flix

# Usage: build, setup and flight

To fly Flix quadcopter, you need to upload the firmware to the ESP32 board, and set up the drone for flight.

## Uploading the firmware

You can either use the **prebuilt binaries** or **build the firmware** from sources — this will let you modify the firmware and add new features.

### Prebuilt binaries (the easiest way)

1. Download the latest firmware file using the following links:

   <!-- markdownlint-disable MD044 -->
   |Type|Boards|Link|
   |-|-|-|
   |ESP32|DevKit, D1 Mini|[`quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32.merged.bin`](https://quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32.merged.bin)|
   |ESP32-S3|Most S3 based|[`quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32s3.merged.bin`](https://quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32s3.merged.bin)|
   |ESP32-S3 (2MB PSRAM)|S3 Super Mini, S3 Zero (2MB PSRAM)|[`quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32s3.qspi.merged.bin`](https://quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32s3.qspi.merged.bin)|
   |ESP32-S3 (8/16MB PSRAM)|S3 Zero (8MB PSRAM)|[`quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32s3.opi.merged.bin`](https://quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32s3.opi.merged.bin)|
   |ESP32-C3|C3 Super Mini|[`quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32c3.merged.bin`](https://quadcopter.dev/flix.esp32c3.merged.bin)|
   |Flix2|Flix2 board|[`quadcopter.dev/flix.flix2.merged.bin`](https://quadcopter.dev/flix.flix2.merged.bin)|
   <!-- markdownlint-enable MD044 -->

2. Flash your ESP32 board using [ESP32 Web Flasher](https://www.espboards.dev/tools/program/):

   <img src="img/web-flasher.png" width="400">

   * Connect the board to your computer, press *Connect to ESP*, choose the serial port.
   * Go to the *Flash* tab.
   * Choose the downloaded firmware file, set *Flash address* to *0* (important).
   * Click *Program* button and wait until the process is finished.

### Building from sources (flexible)

You can build and upload the firmware using either **Arduino IDE** (easier for beginners) or **command line**.

Get the sources using git:

```bash
git clone https://github.com/okalachev/flix.git && cd flix
```

Beginners can [download the sources as a ZIP archive](https://github.com/okalachev/flix/archive/refs/heads/master.zip).

#### Arduino IDE (Windows, Linux, macOS)

<img src="img/arduino-ide.png" width="400" alt="Flix firmware open in Arduino IDE">

1. Install [Arduino IDE](https://www.arduino.cc/en/software) (version 2 is recommended).
2. *Windows users might need to install [USB to UART bridge driver from Silicon Labs](https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers).*
3. Install ESP32 core, version 3.3.10. See the [official Espressif's instructions](https://docs.espressif.com/projects/arduino-esp32/en/latest/installing.html#installing-using-arduino-ide) on installing ESP32 Core in Arduino IDE.
4. Install the following libraries using [Library Manager](https://docs.arduino.cc/software/ide-v2/tutorials/ide-v2-installing-a-library):
   * `FlixPeriph`, the latest version.
   * `MAVLink`, version 2.0.33.
5. Open the `flix/flix.ino` sketch from downloaded firmware sources in Arduino IDE.
6. Connect your ESP32 board to the computer and choose correct board type in Arduino IDE (*WEMOS D1 MINI ESP32* for ESP32 Mini, *ESP32S3 Dev Module* for ESP32-S3 Super Mini) and the port.
7. Set *Tools* ⇒ *Core Debug Level* to *Error* to see the errors in the serial console.
8. [Build and upload](https://docs.arduino.cc/software/ide-v2/tutorials/getting-started/ide-v2-uploading-a-sketch) the firmware using Arduino IDE.

#### Command line (Windows, Linux, macOS)

1. [Install Arduino CLI](https://arduino.github.io/arduino-cli/installation/).

   On Linux, install it like this:

   ```bash
   curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/arduino/arduino-cli/master/install.sh | BINDIR=~/.local/bin sh
   ```

2. Windows users might need to install [USB to UART bridge driver from Silicon Labs](https://www.silabs.com/developers/usb-to-uart-bridge-vcp-drivers).
3. Compile the firmware using `make`. Arduino dependencies will be installed automatically:

   ```bash
   make
   ```

   You can flash the firmware to the board using command:

   ```bash
   make upload
   ```

   You can also compile the firmware, upload it and start serial port monitoring using command:

   ```bash
   make upload monitor
   ```

   For ESP32-S3/ESP32-C3 boards, set the appropriate [FQBN](https://docs.arduino.cc/arduino-cli/FAQ/#whats-the-fqbn-string) using `BOARD` parameter:

   ```bash
   make BOARD=esp32:esp32:esp32s3 upload
   ```

See other available Make commands in [Makefile](../Makefile).

