Intro to Ardupilot and PX4 (Part 1)

Drone Autopilot Solutions The Ardupilot and PX4 open-source autopilot platforms are two of the most popular flight controller platforms for drones. In Part 1 of this article series, Raul begins by discussing the general architecture of a do-it-yourself, multirotor drone and its main software and hardware components. Topics Discussed How to select hardware and software to begin an open-source quadcopter drone designHow to select drone frame, motor control and power technologyHow to choose telemetry and camera technology for a drone designHow to begin using Ardupilot and PX4 open-source drone platforms fo Tech Used Pixhawk 1 flight controller boardPropulsion system: ESC, brushless motor and propellerHexarotor (model S550) and quadrotor (model S500) drone framesPower system: LiPo battery, power module and LiPo alarmTelemetry modules and RC transmitter and receiverGoPro Hero camera and gimbalQGroundControl ground control softwareMAVLink (Micro Air Vehicle Link) telemetry protocol Ardupilot and PX4 are two open-source autopilot platforms regarded as the leading flight controller platforms for small unmanned vehicles in a wide variety of applications, including hobby and amateur, commercial, industrial and academic research. In Part 1 of this article series, I will begin by discussing the general architecture of a do-it-yourself multirotor drone and its main software and hardware components. Then, I will provide a general introduction to both the Ardupilot and PX4 platforms, and discuss some examples of supported flight controller hardware, vehicle types and available ground control software. I will also give a general introduction to the MAVLink protocol used in both platforms for communication of vehicles with ground control stations. In Part 2 of this series, I’ll discuss how to build a quadrotor for aerial photography, based on one of the aforementioned platforms. I will also present a setup that, with minor modifications, could also be