GPS / Non-GPS Transitions

ArduPilot 4.1 (and higher) support in-flight transitions between GPS and Non-GPS environments.

Note

Non-GPS navigation is available for all vehicles. However, it is not applicable to fast or high flying vehicles such as conventional Planes. QuadPlanes can utilize this when in VTOL operation and close to the ground, as when docking inside a hangar using 3D cameras or beacons.

Setup

To enable transitions the EKF3 must be used (the default estimator for 4.1 and higher). Instructions for enabling EKF3 can be found on the Extended Kalman Filter page but in short it requires setting the following parameters:

Up to three “sets” of sensor sources are supported. Normally the primary set should be configured for the GPS environment. Below is the default setup:

The secondary sensor source set should be configured for the non-GPS environment. Please refer to the setup instructions for the non-GPS sensor you plan to use. Below is the setup if using the Intel Realsense T265:

The fusing of all velocities should be disabled by unchecking the EK3_SRC_OPTIONS parameter’s “FuseAllVelocities” bit:

The pilot can manually switch between the source sets using a 3-position auxiliary switch configured for “EKF Pos Source” (90). When the switch is pulled low, the primary source set will be used. Middle position is for the secondary source set and High is for the tiertiary source set. If the transmitter’s channel 8 switch is to be used set:

Lua scripts can be used to automatically switch between sources based on information from the sensors (i.e. GPS speed accuracy, rangefinder distance, etc) or “innovations” from the EKF (“innovations” are a measure of how close the sensor’s latest sensor data matches the EKF’s estimate).

Testing

First perform a bench test, using the auxiliary switch to manually switch between sources.

  • Connect with a ground station and confirm that after switching sources, text messages appear indicating that the EKF has changed sources. If using Mission Planner these messages will appear in on the Data screen’s Messages tab

  • After changing sources wait 10 seconds to confirm the EKF remains healthy. If using Mission Planner the EKF label on the HUD should remain white

  • Check the vehicle’s horizontal position, altitude and heading using the ground station. If using GPS with the Intel Realsense T265 you should notice a jump when switching from the T265 to GPS but not when switching from GPS to T265. This is because the “ExternalNav” position is always updated to match the GPS when the GPS is the primary source set

Next perform a flight test in a safe environment, manually switching between sources. Be prepared to re-take control in a manual mode such as Stabilize.

If you plan to automatically switch sources, first walk the vehicle between the GPS and Non-GPS environments to confirm it is switching source sets. Finally perform a flight test in which the vehicle is flown (or driven) at low speeds between the two environments. As with previous tests be ready to re-take control in a manual mode such as Stabilize.

Logging

Events will be logged each time the active source is changed

  • Event 85 = Source1 active

  • Event 86 = Source2 active

  • Event 87 = Source3 active

The XKFS message’s SS field shows the active source for each core (0=primary, 1=secondary, 2=tertiary)

Future Improvements

A list of planned improvements to this feature are here on the Issues List