Discussions

PX4/Pixhawk Flight Core Controlling FireFLY6 VTOL

Posted by Greg Covey on September 5, 2015 at 9:00am

Hi,

I recently discovered a post on RCG here back in May 2015 from a new member about using a single Pixhawk for VTOL control on the BirdsEyeView FireFLY6. It lead to the PX4 page below describing some development firmware for the Pixhawk. Does anyone know if there have been updates to this development or how to obtain the firmware for testing?

VTOL Firmware for Pixhawk

PX4 Page to BirdsEyeView FireFly

Thanks.

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Replies

- - - - Paul Meier > Greg Covey January 3, 2016 at 1:41am
        
        Greg, thanks a lot for your feedback, really appreciate. Have a nice sunday.
Tipu September 8, 2015 at 11:15am

Installed QGCS but not sure from where I can download "Beta" firmware.

i am using a pixhawk.
- Greg Covey > Tipu September 8, 2015 at 2:30pm
  
  Tipu,
  
  I believe you need QGC v2.7.1 to see the VTOL Tiltrotor selection.
  - Greg Covey > Greg Covey September 8, 2015 at 2:54pm
    
    Yes, I was able to do it using the PX4 Flight Stack Beta firmware under QGC v2.7.1. After loading the beta stack firmware onto your Pixhawk, you can select the "BirdsEyeView Aerobotics FireFly6" airframe after connecting.
Tipu September 8, 2015 at 5:42am

That is amazing..

Its time for 3DR too to embed VTOL in pixhawk firmware.
Paul Meier September 5, 2015 at 9:16am

You have to install QGC as per http://qgroundcontrol.org/downloads

Flash the beta Firmware

There is a frame type specific for the firefly

good luck
- Mark > Paul Meier September 6, 2015 at 2:50pm
  
  Been searching for a method, to run but hover and forward flight on a pixhawk without the need for 2 controllers and an interface.
  
  Is there any documentation to describe how this works with the FireFly6 as far as flight mode interaction and transition operates?
  
  Understand this is a Beta, is it being actively developed for VTOL or is this as far as it goes?
  
  Thanks
  - Greg Covey > Mark September 6, 2015 at 3:16pm
    
    Mark,
    
    Although it is missing some information this link below has the most information on it. Paul added a valuable connection to the frame type, beta firmware, and, QGC. It seems to be tested by Roman Bapst and Simon Wilks.
    
    Px4/Pixhawk BirsEyeView FireFly6
    
    Imagine the other possibilities like from Rover to Plane for a Jame Bond like car.
    - Mark > Greg Covey September 6, 2015 at 3:24pm
      
      Thanks, yes I saw that, and interested to try it out, just wanted to get a bit more info on flight modes, on either side of the transition and how they tie together.
      
      Also need to find out if it is safe to use in waypoint flying and if there is a way to plan a transition as part of a mission.
      - Greg Covey > Mark September 6, 2015 at 3:34pm
        
        Mark,
        
        That would be very cool! I'm familiar with Mission Planner but not so much with QGC so it will be a learning curve for me. My hope is that this dual-type control (Copter/Plane/Rover/Boat) becomes the next big thing for APM.