Using STorM32 with ArduPilot: Difference between revisions

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''The information on this page refers to firmware v2.52 and BetaPilot 4.0 v0.48, and higher.''
''The information on this page refers to firmware v2.64e, and higher.''


The STorM32 gimbal controller can communicate with an [http://ardupilot.org/ardupilot/index.html ArduPilot] flight controller via a serial UART data line. The serial communication allows for a much richer data transmission and accordingly richer set of features than possible with the traditional PWM connections. Examples are advanced control functions, the [[STorM32-Link]] or the [[NT Camera]] features. It also can lead to a much cleaner wiring.
The STorM32 gimbal controller can communicate with an [http://ardupilot.org/ardupilot/index.html ArduPilot] flight controller via a serial UART data link. The serial communication allows for a much richer data transmission and accordingly richer set of features than possible with the traditional connections such as PWM, PPM, SBUS, CRSF, and alike.


If you just need the range of functionality possible with the standard tilt & pan control, then you don't need anything of the following, and you may stop reading. Some of the more basic features discussed below can also be accomplished by workarounds. Decide yourself which approach fits your needs best. :)
If you only need the range of functionality possible with the conventional tilt & pan control, then you may not need anything of the following. Some of the basic features can also be accomplished in traditional ways. Decide yourself which approach fits your needs best. :)
 
If you want to make best use of your STorM32 gimbal and want 2020-ish capabilities, then you may want to chose [https://github.com/olliw42/BetaPilot BetaPilot] (BetaCopter/BetaPlane). This fork of ArduPilot is specifically designed for the STorM32 gimbal controller, and provides the best range of functions. For details see [[Using STorM32 with BetaPilot]].


<div class="toclimit-3">__TOC__</div>
<div class="toclimit-3">__TOC__</div>
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== STorM32 - ArduPilot Support ==
== STorM32 - ArduPilot Support ==


ArduPilot offers two mount types, which can be used with the STorM32 controller, the '''''SToRM32 MAVLink''''' (MNT_TYPE = 4) and '''''SToRM32 Serial''''' (MNT_TYPE = 5) mounts. For further details please visit [http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-storm32-gimbal.html#common-storm32-gimbal| ArduPilot Docs > Copter > Optional Hardware > Camera&Gimbals > SToRM32 Gimbal Controller].
'''''ArduPilot''''' offers three mount types, which can in principle be used with the STorM32 controller:


{{COMMENT|Unfortunately, ArduPilot's gimbal support is partially flawed. That is, many features you will find to work great, but some you will find to not work well. STorM32 can't do anything about it, it's ArduPilot. Please also note that the STorM32 firmware author is not responsible for the implementation of ArduPilot's mount types.}}
* '''''SToRM32 MAVLink''''': MNTx_TYPE = 4
* '''''SToRM32 Serial''''': MNTx_TYPE = 5
* '''''Greemsy''''': MNTx_TYPE = 6


The '''''BetaPilot''''' fork of ArduPilot additionally offers the '''''STorM32 MAVLink2''''' (MNT_TYPE = 83) mount type, which provides the best range of functions.  
For further details on the first two mounts, and instructions on how to use them, please visit [http://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-storm32-gimbal.html#common-storm32-gimbal| ArduPilot Docs > Copter > Optional Hardware > Camera&Gimbals > SToRM32 Gimbal Controller].


A comparison of the different techniques to connect the STorM32 controller with the flight controller is given in the following feature matrix:
The ''SToRM32 Serial'' mount (MNTx_TYPE = 5) does not work with v2.xx firmwares, and should not be considered except for legacy I2C setups running v0.9x firmware.


=== Feature Matrix ===
The ''Greemsy'' mount (MNTx_TYPE = 6) is MAVLink based, and thus can in principle be used with STorM32. This mount in fact exploits the 'new' gimbal messages of the [https://mavlink.io/en/services/gimbal_v2.html gimbal protocol v2], and would offer some real benefits. However, it unfortuntaley violates and breaks the MAVLink standard in various respects, and interoperability with STorM32 is thus mixed.
(to the best of the authors knowledge)
 
The ''SToRM32 MAVLink'' mount (MNTx_TYPE = 4) currently appears to work best with STorM32 in the sense that it produces the least issues, but it is quite limited in its functionality.
 
