First Time Setup

First-time setup of the autopilot includes downloading and installing a Ground Control Station (GCS), mounting the autopilot to the frame, connecting it to the receiver, power and motors, and then performing initial configuration and calibration.

Note

This section assumes that you’ve already chosen and built a frame and have selected your autopilot.

For more information on each of these tasks (sorted by autopilot within the sections) see the topics below:

• Install Ground Station Software
• Autopilot System Assembly
• Loading Firmware to boards with existing ArduPilot firmware
• Loading Firmware to boards without existing ArduPilot firmware
• Connect Mission Planner to AutoPilot
• Configuration

Tip

The next section (First Flight) explains how to start flying using Copter, and further tuning and configuration required for new systems.