Thanks for the link! Great video! I have also missed this STM based Ardupilot project. I was thinking about maybe getting into the F4 unitsbut even those are mosre expensive then say a typical APM 2.0 . So this is, for the price, a very very good buy.
Thank you for bring the Pixhawk platform back into our periphery. I also have one gathering dust with the air speed tube :P I am so bad for buying and then not having the time to come full term.
Dude I love your videos. I'm in exact same boat as wanting to mess with autopilot but not enough to justify the pricier options like the microvector. I'll probably try iNav first on my old 250 quad but this is very tempting.
Ive had a pixhawk for 1 FULL painful year trying to work it all out just for a wing. Got a Air3 Inav which is new and just for planes and the GUI is just amazingly simple and easy. It took me a year to do no flying with pixhawk and half a day to get in the air with the Air 3, mainly thanks to the GUI. The setup for the air3 is just so intuitive, totally different to old inav and is close to having full mavlink 2 wAy communication in the next month or so if not already. I dony get ehy they have made the pixhawk which is basically a scaled up APM that have been around for ,many many years so hard to calibrate. Admittidly I got all the switch and sticks going but the tuning for flight gives you no indercation as to weather its right or not. I want to fly with the Pixhawk as want to try things like Andruav and a few other things like flying with a Raspberry Pi. Anyway One day when I cant fly and feel like pulling more hair out I may dig it out and give it another go. O by the way the Inav Air3 flies spot on via GPS so Im not sure if you where using the old board one or not but this Air3 is fantastic and I love it.
For the channel issue at the end of the video. You should be able to set the output on your receiver(IA6B) to PPM from your radio, FS-I6. You should be able to go into the functions setup on the radio as well and map your switches to the channel under the Aux Channels menu. You can map channels 5 and 6 to your preferred switches. Once you do that you should see the GUI update the positions as you move the switches.
Hi!Nice video.Perfect timing...I have one on the way.I'm totally newbi like you with APM and I want to use it in something more challenging ...in a 500 class helicopter...😀 good luck with yor plane...nice evening!
If you use Full Parameter Tree under the Config/Tuning tab, there are a lot more options and even a search feature on the right hand side. I would recommend using this path to change/ search any parameters you are looking for. In the case of changing the flight modes, its much easier to do so from there. Let me know if you have any questions, I have a lot of experience using arduplane. Also, you may have an issue using an airspeed sensor if you dont find a way to have a breakout board for the I2C. Ian
Want to pick one of these up, I used to run apm 2.6 on a quad but its been years since Ive touched mission planner. Following your fumbling for educational purposes haha
Awesome Vid, My HKPilot32 has been grounded for ages as I can't live without Telemetry and OSD these days... Getting MAVlink telemetry via Frsky is fiddly and adding a MinimOSD to a small build is a bit painful after working with the simplicity of Betaflight... I think I'll look at moving to Crossfire to solve the telemetry issue whilst adding range, but it's no cheap upgrade. I'm sure there is some minimosd firmware out there still for MAVLInk protocol.
BTW , the original Pixhawk design had all the DF13 type connectors on the top of the case and you need space for the wiring, the vertical SMD mounts were susceptible to being pulled right off the board. I had a quick order to make from the company that produces them and was saved by the "samples" program. They have a bit on the site that shows you the method to remove the connectors without damaging. Fidgety I always thought. I pulled the switch wire along with its two pin socket right off clean, and had the micro surgery follow up. The kind you have to hold your tongue at a certain angle :-)
If you go to the..... param List/ param tree... you can change all (bigly list) fun to watch a newbie...steep learning curve...I am still working on it. normal pix controllers have more memory X2 I think that's why the Special Mission planner
It’s usually channel 8 for a plane however channel 5 will work if you set CH5 to be the selector. You just need to program your radio to give the PWM values you need to switch modes. Really you only need 3 on the stick. Just set one 3 position switch to switch between manual, FBWA and AUTO. That’s all I ever use and select anything else from Mission Planner. Find the parameter for rudder arming so you can arm the plane with full right rudder and disarm with full left.
Ardupilot is not only better for fixed wings, it is way ahead of INAV on all aspects : experience, field use, functionality, security, architecture, community, support, etc...
Painless 360 , Dennis Baldwin , Marco Robunstini and Peter King all have great youtube channels on Pixhawk flight controller programing . Unless you really enjoy building and programming Pixhawk is not a plug and play controller and is intended for DIY builders that need more than just a simple flight controller... but if you have the time to learn it .... this flight controller is amazing.
Thanks for the video. I'm trying to connect raspberry pi to Radiolink mini Pix. I read somewhere that radiolink doesnt connect to SBC with APSync (Ardupilot Sync) firmware, only Radiolink firmware, but the code for the radiolink firmware not available anywhere. Any suggestions?
The software looks the same as the apm days, thought they might have improved the ui a bit. Yes does take a little bit to get used to. Be interested to see how it compares to inav, when it's all setup
Hi I had used Arducopter for my first copter and that was not nice. The software has peculiarities that made it very difficult to make the copter fly. When everything was ok, the Copter flew directly pretty good. The basic settings works very well. But I'm away from the APM controller because the failsafe does not work and there are no more updates for the copter firmware. I'm really curious how well it comes with airplanes
The full params list is huge but it's where you set all the one time stuff like your switches and such. It's been along time since I messed with it but seems like you go to full parameters and use ctrl f or there may be a search value now and search mode then you can set the switch then you will have to clear your 2nd and 4th switch to use a 3 position but my experience is a year or 2 two back with full mission planner and apm2.6 board so not sure if it helps.
Love the detail. Seems there's a lot of research involved in getting a Mini Pix to cooperate with a fixed wing model. I note you said you had it connected to a large capacity 4S battery, reminded me of the big batteries you used on the eBike. Please give us your thoughts on the bike now you've had it a while?
