NOTE!! This is a cut down kit - PCB only for builders to design and produce their own trackers.

The normal and Full kit is here:

https://www.virtualpilot.co.uk/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=59

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

For Analogue video users:

• INAV: 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.
• MINIM OSD: 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.
• TBS Crossfire and tracer (Most TBS TX provide support)).
• ELRS 4.0 onwards (TX must have support backpack). This is unique to the Sentinel AAT.

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 PCB only - you will need to provide your own 3D printed case, components, servos and mechanical parts top complete ***

Key points - Analogue telemetry:

• Low cost DIY antenna tracker
• No extra hardware usually required on each aircraft - just GPS and INAV FC or minim OSD
• Does not use require WiFi or Bluetooth and all RC control links supported
• Simple and reliable tracking
• Ultra-fast position updating – up to 30 hz

Key points - Digital / Analogue over wireless (TBS or ELRS):

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

Supported configurations:

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

1. Telemetry data in an analogue video signal. Only analogue video is supported.
2. Telemetry data over WIFi. Mavlink sent over WiFi UDP from RC TX to the AAT. Analogue video also supported in this mode.
3. Telemetry data over ELRS. CRSF sent over ESPNOW from RC TX to the AAT. Analogue video also supported in this mode. 
4. Note ELRS and TBS are not supported simultaneously due to memory limitations

The following are specifically supported:

• Analog: iNav 3.0 onwards using FC with embedded 7456 IC
• Analog: All FC with external minim OSD running MWOSD 2.0 (Ardupilot / PX4 etc.)
  
• Analog: All FC using telemetry via ELRS with backpack, TBS Crossfire or Tracer
• Analog/Digital: All FC using telemetry via TBS Crossfire or Tracer (check TX is compatible)
• 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 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:

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

 NOT included: 

• Servos
  
• 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.

• Let’s be open – there are the downsides to every solution. Here are the key ones for this :
• Tracking data may be recorded by some DVR. This is unusual. (analogue telemetry only)
• The first row of OSD display becomes unavailable for OSD. However, this row is not usually fully visible
• This does not use tracker GPS location – so cannot be used in a moving vehicle
• Not currently released as a continuous rotation unit
• Not currently available as a fully assembled unit
• Requires supply of your own 3D printed case

FC not supporting analog telemetry:  (Support for these is via TBS CRSF over WiFi or ELRS CRSF over ESPNOW)

• Analog: FRSKY/Pixel OSD based FC. e.g. Matek F722WPX.
• Analog: Ardupilot/PX4 using embedded OSD.
• Analog: Kiss / Fettec

Comprehensive documentation

Assembly manual – https://github.com/aat-sentinel/Documentation/blob/main/README.md

User guide – https://github.com/aat-sentinel/Documentation/blob/main/README.md

STL and source CAD files repository – https://github.com/aat-sentinel/AAT-lite-hardware

Video describing the AAT:

https://youtu.be/vFgUl5-nj9M

Video showing assembly of the kit:

https://youtu.be/zmBVMtzduP4

Video showing  a Sentinel AAT in operation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9yK6Vtb--M

Video showing an example flight from one of the testers:

https://youtu.be/a-vTCi3cE5s

DOWNLOADS & MANUALS!

https://github.com/aat-sentinel/Documentation/blob/main/README.md

Available to purchase:

https://www.virtualpilot.co.uk/