AtomRC Swordfish Setup and INAV

[@GNARGNARHEAD]

wow what a gorgeous little plane

[@hntrains2]

The plane looks great. It's odd and nice at the same time that you can make adjustments to it; I hope the manufacturer watches this and takes the right decisions about the product.

[@jamesceastep8874]

Andrew: Very nice job covering setup. I've chosen to stay in planes less than 250grams since my designated fields are quite far away, so it will be a while before I dive into this one, but it looks really great. Thanks. - Jim

[@SteffenRC]

Great video.. Very complete.. Looks like a wonderful long range soarer..

[@januszpolski4228]

Really interesting and beautiful rc plane! Big thanks to Andrew for this video!

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks again!

[@raffman4266]

Such an honor watching your vlog Sir Andrew another well done and informative video!!!

[@AndrewNewton]

The honor is mine, having you as a viewer

[@AerialWaviator]

Great info on setup. So right, everyone's transmitter setup and switch-modes seem to differ. Thanks for the update on the current draw. Very impressive package. Overall this seems like one of the best new planes released in 2022.

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes, best for quite a while.

[@The_Pub_]

Need to see how well she glides, still fascinated by the low V tail angle..

[@dronepilot260rc]

Nice! Mine is being held hostage but I’m definitely ready for it to get here. I have some old 2206 2700kv motors laying around that I might try out first and then I have some Emax 2807 1300kvs. Can’t wait to play with this plane 🎉

[@skupper672]

Hi Andrew! Had a great maiden flight! Thank you for your help! One bug though… the azimuth to home is 180 out of phase with reality. The heading is fine on the OSD and RTH is spot on. Distance to Home is good as well.Just the azimuth to home is bad. I understand that compass is not needed for FW so that is off and heading is derived from gps. So I’m confused why the stock RTH azimuth is not right. TY

[@AndrewNewton]

Very strange. No idea why. I'll check mine.

[@Synthetic11]

Thank you Andrew. Well done. Very helpful. I appreciate your time & expertise.

[@AndrewNewton]

My pleasure!

[@januszpolski4228]

Great video contains many interesting informations. Thanks for IT!

[@Crunklefloop]

Nice overview Andrew. It looks like they've used Quad style ESCs, have they added any capacitors on the ESCs too or just the one cap for the battery feed?

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks Crunckle. No caps on the ESCs. Probably needed looking at my FPV feed

[@Crunklefloop]

@@AndrewNewton I've always thought it good practice, especially on a twin with longer power leads.

[@Tommyjames21]

I got one capacitor on my FC battery pad

[@sherwoodp2738]

@@Tommyjames21 What size?

[@Tommyjames21]

@@sherwoodp2738 470uf 35v

[@EWHiggs]

I'm at a loss as to why AtomRC didn't extend the ailerons control horn to be in line with the ailerons neutral angle pivot point to maintain control surface throw symmetry on such a nice design. The degree of asymmetry in control throw distance added is hard to measure accurately, and better done at the servo if that's what you want (for differential aileron throw, etc) allowing asymmetry in both directions up and down.

[@stepheny6321]

Has anyone tried a ZOHD Kopilot with this one?. Great video Andrew as always

[@jeremiahulishney5322]

If you open the hatch at min 4:08 did they wire the led lights to the ESC or to the quick release board on the the wing?

[@AndrewNewton]

To the ESC

[@jwtfpv8957]

There is life beyond iNav.

[@AndrewNewton]

Bare planes are best

[@JD_1]

Good Stuff. I ordered one today 🤗

[@dronepilot260rc]

You gonna make yours 6s or 4s? I’m thinking about going the 6s route

[@JD_1]

@@dronepilot260rc I'm running 4s on this one. Maybe try 6s down the road.

[@miksterr]

Andrew, can you do waypoint missions with the supplied FC?

[@AndrewNewton]

I assume you can. That's an INAV feature

[@upperechelon3456]

Great video Andrew. INAV coming preinstalled wow. Will full BNF be next?😊

[@pilotmiami1]

Bravo.Thenks

[@dc392hemi]

Great vid! Can you tell me where you ended up with the servo horn holes for the ailerons and vtail to reduce throws?

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks, I cant check for a couple of days. Remind me on Monday if I forget

[@AndrewNewton]

Outer holes on all the control horns. Outer hole for aileron servos and second outer for tail servos

[@dc392hemi]

@@AndrewNewton Thank you! As far as I've understood, I should do nothing like reversing and adjust travel in the radio. All this has to be done in INAV configurator, right?