Less/cheaper sensors, hence the different firmware? Latest mission planner 'should' work after flashing. Modeswitch is locked to ch5 on copter, 8 for plane. Autotune switch is configurable however. IIRC there are pre-configured airframe settings somewhere in the documentation (see z84) that may help clarify which parameters need changing for a wing. Wizard (post firmware flash) in the proper mission planner might be worth a look too. The 900/433 link must be optimized for range by default, but can be changed from within mission planner! Have a few models with old APMs working flawlessly, so looking forward to seeing how you get on with this hardware/firmware, thanks for posting :)
Oh and full parameter list FLTMODE_CH 8 RC Channel to use for flight mode control - obs you need to make it 5. Don't change too many settings let autotune do all the work. Trouble comes when folks try and change too much.
Chris... Are you required to use/connect the "Safety Switch Button & Buzzer" module in your flying wing for the Mini Pix to work properly ??? Just setting up my MiniPix in a flying wing as well.
I'm not quite sure. You can set the ARMING_CHECK bitflag so that the hardware safety button state will be ignored when arming, but it seems like you need it to get any outputs at all on the servo pins (even a camera trigger pulse). I just set it up in my FX79 buffalo, thinking about making a step-by-step guide sometime. It flies really good :)
Thanks for the reply Chris.. I also am installing it in an FX-79 Buffalo from BG. I've followed your Mini Pix/Mission Planner/Arduplane videos to a "T" and did not seem to see any mention of the Safety Switch/Buzzer module on the smaller wing you installed the Mini Pix on yet it seemed to fly nicely and do waypoints. A step by step guide for your FX-79 would be awesome. Spring is just around the corner in Canada.
I found a DIY 3D printed Mavic. I am planning on building that and mounting a GoPro onto it. Do you think this flight controller would be good for what I have planned? Any suggestions would be great.
Hello, great video, how can I calibrate ESCs on the mini pix? I tried to do it with the lever up and all the standard procedure, but it doesn't work, any ideas ?, the motor only beeps continuously every time I start
U need to celibate the radio first by clicking celibate and moving all the switches untill you get the red lines @ the end of the values. Alsow you can choose on the radio auxiliary chanel 5 to switch c + d. After you have ro play around with end valeus and u can get all the flight modes. If you get stuck let me know and i will look at my radio and give you the valeus. Good luck:)
So after all the fumbling and stumbling, in the end, would you, with a clear concience, recommend this thing? As I would like to try some long range flights during the summer, but not without a reliable RTL capability, that doesn't break the bank :)
I can't see any problem with functionality of it, but the lack of connection options is quite limiting. If you want to easily add I2C stuff like air-speed sensor you would be better off with a full-size pixhawk and the DF13 plugs for easier connection to a wider range of existing bits and pieces.
After following your videos on how to setup Radiolink Mini PIX I was able to fly the quad yesterday (for the first time ever). I ran into a major problem and was wondering if you experienced it also with this kit. The RTL mode ALMOST lost my drone... it was going all on its own above the clouds when the RTL height was set for 20m. I was lucky to find it unharmed. The only thing I can think of it probably lost the GPS lock in flight... if that happens, I don't know how the drone is supposed to behave in a mode that requires GPS. Have you had problems with this particular GPS?
Unfortunately the only way to get a real answer about what happened is from the onboard log, if you put an SD card into the slot (or telemetry log if you were connected to a ground station). If it kept the horizontal position ok and only vertical was wrong, then it might be a faulty barometer. If it also got the horizontal position wrong, I am suspecting it was probably not in RTL mode as you thought it was... did you confirm the modes with a ground station, so you could see how many satellites it had locked etc? If you changed the arming check setting to let you arm even if there is no SD card etc, maybe you also disabled the check for a proper fix. In any case if you see unexpected behavior like that the best thing to do is switch back into manual mode immediately, don't just let it keep going away...
Thanks for your prompt reply! There was an SD card inside, so I may be able to check the log like you said. I double checked and was indeed in RTL... my modes were Stabilize/Alt Hold/RTL. The only reason why I switched it to RTL is b/c I panicked in the manual mode as I was trying this for the first time ever :) Anyways, I had it set to check for everything before allowing arming, so there was GPS lock at ground level... how many satellites I don't know (it's probably in the log). I did read on-line about someone else who lost the drone in the RTL mode and blamed the GPS for that. After I brought it back home I checked the "super simple" box for all the modes and I'll try again this evening... I also unchecked the box to use both compasses... with both active it was failing the "Default" calibration and it was only passing the "Relaxed" one. With only the FC compass it passes the Default calibration. I'll fly again this evening and hopefully I can bring it back home.
OK, I didn't get a chance to fly yesterday, but I did look at the log as you suggested. The log report says the compass failed. Also the report wasn't very helpful regarding the GPS... see the two entries below. I wonder if the compass failed b/c I had both active and the FC got confused. As I said, with both active it could only pass a "relaxed" calibration, but not the "default" one. When I get rid of the external compass the on-board compass passes the default calibration. Also when I plot the GPS in MP it talks about Min 3, Max 3, Mean 3... are those the satellites connected to? I guess that's not too many :) Test: Compass = FAIL - Large change in mag_field (1196.88%) Min mag field length (95.46) < recommended (120.00) Max mag field length (1238.03) > recommended (550.00) Test: GPS = UNKNOWN - join() takes exactly one argument (2 given)
Will you be doing any quadcopter projects using it? Would be perfect timing for my part to look over your shoulder :) Also, there are multiple versions of original 3DR Pixhawk Mini available @ ebay EDIT: Maybe try QGroundControl, I have seen Painless360 get good results with fixwings using it?
Hi, I bought the same Mini pix Kit from Banggood. A Have few questions : -Where can I pick up 5 v on the power module (to feed directly my video Tx) - What are the references of the plugs telemetry (I thing I need a second wire)
You can see the pin labels in the pic near the bottom of the page: www.radiolink.com.cn/doce/product-detail-133.html There's no nice easy pad to solder on the power board to get 5V, but it must be there somewhere if you check the pins on the back of the plug.
James Lamb For pixhawk/APM , to maintain a preselected airspeed, yes you do require a pitot tube for a fixed wing, these are generally fairly inexpensive. If you are using a copter, the GPS unit is adequate enough for a set groundspeed.