> [!TIP]
> You can test the firmware on a bare ESP32 board without connecting IMU and other peripherals. The Wi-Fi network `flix` should appear and all the basic functionality including console and QGroundControl connection should work.

## Before first flight

### Connect using QGroundControl

QGroundControl is a ground control station software that can be used to monitor and control the drone.

1. Install mobile or desktop version of [QGroundControl](https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/qgc-user-guide/getting_started/download_and_install.html).
2. Power up the drone.
3. Connect your computer or smartphone to the appeared `flix` Wi-Fi network (password: `flixwifi`).
4. Launch QGroundControl app. It should connect and begin showing the drone's telemetry automatically.

> [!TIP]
> If QGroundControl doesn't connect, try to disable the firewall and/or VPN on your computer, as they may block the connection.

### Access console

The console is a command line interface (CLI) that allows to interact with the drone, change parameters, and perform various actions. There are two ways of accessing the console: using **serial port** or using **QGroundControl (wirelessly)**.

To access the console using serial port:

1. Connect the ESP32 board to the computer using USB cable.
2. Open Serial Monitor in Arduino IDE (or use `make monitor` in the command line).
3. In Arduino IDE, make sure the baudrate is set to 115200.

To access the console using QGroundControl:

1. Connect to the drone using QGroundControl app.
2. Go to the QGroundControl menu ⇒ *Analyze Tools* ⇒ *MAVLink Console*.

<img src="img/cli.png" width="400">

> [!TIP]
> Use `help` command to see the list of available commands.

### Access parameters

The drone is configured using parameters. To access and modify them, go to the QGroundControl menu ⇒ *Vehicle Setup* ⇒ *Parameters*:

<img src="img/parameters.png" width="400">

You can also work with parameters using `p` command in the console. Parameter names are case-insensitive.

### Configure the IMU

1. Configure the following parameters for the IMU:
   * `IMU_MODEL` — IMU model (1 for MPU-9250/MPU-6500, 2 for ICM-20948, 3 for MPU-6050, 4 for ICM-40609-D).
   * `IMU_BUS` — communication bus (0 for SPI, 1 for I²C).
   * `IMU_PIN_SCK`, `IMU_PIN_MISO`, `IMU_PIN_MOSI`, `IMU_PIN_CS` — SPI pin numbers.
   * `IMU_PIN_SCL`, `IMU_PIN_SDA` — I²C pin numbers.
   * `IMU_PIN_INT` — IMU data ready pin number (-1 if not used).
2. Reboot the drone.
3. Check the IMU is working using `imu` command in the console (should print `status: OK`).

### Define IMU orientation

The IMU orientation (relative to the drone's axes) is defined using the parameters: `IMU_ROT_ROLL`, `IMU_ROT_PITCH`, and `IMU_ROT_YAW`.

The drone has *X* axis pointing forward, *Y* axis pointing left, and *Z* axis pointing up, and the supported IMU boards have *X* axis pointing to the mounting holes side and *Z* axis pointing up from the component side:

<img src="img/imu-axes.png" width="200">

Use the following table to set the parameters for common IMU orientations:

|Orientation|Parameters|Orientation|Parameters|
|:-:|-|-|-|
|<img src="img/imu-rot-3.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = 0    |<img src="img/imu-rot-7.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 3.142<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = 0|
|<img src="img/imu-rot-2.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = -1.571|<img src="img/imu-rot-6.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 3.142<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = -1.571|
|<img src="img/imu-rot-1.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = 3.142|<img src="img/imu-rot-5.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 3.142<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = 3.142|
|<img src="img/imu-rot-4.png" width="180"><br>☑️ **Default**|<br>`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = 1.571|<img src="img/imu-rot-8.png" width="180">|`IMU_ROT_ROLL` = 3.142<br>`IMU_ROT_PITCH` = 0<br>`IMU_ROT_YAW` = 1.571|

### Calibrate accelerometer

Before flight you need to calibrate the accelerometer:

1. Access the console using QGroundControl (recommended) or Serial Monitor.
2. Type `ca` command there and follow the instructions.

### Setup motors

If using non-default motor pins, set the pin numbers using the parameters: `MOTOR_PIN_FL`, `MOTOR_PIN_FR`, `MOTOR_PIN_RL`, `MOTOR_PIN_RR` (front-left, front-right, rear-left, rear-right respectively).

#### Brushless motors

If using brushless motors with ESCs:

1. Set the appropriate PWM using the parameters: `MOT_PWM_STOP`, `MOT_PWM_MIN`, and `MOT_PWM_MAX` (1000, 1000, and 2000 is typical).
2. Decrease the PWM frequency using the `MOT_PWM_FREQ` parameter (400 is typical).

