PX4 Firmware

Uploading PX4 firmware using QGC

PX4 is the recommended firmware that we will be running on the VRC drone. It is an open-source flight stack containing all the software necessary to get your drone into the air. In Phase 2 of the competition we will introduce you to a modified version of PX4 provided by the Bell team.

In the Firmware screen you can upload a new version of PX4. To access the firmware screen make sure to click on the Q logo in the top left of the screen and then click on Vehicle Setup > Firmware. You will see the following screen.

Firmware upload screen in QGC

Make your FC is NOT plugged in when accessing the firmware setup screen. First access the firmware screen and THEN plug in your FC. It will recognize the connection and initiate the process.

QGC will ask you to plug in your FC using a USB cable. A popup will appear that asks you which firmware you want to use. We will use the PX4 Pro Stable Release.

Loading PX4 Pro Stable Release onto FC

After clicking OK to upload PX4 to the FC you will see a progress bar. This process should take no more than 2-3 minutes.

After the PX4 firmware is successfully loaded you will be presented with the default Vehicle Setup screen. It is necessary to go through the following steps to ensure a reliable and stable first flight.

QGC Vehicle Setup screen right after PX4 firmware load