Radio Setup
The current code of AutoQuad will enable the use of Spektrum satellite(s), S-bus receivers , PPM, SUMD and M-Link radios. With Spektrum you can attach one (1) satellite on the main board but if you need extra long range or diversity you can use a Spektrum diversity board that will enable the use up to 4 satellites. The AQ M4 also has a Spektrum-compatible receiver on-board.
Read more about radio connection specifics for AutoQuad 6 or AQ M4.
Setting the receiver type will be done in the ground control station. For that you need to connect the AutoQuad + FTDI to the computer.
- RC1: Primary radio type on RC port 1.
- For AQ6 this is the main external receiver port (white 3-pin connector) for Spektrum, SBus, SUMD, and MLink), or Motor Port 14 for PPM input.
- For AQ M4, this is the built-in radio port (Spektrum or Deltang).
- RC2: Radio type on RC port 2.
- For AQ6 this can be Motor Port 14, for PPM input only.
- For AQ M4, this is the external radio connection for Spektrum, SBus, SUMD, MLink, or PPM.
Select the correct interface and click ‘Save Settings to AQ’. You need to restart the AutoQuad flight controller after setting a new radio interface.
Adjust your radio with subtrim and travel functions to achieve -700 / 0 / +700 for each channel.
Throttle needs to travel 0/700/1400 where 700 is the exact center of the throttle stick. See below for details.
Multiple-radios modes
If you have both radio ports (RC1 and RC2) configured with a radio type, another option will appear to specify how you wish to use the multiple radios. The two operating modes available are:
- Diversity — The receiver with the highest signal quality level is used. This is the default.
- Split Control – RC1 is used for channels 1-18, and RC2 is used for channels 19-36. This could be useful for custom firmware implementations or future releases.
Available radio types
You can select several Spektrum DSM2/DSMX compatible radios, Futaba S-bus, SUMD, (C)PPM and M-Link (Multiplex).
- Spektrum 11 bit (for sats bound to receivers >= AR8000)
- Spektrum 10 bit (for sats bound to receivers < AR8000 e.g. Spektrum DX7, DX6)
- Using Spektrum SRXL-bus instead of a simple Spektrum Sat RX
- Futaba S-bus (needs signal inverter) How to use FrSky X4R S.Bus without inverter
- (C)PPM, FrSky, Hitec, Futaba and others via multiprotocol receivers (uses the motor channel #14).
- Check our FrSky Notes page if using their products.
- M-Link (Multiplex)
- SUMD (SUMO) for Graupner HOTT radios. Details can be found here.
Channel values
Here are the approximate values one should see in the radio output section of the AQ ground station software Radio Values screen:
Throttle (Ch1) => approx 0/+1400 Roll (Ch2) => approx -700/+700 Pitch (Ch3) => approx -700/+700 Yaw (Ch4) => approx -700/+700 GEAR (Ch5, 2-position switch, e.g. cam-trigger or landing gear) => any high/low position FLAPS (Ch6, 3-position switch, flight modes) => approx -350/0/+350 AUX2 (Ch7, 3-position switch, home action) => approx -350/0/+350 AUX3 (Ch8, dial knob, e.g.gimbal tilt, passthrough) => any position
Radio Channel Mapping
Just click on the number next to the channel name and enter the radio channel you want. As always use the Save Settings to AQ button for transmitting and storing the setting into AutoQuad’s flash. Reset the AutoQuad after saving.
Flight Radio Switches
Read more about possible uses of your Radio Switches
Throttle Factor
Get more info on how to adust the Throttle Factor
Check your Pitch Stick
The Pitch channel often needs to be reversed. In QGC pitch stick forward (nose down) is negative pitch and therefor the bar graph goes to the left. So if you pull the pitch stick (positive pitch) the graph has to go to the right.