MultiWii: DIY Wireless LCD Config and PID Tuning using Stick Controls:

   The MultiWii flight control software has the built-in functionality of using an attached LCD for viewing and adjusting settings. This takes it a little further by sending the data wirelessly, which can be very handy for adjusting PID settings and other configuration options while out flying. There are only three main components: Arduino Mega, APC220 wireless data module, and LCD Screen. I might incorporate a smaller screen directly into my controller using this sketch.

 Wireless LCD in configuration menu during testing

  

   This is designed specifically to work with my custom XBox controller and QuadCopter, but will work with standard controllers and MultiWii boards that support or have a serial data transceiver. The status indicator portion does require slight modifications to MultiWii, but the LCD menus will work with the stock software/boards.

 

Wireless LCD showing status (left,center) and configuration (right)

   Menu navigation takes place via the RC transmitter/controller, so all you have to do is land before entering the LCD menu and adjusting PID or configuration settings. This has been very handy for tuning PID settings in the field and understanding exactly how those changes affect the performance of the aircraft. This could easily be modified to do other things like log or display telemetry, flight or sensor data as well.

Features:
- Long range (up to 1000m with APC220)
- Capable of receiving standard MSP commands and displaying or storing info
- Adjust PID settings wirelessly
- Adjust configuration options wirelessly
- Displays status: 
        - Battery Voltage
        - I2C Error Count
        - Running Time in minutes
        - Flight Mode Indicators

Requirements:
- MultiWii based FC Board w/serial port for wireless serial module (APC220, XBee, etc), or built-in
- DIY Wireless LCD: Arduino Mega + LCD (compatible with LCD library) + APC220(Any wireless serial module)

Hardware Setup:
1. Enable LCD in MultiWii if needed (Config.h)
    a: Un-Comment: #define LCD_CONF, #define LCD_TTY, #define LCD_SERIAL_PORT 3
    b: Set LCD_SERIAL_PORT to the correct port for your transceiver
    c: Upload to FC Board
2. Connect LCD Screen to Arduino Mega and ensure it works with Arduino LCD library. Adjust pins in sketch to match.
3. Attach APC220 or other serial module to Arduino Mega port 3
4. Upload this sketch
5. Enter LCD Menu and adjust as desired
 
LCD Useage:
1. Move Pitch stick up, Yaw right to enter LCD Menu
3. Navigate menus usings stick movements: 
      Pitch Fwd/Back: Prev/Next     Pitch R/L: Value Up/Dn
4. a: Abort/Exit:   Pitch Fwd-Yaw Right
    b: Save/Exit:    Pitch Fwd-Yaw Left 

Sketches:
Wireless LCD
MultiWii (Customized to send additional status data)

Custom Arduino QuadCopter: First Outdoor Test Flights

I've finally had some opportunities to do some outdoor testing, and this is the first such test with a GoPro camera attached. The quad is running on a stock Arduino Mega2560 board, along with some sensors and a digital transceiver. Details of the build are documented here and in previous posts.

This is the first recorded outdoor test-flight, and it goes pretty well at first with some easy flying. I end up trying to do spins and flying around while forgetting to switch from MAG to HeadFree mode, so lose control at the end.

The ESCs are not sealed well from moisture, so needed to be dried out after the snow landing.

The following video is from a 30,000sq ft indoor fly event hosted by Regina Micro-Flyers at the CU EventPlex April 7, 2013: