Trying out NXP's MR-VMU-RT1176

NXP MR-VMU-RT1176

First impressions: it's well-made, featuring a metallic-plastic resin build with a whole lot of well-placed I/O. I was sent this board for free for me to review so here are my honest thoughts.

I've used this new vmu in a couple of different projects, both of which were autonomous drone missions. Using a companion computer (navq+) and various external sensor modules such as BME 688 and 5G modem and RTL modules.

I set the vmu-companion computer connection up using its two-wire ethernet interface for a mavlink connection to the navq+. I found very little issue with this and was able to transfer everything I've learned from the previous model FMUK66.

So what's different with this new model? Layout: I appreciate the way the I/O is laid out, previously, the majority of inputs were on the top facing side so you end up with a lot of wires sticking up everywhere. This board has most connections on the sides, front and rear of the board. It really helps to manage and secure cabling. The power connection are far more robust

At the core of this new controller is the I.MXRT1176 module centres on a carrier board with all the connectivity you can expect from NXP.

Some things I found useful

Double can ports and double GPS ports! In my research field, I require super precise and robust positioning, this positioning is derived from my Holybro H-RTK ZED-F9P RTK Rover (DroneCAN variant) and I also use a secondary GPS connected to the GPS interface.

CAN FD was very useful here so I could have both running parallel; RTK via droneCAN and GPS via the dedicated interface GPS1.

The construction of this model is much better, fare more sturdy and robust. It has a hard (I think reason) case with four bolts that go through the entire body which sandwich it nicely together. They are nicely recessed so connecting aren't super exposed. Beefy power connections using larger 2mm pitch Click mate connections were very appreciated. Robust and great redundancy.

I had a quite a few crashes this year and this board took it like a champ. It's alway nerve racking having expensive equipment floating around in the sky but this new design reassured me it can withstand general drone wear and tear and also some pretty gnarly crashes!

Some issues I faced

I found some start ups a little buggy such as trying to set features within PX4 extras file and the ethernet connect sometimes dropping. I cannot say the exact reason yet so don't be too put off.

Not a massive fan of the SD card port placement. It makes it a little tricky to reinsert correctly.

There is no easy to press reset button, you have to take the board apart and press a small button on the inside.

Proper mounting holes seem like an obvious choice but this model doesn't really have that. You have to remove screws from the body or opt for a friction fit 3D print or something.

In summary, it's certainly a worthy flight computer and I've enjoyed using it for my drone platform. This VMU is very versatile and I'm yet to really push it and use all its features. Stay tuned as I update this project with additional information.