We just launched Pilot Pro and we think it's the best drone controller ever designed - learn more here! Astro Software v1.4 brings support for the Pilot Pro and introduces new features with it including real time velocity control dials with the new Slow Speed Mode
Using the dials on the Pilot Pro allows for very accurate control of the Astro’s gimbal, ground and vertical velocities - ensuring smooth, consistent, and repeatable climbs or descents. Pilots can lower the velocity and vertical maximum speeds .1 m/s, such that a full stick command moves the machine at that maximum speed and climb rate.
Fine-Tuned Speed Adjustments: Pilots can set the velocity and vertical maximum speeds as low as 0.1 m/s. At this setting, a full stick command results in the drone moving at the specified maximum speed and climb rate.
High-Fidelity, Controlled Movements: By lowering the velocity clamps to a minimal setting, pilots can achieve highly precise and repeatable slow camera movements or climbs, offering exceptional control via the cyclic stick.
Seamless Mode Transition: Operate in the traditional Position Mode to fly at full speed. For operations requiring more finesse, such as a tower inspection or a cinematic shot, switch to the "Position Slow" mode, where the velocity limits set by the dials are engaged for more delicate maneuvers.
Mission and RTL Joystick Interaction: Moving the joysticks during Mission, Hold, or RTL modes will no longer switch to Position mode. For immediate stopping, press the Position mode button.
It's important to note that after executing certain automated actions, like Missions and Takeoff commands, the drone typically concludes with a Hold action. To regain manual control using the joysticks, operators must deliberately switch to Position mode.
Photo Trigger Feedback: Enhanced feedback in AMC UI during photo capture to prevent premature triggering of the next photo. Added error sound for capture failures.
Vehicle Timezone Configuration: Option to set the vehicle timezone on the Skynode web page. When set this will be used to name the photo folders based on the local time.
Failsafe Options for Wind Limit: Customizable failsafe actions if wind limit threshold is reached: Warning only, Return-To-Launch (RTL, default), and Land.
Gimbal Tilt Control Sensitivity: Added an option to adjust the sensitivity.
Rocker Dead Band Adjustment: New setting to fine-tune the rocker dead band.
Quick Vehicle Overview Menu: Accessible via the vehicle indicator on the top bar's left side, featuring preflight checklists, safety settings, and system status.
Vehicle Menu Tab: Now hidden in normal mode, with essential tools available in the Quick Vehicle Overview Menu.
Tool Strip UI Revamp: Organized into Quick Actions, Flight Tools, and Map Tools, with improved accessibility and description tooltips.
Heading Indicator and Telemetry Dashboard: Redesigned for better map interaction and readability.
Unified Joystick and Radio Menu: Consolidated under the Controller menu.
Radio Tab Availability: Limited to RC-enabled vehicle configurations.
AMC Log Default: Logs are enabled by default with a retention of the last 10 files. Popup notifications for unhandled exceptions.
Magnetometer Interference Alerts: Notifications for detected interferences.
Enhanced Cellular Status Indicator: Detailed status display, including SIM card issues and connection rates.
Battery Charging Indicator: Now available for Android-based AMCs.
WiFi Settings Sync Fix: Resolved synchronization issues between WiFi settings and vehicle status.
PPK Status Enhancements:
New workflow API for progress status.
Fix for incorrect PPK status display in AMC.
In-Progress Download Display: Enhanced visibility of ongoing downloads.
UI Improvements: Better organization and navigation, including thumbnail resizing and navigation arrows.
Pinch-to-Zoom: Added for gallery images.
Download Optimizations: Various improvements to accelerate photo downloads.
Mission Planning UI Structure: New tabbed interface for mission planning stages: "Start," "Mission," and "End."
Terrain Elevation Data Model: Transitioned to a new model hosted by Auterion, replacing the previous service that ended in June 2023.
KML Import and Mission Item Handling: Fixed KML import errors and improved mission item loading times and gimbal command execution.
Sony A7RIV Triggering: Improved consistency with reduced jitter during surveys.
