I studied the Ardupilot manual online but have some questions regarding the initial field setup.
I am using Ardupilot with Ardushield V2 and XY thermopile sensors from Copilot 1. I am also running Ardupilot code version 2.6 on the above configuration.
I am flying a flying wing.
I have the throttle connected directly to Rx - although I have the needed jumper wires soldered on the back of Ardupilot so when I am ready I will connect the throttle through Ardupilot.
If the throttle is not connected through Ardupilot I assume that I need to do the following setup procedure:
FIELD SETUP:
If you're not using ArduPilot to control the throttle, it's a bit more complicated and you have to use the "Remove Before Fly" (AKA "Bindplug") as follows:
- Power on
- Check the Remove Before Fly plug is connected
- Twitch servos to indicated startup has begun
- Record Radio Trims to memory
- Begin looking for a GPS fix - Flash the blue LED until a fix
- Set the Blue LED to solid to indicate a GPS fix
- Twitch servos once
- Calibrate Radio Min and Max (and optionally XY IR sensors)
- Twitch servos until Remove before Fly pin is removed
- Save home location and flight settings to memory
Can one give more detailed information about step 8? How is one exactly supposed to callibrate radio min max? And IR sensors? Should I calibrate IR sensors a certain number of seconds after I calibrate radio min max? How is Ardupilot knowing when I calibrate IR sensors and when I calibrate radio min and max?
Step 8.) is a little confusing for me as it is stated right now in the manual.
Best regards,
Florin
Replies
Thanks for catching an ambiguous bit of the manual. You only need to do the radio calibration if you've got this set to 1 (it's off by default):
//3-1
#define SET_RADIO_LIMITS 1
As for the IR sensors, if you have a Z you don't have to do anything. If you've just got an XY, you need to rotate the plane so each window of the sensor looks up at the sky at least once (this is to set the MAX values). Then you're ready to fly.