[@AndrewNewton]

Correct. The only reversing you would do in the radio is to get the bars in the INAV receiver page moving to the right when you move sticks up and to the right.

[@dc392hemi]

@@AndrewNewton Thank you very much, I will double check that

[@johndylan9309]

I noticed you installed the props going opposite I would suspect. I wired the motors to spin away from the fuselage. Is yours going toward fuselage and that’s why props are installed that way?

[@AndrewNewton]

No real reason. All combinations work well. Most twin planes have 2 props going the same way.

[@OldManCassius]

I think the best way to mount the props would be having them spinning inwards (moving downwards closest to the fuselage). That reduces p-factor when you're at a high angle of attack so if there's ever an RPM differential between the motors the yaw moment would be minimized. HOWEVER p-factor doesn't affect an RC aircraft that much so any orientation should work, but I would try to have them spinning opposite directions personally.

[@РустамМузафаров-с1ц]

Молодец этот дядя, информативно

[@AndrewNewton]

Thanks

[@scivanpoon]

i wish they have 1 version of swordfish for sub250g. forward swept make it so efficient.

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes, would like to see that

[@bushcraftmonkey7643]

Hi Andrew, nice video! Do you know if the 30A AtomRC esc has a low voltage cutoff? If yes what is the voltage? I can’t find the info anywhere.

[@AndrewNewton]

Don't know sorry.

[@mysticguido1]

Just got mine today, which prop on which motor, The paperwork doesn't say?

[@AndrewNewton]

Spinning in at the top is usual but either way is OK

[@Rocketman0407]

Would you recommend the Swordfish for a beginner to learn to fly LOS with before getting into FPV?

[@AndrewNewton]

Great for FPV but not the best for beginners. Skysurfer X8, Bixler or TopRC / PrimeRC TC1400would be easier to learn on and survive crashes better.

[@Rocketman0407]

@ thanks for the suggestions. Anything with front propellers you would recommend. I loved the XK A800 and I found it easy to fly. However the quality of the electronics are pure garbage. I tried a ranger 600, hated it.

[@AndrewNewton]

Phoenix S or Walrus would be good. But if you have done some flying already the Swordfish might be fine for you.

[@Rocketman0407]

@@AndrewNewton ok great thanks for the suggestions. I find it odd how I could fly a front prop plane fairly well and do successful smooth landing fairly precise with the a800 while the ranger 600 was horrible for me.

[@Rocketman0407]

@ thanks I will do the Phoenix 1600mm then unless you think the E-flite Umx Conscendo is a better option?

[@raptr49]

I noticed that you don't have the tail fins installed. I lost one of mine and am deciding if they are really necessary. I could 3d print them but do you think they are needed?

[@AndrewNewton]

I did fit them later and I still have them. Probably do have an effect but not crucial.

[@sandygregoire2732]

What kind receiver did you use to connect to swordfish rc plane’s flight controller

[@AndrewNewton]

FrSKY SBUS then Matek ELRS. You would probably need to use a FlySKY receiver set to SBUS.

[@sandygregoire2732]

@@AndrewNewton but I saw the transmitter is called radiomaster you are using it to swordfish rc plane video of atomrc swordfish setup and inav that KZbin video I watch and the receiver connected to swordfish rc plane’s flight controller on it

[@devilsreject78]

2.5amps on cruise? Wow. Buy swordfish was just delivered yesterday I still have to mount my DJI system in hook it up I can't wait

[@jstmag]

Does the 21700 4s lion pack fit?

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes easy fit but would need tail weight for balance possibly

[@user-otzlixr]

Any recommendations on dealing with multiple warps in the wings? I just got a swordfish but there is no way it fly decent with the waves on the trailing edge of both wings. I’m not very hopeful atom rc will replace them as they don’t even send the replacement parts I order. :)

[@AndrewNewton]

I would try steam or hot water

[@patricehonvault2612]

Hi Andrew, I'm not an INAV specialist and I don't know where to connect my Crossfire receiver. I think it's on one of the onboard UARTs but which one? Similarly, I intend to use a DJI HD camera with its vista, but on which port should the DJI camera be declared? Definitely the manual lacks details.

[@Tommyjames21]

There is a special connector for DJI vtx on uart 5 (choose DJI vtx on peripheral list only). For the rx just solder your crossfire receiver on uart 1 (ch1 of crossfire rx to tx1 pad and ch2 of crossfire rx on Rx 1 pad.

