How to choose a flight controller

ArduCopter
1

Hello everyone, will start with that im quite new to drones and have done some basic research and would like some help.
My idea is to build a outdoor drone light show swarm, a DIY project using Ardupilot and Skybrush. After quite some reading im still as confused as i was couple of days ago.
What should i look for in a flight controller, what are the good ones in todays markets? From my understadning. Pixhawk are quite universal FC and if you are building a specific use case drone, its not neccessary. My requirements are a quadcopter that needs RTK gps, Wifi module, LEDs and maybe radio, not sure yet.

I appreciate all help, thanks.

2

Section 1 of the ArduPilot methodic configurator guide gives you some pointers. But it boils down to writing down your requirements:

  • size?
  • sodering wires or using plugs and prefabricated cables?
  • How many serial ports do you need?
  • redundant reliable IMUs or not?
  • price point?
  • run lua scripts (H7 processor) or not run lua scripts (F4 or F7 processor)

Once you have those written down it is easy to choose, but only you know YOUR requirements.

3

I would add to that:
After deciding from specs/features research what are other users experience with the FC. Some could be new version/brand that may not work very reliably until reviewed for the next version, or it’s a proven reliable board but may cause problems if not from reliable suplier (knockoffs etc).