Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the drone tuning process work?

At the moment you book an appointment, a unique zoom link (video conferencing software) will be sent to you in the booking confirmation email. Just before the meeting time, you simply click that link to join the face-to-face video meeting.
All meetings are in English only, so you MUST have sufficient english skills or have a translator present
The consultation process involves step-by-step guidance through the PTB tuning method using your drone.
The method involves a set of specialized line-of-sight test flights ('hover tests" and "wobble tests") that will require you to have some line-of-sight skills, and space to perform them (a garage, backyard, large room or a field if needed; see "What's Required" below).
After each test we (1) analyze and interpret blackbox logfile results using PIDtoolbox, (2) we make small, systematic, adjustments to the drone's PID and Filter settings until we have the perfect balance between performance and safety.
There may be a follow-up over direct messaging and sometimes over an additional meeting (at no extra cost) if required.
The client will be able to reschedule an existing meeting if needed.

What is included?

Face-to-face meeting over Zoom, plus direct messaging. The comprehensive options may involve more than one meeting, and may extend longer than the alotted 2h, if needed, at no extra charge.
PID tuning can begin immediately after a booking is made if desired. Clients can be guided over direct message to get a head start on the tuning process. This can leave time during the meeting for fine tuning or questions.
Step-by-step flight firmware set up (Betaflight, Emuflight, INAV, Ardupilot), configuration set up, RX optimization. (NOTE: GPS or RTH functionality is NOT part of the PID / filter tuning process, but I am happy to provide some advice).
Step-by-step walk through how to perform the PIDtoolbox PID tuning method, so there is opportunity to learn a lot about the software and methods.
Detailed blackbox log-file analyses, recommendations, and explanations behind the decisions made at each step.
Opportunity to build PID tuning knowledge, and how to use and interpret PIDtoolbox results.
Troubleshooting issues such as forward flight stability, vibration/oscillation issues, propwash, hot motors, and other common issues. I've solved most issues you will ever encounter.

What's required?

All meetings are in English only. You MUST have sufficient english skills or have a translator present
You will need enough space to hover and move roll and pitch axis around line-of-sight (angle or acro mode is fine). Usually 5-10 meters squared is sufficient. Some people do this in the field by connecting their computer to a smart phone over hotspot.
You will need to connect over Zoom video conferencing software via a computer that also has your configurator installed (Betaflight, Emuflight, INAV).
You will need a functioning mic and web cam to communicate. If the computer is not equipped with a mic or cam, some people connect via a cell phone for voice and video, and simultaneously connect via computer to share flight configurator settings.
You will need to connect over direct messaging because it's where we share logfiles and communicate directly outside the face-to-face meetings. Facebook messenger is easiest for me to keep track of everybody, but I am also on Instagram, and Discord. See 'Connect With Us' links below.