Description

The Sentinel AAT brings bring a low cost DIY FPV antenna tracking solution to the market.

For Analogue video users:

A new approach for antenna tracking without the need for any additional hardware on the aircraft for most flight controllers. This is method is unique to the Sentinel AAT.
It also supports all other FC’s that use minim hardware with MWOSD 2.0 and also many others with addition of a video telemetry module.
This does require the aircraft to be GPS enabled, however GPS co-ordinates are not sent to the AAT. The aircraft controls the AAT tracking.

For Digital and Analogue video users:

Traditional antenna tracking utilising GPS co-ordinates sent over WiFi from a RC transmitter.
CRSF over Wifi via UDP is supported for RC TX that receive GPS telemetry (TBS crossfire and Tracer).
ELRS PENDING next 4.x RELEASE BY ELRS team. Available now in test release. (Supports TX with embedded backpack)

We have been flying with both tracking methods for a few years as a side project and the design has now evolved to the point of exceeding the performance of other commercial trackers we were using so have decided to release it as a kit for those who are interested and also have access to 3D printing facilities.

*** This is a DIY kit only - you will need to provide your own 3D printed case ***

Key points - Analogue telemetry:

Low cost DIY antenna tracker
No extra hardware usually required on each aircraft - just GPS
Does use WiFi or Bluetooth which is not available on many systems without additional components
Simple and reliable tracking
Ultra-fast position updating – up to 30 hz

Key points - Digital / Analogue over WiFi (TBS only):

Low cost DIY antenna tracker
No extra hardware usually required on each aircraft - just GPS
Built in WIFi - TBS RC TX supported without any additional hardware modules
Built in ESPNOW - ELRS RC TX (with backpack) supported without any additional hardware modules
TBS setup is slightly more complex than analogue video telemetry
ELRS setup is simple
Position updating – typically 1-2 hz

Supported configurations:

The Sentinel currently supports the following two methods for driving the AAT:

Telemetry data in an analogue video signal. Only analogue video is supported.
Telemetry data over WIFi. Mavlink sent over WiFi UDP from RC TX to the AAT. Digital or Analogue video are both supported
Telemetry data over ELRS. CRSF sent over ESPNOW from RC TX to the AAT. Digital or Analogue video are both supported

The following are specifically supported:

Analog: iNav 3.0 onwards using FC with embedded 7456 IC
Analog: iNav earlier versions using FC with embedded 7456 IC listed here :- https://github.com/aat-sentinel/FC-iNav
Analog: Betaflight versions using FC with embedded 7456 IC listed here :- https://github.com/aat-sentinel/FC-Betaflight
Analog: All FC with external minim OSD running MWOSD 2.0 (Ardupilot / PX4 etc.)
Analog: All FC using telemetry via TBS Crossfire or Tracer
Analog/Digital: All FC using telemetry via TBS Crossfire or Tracer
Analog/Digital: All FC using telemetry via ELRS (TX must have backpack)

Features - analogue video telemetry:

Works with standard FC or minim osd boards running 7456 OSD IC and running supported iNav, Betaflight and MWOSD versions:

No additional hardware required

Does not require Bluetooth / Wifi modules or adapters:

Not impacted by 2.4G RC tx

Not impacted by 2.4G Video tx

Does not impact 2.4G RC rx.

Does not typically require modules on each aircraft:

Significant cost saving. No additional expense for adding extra aircraft

No additional weight

Reduces wiring, complexity and failure points

Does not require telemetry feed from aircraft via RC transmitter:

RC telemetry not required - supports all RC TX links. No limitations

Supports all RC TX:

Supports all RC TX. Not limited to OpenTX etc

Supports all RC link types. Not limited to specific RC TX modules such as Crossfire etc

Fast position tracking updates:

Tracking data update refresh rates of 25-30hz

Design optimised for maximum performance with poor signal quality

Features – wifi telemetry for analog or digital video system:

No additional hardware required.

Does not require Bluetooth / Wifi modules or adapters

Does not typically require modules on each aircraft:

Significant cost saving. No additional expense for adding extra aircraft

No additional weight

Reduces wiring, complexity and failure points

Features - both:

Wifi enabled:

Fully embedded GUI for configuring

No additional hardware or software required

Configure the AAT from PC or mobile device browser

OTA - Over The Air software updates

Wifi auto disables in flight for full compatibility with 2.4G video users

Alarm capabilities:

Low battery physical alarm

Loss of telemetry alarm

Physical Elements:

Two independent video outputs – one RCA, one 4 pole Fatshark compatible

OLED support to view battery voltage etc.

Single channel audio output via Fatshark compatible connector
Battery out for monitor etc.
Status LED

Kit contents:

Everything necessary to connect to FPV goggles except Battery, RX and antenna

Tracker PCB

Servos

Components to complete PCB – connectors, LED, OLED, buzzer etc.

Fixings to assemble 3D parts - bearings, screws, bolts etc.

Video output cable – suitable for Fatshark 4 pole goggles

XT60 power cables

Servo cables for RX etc.

3D print components

Easy print design

STL files available for download

Source files available

Generated in FREE Google SketchUp for free and easy modifications

So why another tracker?

We have been using various antenna trackers for over 10 years – audio , video and via TX telemetry. Audio and video trackers have performed well, but the on board hardware get expensive for large fleets and price becomes a factor. With recent developments, trackers using telemetry via TX and Bluetooth have become a reality.

Initially the RC telemetry seemed the perfect solution, but we were disappointed with the reliability. The loss of tracking from dropped connections and flying with others using 2.4G for video or RC control became both frustrating and unacceptable.

We had an idea of a solution for standard FC that could address both these issues and put together a proof of concept design for testing. This far exceeded our expectations and after flying with it for a couple of years we have decided to release it as a kit for the FPV community.

Downsides.