VTOL Settings for maiden Flight

ArduPlane VTOL Plane
1

I am struggling with few parameter settings and need some help.

I need few tips on configuring my VTOL properly for my maiden flight and some fine tuning. My setup is;

  1. Pixhawk 2.4.8
  2. H Frame.
  3. Mission planner.

I have set the Transmitter for 3 flight modes for initial first outdoor test.

a) Manual
b) QStabilize
c) FBWA

In QStabilize mode I can get the quad motors to work properly however I can not move aileron or elevator.

My assumption was that when I am in FBWA mode, I should be able to control the ailerons and elevator but its not happening and no forward throttle control.

The Pixhawk outputs are set and programmed as shown below.

Any suggestions what am I doing wrong?

2

I remember that in QStabilize mode, fixed-wing assist is also engaged.

You should check your input in manual mode; it’s a basic and essential procedure and should be included in your initial question post.

How do the servos move in manual mode?

-------------------edited

I just read that you also tried FBWA mode.

The servos should move when you set the mode to FBWA.

3

And the servos are not moving at all. Neither thrust. This is what I can’t seem to solve.

Something very simple I must be over looking.

4

How servo is powered?

Please upload details.

5

Servo should be powered independently, not from pixhawk.

6

Driving right now so will upload diagram later.

However, the servos are directly connected to Pixhawk. I think I need to provide +5V to aux rail rail. Right?

I have not touched PixHawk in a long time forgot all the basics.

7

Oh :man_facepalming:

It could damage your Pixhawk and lead to a severe crash in the air.

Don’t connect your servo directly to the Pixhawk; it is very dangerous.

I recommend starting with quadcopters, as they are less risky, if that is applicable to your situation.

8

I heard someone connect a winch directly to the Pixhawk, which led to a crash.

9

You can connect Servos to Pixhawk. Now I remember. An ESC with a BEC will power the rail.

This is what I a missing.

10

Yes, you can connect servos to the Pixhawk with a BEC connected to the power rail.

What I meant was that you should not power the servo directly from the Pixhawk.

11

Its not possible anyway, because you have to apply an external power source.

12

I can’t understand what you mean.

Anyway, I wish you the best with your project.

13

@UAVSkies it might be a good idea if you provide your PARAM file and a LOG.bin file of your trials.

14

see enclosed
First Initial parameter settings v1.0 9-12-2024.param (20.2 KB)

The forward thrust motor ESC is providing +5V so its not a power issue.

15

What I meant that in order to connect servos to Pixhawk, you need provide +5V to the rail.

17

Okay, I was confused about a few details.

If you power the servo through the receiver using power supplied by the Pixhawk, it could lead to a crash.

However, the Pixhawk’s servo rail is independent and doesn’t supply power on its own.

Since I always use a BEC to power my servos, I wasn’t aware of this, and I initially thought connecting without a BEC would definitely cause a crash.

But as you pointed out, it won’t damage the Pixhawk. Thanks for clarifying that.

18

The forward thrust motor ESC is providing +5V so its not a power issue.

It could be a parameter issue that’s stopping servos from moving,

19

You can monitor the ‘Servo Output’ value in Mission Planner.

If the bar moves when you operate the control sticks, it’s likely a hardware issue with the servo. If it doesn’t, the issue may be related to the parameter settings. This will help you identify the problem and find a solution more quickly.

Do you have a safety switch on your aircraft? That could also be the reason to the issue.

I recommend having someone review the parameter files you’ve uploaded for further assistance. There are many ArduPilot experts here who can also evaluate the overall status of your aircraft using the parameter file.

Apologies for interrupting your post—now I need to focus on resolving my MAVLink programming issue.

20

No worries, we are all here to help each other.

The Radio calibration is fine, however under servo outs the values do not change when I move the sticks. for sure some parameter issues to figure out.

21

Have you set BRD_SAFETY_MASK?