RangeFinders Setup Overview

There are many different kinds of rangefinders: Lidar (using laser or infra-red light to measure distance), Sonar (using ultrasonic sound), and Radar (using microwave RF). Some are analog, producing pulses whose timing represent the distance to an object, others are digital sending data streams over serial to UARTs, or I2C, or even via DroneCAN.

RangeFinders (Sonar or Lidar) can be used for Object Avoidance as well as altitude sensors for precision landing in Plane and Copter.

Warning

Object Avoidance features are new and should be used with caution.

Up to 10 Rangefinders can be used in the system (1 thru A). Object Avoidance can use a single 360 degree Lidar, or up to 9 unidirectional rangefinders: 8 arranged in a circle covering 45 degree wide segments, plus an upward facing rangefinder. And a downward facing rangefinder used for low altitude height above ground measurements.

Connecting and Configuring the Rangefinder

• Follow the instructions for each type of rangefinder described in its linked page on Rangefinders (landing page).

• Set the RNGFNDx_ORIENT parameters (i.e. RNGFND1_ORIENT, RNGFND2_ORIENT, etc.) to specify the direction each range finder is pointing in.

Note

Note that if the type of rangefinder is set or changed, a reboot will be required.

• If a rangefinder is oriented facing down, it will be used to for height above ground measurements when within its range for increased landing precision in Copter, and in Plane autolandings if RNGFND_LANDING is enabled. In Copter, when landing and within 10m of the ground according to the range finder, the vehicle will slow its descent to the LAND_SPEED (which defaults to 50cm/s). In Plane, see the “using a rangefinder” section of Automatic Landing

• If using a rangefinder for altitude measurements, be sure to read this page:

• Understanding Altitude in ArduPilot

Note

Only downward facing rangefinders are supported in Plane currently.

References

• Object Avoidance wiki page is here