> [!CAUTION]
> **Remove the props when configuring the motors!** If improperly configured, you may not be able to stop them.

### Battery voltage monitoring (optional)

ESP32 ADC can measure only up to 3.3 V, so you need to use a voltage divider to monitor the battery voltage. To enable voltage measurement, set the following parameters:

1. `PWR_VOLT_PIN` — GPIO pin number where the voltage divider is connected (*-1* to disable).
2. `PWR_VOLT_SCALE` — voltage divider coefficient (*2* for two equal resistors).

After this setup, you should see the battery voltage in QGroundControl top panel or using `pw` command in the console.

### Important: check everything works

1. Check the IMU is working: perform `imu` command in the console and check the output:

   * The `status` field should be `OK`.
   * The `rate` field should be about 1000 (Hz).
   * The `accel` and `gyro` fields should change as you move the drone.
   * The `accel bias` and `accel scale` fields should contain calibration parameters (not zeros and ones).
   * The `gyro bias` field should contain estimated gyro bias (not zeros).
   * The `landed` field should be `1` when the drone is still on the ground and `0` when you lift it up.

2. Check the attitude estimation: connect to the drone using QGroundControl, rotate the drone in different orientations and check if the attitude estimation shown in QGroundControl is correct. Compare your attitude indicator (in the *large vertical* mode) to the video:

   <a href="https://youtu.be/yVRN23-GISU"><img width=300 src="https://quadcopter.dev/video/yVRN23-GISU.svg"></a>

3. Perform motor tests. Use the following commands **— remove the propellers before running the tests!**

   * `mfr` — rotate front right motor (counter-clockwise).
   * `mfl` — rotate front left motor (clockwise).
   * `mrl` — rotate rear left motor (counter-clockwise).
   * `mrr` — rotate rear right motor (clockwise).

   Make sure rotation directions and propeller types match the following diagram:

   <img src="img/motors.svg" width=200>

> [!WARNING]
> Never run the motors when powering the drone from USB, always use the battery for that.

## Setup remote control

There are several ways to control the drone's flight: using **smartphone** (Wi-Fi), using **SBUS remote control**, or using **USB remote control** (Wi-Fi/ESP-NOW).

### Control with a smartphone

#### Using Mavlink Joystick app (Android)

<img src="https://github.com/goldarte/mavlink-joystick/blob/master/app_screen.png?raw=true" width="400">

1. Download and install [Mavlink Joystick app](https://github.com/goldarte/mavlink-joystick/releases/latest).
2. Power the drone using the battery.
3. Connect your smartphone to the appeared `flix` Wi-Fi network (password: `flixwifi`).
4. Open Mavlink Joystick app. It should connect and begin showing the drone's telemetry automatically.
5. Use the virtual joystick to fly the drone!

#### Using QGroundControl app

1. Install [QGroundControl mobile app](https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/qgc-user-guide/getting_started/download_and_install.html#android) on your smartphone.
2. Power the drone using the battery.
3. Connect your smartphone to the appeared `flix` Wi-Fi network (password: `flixwifi`).
4. Open QGroundControl app. It should connect and begin showing the drone's telemetry automatically.
5. Go to the settings and enable *Virtual Joystick*. *Auto-Center Throttle* setting **should be disabled**.
6. Use the virtual joystick to fly the drone!

> [!TIP]
> Decrease `CTL_ATT_MAX` parameter when flying using the smartphone to make the controls less sensitive.

### Control with a remote control

If using SBUS-connected remote control you need to enable SBUS and calibrate it:

1. Connect to the drone using QGroundControl.
2. In parameters, set the `RC_RX_PIN` parameter to the GPIO pin number where the SBUS signal is connected, for example: 4. Negative value disables SBUS.
3. Check if the receiver is working using `rc` command in the console.
4. Open the console, type `cr` command and follow the instructions to calibrate the remote control.
5. Use the remote control to fly the drone!

### Control with a USB remote control

If your drone doesn't have RC receiver installed, you can use USB remote control and QGroundControl app to fly it.

1. Install [QGroundControl](https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/qgc-user-guide/getting_started/download_and_install.html) app on your computer.
2. Connect your USB remote control to the computer.
3. Power up the drone.
4. Connect your computer to the appeared `flix` Wi-Fi network (password: `flixwifi`).
5. Launch QGroundControl app. It should connect and begin showing the drone's telemetry automatically.
6. Go to the QGroundControl menu ⇒ *Vehicle Setup* ⇒ *Joystick*. Calibrate your USB remote control there.
7. Use the USB remote control to fly the drone!