Hi I just got a miniPix V 1.2 board witch is now supported by Missionplaner. I was able to upgrade and upload Adruplane V 4.09 on it :-) I was not able to upgrade FW based on RadioLinks V 3.8.5 to my miniPix 1.1 and 1.0 :-)
Hola amigo, me gustaria que me ayudases un poco, tengo una controladora de vuelo mini pix radiolink, la he montado en un drone 180 , tengo todos los motores y ESC instalados , no llevo instalado gps , que tengo que hacer para que mi dron vuele en linea recta , tengo que ajusta el yak a 180 grados o no hace falta
Hello, help me, I have a mini pix that does not respond, investigating I discovered that I have to modify the firmware of the mini pix, because it does not have the Ramtron FRAM chip installed, since it is a 9/9/19 version, could you share a modified firmware to load it on my mini pix?, no firmware version I found works for me, I'm looking for the "plane" version, thanks.
Don't give up , mission planner is far superior over inav once you understand how it works. Spend some time studying ardupilot.org , just about everything you need to know is in there. I also use a turnigy i6 transmitter , but use the ia6c receiver. I think maybe your baud rate is too slow ? Only takes me about 5-10 seconds to boot up using 915 radios . If you are still just on original firmware on transmitter there is a fancy mix to do with aux channels to get 5 different options, video is on TH-cam to show how, I've now updated firmware to the 10 channel and that seems to be working well. For doing missions or any long range stuff, mission planner is the way to go, just be patient with it and do your study, the results are worth it ..
Yeah, something is wrong with the connection speed. I get all the parameters in just a few seconds via Crossfire Bluetooth link. Cable should be much faster.
These connectors are called JST GH and you can get more of them for example here www.aliexpress.com/item/5Pcs-3-to-7pin-Pixhawk2-Pixhack-Pixracer-PXFmini-Cable-wire-Dronecode-cables-and-connectors-silica-gel/32794621884.html
impossible to setup 5 ch fly modes with PPM connection on the FrSky 9x radio control with long range rcmilec long range tx-rx also I could not see anywhere to see who could setup the all fly modes!
I did all...mix and the other..but flysky 9x/Turnigy Normal connection is good but nowhere I saw possible to use 5 different fly modes...and of you look at the videos every marketer use only two fly mode...how can you use?
Thanks for reply! But also there is problem I setup mini Osd to this board. When I swich on the radio control which use long distance 433hrz tx-rx. The osd datas lost from screen. The radio control effected the Osd data. How can I solve? regards
I have no idea and I've never used a 433 radio, please don't assume I have all the answers in the world :) This is all I know about OSD for this system: th-cam.com/video/siX-NJztBHs/w-d-xo.html
You can only use v one at a time not both, if you use osd you willlose mavlink and vice versus. There is a mod if you search on cx20 quadcopter which uses the old apm FC,
can someone please tell me how I can connect my F3 flight controller it's brand new I can connect to the computer but I cannot connect the 5 bolts that goes to the flight controller
27:43 I don't remember anything other than what was mentioned there unfortunately. There is something very weird about that whole page, I swear I tried the same thing 5 times and then somehow it was working and I have no idea how....
iforce2d Cheers Chris... I should have watched the video again lol. 😁 BTW, my computer reads the parameters in under 30 seconds. So I wonder If it's a problem with your board or computer?
USB will read in under 20 seconds, it's the radio telemetry connection (57600 baud) that's slow. Recently with a different telemetry module a newer version of Arduplane I'm getting about 1 minute or less, not sure what has changed but I think that's pretty normal for radio connection.
Same as any other wiring to a receiver: ground, 5v and the signal. You will need either PPM or s-bus output. In either case you need to turn them on in the radio settings because the default is PWM (not PPM) and i-bus. For s-bus I think you need a radio that knows about s-bus like the FS-i6X (not the original FS-i6).
For that you would need a 5 position switch. Or maybe your transmitter can have a 'mix' set up so that a second switch will add an offset to the first switch.
I´m not able to download the MP from Radiolink site as it always times out. Can someone put it somewhere for download, or is it possible to use original MP?
Unfortunately the original MP will not work correctly. I'm uploading the radiolink one to my server now, try this in about 5 minutes: www.iforce2d.net/tmp/MissionPlanner-1.3.49.6-radiolink.exe
Bought this radiolink mini pix, but I’m using Taranis X8R receiver and plan to install into my fixed plane, anyone can help? Any video? How is connection from x8r to mini pix? Thx
Are you doing an update or finish video on this ? Want to use this but not if it has the issues you seem to be running into if it’s that much of a hassle I will just pay the extra $30 and go pixhawk nobody wants to lose expensive dragonlink or crossfire long range equipment because they used a Chinese clone. Thanks
I would recommend a regular pixhawk or PX4 to start. This thing is a little odd and Ardupilot/pixhawk can be confusing for beginners anyway. I use pixhawk in several of my planes and this mini pix is a little annoying for me to set up. It does seem to have all the functionality of a regular sized pixhawk but the ground control software is a little glitchy and it makes what would be difficult on the normal mission planner software even more irritating.
I have not heard that. I did have some trouble with a power module that came with it (current sensor not working) and another one had a buzzer that did not work. These days I buy the omnibus f4 pro and the BN220 GPS.
This may have been caused by me recording things on a 1280x720 screen resolution. On a larger resolution the cut-off parts were visible. Still don't see why the layout needs to be so weird though, in some places.
I think he means the Chinese characters. That must be a side effect from Radiolink MP. Hopefully, when mine arrive they will be compatible with standard MP.
Well he said 'layout', but yes, the Chinese characters are only present in this version. You can use the regular MP with this FC after flashing the firmware.
The type of servo should not matter much. For a plane, typically you would power them from the ESC, if it has a BEC inside it. If not then you will need a separate BEC.
Yeah, its really dodgy. But it says /current PWM 8/. That means the channel for the modes. You will get used to it with time but yes, it is really really annoying to program stuff. Its like a half complete thing that every user needs to do the other half in order to get it to work :D
According to US Post, minimum charge is 1 Kg =US$34, stuff that. Maybe we should boycott Radiolink till spare cables become available. I will. Thanks for the link.