For both the ''SToRM32 MAVLink'' (MNTx_TYPE = 4) and ''Greemsy'' (MNTx_TYPE = 6) mounts, it is not fully clear what works and what does not work at the time of writing, but the ''SToRM32 MAVLink'' mount (MNTx_TYPE = 4) should work fine with respect to controlling a STorM32 gimbal.
 
'''''Disclaimer''': ArduPilot's gimbal support is a constant source of issues, in terms of incompatibilities with the official MAVLink standard and/or flaws, and the details can quite vary with the ArduPilot firmware version. Also the ArduPilot documentation can be out-of-date. Please note that STorM32 can't do anything about this, it's ArduPilot, and please also note that the STorM32 firmware author is neither responsible for the implementation of ArduPilot's mount types nor for ArduPilot's documentation.''
 
== Virtual Channel Configuration ==
 
ArduPilot does not emit the RC_CHANNELS MAVLink message by default, which could be desired for taking advantage of the STorM32's virtual channel feature.
 
It can be activated in the flight controller by setting the SRx_RC_CHAN parameter to a non-zero value, where 'x' refers to the stream associated to the serial port which is used for the MAVLink communication with the STorM32 controller.
 
For more details on the feature see [[Using_STorM32_with_BetaPilot#Virtual_Channel_Configuration|Virtual Channel Configuration]].
<!--
== Feature Matrix ==
(for ArduPilot 4.2)(the status for ArduPilot 4.3 is presently unclear)(all to the best of the authors knowledge)
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
!Feature
!Feature
!PWM
!Traditional<br>PWM, PPM, SBUS, ...
!SToRM32 MAVLink<br>(MNT_TYPE = 4)
!SToRM32 MAVLink<br>(MNT_TYPE = 4)
!SToRM32 Serial<br>(MNT_TYPE = 5)
!SToRM32 Serial<br>(MNT_TYPE = 5)
!BetaPilot /<br> STorM32 MAVLink2<br>(MNT_TYPE = 83)
!BetaPilot<br> STorM32 MAVLink2<br>(MNT_TYPE = 83)
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Gimbal Angle Control || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(?)</sup> || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | Gimbal Angle Control || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(?)</sup> || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
Line 38: Line 58:
| style="text-align:left;" | Solo Smart Shots || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(3)|| - || - || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(3)</sup>  
| style="text-align:left;" | Solo Smart Shots || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(3)|| - || - || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(3)</sup>  
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Camera Manager in QGC || - || style="background-color: #d2f8d2;"| x <sup>(4)</sup> || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | Camera Manager in QGC || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Parameters || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Parameters || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
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| style="text-align:left;" | Video Control in Missions || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | Video Control in Missions || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | 360° Gimbal with Free Look || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | 360° Gimbal with Free Look || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32 Functions || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32 Functions || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32 Scripts || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32 Scripts || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32-Link: Horizon Drift Comp. || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x <sup></sup>
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32-Link: Horizon Drift Comp. || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x <sup></sup>
Line 54: Line 74:
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32-Link: Yaw Drift Comp. || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x <sup></sup>
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32-Link: Yaw Drift Comp. || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x <sup></sup>
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Passthrough Configuration || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Passthrough Configuration || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Camera Micro Service || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Camera Microservice || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Advanced Features || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Advanced Features || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
Line 62: Line 82:
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Statustext messages || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | MAVLink Statustext messages || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32 Gimbal Protocol v2 || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | STorM32 Gimbal Protocol || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
|-
|-
| style="text-align:left;" | Prearm Checks || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
| style="text-align:left;" | Prearm Checks || - || - || - || style="background-color: lightgreen;"| x
Line 74: Line 94:


(3) Only up to ArduCopter 3.6. ArduCopter 4.0 has introduced two bugs which the STorM32 controller cannot work around.
(3) Only up to ArduCopter 3.6. ArduCopter 4.0 has introduced two bugs which the STorM32 controller cannot work around.
 
-->
(4) Only basic features.
 
{{COMMENT|Note that some of the listed features only need BetaPilot but do not require that also the STorM32 MAVLink2 mount (MNT_TYPE 83) is enabled; this is so since they are standard MAVLink.}}
 
== BetaPilot ==
 
BetaPilot, which includes BetaCopter and BetaPlane, is a fork of ArduPilot, with modifications which are largely directed at the STorM32 gimbal controller. If you want to make best use of your STorM32 gimbal and want 2020-ish capabilities, then you definitely want to chose BetaPilot (BetaCopter/BetaPlane). :)
 
In order to establish a working communication between the STorM32 controller and the flight controller, parameters in both the flight controller and the STorM32 controller need to be adjusted, as described in the following.
 
