, ESCs with LEDs, APM-FC, etc.).

Shipping from USA-warehouse will likely be pretty quick.

8% OFF Coupon Code: bggcx-20 (special limited-time code for CX-20 Quadcopter)

If this is your first CX-20/Nova, you might want to read my blog's archives for tips. Like ... throwing-away the included cheap battery-charger (and buying yourself a "real" LiPo charger for $30 usd) :) The LiPos for your new hobby will thank you.

UPDATE:

Right after I posted this, I found another tip posted by DKEmxr in the forums. Looks like HobbyKing still has some Nova's left as well. It's the PNF package (no battery or radio) but it's only $129usd. Remember that the Cheerson CX-20 is the quad that HobbyKing cloned to make the Nova.

I'm back. My weekend Flying Session and Multi-Rotor Sale notification

I bet you all thought I disappeared from the scene :) No, I'm still alive. It's just that "life" has been getting in the way of my hobby :) It's been really crazy around here lately.

I think I got to go fly my quads like maybe 4 times all spring/summer. FPV racers are mostly just sitting on shelf and custom-build 550 hexa is still waiting for assembly. I have been maintaining my LiPos though (or, at least checking them).

It was kinda windy this past weekend, but the weather was otherwise good, so I decided to take the Nova over to the middle-school for a little flying.

I flipped though the Taranis switches and tried to remember how to do a proper pre-flight and actually fly this thing. It took a while (updating GPS almanac ?) but I finally got a good GPS lock (sats and hdop). I thought it would be OK if I use Manual-Mode sparingly ... instead relying on Loiter, Altitude-Hold, etc.

I had a couple of scary moments, but I flew-thru 2 batteries without any major damage. I also practiced my landings. I was glad to see I could just go fly the Nova after all these months. Not just with my rusty skills, but also that the Nova was still calibrated. Not sure if the version of Tower on my TX-attached Android-tablet is the latest, but it seemed to be working (but didn't try any auto-missions or anything).

Hey, one of my primary affiliate partners just notified me of a limited time sale on multi-rotors and drones. This link and code are only good for a limited time, but if you need something, you might want to check it out.


Extra 20% Off For Multi-Rotor & Accessories DealsUp To 71% Off For FPV Racer and Multi Rotor Parts.

Electronics and computerized machines fail early due to Lead-Free Solder and RoHS techniques

Have you ever wondered why electronics and computers from the 90's and early 2000's seem to last forever? But now, you are lucky to get 3 years from just about anything computerized. Now-days, just about any machine (including vehicles, boats, and airplanes) have some kind of logic-board or PCB installed. From coffee-makers to TVs, computers, and spacecraft ... and everything in-between.

So now we know why. It's not just a conspiracy theory. Are the machines you purchased any less valuable or important that the ones that NASA's and the US-Military bought?

Lead-Free Solder - A Train Wreck in the Making

The advisory concludes with this guidance: “Though there are many alternative solder alloys available to replace traditional tin-lead, none of them has passed the reliability testing required of aerospace-quality hardware.”

Killed (Not Saved) By A Whisker - Why Our Electronic Gizmos Inevitably Die

The military and NASA were especially concerned, so they generally operate under waivers allowing lead solder in the gear on which our space program or national security supposedly depend.

Military Suppliers Confront the RoHS Challenge

The two main reliability concerns with lead-free processes are solder joint reliability and tin whiskering ... Most discrete parts and parts with leads can withstand the temperatures of both leaded and lead-free processes, but BGAs can be a problem.

Hazardous Materials Statement - Amphenol Aerospace (PDF)

Due to stringent customer and Mil-Spec requirements, AIAO will not pursue 100% transition to Pb-free products ... MS and other mil-specification part-numbers requiring leaded solder will not be made available in lead-free or RoHS compliant versions until the applicable MilSpec is revised to incorporate this change.

I think this inferior unleaded solder is killing more electronics than we realize. Reliability and longevity seems to have fallen from around 95% to around 60% ... on just about everything. I used to think it was just poorly executed Lead-Free solder techniques, the additional solder-heat weakening the soldered components, and more recently ... a large industry shift to BGA components. While I'm sure all this is still true, now we know the main reason. It only takes one bad/cold solder connection or weak PCB multi-layer-via to render a machine inoperable. Your thoughts?

Edit July-2017
Here is another ... Apple this time.
MacBook Pro graphics failures addressed by Apple repair program

CERT warns of Netgear NightHawk Router Security Flaw, VU 582384 Vulnerability - Exploit News and Fix

I occasionally write about general computer tech that affects our hobby. Well, I think our broadband Internet connections and routers definitely fall into that category. I will add more details to this post as they become available about this exploit.

CERT: Vulnerability Note VU#582384 - Multiple Netgear routers are vulnerable

Netgear's Response to Acew0rm's discovery (also links to updated firmwares)

Naked Security: Netgear router remote control bug – what you need to know

Kalypto: NetGear Vulnerability Expanded

Affected Routers
As at 2016-12-14 ... Netgear listed the following models: R6250, R6400, R6700, R6900, R7000, R7100LG, R7300DST, R7300, R7900, R8000, D6220, D7000. IIRC, all these routers are in the NightHawk series, but watch for this list to possibly change a bit. Don't let this exploit change your opinion of these routers. For consumer-class routers, these are a good value. They are some of the fastest, feature loaded, and most dependable routers available right now (IMO, especially the R6400).

