QGroundControl Setup
QGroundControl (QGC) is the recommended ground station application for configuring and operating the 305ap.
Connecting
Connect the board via USB. QGC will detect it automatically and show a green connected indicator in the toolbar. If it does not connect:
- Ensure firmware is flashed (see Flashing)
- Check that the USB cable supports data (not charge-only)
- On Linux, add your user to the
dialoutgroup:sudo usermod -aG dialout $USER
Vehicle Setup Wizard
After connecting for the first time, complete the setup wizard in order:
1. Airframe
Select your vehicle type and the closest matching airframe. For a custom build, choose the generic frame for your vehicle type (e.g. Generic Quadcopter X for a quad).
Reboot after changing airframe. This resets PID gains and mixer to defaults for that frame.
2. Sensors
Calibrate all sensors before flying. Follow the on-screen instructions:
| Calibration | Notes |
|---|---|
| Accelerometer | Hold the board in each of 6 orientations as prompted |
| Gyroscope | Keep the board completely still on a flat surface |
| Compass | Rotate the board in all axes as prompted |
| Level Horizon | Place the board level, then calibrate |
Both IMU slots are mounted flat on the top of the board with the same orientation, regardless of which part is populated (LSM6DSV or ICM-45686). No rotation offset is needed if the board is mounted flat and forward-facing. Forward is the edge with the power connector; the SD card is at the rear.
3. Radio
With your RC receiver connected and bound to your transmitter:
- Click Calibrate and follow the prompts
- Move all sticks and switches to their extremes
- Confirm channel assignments (throttle, roll, pitch, yaw)
4. Flight Modes
Assign your transmitter switches to flight modes. At minimum configure:
- Manual / Stabilized for direct control
- Position for GPS-assisted flight (requires GPS lock)
- Return for RTL failsafe
5. Power
Configure battery monitoring:
| Parameter | Value for 305ap |
|---|---|
| Number of cells | Match your battery |
| Full voltage (per cell) | 4.20 V (LiPo) |
| Empty voltage (per cell) | 3.50 V (LiPo) |
| Voltage divider | Calibrate against a multimeter reading |
| Amps per volt | 11 × your current sensor's A/V (the input has a 1/11 divider; see ESC Configuration) |
The 305ap requires an external current sensor. If no sensor is connected, current and consumed mAh will not be reported.
Key Parameters
Access parameters via Vehicle Setup → Parameters. Useful ones to know:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
MAV_0_CONFIG | Port for MAVLink instance 0 (Telem 1 by default) |
MAV_1_CONFIG | Port for MAVLink instance 1 (off by default; e.g. Telem 2) |
MAV_0_FLOW_CTRL | Hardware flow control for MAVLink instance 0 |
COM_SAFETY_MODE | Safety switch behavior; the default (always off) is correct for the 305ap, which has no safety switch |
EKF2_MAG_TYPE | Magnetometer fusion mode |
PWM_MAIN_TIM0–TIM3 | Output protocol (DShot, PWM) per timer group |