The BetaPilot fork implements the latest MAVLink standard as well as the '''''STorM32 MAVLink2''''' mount type (MNT_TYPE = 83), which make the following features possible.
 
{{COMMENT|Before using BetaPilot (BetaCopter/BetaPlane) it is '''strongly''' recommended to first install the original ArduPilot firmware and get the vehicle operating flawlessly with it, and only then to install BetaPilot.}}
<!--The latest versions of BetaCopter and the STorM32 firmware can be downloaded from here: [[Downloads]].-->
 
{{COMMENT|For instructions on how to compile BetaCopter or BetaPlane, please consult the github repository, https://github.com/olliw42/BetaPilot.}}
 
=== STorM32 MAVLink2 ===
----
 
The STorM32 controller needs to be connected via one of its UART ports to one of the UART ports on the flight controller, and these settings be made:
 
'''''Settings in STorM32:'''''
* {{PARAMNAME|Mavlink Gimbal}} = {{PARAMVALUE|Gimbal1}} or higher
* {{PARAMNAME|Mavlink Gimbal Stream}} = {{PARAMVALUE|attitude status}} or higher
* {{PARAMNAME|Mavlink Uart Port}} = {{PARAMVALUE|uart}} if the UART port is used (this is the default)
 
The other settings can normally be left at their default. The STorM32 controller needs to be rebooted when you change the UART port. A complete description of the configuration parameters is provided in the article [[MAVLink Communication]].
 
'''''Settings in BetaPilot:'''''
* MNT_TYPE = 83
* SERIALx_PROTOCOL = 2
* SERIALx_BAUD = 115
 
SERIALx can be any of the available serial ports SERIAL1, SERIAL2, and so on. This enables the '''''STorM32 MAVLink2''''' mount. The flight controller must be rebooted for the changes to become effective.
 
With these settings you should notice:
 
* In MissonPlanner or any other GCS, a additional MAVLink component named GIMBAL will be present.
* In the STorM32 {{GUI|Dashboard}}, the MAVLINK field will show PRESENT.
* In the STorM32{{GUI|Dashboard}}, the STorM32-Link field will show PRESENT or a similarly positive message.
 
This provides some quick indicators for whether things are working or not.
 
The above settings provide a basic configurations. Some features need additional parameters to be adjusted.
 
{{COMMENT|The default baudrate for the STorM32 serial ports is 115200 bps, hence in ArduPilot SERIALx_BAUD has to be set to 115. However, other baudrates can be configured; e.g., for 230400 bps one sets the STorM32 parameter {{PARAMNAME|Uart Baudrate}} to {{PARAMVALUE|230400}} and the ArduPilot parameter SERIALx_BAUD to 230.}}
 
==== STorM32 via UAVCAN ====
----
 
The STorM32 controller can also be connected via CAN bus to the ArduPilot flight controller (see [[CAN_Bus_Communication#UAVCAN|UAVCAN]]).
 
{{#ev:youtube|Sw24wAIoemA|360}}
 
=== STorM32-Link ===
----
 
Requires this additional setting:
 
'''''Settings in STorM32:'''''
* {{PARAMNAME|STorM32Link Configuration}} = {{PARAMVALUE|v1}}
 
With MNT_TYPE = 83, the flight controller also sends out the STorM32-Link data to the STorM32 gimbal, but these data are used by the STorM32 controller only when {{PARAMNAME|STorM32Link Configuration}} = {{PARAMVALUE|v1}} is also set.
 
{{COMMENT|This setting does not affect the message shown in the {{GUI|Dashboard}} STorM32-Link field! The message shown there, such as 'not available', PRESENT, INUSE, OK, reflects the incoming data stream, not its usage.}}
 
For more details on the STorM32-Link, please read the article [[STorM32-Link]].
 
