Flight Controllers

Flight Controller Systems

In Motionew store we have many flight controllers with advanced features that can support various needs and are suitable for various applications.

Do you want to know What does a flight controller do? Flight controller or autopilot is the core brain of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that wants to fly autonomously. Flight control is the central commander that, based on the inputs from the multiple sensors that are available on the UAV, then controls the actuators’ input to control and navigate the drone. 

Internal supported Sensors for Flight Controllers

Is your priority finding a flight controller with excellent sensor integration for stability? We have a solution for you. Our autopilot systems are integrated with various types of sensors including barometer sensors to measure the atmospheric pressure which can be used for altitude measurement, compass to be used to measure the heading of the drone, Inertial Measurement Unit or IMU sensors to detect the attitude of the drone (including roll, yaw, and pitch) to stabilize the drone and use it for the INS navigation. 

External supported Sensors for Flight Controllers

Do you need a flight controller with advanced GPS features for autonomous missions? Moreover, you can connect Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers to the flight controller in order to estimate the position of the drone. Multiple GNSS receivers can be connected to the drone for redundancy in case any of them fails, or use them with a RTK GNSS system for a higher accuracy of the positioning system. Other supported external sensors include radars, distance sensors, altimeter sensors, and more. Technically, as long as the communication interface of the sensor is supported by the autopilot, it can be connected to the system and the sensor’s data can be used.

Although if the sensor is not already supported in the autopilot firmware, the user needs to develop the code in order to add the support. Typical supported interfaces include UART, I2C, SPI, and CAN. Modern autopilots accept Ethernet too. 

Robustness of the Flight Controller Systems

Are you looking for a flight controller that supports long-range flights? The support of long-range flights strongly depends on the hardware and software quality of the drone, as well the quality of the onboard sensors that are used for navigation and the onboard memory. During the flight, there are some sources of error that can add up with time and cause the autopilot system to fail. It is important to use high quality sensors with low error, as well optimum algorithms to be able to eliminate the error to ensure a smooth flight.

Ground Control Station (GCS) for Flight Controllers

Are you interested in a flight controller that’s easy to set up for beginners? Are you looking for a flight controller with user-friendly configuration software? Do you prefer a flight controller with strong community support and regular firmware updates? All of our flight controllers come with their own Ground Control Station software, which can be used for configuration, calibration, monitoring, and control of the UAV. Most of them also can show a stream of the incoming video from the drone alongside the map for a better user experience. Some basic functions of the gimbal can be controlled within the software as well. Mission Planner and QGround Control Station are two open source GCS software that have a big community and are used and supported by many experts. They are compatible with Ardupilot and PX4, open source firmwares that are developed for Pixhawk based flight controllers. They have a wizard for setting up your vehicle for the first time, which guides the user step-by-step in order to prepare the drone for flying.

Price Range of Flight Controllers 

Depending on the sensors that are used on the flight controllers, as well as its hardware, the price range of the autopilot systems can start from as low as 50$, e.g. flight controllers from Matek Systems, and can go up to 1000$ and more such as systems that integrate Ultra high accuracy sensors, e.g. CUAV Pixhawk X7+ pro with onboard ADIS16470 IMU sensor.