[@patricehonvault2612]

@@Tommyjames21 Thank you very much, this is the kind of information that should be in my manual.

[@Tommyjames21]

@@patricehonvault2612 but these informations are on the manual! 😁

[@patricehonvault2612]

@@Tommyjames21 yes if you look carefully at a wiring diagram. I have already seen better, for example the last FC Iflight that I bought for my 5" drone, in addition to the diagram there are all the parameters to be applied in Betaflight.

[@fixchoco6964]

Hello, I have a question regarding the installation of the plane. Please understand that it's my first time assembling and making it myself, so I don't know it well because the instructions are poor. I bought the current RTH+FPV version. I searched and found out that I needed a receiver with SBUS function, so I bought R88 of Radio Master. I'm wondering if the controller F405 provided by ATOMRC serves as a normal receiver, apart from video transmission. I'm wondering how to bind if you're playing that role. I look forward to your kind reply. Thank you.

[@AndrewNewton]

Maybe watch some of my RC Basics videos first. kzbin.info/aero/PLC8MdCMvxwBivLCbogn2tGgg8G4_k4JXA. F405 is a flight control board not a receiver or a video transmitter. You will need to connect the R88 with SBUS, and a video transmitter and camera. How to bind depends on your receiver and radio, there will be lots of videos on the subject.

[@davidwatkin1484]

Noticed the elevator servo leads tangled over the servo arms. Needs re-routing

[@AndrewNewton]

Correct

[@Coronet47]

My Swordfish is due to arrive this week. I got a Zorro ELRS with receiver you suggested. This will be my first plane in EdgeTX as I fly Spektrum Do you have suggestions on setting up my radio. I will adjust the INAv according to your file.

[@AndrewNewton]

Very nice but you have a lot to study and learn. 3 new systems all at once. Watch all the relevant videos, practice with your radio until it is familiar and you know how to setup switches and channels. I can share my model file and INAV dump, but that will only help you crash quicker unless you understand them.

[@Coronet47]

@@AndrewNewton Thank you. I need to take the time. I always run a little too fast and the result is an unwanted mishap. I’m going to set up my little foamies and give a go until I can some confidence in the systems

[@Coronet47]

I e learned to use the Zorro and have enjoyed using it with a number of planes. I’m preparing the Swordfish learning the INAV but I am wondering if you have the set up for edgetx ELRS to use for the receiver that I will connect to the flight controller to allow the FC to do the work

[@21y1ihuangzhongyi6]

Hi, I am new to fixed wing fpv. May I know if this plane supports pwm receivers and transmitters such as spectrum( like those on traditional non-fpv rc planes)? If not, what receivers and transmitters can you use? Thanks.

[@AndrewNewton]

Yes it would be fine as a normal PWM receiver plane with no FC. Spectrum, FrSKY, Radiomaster, FlySKY or any system would work.

[@21y1ihuangzhongyi6]

@@AndrewNewton Ok thanks!. If not using a fc, can you still use the rth function?

[@AndrewNewton]

@@21y1ihuangzhongyi6 No, RTH requires an FC with GPS

[@craigrjrich]

Hi Andrew Is the lionpack a a 3500mah your using? If so what sort of flight time please?

[@AndrewNewton]

30 min cruising at 5A

[@craigrjrich]

@@AndrewNewton Thank you

[@billarnall1422]

Hi Andrew. Have the swardfish and installed elrs connected to uart 2. Bound to radiomaster tx16s just using the three power connection method and everything seems fine. However each time I power up the receiver has lost its bind and I need to go into the elrs lua script and press the bind button again to re-bind. Any thoughts on what could be wrong? Thanks Bill

[@AndrewNewton]

Has to be mis-matched ELRS firmware. I would update module and receiver and use with a passphrase

[@billarnall1422]

@@AndrewNewton Thanks Andrew, I will do as you suggest 😁

[@mysticguido1]

how does the RTH work with no compass? manual just shows GPS w/o compass.

[@AndrewNewton]

GPS provides enough data on planes because they are always moving forward. Quads need a compass because they can hover still.

[@mysticguido1]

@@AndrewNewton Tanx, now I feel better. 1 more question: Inav or aurdpilot?

[@AndrewNewton]

@@mysticguido1 INAV for me, it's much easier to start with

[@Coronet47]

I got Swordfish RTH. All set up except the elevator goes in opposition like the rudder even though iNav shows it correctly in receiver. I swapped servos on board still same issue. This preprogrammed so I’m not sure what is issue. Set up ERLS as v tail also. Any suggestions?

