PX4 Firmware

Uploading PX4 firmware using QGC

PX4 is firmware that we will be running on the AVR drone. It is an open-source flight stack containing all the software necessary to get your drone into the air.

To facilitate some of the extra functionality required for our drone to fly in stabilized flight mode without a GPS, you will need a custom version of PX4 Bell engineers have developed. Go to the latest AVR software release and download the px4_fmu-v6c_default.<px4 version>.<hash>.px4 file.

In the Firmware screen in QGroundControl you can upload a new version of PX4. To access the firmware screen make sure to click on the Q logo in the top left of the screen and then click on Vehicle Setup > Firmware. You will see the following screen.

Firmware upload screen in QGC

Firmware upload screen in QGC

QGC will ask you to plug in your FC using a USB cable. A popup will appear that asks you which firmware you want to use. select “Advanced Settings”, then “Custom firmware file…”

Loading PX4 Pro Stable Release onto FC

Loading PX4 Pro Stable Release onto FC

Then click “Ok” and select the firmware file you downloaded. Now, you will see a progress bar. This process should take no more than 2-3 minutes.

After the PX4 firmware is successfully loaded you will be presented with the default Vehicle Setup screen. It is necessary to go through the following steps to ensure a reliable and stable first flight.

QGC Vehicle Setup screen right after PX4 firmware load

QGC Vehicle Setup screen right after PX4 firmware load


Previous Next
Last modified September 1, 2022: Docs release/9 1 (#222) (8587c14)