Hardware configuration of a Rotorflight Flight controller

Ok so I officially hate talking on video but..... here is a video showing the steps used to configure a flight controller for use with Rotorflight. The spreadsheet is still in development so would love to have people give it a go and give me feedback.

[@hekikuu]

Excellent tutorial, thank you!!! Thanks for building this amazing tool.

[@philkaighin3582]

Glad you found it helpful. What heli are you going to build?

[@hekikuu]

@@philkaighin3582 I've build a fixed pitch Piccolo with over 20hrs of reliable RotorFlight flights :) Now building a Pro Piccolo collective pitch heli with a different board and using RF2. Struggling a bit with FrSky R-XSR connection (SBUS/F.port, my other heli has F.port but no telemetry alas).

[@philkaighin3582]

Fantastic. 🎉

[@philkaighin3582]

Please ask a question on the discord. I'm sure we can help you get the telemetry working.

[@sinisternm]

great video, this is perfect instructions for a person who knows nothing about this. Q: i have dma next to timers, option 0, 1 or 2, what is that?

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi sinisternm. Yes that is a new addition since the video. In most cases just leave this as 0. It's only required if there is a dma clash indicated by colours. I will try to automate this feature soon.

[@jamieboehm3076]

No way this is too difficult to do. Rotor flight needs to make this very simple download just like the others. I was interested in going all rotor flight on my helis but im thinking very different now due to difficulty

[@philkaighin3582]

This is only required if you are using a Betaflight controller. If you use a Nexus, FlydragonF722, flywingf405 or either of the Matek Rotorflight controllers then they are just downloaded like any of the others. www.rotorflight.org/docs/Tutorial-Quickstart/What-Board#such-as

[@StefanHristozov]

Thank you, Phil! Very comprehensive. In the to-do list H743 is still pending. Do you plan to release a new version of this spreadsheet any time soon? I have a Matek H743-Wing dedicated for this project. Cheers!