Good luck with your Radiolink pixhawk. I gave the regular size pixhawk from Radiolink and that thing is crap! On my second flight after everything showed good to go and preflight passed my $600 investment took off like a bat out of hell and crashed a mile and a half across town. Thankfully no one was hurt and I did get my S500 back with my now smashed hero 4 black and $300 gimbal. I contacted Radiolink because that’s what the asshole on eBay told me I had to do and Radiolink basically said screw you you are shit out of luck! They did however offer me a cable set which I declined and told them to stick it were the sun don’t shine. They probably didn’t understand a word I sai because they hardly spoke any English and where basically yelling at me. Bottom line is I learned my lesson about dealing with scum companies like Radiolink. I do have another clone pixhawk that works amazingly well that I only paid half as much for. Go figure. Also I just purchased a 3DR mini pixhawk which is what this Radiolink mini is based off of and let me tell you it’s been a total nightmare! Sensors are always malfunctioning internal compass is screwed up so that’s out and firmware from ArduPilot doesn’t seem to like the board even though it’s supposedly an original 3DR mini pixhawk. I’m just about done with this pixhawk crap! Apm was so easy to use and setup them they had to go and ruin it with the pixhawk. Hell even the new pixhawk 2.1 is having horrible issues from my understanding. I think I’m going over to eagle tree vector for my fixwing build. So much in such a small package! Onboard osd everything is all there no add one like with pixhawk garbage. Any way I’ve ranted enough. I hope you get it worked out and wish you the best of luck. Be careful these boards are definitely not trust worthy.
For some reason i think that radio link pix is crap! i use apm 2.8 and pixhawk connecting wireless don't take that long. i love the radio link for the size and price thats all so far
The problem that this FC is not recognized by the computer (win7 OS) , ive installed some drivers but no thing was working:( , the FC is not showing up in my Device Manger even when i select “show hidden devices” , I guess that the problem is from the driver because i tried in 3 different computers, could some one help me with this :( I bought 5 of these controllers from banggood (same link^)
Hello Saif i had the same problem I use a few long new usb cable( 2meter) and my pc could not recognize the device wen I use a 1meter cable it connect straight away.
You should also look into the flight parameters list. The flight parameters is everything. One can say that mission planner is just a fancy GUI to read and write the flight parameters.. And see if you can change the baud-rate an that controller, that way it wont be that slow loading the list..
thanks for your replay. i have the MinimOsd connect and working with APM. i want to replace the APM with this new Mini Pix and i have connect it like in this guide, but i cant get the data
![เจอประจำ ตอน เปิดเทอมวันแรก [EP.29]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eFK-B836i60/mqdefault.jpg)
thank you for documenting all of this. all this information has been invaluable.
Radiolink gives me a greater appreciation for the simplicity and intuitiveness of INAV.
Always great information and videos! Thank you so much!
Thanks for the link! Great video! I have also missed this STM based Ardupilot project. I was thinking about maybe getting into the F4 unitsbut even those are mosre expensive then say a typical APM 2.0 . So this is, for the price, a very very good buy.
Thank you for bring the Pixhawk platform back into our periphery. I also have one gathering dust with the air speed tube :P I am so bad for buying and then not having the time to come full term.
Dude I love your videos. I'm in exact same boat as wanting to mess with autopilot but not enough to justify the pricier options like the microvector. I'll probably try iNav first on my old 250 quad but this is very tempting.
take your time, please don't quit
Ive had a pixhawk for 1 FULL painful year trying to work it all out just for a wing. Got a Air3 Inav which is new and just for planes and the GUI is just amazingly simple and easy. It took me a year to do no flying with pixhawk and half a day to get in the air with the Air 3, mainly thanks to the GUI. The setup for the air3 is just so intuitive, totally different to old inav and is close to having full mavlink 2 wAy communication in the next month or so if not already.
I dony get ehy they have made the pixhawk which is basically a scaled up APM that have been around for ,many many years so hard to calibrate. Admittidly I got all the switch and sticks going but the tuning for flight gives you no indercation as to weather its right or not.
I want to fly with the Pixhawk as want to try things like Andruav and a few other things like flying with a Raspberry Pi. Anyway One day when I cant fly and feel like pulling more hair out I may dig it out and give it another go.
O by the way the Inav Air3 flies spot on via GPS so Im not sure if you where using the old board one or not but this Air3 is fantastic and I love it.
For the channel issue at the end of the video. You should be able to set the output on your receiver(IA6B) to PPM from your radio, FS-I6. You should be able to go into the functions setup on the radio as well and map your switches to the channel under the Aux Channels menu. You can map channels 5 and 6 to your preferred switches. Once you do that you should see the GUI update the positions as you move the switches.
Hi!Nice video.Perfect timing...I have one on the way.I'm totally newbi like you with APM and I want to use it in something more challenging ...in a 500 class helicopter...😀 good luck with yor plane...nice evening!
Fantastic follow footage.
If you use Full Parameter Tree under the Config/Tuning tab, there are a lot more options and even a search feature on the right hand side. I would recommend using this path to change/ search any parameters you are looking for. In the case of changing the flight modes, its much easier to do so from there. Let me know if you have any questions, I have a lot of experience using arduplane. Also, you may have an issue using an airspeed sensor if you dont find a way to have a breakout board for the I2C.
Ian
Want to pick one of these up, I used to run apm 2.6 on a quad but its been years since Ive touched mission planner. Following your fumbling for educational purposes haha
Awesome Vid, My HKPilot32 has been grounded for ages as I can't live without Telemetry and OSD these days... Getting MAVlink telemetry via Frsky is fiddly and adding a MinimOSD to a small build is a bit painful after working with the simplicity of Betaflight... I think I'll look at moving to Crossfire to solve the telemetry issue whilst adding range, but it's no cheap upgrade. I'm sure there is some minimosd firmware out there still for MAVLInk protocol.
BTW , the original Pixhawk design had all the DF13 type connectors on the top of the case and you need space for the wiring, the vertical SMD mounts were susceptible to being pulled right off the board. I had a quick order to make from the company that produces them and was saved by the "samples" program.
They have a bit on the site that shows you the method to remove the connectors without damaging. Fidgety I always thought.
