Quick start guide
Do you need this software at all?
![When to use ArduPilot Methodic Configurator](/MethodicConfigurator/images/when_to_use_amc.png)
1. Quick overview of the entire process
To methodically build, configure and tune ArduPilot vehicles follow this sequence of steps:
1.1 Select the vehicle components
1.2 Install Software
The software needs this information to automatically pre-select configuration settings relevant to your specific vehicle
IMU temperature calibration reduces the probability of Accel inconsistent and Gyro inconsistent errors and reduces the time required to arm the vehicle.
IMU temperature calibration requires lowering the temperature of the autopilot (flight controller) to circa -20°C.
That is harder to do once the autopilot is assembled inside the vehicle, hence it is done now.
1.5 Assemble all components except the propellers
Assemble and connect all components. Make sure you follow best practices
1.6 Basic mandatory configuration
Again using the ArduPilot Methodic configurator software GUI perform the following steps:
Now use Mission Planner to do:
And continue with the ArduPilot Methodic configurator software GUI:
Now that all mandatory configuration steps are done you can perform the first flight
1.8 Minimalistic mandatory tuning
These are the very minimum tuning steps required for a stable flight:
That is it, if you are impatient and do not want an optimized vehicle you can skip to everyday use.
1.9 Standard tuning (optional)
These are the standard tuning steps required for an optimized flight:
Now the standard tuning is complete you can skip to everyday use
1.10 Improve altitude under windy conditions (optional)
1.11 System identification for analytical PID optimization (optional)
1.12 Position controller tuning (optional)
1.13 Everyday use
Now that tuning and configuration are done, some logging and tests can be disabled and some more safety features enabled:
Enjoy your properly configured vehicle.
The following sections describe each step of the procedure in more detail.
2. Install ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software on a PC or Mac
- Download and install ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software.
![AMC install 01](/MethodicConfigurator/images/AMC_install_01.png)
![AMC install 02](/MethodicConfigurator/images/AMC_install_02.png)
![AMC install 03](/MethodicConfigurator/images/AMC_install_03.png)
![AMC install 04](/MethodicConfigurator/images/AMC_install_04.png)
![AMC install 05](/MethodicConfigurator/images/AMC_install_05.png)
3. Install Mission Planner software on a PC or Mac
- Download and install Mission Planner.
- Make sure to install all the recommended device drivers when asked to.
4. Install ArduPilot firmware on the flight controller
- Connect the flight controller to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open Mission Planner software.
- Go to SETUP > Install Firmware select your vehicle type and install version 4.3.8 or newer of the ArduPilot firmware onto the flight controller.
![Install ArduPilot firmware](/MethodicConfigurator/images/MissionPlanne_install_firmware.png)
- Wait until the firmware download is complete.
- Disconnect the USB cable from the flight controller.
5. Use the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software for the first time
- Connect the flight controller to the computer using a USB cable.
- Wait at least 7 seconds.
- Open the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software.
- The software should now automatically detect and connect to your flight controller.
![AMC FC info and parameter download](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_FC_info_and_param_download.png)
- Select the vehicle template that better resembles your vehicle.
![AMC template selection2](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_Vehicle_overview.png)
- Give a name to your vehicle.
![AMC new vehicle name](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_Vehicle_directory2.png)
- Press Create vehicle configuration from template.
![AMC new vehicle create](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_Vehicle_directory3.png)
- Edit all the components of your vehicle to match your own in the Vehicle Component Editor window.
![AMC component editor](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_Component_Editor.png)
- Press Save data and start configuration.
- The application will validate your input.
If issues are found the problematic fields’ background will be marked in red color.
Correct those entries and press the
Save data and start configuration
button again.
- You should now see the Parameter file editor and uploader window.
![AMC parameter file editor and uploader](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot2.png)
If something is not clear, read the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator user manual
The following simple loop is presented as welcome instructions:
![AMC welcome instructions](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_instructions.png)
Now do this in a loop until the software automatically closes or you are asked to close the software:
- Read all the documentation links displayed at the top of the GUI (marked with the big red number 4),
- Edit the parameter’s New value and Reason changed fields to match your vehicle (marked with the big red number 5),
- The Reason changed field is extremely important because:
- if forces you to think, causing rational decisions instead of impulsive ones
- justifies your decisions on a vehicle certification process required in most countries
- allows for someone else to see if you know what you are doing
- allows for someone else (or yourself after a few weeks) to understand your rationale
- Press Del and/or Add buttons to delete or add parameters respectively (marked with the big red number 5),
- Press Upload selected params to FC, and advance to next param file (marked with the big red number 7),
- Repeat from the top until the program automatically closes.
7. Use the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software after having created a vehicle from a template
- Connect the flight controller to the computer using a USB cable.
- Wait at least 7 seconds.
- Open the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software.
- The software should now automatically detect and connect to your flight controller.
![AMC FC info and parameter download](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_FC_info_and_param_download.png)
- Open the vehicle configuration directory that you created in the Use the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator software for the first time.
double-click and step inside the directory that you want to use, not just select it
- Edit all the components of your vehicle to match your own.
![AMC component editor](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot_Component_Editor.png)
- Press Save data and start configuration.
- You should now see the Parameter file editor and uploader window.
![AMC parameter file editor and uploader](/MethodicConfigurator/images/App_screenshot2.png)
- Proceed as explained in Section 6
Congratulations your flight controller is now fully configured in the safest and fastest way publicly known.
There is also documentation on other use cases.