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Stefan, Yes I need to do the H7 processors. There seems to be more and more people asking. I built a target for that board last week so you should be able to load Rotorflight and then past this file into the CLI (then type save) and your board should work. I have commented what pins connect to what functions. If you need any help please get in contact at the discord discussion board discord.gg/6QUySXdEvd and we can help ASAP. Cheers, Phil Here is the file: ############################ #define USE_ACC_SPI_MPU6500 #define USE_GYRO_SPI_MPU6500 #define USE_ACC_SPI_MPU6000 #define USE_GYRO_SPI_MPU6000 #define USE_ACC_SPI_ICM42688P #define USE_GYRO_SPI_ICM42688P #define USE_ACC_SPI_ICM42605 #define USE_GYRO_SPI_ICM42605 #define USE_BARO_BMP280 #define USE_BARO_DPS310 #define USE_MAX7456 #define USE_SDCARD board_name MATEKH743 manufacturer_id MTKS # resources resource BEEPER 1 A15 resource MOTOR 1 B00 # Label S1 resource MOTOR 2 NONE #resource MOTOR 2 B01 # Label S2. - Disabled. Remove leading # to use resource SERVO 1 A00 # Label S3 resource SERVO 2 A01 # Label S4 resource SERVO 3 A02 # Label S5 resource SERVO 4 A03 # Label S6 #resource SERVO 5 D12 # Label S7. - Disabled. Remove leading # to use #resource SERVO 6 D13 # Label S8. - Disabled. Remove leading # to use #resource SERVO 7 E05 # Label S9. - Disabled. Remove leading # to use #resource SERVO 8 E06 # Label S10. - Disabled. Remove leading # to use resource MOTOR 3 NONE resource MOTOR 4 NONE resource PPM 1 C07 resource LED_STRIP 1 A08 resource SERIAL_TX 1 A09 resource SERIAL_TX 2 D05 resource SERIAL_TX 3 D08 resource SERIAL_TX 4 B09 resource SERIAL_TX 6 C06 resource SERIAL_TX 7 E08 resource SERIAL_TX 8 E01 resource SERIAL_RX 1 A10 resource SERIAL_RX 2 D06 resource SERIAL_RX 3 D09 resource SERIAL_RX 4 B08 resource SERIAL_RX 6 C07 resource SERIAL_RX 7 E07 resource SERIAL_RX 8 E00 resource I2C_SCL 1 B06 resource I2C_SCL 2 B10 resource I2C_SDA 1 B07 resource I2C_SDA 2 B11 resource LED 1 E03 resource LED 2 E04 resource SPI_SCK 1 A05 resource SPI_SCK 2 B13 resource SPI_SCK 3 B03 resource SPI_SCK 4 E12 resource SPI_MISO 1 A06 resource SPI_MISO 2 B14 resource SPI_MISO 3 B04 resource SPI_MISO 4 E13 resource SPI_MOSI 1 D07 resource SPI_MOSI 2 B15 resource SPI_MOSI 3 B05 resource SPI_MOSI 4 E14 resource ADC_BATT 1 C00 resource ADC_RSSI 1 C05 resource ADC_CURR 1 C01 resource ADC_EXT 1 C04 resource SDIO_CK 1 C12 resource SDIO_CMD 1 D02 resource SDIO_D0 1 C08 resource SDIO_D1 1 C09 resource SDIO_D2 1 C10 resource SDIO_D3 1 C11 resource PINIO 1 D10 resource PINIO 2 D11 resource OSD_CS 1 B12 resource GYRO_EXTI 1 B02 resource GYRO_EXTI 2 E15 resource GYRO_CS 1 C15 resource GYRO_CS 2 E11 # CS1/CS2 pads for SPI3 connection # CS1 D04 # CS2 E02 # timer timer B00 AF2 # pin B00: TIM3 CH3 (AF2) timer B01 AF2 # pin B01: TIM3 CH4 (AF2) timer A00 AF2 # pin A00: TIM5 CH1 (AF2) timer A01 AF2 # pin A01: TIM5 CH2 (AF2) timer A02 AF2 # pin A02: TIM5 CH3 (AF2) timer A03 AF2 # pin A03: TIM5 CH4 (AF2) timer D12 AF2 # pin D12: TIM4 CH1 (AF2) timer D13 AF2 # pin D13: TIM4 CH2 (AF2) timer D14 AF2 # pin D14: TIM4 CH3 (AF2) timer D15 AF2 # pin D15: TIM4 CH4 (AF2) timer E05 AF4 # pin E05: TIM15 CH1 (AF4) timer E06 AF4 # pin E06: TIM15 CH2 (AF4) timer A08 AF1 # pin A08: TIM1 CH1 (AF1) timer A15 AF1 # pin A15: TIM2 CH1 (AF1) timer C07 AF3 # pin C07: TIM8 CH2 (AF3) timer C06 AF3 # pin C06: TIM8 CH1 (AF3) timer B08 AF1 # pin B08: TIM16 CH1 (AF1) timer B09 AF1 # pin B09: TIM17 CH1 (AF1) # dma dma ADC 1 8 # ADC 1: DMA2 Stream 0 Request 9 dma ADC 3 9 # ADC 3: DMA2 Stream 1 Request 115 dma TIMUP 1 0 # TIMUP 1: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 15 dma TIMUP 2 0 # TIMUP 2: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 22 dma TIMUP 3 2 # TIMUP 3: DMA1 Stream 2 Request 27 dma TIMUP 4 1 # TIMUP 4: DMA1 Stream 1 Request 32 dma TIMUP 5 0 # TIMUP 5: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 59 dma TIMUP 8 0 # TIMUP 8: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 51 dma pin B00 0 # pin B00: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 25 dma pin B01 1 # pin B01: DMA1 Stream 1 Request 26 dma pin A00 2 # pin A00: DMA1 Stream 2 Request 55 dma pin A01 3 # pin A01: DMA1 Stream 3 Request 56 dma pin A02 4 # pin A02: DMA1 Stream 4 Request 57 dma pin A03 5 # pin A03: DMA1 Stream 5 Request 58 dma pin D12 6 # pin D12: DMA1 Stream 6 Request 29 dma pin D13 7 # pin D13: DMA1 Stream 7 Request 30 dma pin D14 12 # pin D14: DMA2 Stream 4 Request 31 dma pin E05 0 # pin E05: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 105 dma pin A08 14 # pin A08: DMA2 Stream 6 Request 11 dma pin A15 0 # pin A15: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 18 dma pin C07 0 # pin C07: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 48 dma pin C06 0 # pin C06: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 47 dma pin B08 0 # pin B08: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 109 dma pin B09 0 # pin B09: DMA1 Stream 0 Request 111 # feature feature RX_SERIAL feature TELEMETRY feature OSD # serial serial 5 64 115200 57600 0 115200 # master set mag_bustype = I2C set mag_i2c_device = 1 set baro_bustype = I2C set baro_i2c_device = 2 set serialrx_provider = SBUS set blackbox_device = SDCARD set current_meter = ADC set battery_meter = ADC set ibata_scale = 250 set beeper_inversion = ON set beeper_od = OFF set beeper_frequency = 2500 set sdio_use_4bit_width = ON set sdio_device = 1 set max7456_spi_bus = 2 set pinio_box = 40,41,255,255 set gyro_1_bustype = SPI set gyro_1_spibus = 1 set gyro_1_sensor_align = CW0FLIP set gyro_1_align_pitch = 1800 set gyro_2_spibus = 4 set gyro_2_sensor_align = CW0FLIP set gyro_2_align_pitch = 1800 ##################################