I pulled the switch wire along with its two pin socket right off clean, and had the micro surgery follow up.
The kind you have to hold your tongue at a certain angle :-)
#83: There is a steep learning curve for apm/pixhawk, but you will get there.
On the "Radio Calibration" screen, ( also in the wizard ) , did you click the button labeled "Calibrate Radio" at all..?
Nice video Arduplane is ch8 for flight mode you have to use two switches combination in Frsky X9D
If you go to the..... param List/ param tree... you can change all (bigly list) fun to watch a newbie...steep learning curve...I am still working on it. normal pix controllers have more memory X2 I think that's why the Special Mission planner
It’s usually channel 8 for a plane however channel 5 will work if you set CH5 to be the selector. You just need to program your radio to give the PWM values you need to switch modes. Really you only need 3 on the stick. Just set one 3 position switch to switch between manual, FBWA and AUTO. That’s all I ever use and select anything else from Mission Planner. Find the parameter for rudder arming so you can arm the plane with full right rudder and disarm with full left.
Yes I think 3 modes will be enough for now. But "set CH5 to be the selector" is what I'm stuck on though...
Ardupilot is not only better for fixed wings, it is way ahead of INAV on all aspects : experience, field use, functionality, security, architecture, community, support, etc...
Painless 360 , Dennis Baldwin , Marco Robunstini and Peter King all have great youtube channels on Pixhawk flight controller programing . Unless you really enjoy building and programming Pixhawk is not a plug and play controller and is intended for DIY builders that need more than just a simple flight controller... but if you have the time to learn it .... this flight controller is amazing.
Thanks for the video. I'm trying to connect raspberry pi to Radiolink mini Pix. I read somewhere that radiolink doesnt connect to SBC with APSync (Ardupilot Sync) firmware, only Radiolink firmware, but the code for the radiolink firmware not available anywhere. Any suggestions?
The software looks the same as the apm days, thought they might have improved the ui a bit. Yes does take a little bit to get used to. Be interested to see how it compares to inav, when it's all setup
I love you, you are the best :-)
Hi I had used Arducopter for my first copter and that was not nice. The software has peculiarities that made it very difficult to make the copter fly. When everything was ok, the Copter flew directly pretty good. The basic settings works very well. But I'm away from the APM controller because the failsafe does not work and there are no more updates for the copter firmware. I'm really curious how well it comes with airplanes
Ch8 is the default flightmode channel on arduplane and ch5 on arducopter
The full params list is huge but it's where you set all the one time stuff like your switches and such. It's been along time since I messed with it but seems like you go to full parameters and use ctrl f or there may be a search value now and search mode then you can set the switch then you will have to clear your 2nd and 4th switch to use a 3 position but my experience is a year or 2 two back with full mission planner and apm2.6 board so not sure if it helps.
What Anthony said FLTMODE_CH make it 5
Love the detail. Seems there's a lot of research involved in getting a Mini Pix to cooperate with a fixed wing model.
I note you said you had it connected to a large capacity 4S battery, reminded me of the big batteries you used on the eBike. Please give us your thoughts on the bike now you've had it a while?
The bike is working fine, have to admit I don't use it that much though.
Less/cheaper sensors, hence the different firmware? Latest mission planner 'should' work after flashing. Modeswitch is locked to ch5 on copter, 8 for plane. Autotune switch is configurable however. IIRC there are pre-configured airframe settings somewhere in the documentation (see z84) that may help clarify which parameters need changing for a wing. Wizard (post firmware flash) in the proper mission planner might be worth a look too. The 900/433 link must be optimized for range by default, but can be changed from within mission planner! Have a few models with old APMs working flawlessly, so looking forward to seeing how you get on with this hardware/firmware, thanks for posting :)
Will Q-Ground control work with this module?
Hey Chris, Are you happy enough with the radiolink pixhawk even though you have to use their version of the software? I have to say it puts me off.
Oh and full parameter list FLTMODE_CH 8 RC Channel to use for flight mode control - obs you need to make it 5. Don't change too many settings let autotune do all the work. Trouble comes when folks try and change too much.
The channel for flight mode changes is set to 8. it says so at the top of the flight modes screen.
Easy to miss amongst all the other clutter... it isn't exactly a user-friendly UI.
For all those who are wondering: The name of the Plug is a JST-GH connector. (I had to buy a new one as mine did not include one)
thanks. can it be done without ardupilot ?
Normally uses both, serial for GPS and i2c for compass (20:30)
Chris... Are you required to use/connect the "Safety Switch Button & Buzzer" module in your flying wing for the Mini Pix to work properly ???
Just setting up my MiniPix in a flying wing as well.
I'm not quite sure. You can set the ARMING_CHECK bitflag so that the hardware safety button state will be ignored when arming, but it seems like you need it to get any outputs at all on the servo pins (even a camera trigger pulse). I just set it up in my FX79 buffalo, thinking about making a step-by-step guide sometime. It flies really good :)
Thanks for the reply Chris.. I also am installing it in an FX-79 Buffalo from BG. I've followed your Mini Pix/Mission Planner/Arduplane videos to a "T" and did not seem to see any mention of the Safety Switch/Buzzer module on the smaller wing you installed the Mini Pix on yet it seemed to fly nicely and do waypoints.
A step by step guide for your FX-79 would be awesome. Spring is just around the corner in Canada.
I found a DIY 3D printed Mavic. I am planning on building that and mounting a GoPro onto it. Do you think this flight controller would be good for what I have planned? Any suggestions would be great.
I don't see why not. I made another video after this that looks at the setup needed to run a multirotor: th-cam.com/video/SE80U4bvzPA/w-d-xo.html
The connectors are called JST GH
Hello, great video, how can I calibrate ESCs on the mini pix? I tried to do it with the lever up and all the standard procedure, but it doesn't work, any ideas ?, the motor only beeps continuously every time I start
Try altering the 'min' setting in the servo outputs tab. Some ESCs require a different level to consider the motor to be off.
There are correct splitters for that plug available.... so it's all plug and play.