[@AndrewNewton]

Don't set up VTail in the radio (if that's what you mean by ELRS) Reverse the elevator weights in the INAV mixer to get them moving the right way.

[@Coronet47]

@@AndrewNewton I setup new model on Zorro as one channel for airelon and standard tail rudder for Swordfish. For some reason now the control surfaces all go to 2012 showing deflection. Before they were centered at 1500. Still have elevator going in opposite directions. Don’t know now how to center them or what is reason for this change in control surfaces.

[@Coronet47]

It appears that the channels on the Zorro are maxed to 100 so the bar only moves in one direction. I set up standard for new model and it has input weight as 100 and mixer rate at 100. I don’t know if it’s the radio being defective. This is what causes issue in iNav.

[@AndrewNewton]

@@Coronet47 Can you show me the Zorro mixer screen or send the model file?

[@Coronet47]

@@AndrewNewton😊 I sent another donation for your time. I can send the files but can’t locate your email address.

[@pavelzak9303]

Would be more interesting converted into VTOL design

[@РустамМузафаров-с1ц]

Hello, I have a problem, I am updating the firmware via INAV for ATOMRC405NAVI version 6.0, the firmware passes without errors, but then when Connect gives the error "Flight controller info, identifier: INAV, version: 5.1.0 This firmware version is not supported. This version of Configurator supports firmware from 6.0.0 to 7.0.0 (excluded)" why it says that version 5.1 I updated to version 6.0 sorry for english, I am tatarin

[@AndrewNewton]

The NAVI board comes with INAV 6.0 already installed so maybe you flashed it with 5.1? Just have to reflash with V6.0 using Configurator V6.0

[@mysticguido1]

Your link for the CLI dump file is no good. Is there a way I can get a copy?

[@AndrewNewton]

email me

[@nogod4me_fpv]

Will it fit BN220 GPS? It's slightly bigger

[@AndrewNewton]

It actually comes with a BN220. I swapped to the bigger BN880 which just squeezes in

[@probante]

On which UART should I set black box? I have nr. 3 and 6 free

[@AndrewNewton]

SD card is your black box recorder, UART not required

[@helalmiah6039]

I only ever buy a wing if Andrew Newton approves it!

[@AndrewNewton]

This one is very good.

[@smark83]

Anyone had a problem with the Swordfish motors not arming?

[@AndrewNewton]

No problems with mine.

[@bladeystudio]

please explain control surfaces and effects

[@AndrewNewton]

Ailerons do roll, Elevator does pitch and rudder does yaw.

[@bladeystudio]

This fixed wing doesn't have a control surfaces tutorial, it is a little different. Please help I want my maiden to go good. thanks

[@MasboyRC]

Try to build it with cardboard sir 😁

[@AndrewNewton]

Haha! If it came with a thin card box

[@cmtetaboaco]

Wing connection is lame for now a days, motors are inefficient for long flights, battery bay small, not for long range at all, even the battery hatch is not practical with a screw!!! Not designed for digital, stuck in the past, mid wing with no dihedral will cause terrible stall handling. I’ll keep my Dragon 2 until a better thing comes…

[@AndrewNewton]

Have you watched any flight videos. Opposite of what you are saying.

[@cmtetaboaco]

@@AndrewNewton several

[@atw98]

Is the CLI in your downloads? I can't see swordfish. Also seems the release on their webpage is older then this video. Although I am often wrong 🙂

[@AndrewNewton]

Here it is drive.google.com/file/d/1irhRUy-U2Y76LYTtuQmx9MW_IETZ71mz/view?usp=share_link

[@atw98]

@@AndrewNewton much appreciated. Also grabbed the Ardu ,Param file. May try a 4g RPi on it if Inav good Have you ever tried telemetry on Inav? Apparently it's active. Any comments?

[@AndrewNewton]

Do you mean like Arduplane ground station? No I haven't

[@atw98]

@@AndrewNewton I havent researched inav telemetry specifically. But in my readings I thought I read inav now did two way telemetry like ardu pilot, allowing flight via pc. Have flown was you cli, it was great. I am definitely going to try their ardu build and do 4g with it. Not since the ease of the Disco 4g has there been a plane that uses so little power and is so stable. It Will make an amazing long range plane. May need to have one ardu one Inav...

[@MrCottonmouth]

@@AndrewNewton Thanks! That smoothed my swordfish out :)