Mainstream News Articles

Wired: A Ton of Popular Netgear Routers Are Exposed—With No Easy Fix

Fortune: Unplug Your Easily Hijacked Netgear Routers Pronto

LifeHacker: More Netgear Routers Found To Be Vulnerable To Super Easy Exploit


My Current Situation
I purchased and installed my Netgear R6400 (AC1750) router in March 2016. An easy choice since I liked my old Netgear WiFi-N router (circa 2010). The (dual-core) Netgear R6400 even has the new NightHawk technology without the extra cost (I did some pre-sales research).

I like to think I use adequate encryption on the WiFi (and Guest Network is OFF). I also use the "wired part" heavily (I also have an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch attached). This is because I have a few too many wired devices than the R6400 has ports for, but the R6400 is still the "gate-keeper" for the whole network or LAN. I left the uPnP ON (a first for me, but sure is nice not having to setup Firewall PinHoles or Port-Forwards). I have always kept the "Remote Management" feature OFF. I'm using a DHCP-range to hand-out dynamic IPs (and a few of those IPs are Reserved Addresses) as well as some Fixed IPs beyond that range (for Printers, TVs, etc.). The SPI-class firewall is always ON (because there is no way to accidentally disable it) ... which I like. This SPI Firewall must be on or your network is basically unprotected and completely exposed. All my networking equipment is on an APC UPS unit.

Verifying this Exploit Exists
My current firmware is v1.0.1.6. I used the "Can I test my own router?" exploit test from the Naked Security link above.
I visited this URL in the browser : http://routerlogin.net/cgi-bin/;uname
I got a whole browser page of code (depending on browser, it might look differently in some), but "Linux" is always the last word at the very bottom. That is what they are talking about (the command ran). So with this older firmware, my router definitely has the vulnerability (as expected).

Updating Firmware
These are the steps I followed. I will do this again when final (non-beta) version is released (and continue to keep the firmware updated). Once firmware is "Released as Final" you will be able to upgrade it within the router's Admin Console like normal.
1. Get everyone off the network and the Internet so you can work on it for a few minutes. Better to use a computer connected to network with a real Ethernet wire (not wireless or WiFi).
2. Downloaded updated firmware for my R6400 to my local computer. Unblock file after download.
3a. In router's Admin Console Interface, I backed-up my settings to a local file (just in case - Plan-A).
3b. Save any non-default Router Settings to hard copy (Plan-B). You can write them down, take pics, or save screen-shots.
4. In Advanced, Router Update, Browse to new firmware file and select it. Then click Upload.
5. It will show progress bars of both Updating and its Reboot.
6. Worked fine for me. Router came back online, so I logged back in. The router's Status Page and other settings I viewed still look correct (no loss of data). Logs will be reset. Internet access is working (at least at this one machine).
7. Do not be in a hurry to do next step (you must be absolutely sure firmware is done and router is completely rebooted and working again). Turn off all networking gear (modem, router) for 15 seconds, and then turn back on. This will re-initialize the modem and test broadband for proper new connection negotiation. But mainly, it cold-boots the router now that it's running a new firmware ... this seems to be required on these NightHawk modems after any firmware upgrade.
8. Re-Test machines for network connection, WiFi, printing, Internet access, etc. All mine work fine.

Re-Testing for Exploit (with fixed firmware)
My new current (still in beta) firmware is v1.0.1.18_1.0.15 . Using the above exploit test again, I now only get the router's Admin Login Prompt (waiting for credentials) or a "401 Unauthorized" message in the browser. It could NOT bypass the Admin Login and run a command like before. Looks like the fix is working. All computers and devices are still connecting and Internet access is working fine.

Other Thoughts
As security experts know, any time you choose easy-of-use (or freedoms) over security, you sacrifice some security (protections). In a way, this is what Netgear has done by invoking routerlogin.net (instead of users having to know their router's actual local IP address ... for use on the "safe side" of the router ... aka, their local network). However, since you ARE on the safe-side, I'm not sure that your router's IP address was ever meant to be a true security mechanism.

In general, I have always suggested that router owners (Netgear brand or otherwise) should keep their "Remote Management" options turned OFF. This restricts any router Administration to your local network (and to some extent, possible hacks). Before WiFi, this meant hackers had to be inside the structure with a physical wire connection to your network (but now, they can be next-door with a phone). Everyone should have strong passwords set ... not only on their encrypted WiFi SSID-AccessPoints, but also on their router's Administration Logins.

Finally, I think any router owner (and brand) can use the above URL to test for this exploit. However, if it's not a recent Netgear router, it would be something like http://192.168.1.1/cgi-bin/;uname , where 192.168.1.1 is the IP address of your particular router. Many router manufacturers use the same open-source Linux as a code-base for their routers as well, but its unclear whether the un-patched exploit is in this base-code, or in Netgear's branch.

Updates 
01-17-2017: Looks like R6400's previous beta firmware v1.0.1.18_1.0.15 has been changed to "Release Version Status" without any changes. There is no immediate need to reflash since the files digitally match. At this point, my R6400 is already running the current release version.