U need to celibate the radio first by clicking celibate and moving all the switches untill you get the red lines @ the end of the values. Alsow you can choose on the radio auxiliary chanel 5 to switch c + d. After you have ro play around with end valeus and u can get all the flight modes. If you get stuck let me know and i will look at my radio and give you the valeus. Good luck:)
celibate - erm... what? How that fits in plane?
the radio is celibate if it has never known a receiver :)
Oh yes! Virgin radio :D
iforce2d unbound for life :(
So after all the fumbling and stumbling, in the end, would you, with a clear concience, recommend this thing? As I would like to try some long range flights during the summer, but not without a reliable RTL capability, that doesn't break the bank :)
I can't see any problem with functionality of it, but the lack of connection options is quite limiting. If you want to easily add I2C stuff like air-speed sensor you would be better off with a full-size pixhawk and the DF13 plugs for easier connection to a wider range of existing bits and pieces.
After following your videos on how to setup Radiolink Mini PIX I was able to fly the quad yesterday (for the first time ever). I ran into a major problem and was wondering if you experienced it also with this kit. The RTL mode ALMOST lost my drone... it was going all on its own above the clouds when the RTL height was set for 20m. I was lucky to find it unharmed. The only thing I can think of it probably lost the GPS lock in flight... if that happens, I don't know how the drone is supposed to behave in a mode that requires GPS. Have you had problems with this particular GPS?
Unfortunately the only way to get a real answer about what happened is from the onboard log, if you put an SD card into the slot (or telemetry log if you were connected to a ground station). If it kept the horizontal position ok and only vertical was wrong, then it might be a faulty barometer. If it also got the horizontal position wrong, I am suspecting it was probably not in RTL mode as you thought it was... did you confirm the modes with a ground station, so you could see how many satellites it had locked etc? If you changed the arming check setting to let you arm even if there is no SD card etc, maybe you also disabled the check for a proper fix. In any case if you see unexpected behavior like that the best thing to do is switch back into manual mode immediately, don't just let it keep going away...
Thanks for your prompt reply! There was an SD card inside, so I may be able to check the log like you said. I double checked and was indeed in RTL... my modes were Stabilize/Alt Hold/RTL. The only reason why I switched it to RTL is b/c I panicked in the manual mode as I was trying this for the first time ever :) Anyways, I had it set to check for everything before allowing arming, so there was GPS lock at ground level... how many satellites I don't know (it's probably in the log). I did read on-line about someone else who lost the drone in the RTL mode and blamed the GPS for that. After I brought it back home I checked the "super simple" box for all the modes and I'll try again this evening... I also unchecked the box to use both compasses... with both active it was failing the "Default" calibration and it was only passing the "Relaxed" one. With only the FC compass it passes the Default calibration. I'll fly again this evening and hopefully I can bring it back home.
OK, I didn't get a chance to fly yesterday, but I did look at the log as you suggested. The log report says the compass failed. Also the report wasn't very helpful regarding the GPS... see the two entries below. I wonder if the compass failed b/c I had both active and the FC got confused. As I said, with both active it could only pass a "relaxed" calibration, but not the "default" one. When I get rid of the external compass the on-board compass passes the default calibration. Also when I plot the GPS in MP it talks about Min 3, Max 3, Mean 3... are those the satellites connected to? I guess that's not too many :)
Test: Compass = FAIL - Large change in mag_field (1196.88%) Min mag field length (95.46) < recommended (120.00) Max mag field length (1238.03) > recommended (550.00)
Test: GPS = UNKNOWN - join() takes exactly one argument (2 given)
Will you be doing any quadcopter projects using it? Would be perfect timing for my part to look over your shoulder :)
Also, there are multiple versions of original 3DR Pixhawk Mini available @ ebay
EDIT: Maybe try QGroundControl, I have seen Painless360 get good results with fixwings using it?
No, I think I'll stick with iNav for multirotor for now.
hi my friend
i had problem with radiolink mini pix
there is no servo respond?
do you have same?
Hi, I bought the same Mini pix Kit from Banggood. A Have few questions :
-Where can I pick up 5 v on the power module (to feed directly my video Tx)
- What are the references of the plugs telemetry (I thing I need a second wire)
You can see the pin labels in the pic near the bottom of the page:
www.radiolink.com.cn/doce/product-detail-133.html
There's no nice easy pad to solder on the power board to get 5V, but it must be there somewhere if you check the pins on the back of the plug.
Thanks, I'll check the pins on the power module (I already found a 5 V on the bottom side, but it's very small)
Interesting, does it need a pitot tube to do its airspeed/loiter calculations properly?
James Lamb
For pixhawk/APM , to maintain a preselected airspeed, yes you do require a pitot tube for a fixed wing, these are generally fairly inexpensive. If you are using a copter, the GPS unit is adequate enough for a set groundspeed.
Hi I just got a miniPix V 1.2 board witch is now supported by Missionplaner. I was able to upgrade and upload Adruplane V 4.09 on it :-) I was not able to upgrade FW based on RadioLinks V 3.8.5 to my miniPix 1.1 and 1.0 :-)
Can u pls make a video on best to wrost flight controller for Quadcopter for beginners and amateurs
Hola amigo, me gustaria que me ayudases un poco, tengo una controladora de vuelo mini pix radiolink, la he montado en un drone 180 , tengo todos los motores y ESC instalados , no llevo instalado gps , que tengo que hacer para que mi dron vuele en linea recta , tengo que ajusta el yak a 180 grados o no hace falta
you need to mix your channels inside your transmitter radio then you can also use channel 7 and 8 in pixhawk
Hello, help me, I have a mini pix that does not respond, investigating I discovered that I have to modify the firmware of the mini pix, because it does not have the Ramtron FRAM chip installed, since it is a 9/9/19 version, could you share a modified firmware to load it on my mini pix?, no firmware version I found works for me, I'm looking for the "plane" version, thanks.
what OSD should i buy for this radiolink mini? (mini OSD? or Minim OSD? or any others?)
thx
Many will work, but I used this: th-cam.com/video/siX-NJztBHs/w-d-xo.html
Will it work with a Orange satelite receiver?
