3D Robotics

ArduPilot sensor calibration FAQ

A number of you had sensor calibration questions, so I asked Jordi, to get the answers straight from the source: 1) Are the sensors calibrated only when the bind plug is on or also with every reset? Only when you insert the bind plug, then it will be recorded in the eeprom. If you restart you don't have to calibrate again (in short periods of 15 mins, battery change for example). 2) Does the sensor calibration happen after GPS lock or before? The answer is after. The calibration happens exactly when you remove the bind plug, takes like 1 second. 3) What happens after you take off the bind plug? Any additional calibration? Well, it will read the Z sensor for calibration and store all the values in the eeprom, which takes no time at all. Just be sure the airspeed sensor is not against the wind (in strong winds). 4) Should the airplane be held in the air while the sensor calibration is going on? The airplane can be in the ground. Just stay away from the z sensor when removing the bind plug. Any other calibration tips? Always switch to autopilot when you are in ground, to see if the elevator and rudder responds. Remember that the Z sensor calibrates over time. If you leave the aircraft (even in manual) the sensor will calibrate better. Also try to apply pressure on the pitot tube to test the throttle vs airspeed.
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  • Chris
    yes i sould have looked the code you 're right , but i was busy on the electronics that is not working (eagle tree GPS buffer)
    thank's for that answer.
  • Just don''t seal your mouth on the tube when blowing; at least, that is what I've learned around general aviation and the Procerus Kestrel Autopilot. In GA, I believe you can damage the pitot-static instruments by blowing or sucking directly on the pitot-tube (My instructors made this difference clear, it is ok to check the stall warning port by mouth, never the pitot tube). The same goes for the Kestrel, I would wrap the pitot tube in red tape to remind of this.
  • any effective approach to test the air pressure sensor? blow the pitot tube by mouth?
  • 3D Robotics
    It happens after the jumper is removed. It's the Save_Launch_Parameters_Flagged() routine. You can answer these questions yourself by looking at the code.
  • is it possible to know as well if the "Home" is stored as soon as GPS get a lock or after removing the bind plug??
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