{{#ev:youtube|z03PkDf0R-0|360}}
 
=== Virtual Channel Configuration ===
----
 
Requires this additional setting:
 
'''''Settings in STorM32:'''''
* {{PARAMNAME|Virtual Channel Configuration}} = {{PARAMVALUE|serial}}
 
With this setting, all STorM32 [[Inputs and Functions|functions]] can be invoked by selecting any of the {{PARAMVALUE|Virtual-1}} - {{PARAMVALUE|Virtual-16}} input channels, exactly as one would do it if the STorM32 controller would be directly connected to a receiver by traditional means (PWM, PPM, sbus, and so on).
 
This allows us to do many useful things, such as activating a script or triggering video on/off from the transmitter. It however also allows us to do nonsense, and it is in the user's responsibility to avoid that. For instance, if ArduPilot is in Rc Targeting mode, and e.g. {{PARAMNAME|Rc Pitch Control}} is set to a virtual input channel, then the gimbal may move in funny ways since it may receive the transmitter stick information from both ArduPilot and the receiver. On the other hand, if ArduPilot is in GPS or ROI Targeting mode, then one gets "free look", which is useful and quite cool actually. As said, all this is exactly as if the receiver would be directly connected to the STorM32 controller on its RC ports.
 
=== Passthrough Configuration ===
----
 
This feature allows you to connect the STorM32 GUI to the USB or any (MAVLink enabled) serial port of the flight controller, and to directly communicate with the STorM32 gimbal.
 
This is extremely convenient for configuring STorM32 gimbals when they are e.g. installed permanently in the vehicle. This also works via a wireless telemetry link, and thus opens the option of e.g. tuning the gimbal during flight, and further unheard of possibilities for controlling the gimbal during flight.
 
This preliminary demo video demonstrates the pass-through feature:
 
{|
|width=370|{{#ev:youtube|FRyZ7VZ5lvY|360}}
|}
 
=== Prearm Checks ===
----
 
Requires this additional setting:
 
'''''Settings in STorM32:'''''
* {{PARAMNAME|Prearm Check}} != {{PARAMVALUE|off}}
 
'''''Settings in BetaPilot:'''''
* MNT_ZFLAGS = 128 (this is a bitmask, so 128 means that the 8-th bit should be set by adding 128 to the value)
 
The STorM32 controller supports a rich set of prearm checks. The status of the prearm check is passed on to the flight controller, and lets it handle it exactly like any of its other prearm checks. For instance, in a GCS it will display a message "PreArm: Mount prearm checks failed" in intervals of 30 seconds.
 
This provides a simple and quick check that the STorM32 gimbal is working as intended.
 
:[[File:Storm32-prearm.jpg|480px]]
 
=== Statustext Messages ===
----
 
With BetaPilot installed, the flight controller sends various MAVLink [https://mavlink.io/en/messages/common.html#STATUSTEXT STATUSTEXT] messages to a ground control station, providing additional information.
 
In addition, MAVLink STATUSTEXT messages can also be send via [[STorM32_Scripts|STorM32 scripts]], the SENDMAVTEXT command specifically. This provides a very versatile mechanism to communicate to the user.
 
=== STorM32 Gimbal Protocol ===
----
 
With BetaPilot installed, the flight controller supports the [http://www.olliw.eu/2020/mavlink-gimbal-protocol-v2/ STorM32 Gimbal Protocol]. It can be enabled and configured via the MNT_ZFLAGS bitmask parameter.
 
For more info see [[MAVLink_Communication#Gimbal_Protocol_V2|MAVLink Communication: Gimbal Protocol V2]].


== Testing the Connection ==
== Testing the Connection ==


The serial MAVLink connection can be tested in several ways. The following tests do not require that the vehicle is completely built and/or set up, and do not require that the vehicle is armed.
The serial MAVLink connection can be tested in several ways. Suggestions can be found in [[Using_STorM32_with_BetaPilot#Testing_the_Connection | Using STorM32 with BetaPilot: Testing the Connection]]. They may not all work with native ArduPilot, but many will.
 
* '''''MAVLINK field in the STorM32 GUI''''': The {{GUI|Dashboard}} has a field named MAVLINK. It should display PRESENT.
 
* '''''STorM32-LINK field in the STorM32 GUI''''': The {{GUI|Dashboard}} and {{GUI|Data Display}} each have a field which is related to the STorM32-Link. They should display PRESENT, AVAILABLE or OK.
 
* '''''MissonPlanner or QGroundControl''''': An additional MAVLink component named GIMBAL should be present.
 
* '''''Message box in MissonPlanner''''': With the GIMBAL component selected, in the message box several text messages related to the STorM32 gimbal should appear. In particular, a message like "STorM32 v2.40 nt v1.30 F103RC" informing about the STorM32 firmware version should be visible.
 