OK, gracias por sus videos, thanks for your videos
Subscriber: J.M.Castilla@2018
Don't give up , mission planner is far superior over inav once you understand how it works. Spend some time studying ardupilot.org , just about everything you need to know is in there. I also use a turnigy i6 transmitter , but use the ia6c receiver. I think maybe your baud rate is too slow ? Only takes me about 5-10 seconds to boot up using 915 radios . If you are still just on original firmware on transmitter there is a fancy mix to do with aux channels to get 5 different options, video is on TH-cam to show how, I've now updated firmware to the 10 channel and that seems to be working well. For doing missions or any long range stuff, mission planner is the way to go, just be patient with it and do your study, the results are worth it ..
Yeah, something is wrong with the connection speed. I get all the parameters in just a few seconds via Crossfire Bluetooth link. Cable should be much faster.
These connectors are called JST GH and you can get more of them for example here www.aliexpress.com/item/5Pcs-3-to-7pin-Pixhawk2-Pixhack-Pixracer-PXFmini-Cable-wire-Dronecode-cables-and-connectors-silica-gel/32794621884.html
without calibration the radio you can set your flite modes.
impossible to setup 5 ch fly modes with PPM connection on the FrSky 9x radio control with long range rcmilec long range tx-rx also I could not see anywhere to see who could setup the all fly modes!
Do you need to power the board using the power module while trying to connect and uploading the firm ware ?
No, USB will power it (as I showed at 12:24)
Thanks... I'll try again tonight
I did all...mix and the other..but flysky 9x/Turnigy
Normal connection is good but nowhere I saw possible to use 5 different fly modes...and of you look at the videos every marketer use only two fly mode...how can you use?
I already answered this. Please reply to the original comment.
Thanks for reply! But also there is problem I setup mini Osd to this board. When I swich on the radio control which use long distance 433hrz tx-rx. The osd datas lost from screen. The radio control effected the Osd data. How can I solve? regards
I have no idea and I've never used a 433 radio, please don't assume I have all the answers in the world :) This is all I know about OSD for this system: th-cam.com/video/siX-NJztBHs/w-d-xo.html
You can only use v one at a time not both, if you use osd you willlose mavlink and vice versus. There is a mod if you search on cx20 quadcopter which uses the old apm FC,
can someone please tell me how I can connect my F3 flight controller it's brand new I can connect to the computer but I cannot connect the 5 bolts that goes to the flight controller
N00b question, can a pixhawk mini work for an Arduino based UGV? I want to make an autonomous boat.
I think it would be able to run the firmware ok.
iforce2d awesome thank you! ☺️
Chris, what power module did you select? No matter which one I select, I can't seem to get an accurate battery voltage.
27:43 I don't remember anything other than what was mentioned there unfortunately. There is something very weird about that whole page, I swear I tried the same thing 5 times and then somehow it was working and I have no idea how....
iforce2d Cheers Chris... I should have watched the video again lol. 😁
BTW, my computer reads the parameters in under 30 seconds. So I wonder If it's a problem with your board or computer?
USB will read in under 20 seconds, it's the radio telemetry connection (57600 baud) that's slow. Recently with a different telemetry module a newer version of Arduplane I'm getting about 1 minute or less, not sure what has changed but I think that's pretty normal for radio connection.
iforce2d I really should watch the video again... and pay more attention this time. 😁 😁
Thanks for your help - it's really appreciated. 👍
Hi sir. Can you please do a tutorial video for a traditional helicopter setup? It would be really helpful. Thank you?
I have no idea about anything to do with traditional helis sorry.
These connected are JST-GH. What's the wiring to the receiver? Mine ain't responding (iA6C)
Same as any other wiring to a receiver: ground, 5v and the signal. You will need either PPM or s-bus output. In either case you need to turn them on in the radio settings because the default is PWM (not PPM) and i-bus. For s-bus I think you need a radio that knows about s-bus like the FS-i6X (not the original FS-i6).
And suddenly, without changing any connection, it works. Fickle little flight controller, this one.
okey I solved as the toggle channel must be disable..regards
what is battery monitor setup ?
hello Sir ! How can setup 5 differant fly modes with PPM connection..Impossible especially FlySky (Turnigy) 9x with differant FrSky Tx-Rx?
For that you would need a 5 position switch. Or maybe your transmitter can have a 'mix' set up so that a second switch will add an offset to the first switch.
I´m not able to download the MP from Radiolink site as it always times out. Can someone put it somewhere for download, or is it possible to use original MP?
Unfortunately the original MP will not work correctly. I'm uploading the radiolink one to my server now, try this in about 5 minutes: www.iforce2d.net/tmp/MissionPlanner-1.3.49.6-radiolink.exe
Bought this radiolink mini pix, but I’m using Taranis X8R receiver and plan to install into my fixed plane, anyone can help? Any video? How is connection from x8r to mini pix? Thx
I don't know what kind of differences you expect a different receiver to cause, but if you're using s-bus there is no difference at all.
thank you! :)
Are you doing an update or finish video on this ? Want to use this but not if it has the issues you seem to be running into if it’s that much of a hassle I will just pay the extra $30 and go pixhawk nobody wants to lose expensive dragonlink or crossfire long range equipment because they used a Chinese clone. Thanks
Yes, I'll keep at it and try to get something flying. I think it's just a few little config issues that I'm not familiar with, that's all.
Did your friend Phil use a genuine pixhawk or a clone? Thanks again
He has a genuine pixhawk, but as you've probably seen by now this one eventually flew just as well as his, even without airspeed sensor.
How i am going to plug osd? where can i find radiolink telem2 connector to osd connector? Where can i found the radiolinks special connector cables
th-cam.com/video/siX-NJztBHs/w-d-xo.html
www.google.com/search?q=jst-gh
@@iforce2d thanks but i changed my mind i will buy pixhawk because i don t have time to tinker i should plug and play
I am still not success firmware Radiolink Mini Pix from one year ago.
will you suggest this radiolink mini pix for a newbie or should i go with apm only
This is a good option if you don't want to do much soldering.
I would recommend a regular pixhawk or PX4 to start. This thing is a little odd and Ardupilot/pixhawk can be confusing for beginners anyway. I use pixhawk in several of my planes and this mini pix is a little annoying for me to set up. It does seem to have all the functionality of a regular sized pixhawk but the ground control software is a little glitchy and it makes what would be difficult on the normal mission planner software even more irritating.
