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?
PX4 Page to BirdsEyeView FireFly
Thanks.
Replies
Hello Greg, nice build, like the position of the RF900.
I want to ask how does it fly with AvA compared to the transition bridge, any improvement with gps on mast as compared to first pic, and finally do you use airspeed sensor.
Thanks
Hi Paul,
The AvA feature makes autonomous flight much easier than using the bridge because you only need one instance of the Mission Planner running. Also, the custom FireFLY6 Planner provides additional buttons on the Fly screen and additional commands like "Transition" and "Gear" in your mission plan.
The M8N GPS on the mast really cleaned up my noise and inconsistency issues. The flying pic above was taken by me after setting the transmitter down. You can see the 18 satellite count and low hdop value in the image below. I don't have an airspeed sensor yet because I am more experienced with APM:Copter and just a novice with APM:Plane. I plan to learn more in 2016.
hi, Greg Covey, congratulations on your success :)
I am also very fan of APM 2.6, and usually go for long range flights on hexa copter using APM 2.6. My hexa has hover time of 60min using 30000mah 4S tesla style batt,. 17in CF props.... but the problem, as u know, multi-rotors are inherently inefficient in comparison to planes, planes need runway to land & take off :(... VTOL is a perfect choice... i have been looking into FireFly for some time, but recently i saw someone(you) trying to build his own.:) I will be glad if u offer me little guidance because i want to make VTOL for my self :)
my queries:
1- I learned in the previous posts that we can upload VTOL firmware using PX4 Flight Stack Beta firmware in QGC v2.7.1, my question is that is this the firmware that "BirdsEyeView Firefly Y6" use? i mean can we have same type of transformations when we upload that QGC firmware?
2- once the firmware is installed, is it possible to fly the VTOL machine using FireFlyY6 Planner? or we can just use QGC? which one u suggest being better ground-station?
3- i was reading AvA on-board manual, they say we need to email BirdsEyeView the "KEY_PID" and they will give us a pass code to unlock necessary AvA parameters... is this necessary? I think we do not need any pass key, as we are not buying "FireFly Y6"
thanks :)
Hi Sunnysun,
It's actually been 9 years since I built my last VTOL using heli gyros on a Multiplex Magister airplane frame. Today's flight controllers make it much easier.
To answer your question #1, BirdsEyeView Aerobotics uses the APM stack, not the PX4 stack for their AvA solution in FireFLY6. The PX4 version does not offer the same transformations.
Question #2 answer: The PX4 stack solution does not use the FireFLY6 Planner or the APM Mission Planner but it can use QGC for control. I do not know how much of it can be automated. The FireFLY6 solution using the APM stack can use the FireFLY6 Planner and new QGC beta for full autonomous control. As for which GCS is better, it is a personal choice. The FireFLY6 Planner is streamlined for the FireFLY6. QGC has a different GUI but is also well designed.
Question #3: If you use the Pixhawk firmware for the AvA version of the FireFLY6 then you need to purchase the key level. When you purchase the key level, you provide the unique KEY_PID to them and they return the KEY_VALUE to you for entering into the FireFLY6 Planner Full Parameter List. I purchased the Pro Key level.
The AvA solution does not necessarily need to be used on a FireFLY6 but it does need to be used on a Y6 (or Tricopter configuration) and purchased or it will not function properly.
Alternatively, you can use the dual flight controller solution (now known as the classic FireFLY6) but it requires the hardware bridge transition unit.
Lastly, you can use the PX4 stack solution, without any purchase, but it is sparsely documented and not well tested by many users. In other words, the AvA solution for the FireFLY6 is the current best solution with documentation that allows an autonomous transition between copter and plane configurations.
Hi, thank u for such an elaborate and prompt reply. and u got a loooooot of experience :D.. 9 years!! great
to simply put i want a flight experience that is similar to FireFly Y6 and i want to make it my self, instead of :)
here are the brief outline of steps that i have in mind to achieve my goal.
1-Install VTOL firmware using QGC V2.7.1, into pixhawk flight controller
2-Make a VTOL hardware as per firmware requirements (it my assumption that it will require a hardware setup like "Tricopter Y6" style similar to FireFly Y6, i dont own pixhawk yet, so it is my guess when i move forward after installing firmware in the pixhawk, it will demand a plane+tricopter y6 configuration to achieve VTOL
3-After hardware and software installed, now calibrate and test fly using QGC V2.7.1 ground station...
this is the brief setup in my mind, plz correct me if i am wrong some ware. My goal is to achieve similar flight experience as FireFly Y6, if not same experience :), and i want to achieve this using one flight controller, instead of using two flight controllers and a bridge. i seek your guidance in this :)
Thanks
Greg, thanks a lot for your feedback, really appreciate. Have a nice sunday.
Installed QGCS but not sure from where I can download "Beta" firmware.
i am using a pixhawk.
Tipu,
I believe you need QGC v2.7.1 to see the VTOL Tiltrotor selection.
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.
That is amazing..
Its time for 3DR too to embed VTOL in pixhawk firmware.
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