* '''''Gimbal RC Targeting''''': With ArduPilot in RC Targeting mode (which should be the default mode), the gimbal can be moved with the transmitter sticks. <!--* '''''Trigger Camera NOW''''': In MissionPlanner or QGroundControl the camera can be triggered. On v1.3 STorM32 boards the camera trigger can be tested by e.g. connecting a visible-light LED (red, green, blue, not IR) to the #IR port.-->
 
== Gimbal Point ==
 
MissionPlanner supports what it calls a 'gimbal point'. It is a blue point icon on the map, which indicates the estimated position at which the gimbal is looking at (see also e.g. https://github.com/ArduPilot/MissionPlanner/issues/1323). In order to activate it, the following ArduPilot parameters must be set:
 
'''''Settings in ArduPilot:'''''
* MNT_STAB_ROLL = 0
* MNT_STAB_TILT = 1

Latest revision as of 09:00, 28 January 2024

The information on this page refers to firmware v2.64e, and higher.

The STorM32 gimbal controller can communicate with an ArduPilot flight controller via a serial UART data link. The serial communication allows for a much richer data transmission and accordingly richer set of features than possible with the traditional connections such as PWM, PPM, SBUS, CRSF, and alike.

If you only need the range of functionality possible with the conventional tilt & pan control, then you may not need anything of the following. Some of the basic features can also be accomplished in traditional ways. Decide yourself which approach fits your needs best. :)

If you want to make best use of your STorM32 gimbal and want 2020-ish capabilities, then you may want to chose BetaPilot (BetaCopter/BetaPlane). This fork of ArduPilot is specifically designed for the STorM32 gimbal controller, and provides the best range of functions. For details see Using STorM32 with BetaPilot.

STorM32 - ArduPilot Support

ArduPilot offers three mount types, which can in principle be used with the STorM32 controller:

  • SToRM32 MAVLink: MNTx_TYPE = 4
  • SToRM32 Serial: MNTx_TYPE = 5
  • Greemsy: MNTx_TYPE = 6

For further details on the first two mounts, and instructions on how to use them, please visit ArduPilot Docs > Copter > Optional Hardware > Camera&Gimbals > SToRM32 Gimbal Controller.

The SToRM32 Serial mount (MNTx_TYPE = 5) does not work with v2.xx firmwares, and should not be considered except for legacy I2C setups running v0.9x firmware.

The Greemsy mount (MNTx_TYPE = 6) is MAVLink based, and thus can in principle be used with STorM32. This mount in fact exploits the 'new' gimbal messages of the gimbal protocol v2, and would offer some real benefits. However, it unfortuntaley violates and breaks the MAVLink standard in various respects, and interoperability with STorM32 is thus mixed.

The SToRM32 MAVLink mount (MNTx_TYPE = 4) currently appears to work best with STorM32 in the sense that it produces the least issues, but it is quite limited in its functionality.

For both the SToRM32 MAVLink (MNTx_TYPE = 4) and Greemsy (MNTx_TYPE = 6) mounts, it is not fully clear what works and what does not work at the time of writing, but the SToRM32 MAVLink mount (MNTx_TYPE = 4) should work fine with respect to controlling a STorM32 gimbal.

Disclaimer: ArduPilot's gimbal support is a constant source of issues, in terms of incompatibilities with the official MAVLink standard and/or flaws, and the details can quite vary with the ArduPilot firmware version. Also the ArduPilot documentation can be out-of-date. Please note that STorM32 can't do anything about this, it's ArduPilot, and please also note that the STorM32 firmware author is neither responsible for the implementation of ArduPilot's mount types nor for ArduPilot's documentation.

Virtual Channel Configuration

ArduPilot does not emit the RC_CHANNELS MAVLink message by default, which could be desired for taking advantage of the STorM32's virtual channel feature.

It can be activated in the flight controller by setting the SRx_RC_CHAN parameter to a non-zero value, where 'x' refers to the stream associated to the serial port which is used for the MAVLink communication with the STorM32 controller.

For more details on the feature see Virtual Channel Configuration.

Testing the Connection

The serial MAVLink connection can be tested in several ways. Suggestions can be found in Using STorM32 with BetaPilot: Testing the Connection. They may not all work with native ArduPilot, but many will.

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