I have heard this fc has many issues with gps or compas. Is it true? How it works? Does it worth buy it?
I have not heard that. I did have some trouble with a power module that came with it (current sensor not working) and another one had a buzzer that did not work. These days I buy the omnibus f4 pro and the BN220 GPS.
@@iforce2d so do you recommend it?
BONJOUR COMMENT ON CONFIGURE UN HELICOPTERE RC AVEC LE MINI PIX
Looks like the radiolink custom software has kinda buggered a couple of things as far as layout etc
This may have been caused by me recording things on a 1280x720 screen resolution. On a larger resolution the cut-off parts were visible. Still don't see why the layout needs to be so weird though, in some places.
I think he means the Chinese characters. That must be a side effect from Radiolink MP. Hopefully, when mine arrive they will be compatible with standard MP.
Well he said 'layout', but yes, the Chinese characters are only present in this version. You can use the regular MP with this FC after flashing the firmware.
A few have reportedly flashed straight to standard firmware, using the normal MP. One person said you have to use a real USB connection...no hubs.
When I said layout I meant.... things. You know? Haha
Can i use a all in one esc board for this kit
I don't see why not :)
hi
what is servo did u use
and which is power supply them ?
The type of servo should not matter much. For a plane, typically you would power them from the ESC, if it has a BEC inside it. If not then you will need a separate BEC.
so you power them with
separate BEC.
?
What is ESC_Type in ESC calibration? I don't see DShot
No idea, I never used it.
you're using some old cheap ESCs on the minipix?
I say that ppm connection
Yeah, its really dodgy. But it says /current PWM 8/. That means the channel for the modes. You will get used to it with time but yes, it is really really annoying to program stuff. Its like a half complete thing that every user needs to do the other half in order to get it to work :D
And also you need to click the calibrate radio button where you can see your channels moving
Does anybody know where to get the cables from, can't find it on EBay or BG ?
I know right?? So far I've only found them here, but they are a little too expensive for my liking
store.mrobotics.io/category-s/117.htm
According to US Post, minimum charge is 1 Kg =US$34, stuff that. Maybe we should boycott Radiolink till spare cables become available. I will.
Thanks for the link.
Have a look for JST-GH connectors - Ted Hancock mentioned that in another comment ;)
never used missionplaner before ?
Correct
No you got the wrong one. It runs a custom version of ardupilot...
Thanks for watching before commenting... :)
Good luck with your Radiolink pixhawk. I gave the regular size pixhawk from Radiolink and that thing is crap! On my second flight after everything showed good to go and preflight passed my $600 investment took off like a bat out of hell and crashed a mile and a half across town. Thankfully no one was hurt and I did get my S500 back with my now smashed hero 4 black and $300 gimbal. I contacted Radiolink because that’s what the asshole on eBay told me I had to do and Radiolink basically said screw you you are shit out of luck! They did however offer me a cable set which I declined and told them to stick it were the sun don’t shine. They probably didn’t understand a word I sai because they hardly spoke any English and where basically yelling at me. Bottom line is I learned my lesson about dealing with scum companies like Radiolink. I do have another clone pixhawk that works amazingly well that I only paid half as much for. Go figure. Also I just purchased a 3DR mini pixhawk which is what this Radiolink mini is based off of and let me tell you it’s been a total nightmare! Sensors are always malfunctioning internal compass is screwed up so that’s out and firmware from ArduPilot doesn’t seem to like the board even though it’s supposedly an original 3DR mini pixhawk. I’m just about done with this pixhawk crap! Apm was so easy to use and setup them they had to go and ruin it with the pixhawk. Hell even the new pixhawk 2.1 is having horrible issues from my understanding. I think I’m going over to eagle tree vector for my fixwing build. So much in such a small package! Onboard osd everything is all there no add one like with pixhawk garbage. Any way I’ve ranted enough. I hope you get it worked out and wish you the best of luck. Be careful these boards are definitely not trust worthy.
For some reason i think that radio link pix is crap! i use apm 2.8 and pixhawk connecting wireless don't take that long. i love the radio link for the size and price thats all so far
The problem that this FC is not recognized by the computer (win7 OS) , ive installed some drivers but no thing was working:( , the FC is not showing up in my Device Manger even when i select “show hidden devices” , I guess that the problem is from the driver because i tried in 3 different computers, could some one help me with this :( I bought 5 of these controllers from banggood (same link^)
Sounds like maybe a bad USB cable?
Hello Saif i had the same problem I use a few long new usb cable( 2meter) and my pc could not recognize the device wen I use a 1meter cable it connect straight away.
On the flight mode screen it says, Current PWM: 8:0
You should also look into the flight parameters list. The flight parameters is everything. One can say that mission planner is just a fancy GUI to read and write the flight parameters.. And see if you can change the baud-rate an that controller, that way it wont be that slow loading the list..
You are correct, but it's really terrible labeling :)
channel 5 is just because it is best channel after channel 1234 ..lol
Did you give up on mini pix?
Nope. Playlist with my ardupilot stuff here: th-cam.com/play/PLzidsatoEzejCTb2_dc2fAqt0ysVvdoiU.html
thanks @@iforce2d
Thank you! I'm surprised to see Ardupilot on racer controllers!
any one know how to conncet the minimOSD ?
There is a second telemetry plug you can use, to have both OSD and radio telemetry.
i tried both. cant get data to MinimOSD
There is a guide here:
ardupilot.org/plane/docs/common-minim-osd-quick-installation-guide.html
thanks for your replay. i have the MinimOsd connect and working with APM. i want to replace the APM with this new Mini Pix and i have connect it like in this guide,
but i cant get the data
Only SBUS, too bad.
Or PPM. Ardupilot figures out which you're using.
I have a pix racer and it uses jst-gh plugs. I bought the cables herewww.unmannedtechshop.co.uk/jst-gh-to-jst-gh-connector-cables/
Have you considered using a different Ground Control Station (GCS) such as QGroundControl?
th-cam.com/video/B7CvKw0J0jo/w-d-xo.html
To complex for me