## Flight

For both virtual sticks and a physical joystick, the default control scheme is left stick for throttle and yaw and right stick for pitch and roll:

<img src="img/controls.svg" width="300">

### Arming and disarming

To start the motors, you should **arm** the drone. To do that, move the left stick to the bottom right corner:

<img src="img/arming.svg" width="150">

After that, the motors **will start spinning** at low speed, indicating that the drone is armed and ready to fly.

When finished flying, **disarm** the drone, moving the left stick to the bottom left corner:

<img src="img/disarming.svg" width="150">

> [!NOTE]
> If something goes wrong, go to the [Troubleshooting](troubleshooting.md) article.

### Flight modes

Flight mode is changed using mode switch on the remote control (if configured) or using the console commands. The main flight mode is *STAB*. In order to change modes using SBUS remote control, set the parameters: `CTL_FLT_MODE_0`, `CTL_FLT_MODE_1`, and `CTL_FLT_MODE_2` to required mode numbers (0 for *RAW*, 1 for *ACRO*, 2 for *STAB*, 3 for *AUTO*).

#### STAB

In this mode, the drone stabilizes its attitude (orientation). The left stick controls throttle and yaw rate, the right stick controls pitch and roll angles.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> The drone doesn't stabilize its position, so slight drift is possible. The pilot should compensate it manually.

#### ACRO

In this mode, the pilot controls the angular rates. This control method is difficult to fly and mostly used in FPV racing.

#### RAW

*RAW* mode disables all the stabilization, and the pilot inputs are mixed directly to the motors. The IMU sensor is not involved. This mode is intended for testing and demonstration purposes only, and basically the drone **cannot fly in this mode**.

#### AUTO

In this mode, the pilot inputs are ignored (except the mode switch). The drone can be controlled using [pyflix](../tools/pyflix/) Python library, or by modifying the firmware to implement the needed behavior.

If the pilot moves the control sticks and mode switch is not configured, the drone will switch back to *STAB* mode.

## Wi-Fi configuration

You can configure the Wi-Fi using parameters and console commands.

The Wi-Fi mode is chosen using `WIFI_MODE` parameter in QGroundControl or in the console:

* `0` — Wi-Fi is disabled.
* `1` — Access Point mode *(AP)* — the drone creates a Wi-Fi network.
* `2` — Client mode *(STA)* — the drone connects to an existing Wi-Fi network (may cause additional delays, so generally not recommended).
* `3` — ESP-NOW mode — the drone uses ESP-NOW protocol for communication.

The SSID and password are configured using the `ap` and `sta` console commands:

```
ap <ssid> <password>
sta <ssid> <password>
```

Example of configuring the Access Point mode:

```
ap my-flix-ssid mypassword123
p WIFI_MODE 1
```

Disabling Wi-Fi:

```
p WIFI_MODE 0
```

### Using ESP-NOW

[ESP-NOW](https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-idf/en/stable/esp32/api-reference/network/esp_now.html) is a low level wireless communication protocol. It can provide lower latency, better reliability, and longer range than Wi-Fi. However, it requires a second ESP32 board to be used as a proxy for the computer.

<img src="img/espnow-connection.jpg" width="600">

To setup ESP-NOW communication:

1. Flash the second ESP32 board with ESP-NOW proxy sketch: [`tools/espnow-proxy/espnow-proxy.ino`](../tools/espnow-proxy/espnow-proxy.ino). Use Arduino IDE or command line: `make upload_proxy`.

2. Open Serial Monitor in Arduino IDE or use `make monitor` command. The ESP32 will print its MAC address and generated encryption key, for example:

   ```
   espnow 7a:c8:e3:eb:bf:e9 &PiuSysxP9+$L&5E
   ```

   Run this line as a console command on each drone you want to bind to this proxy board. [The maximum number](https://github.com/espressif/esp-idf/blob/e95cab4be8fd293e3f3323181e7a2280874da6f7/components/esp_wifi/include/esp_now.h#L32-L33) of simultaneously connected drones is 20 (unencrypted) or 6 (encrypted).

3. Set the `WIFI_MODE` parameter to `3` on the drone:

   ```
   p WIFI_MODE 3
   ```

4. Go to the QGroundControl menu ⇒ *Application Settings* ⇒ *Comm Links*, add new link with the following settings:
   * Name: ESP32.
   * Type: Serial.
   * Serial Port: choose the port of the proxy ESP32 board, e. g. `/dev/cu.usbserial-0001`.
   * Baud Rate: 115200.
5. Click *Save*, click *Connect*. QGroundControl should connect to the drone using ESP-NOW and begin showing the telemetry.

> [!TIP]
> Make sure Arduino IDE is not running when using ESP-NOW proxy board, as it may block the serial port.

## Flight log

After the flight, you can download the flight log wirelessly for analysis. Use the following command on your computer for that:

```bash
make log
```

See more details about log analysis in the [log analysis](log.md) article.