Vertical Robotics Competition
  • Welcome to VRC!
  • Before We Get Started
    • Phase I Overview
    • Helpful Links
  • Primary Goal: Assembly and Configuration
    • VRC Drone Kit Contents
    • VRC Drone Assembly
      • Arms and Motors
      • Landing Gear, PDB, and Rails
      • ESCs, FC Power Module, and Receiver
      • Flight Controller Enclosure
      • Mounting the Flight Controller
      • Top Plate and Arms
      • FC and ESC Wiring
      • Propeller Adapters
    • RC Transmitter Setup
      • Basic Usage
      • Binding the RC Receiver
      • Setting the Output Mode
      • Setting Up Channels on the RC Transmitter
      • Setting Up Failsafe
    • FC Setup and Calibration w/ QGC
      • PX4 Firmware
      • Airframe
      • Sensors
      • Radio
      • Flight Modes and Kill Switch
      • Power
      • Safety
      • Motor Test
  • Sphero RVR
    • RVR Assembly
    • RVR Programming
  • Battery
    • Overview
    • Charging
    • Storage
  • Checkpoint #1: Flight Test
    • Before You Fly
    • Flight Test
    • After You Fly
  • SECONDARY GOAL: PCC
    • Laptop Setup
      • Setting Up Windows
      • Install Git Bash
      • Clone the VRC Repo
      • Install Anaconda
      • Install VS Code
      • Install SD Card Formatter
      • Install Balena Etcher
      • Install PuTTY
      • Install QGroundControl
    • Peripheral Control Computer (PCC)
      • Physical Assembly
      • Video Tutorial: Flash & Test PCC
      • Flash the PCC
      • Test the PCC
  • Overachiever Goal
    • Vehicle Management Computer (VMC) Setup
      • Preparing the Jetson
      • Flashing the SD Card
      • First Boot
  • 3D Printing Project
    • Project Overview
    • Sr. Design Project
    • Rotor Guards
  • Diving Deeper
    • Control Loops
    • Glossary
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  1. Primary Goal: Assembly and Configuration
  2. FC Setup and Calibration w/ QGC

PX4 Firmware

PreviousFC Setup and Calibration w/ QGCNextAirframe

Last updated 4 years ago

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Uploading PX4 firmware using QGC

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.

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.

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.

PX4
Firmware upload screen in QGC
Loading PX4 Pro Stable Release onto FC
QGC Vehicle Setup screen right after PX4 firmware load