[@StefanHristozov]

Wow! Such a rapid responce, thank you! Yes, I'm member of the Discord server from when it was still HF3D. Only now I found the bandwidth to become more active. :) We can move the discussion there. My first concern was with the CPU selection, since H7 was still not availble. I decided to give it a try using F722 option and Betaflight target for Matek H743. I'm willing to contribute with flight testing once I set this thing.

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Stephan. The H743 is now supported in the spreadsheet.

[@maverickgyrocopter2837]

I have this problem to arm the motor The maximum frequency of the PID loop is limited by the power of the CPU Processing. CPU load should not exceed 70% how can I solve this problem? thanks in advance for your answer

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Maverick. You should drop the 'PID Loop Frequency' on the Configuration Tab. You do not need more than 2kHz. Also if you are using dshot setting to Dshot300 is more than enough.

[@did3d523]

is autolevel mode (ATT) can be setting more than 45° max ???? Thanks

[@philkaighin3582]

Yes you can use anything between 10 and 90 degrees for "Angle mode" (and acro trainer). Horizon mode is also self leveling; however, if you continue to hold full control it can continue to complete a flip or roll. Centring the sticks it will level again.

[@did3d523]

@@philkaighin3582 thanks ! where can i see a video demo of horizon and autolevel I find only 3D video ?

[@philkaighin3582]

@@did3d523 not sure about a video but a step by step guide is on the wiki. If you need more help please post on the Discord discussion group and we can help step you through it. github.com/rotorflight/rotorflight/wiki/Using-stability-modes Discord invitation at the top of this page: github.com/rotorflight/rotorflight/wiki/Manual-Setup

[@fklotaloi]

HI Phil, Why don't U guys are not uploading a complete , A to Z helicopter FBL set up video for a noob guys such as drones??? If u want more people come in this DIY fbl making , U need to make it easy , focusing for layman.

[@philkaighin3582]

Other videos are planned. The main issue is that development has been rapid with lots of stuff changing all the time. Different pages in the Configurator etc. If we make a video it rapidly becomes outdated. With the upcoming release of Rotorflight 2 everything will be more fixed so some videos will be made.

