FT Bronco VTOL

[LitterBug]

See if you can flash INAV on it. I have found setup for VTOL to be much simpler in it, and unless you need the autonomous features, I am not sure there is a point for ardupilot's complexity.

As someone who has been using ardupilot for over 10 years, I will not argue about it's complexity. The ancient configurator is a big part of that since most of the features need to be configured manually with parameter settings rather than a graphical interface. That said, I'm an old school computer geek who likes the finite control it has. I have also found it to be more robust and reliable.

It is good that INAV has been working tword adding in the most requested features. I have been using it since it was originally started. It will also run on more hardware that Ardupilot has never been able to support (mostly for memory limitations) I try to stay current on INAV flying mostly FPV wings, but I still prefer flying ArduPilot.

 

[FlyerInStyle]

Tried to flash INAV but INAV didn't recognize it. Gonna use INAV on the Speedy Bee.

Did you make sure it was the correct target? Also does the dfu not recognize it or INAV itself after flashing?

 

[LitterBug]

Did you make sure it was the correct target? Also does the dfu not recognize it or INAV itself after flashing?

He will need to manually push the DFU/Boot button at power up, select the Target, and Version. The INAV flasher will not automatically recognize the FC if it has ArduPilot flashed on it.

 

[FlyerInStyle]

He will need to manually push the DFU/Boot button at power up, select the Target, and Version. The INAV flasher will not automatically recognize the FC if it has ArduPilot flashed on it.

Yeah, I know, I was just expecting that was already done, so checking other things.

 

[tomlogan1]

He will need to manually push the DFU/Boot button at power up, select the Target, and Version. The INAV flasher will not automatically recognize the FC if it has ArduPilot flashed on it.

The Heewing flight controller does not have a DFU / Boot button. Just got the Speedy Bee FC connected to INAV and now have to unlearn Motion Planner and play with the INAV interface. Got it flashed and setup a basic plane as a start. Goal is to have the configuration completed and the airframe and maiden by middle of March. I'm taking this one slowly because I worked so many hours trying to get Motion Planner to cooperate but I never got it dependable enough to risk flying.

 

[LitterBug]

The Heewing flight controller does not have a DFU / Boot button. Just got the Speedy Bee FC connected to INAV and now have to unlearn Motion Planner and play with the INAV interface. Got it flashed and setup a basic plane as a start. Goal is to have the configuration completed and the airframe and maiden by middle of March. I'm taking this one slowly because I worked so many hours trying to get Motion Planner to cooperate but I never got it dependable enough to risk flying.

Ah ok, so they just fixed the ArduPilot bootloader on the later ones then. I thought maybe they would have added a boot pin too.

 

[tomlogan1]

Back from the dead.....again!

Updating INAV caused a lack of communication between the PC and the FC. I have reflashed, downgraded and reflashed and still blinking lights and nothing else. Try a new USB cable you say? Six different cables on 3 different USB ports. Same results.

OK, bust out the old Intel NUC I5 , reflash INAV 9.0 and boom! Everything is working.

Don't know why this project has had SO many obstacles but sometimes being stubborn pays off.

 

[tomlogan1]

Guidance requested:

The Max (tilt) servos will only lift the motors 45 decrees. I have this on a 3 position switch but all I get is either straight or forty-five degrees up? What am I doing incorrectly? Servos 4&5 on the output page represent the tilt servos.

Thanks.

 

[LitterBug]

I would imagine that the flight mode you select could limit the travel. Does tilting the plane in various directions have any impact? I may have to throw INAV on a misc FC to play with it and see what results I get. Been a while since I set up a plane with INAV without copying the servo setup.

I tested and centered my servos with a dumb servo tester before mounting them up so I know 1000,1500,2000 is roughly 0,45,90 with fine tuning to be done with the FC.

 

[LitterBug]

Guidance requested:

The Max (tilt) servos will only lift the motors 45 decrees. I have this on a 3 position switch but all I get is either straight or forty-five degrees up? What am I doing incorrectly? Servos 4&5 on the output page represent the tilt servos.

Thanks.

What guide are you using to configure INAV?

Have you looked at this?

inav/docs/VTOL.md at master · iNavFlight/inav

INAV: Navigation-enabled flight control software. Contribute to iNavFlight/inav development by creating an account on GitHub.

github.com

 

[tomlogan1]

Watched a couple of Andrew Newton's videos, but not as comprehensive as this. Hope this resolves that issue. Most everything else seems to be falling into place.

Thanks, good find.

 

[jpot1]

I relied on the video in post 27 on this thread and this other one below.

 

[tomlogan1]

Another GREAT find. Thanks!

 

[tomlogan1]

Moving at the speed of a tortoise, I continue the project. Tilt servos actually move to the position assigned on the switch. Both are (eyeball measured) at the same positions vertically, horizontally and at a 45 degree angle for transition. It's been so rainy & cloudy, the GPS refuses to unlock the throttle. I did, for just a moment, apply a "hack" that allows you to arm without GPS. Done with props off and removed after checking. Hope to resume airframe build this week or early next. Sometimes life gets in the way of playing .

 

[LitterBug]

Moving at the speed of a tortoise, I continue the project. Tilt servos actually move to the position assigned on the switch. Both are (eyeball measured) at the same positions vertically, horizontally and at a 45 degree angle for transition. It's been so rainy & cloudy, the GPS refuses to unlock the throttle. I did, for just a moment, apply a "hack" that allows you to arm without GPS. Done with props off and removed after checking. Hope to resume airframe build this week or early next. Sometimes life gets in the way of playing .

I need to quit futsing with my 3D printers and micro builds long enough to throw the FC in mine.

 

[tomlogan1]

Funny you should mention printers. Now that INAV is behaving (thank you to do many who helped) we are onto the airframe construction.

 

[tomlogan1]

Getting serious about finishing the VTOL. A few more pieces to print and then onto assembley, documentation and, hopefully, maiden flight

 

[jpot1]

@tomlogan1 which model is that?

 

[tomlogan1]

@tomlogan1 which model is that?

Craycle Orca V2

 

[tomlogan1]

@tomlogan1 which model is that?

Orca V2 is eol. If you purchase the Orca V3 and ask they will give you access to download the plans for the V2. You can also buy the models already printed, ready to assemble, but what's the fun in that. This, I hope, will fly well. If not, I can rebuild it as a pusher, its original design. With a 3s and 30 amp esc it appears to be a wickedly fast plane. Thingiverse has plans to make it a VTOL, but, of course, I'm using plans meant for another plane..