I am so grateful to the developers of Ardupilot and its various streams for a better name.
There are a number of questions asked that are sometimes very obvious to those of us who have been addicted to Ardupilot for many years, in my case over ten.
I have learnt so much from reading the patient replies, the expert directions and the excellent explanations of all.
I would like to take the edge of what sometimes feels like we forget this is a hobby. A very complex and evolving technically advancing one but just a hobby.
I would also say that there are THINGS that go well past my comprehension! Also many contributors are obviously professional and contribute their time and knowledge free of charge.
My intention is to invite contributions for Simpson D’oh! moments.
My current two are: (and I have at least 20 multirotor selfdesign/builds to my history).
1. Trying to set a quad up when placed on the bed of a 3D printer (due to lack of bench space). The magnetic base plays havoc with the compass. It took me five hours of frustration before I did the slap on the forehead trick!
2. Trying to get Smart Audio,(thanks Andy) to work on a Mateksys H743 with a Rush Tank 111 Ultimate, spending MANY hours trying, reading and being frustrated before realising that TX4 is Serial 6 not Serial 4 on the FC now working like a dream!
I keep a little magnetic compass for diagnostic magnetic issues. I had a screw on a boat that was magnetic enough to mess with the compass. When I waved the compass over it the needle immediately points to the source.
Smart audio is fun, there are so many versions and so little documentation from manufacturers that you have to select options blindly until it starts working.