[@fklotaloi]

@@philkaighin3582 Pls do something so that noob, layman folks get attracted in this hobby as drone community . I have been in this micro helicopter hobby since 2018, knowing abt all micro, sub-micro heli's FBL more or less. I always stay within 200 size helicopters. I made a DIY drone on 2018 by clean flight with SPracingF3 board, but then totally away due overwhelmed by micro helis. However, I am so excited abt learning to make a DIY FBL, which is cheaper, having more options, though it is challenging. In the RCgroup forum I see only.05 % folks even know abt DIY fbl . Are U in the Discord by the way ???

[@maverickgyrocopter2837]

Is the configuration on the radio helicopter or does it leave it as an airplane? Good morning

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi @maverickgyrocopter2837. The radio is set to individual channels. No helicopter mixing is required. Yes individual channels like a basic airplane.

[@leighinglis2128]

Can you please help me set up a fly bar mechanical swash plate it’s a raptor 30 nitro helicopter ? Thanks

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Leigh. Do you mean set up Rotorflight as a tail gyro only and not as a flybarless controller?? I do believe it is possible although I have not done it. Jump on the Discord discussion and we can help. discord.gg/nB36tu542a

[@jas-FPV]

You said different timers for motor and servo but used af2 for motor and servo3 ?

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Jan. The AF stands for alternate function. It's really like 'option'. So each column is option 1 option 2 etc. The actual timers assigned for those options is the important bit so in the example the motor pin set to AF2 (option 2) is TIM5 (Timer 5) and the servo pins set to AF2 are TIM3 (Timer 3).

[@jas-FPV]

@@philkaighin3582 Ah, ok… thx 👍🏻

[@philkaighin3582]

@Jan S. No problems at all. Let me know if I can help. You can also check out the Discord (link is on the Rotorflight wiki).

[@maverickgyrocopter2837]

Hello I can not arm the engine what will be the problem?

[@philkaighin3582]

Please look at the 'Arming disable flags' on the Status Tab. This may help you determine what is preventing the arm.

[@maverickgyrocopter2837]

@@philkaighin3582 My engine is pwm what do I do to make it arm

[@philkaighin3582]

Please check out the Discord. It is very active and you can get help to step you through the process of fault finding your Arming. discord.gg/nB36tu542a

[@maverickgyrocopter2837]

In stabilized mode it does not turn?

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi. Yes you can turn in stability mode. The only difference with this mode is when you put the sticks in the centre the helicopter will level itself. Moving the sticks will still make the helicopter roll or pitch. Helicopters in general also need Yaw to help turn. Much more than with fixed wing.

[@junyang5534]

I don't know where to download the software

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Jun. It is on the Rotorflight wiki. Please have a look at github.com/rotorflight/rotorflight/wiki/Custom-defaults-remapping-spreadsheet

[@skinnyguy3184]

Hay mate, I've been through your videos 100 times and i still can't get my sevos to work, they don't even come up on the servos page, I'm running a matek f411wse, could you help me out please. I only really have a background in inav and betaflight and i still can't get my head around remapping outputs etc please help me lol

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi there. So sorry I haven't replied sooner. Looks like I didn't get a notification. I will have a look at that board and see what it is like. Please also sign up to the project Discord chat (link on the wiki). It's a great way to get immediate help.

[@jerrypatterson55]

can you show me how to put rth with roto flight?

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi Jerry. RTH functionality is not supported just yet. The RTH code from Betaflight is in Rotorflight however there are some changes that are required to make it work with a single rotor helicopter. That bit is still a work in progress.

[@fklotaloi]

Hi, Can I uae this application in any FBL used in micro type helicopter??

[@philkaighin3582]

Hi. It can be loaded to any Flight Controller that runs with Betaflight. These are many of these built for drones. They cannot be used for the closed source FBL that come with small helicopters.

[@philkaighin3582]

We replace the as supplied FBL with a drone board to use this software.