Max Waypoint Distance: Increased to 1500 meters.
Unified Map Layer: Eliminates the need for map reloading when switching views.
New Onboarding Interface in AMC: Streamlined registration and setup process.
Feature Configuration Page: Customize Auterion Suite features in AMC.
Photo Upload Enhancements: Increased reliability, speed, and UI integration of photo uploads. Photos taken while disarmed won't upload.
Live Streaming Fix: Resolved issues causing video drops, ensuring stability across sessions.
Video Stream Reliability: Improved the reliability of the video stream resuming automatically after a brief link loss
Video Recording Controls: Fixed Start/Stop/Toggle button functionalities for video recording.
Video Stream Duplication: Fixed an issue causing multiple streams, potentially overloading the radio link.
App Stability: Improved stability during vehicle connection changes.
MAVLink Command Processing: Removed command queuing for immediate execution and reliability.
Hold Command and Fly View Commands: Resolved execution issues related to missing terrain data.
Manual Control Failsafe: Improved handling during hold command execution.
Geofence Reposition Command: Addressed a corner case affecting hold commands.
Orbit Altitude Stability: Fixed altitude changes when adjusting speed.
Mission Start Bug: Fixed a bug causing the vehicle to get stuck in mission mode with idle motors.
MAVLink Dialect Default in AMC: Changed to v2, enhancing initial communication efficiency.
Skynode Web UI Logging View: Added for comprehensive log monitoring from any application.
AuterionOS App Base Image Inclusion: Simplifies and accelerates app development.
MAVSDK Version Update: Upgraded to version 1.4.0.
MAVLink Tracker API: New API for integrating third-party object trackers with AMC.
Distance Metadata in XMP: Added for enhanced data capture.
Disarm Gesture Hysteresis: Introduced with adjustable COM_RC_DARM_A_H parameter.
MAV_0_FORWARD and COM_RC_OVERRIDE: Set to 0.
MIS_DIST_1WP: Set to 1500.
Wind Limit Failsafe Actions: Configurable via COM_WIND_MAX_ACT parameter.
#protip - Verify all Astro components have their software updated together to the latest by referencing the chart below to make sure there are no compatibility issues.
For instance, Astro software v1.6 is not fully compatible with the previous payload/gimbal firmware v1.6.
Astro
Software
1.7.2
SL8 Battery
2.1, 1.10, or 1.9
Pilot Pro
Firmware
1.2.2 / 1.3.1 (depending on tablet variant)
App
1.2.13 and 1.3.2 (depending on tablet variant)
AMC App
1.32.7
Herelink GCS (Legacy)
OEM
FFARU01231123
AMC App
1.32.7
Check the updates section in the Updater app
Payloads
LR1
2.0.2
A7R4
1.7.2
Wiris Pro
1.7.2
Hovermap
1.3.2
Sentera 6X and 65R
3.9.2
Astro
Software
1.5.18
SL8 Battery
1.10 or 1.9
Pilot Pro
Firmware
1.1.4
App
1.1.11
AMC App
1.26.15
Herelink GCS (Legacy)
OEM
FFARU01231123
AMC App
1.26.15
Payloads
A7R4
1.6.2
Wiris Pro
1.6.2
Hovermap
Sentera
You can determine if Astro needs an update by following steps 2-4 below. The current firmware number available will be on the Software Release Notes page.
Download the firmware file from the Astro Support page or the Suite.
Connect Astro to your computer with a USB cable.
Power on aircraft with one battery and wait about 15 seconds for aircraft to fully boot.
Using a browser such as Chrome or Safari, open the aircraft's info/update page at http://10.41.1.1 (internet connection is not needed).
In the Update Auterion OS box, click Browse, and select the firmware file downloaded above.
Click Update. (Should take about 10 minutes.)
After the update completion message, verify that the webpage shows a "Release name" that matches the downloaded file and that all the motor LEDs are on.
If the aircraft gives an error message, power cycle the aircraft and try again.
After updating the aircraft, make sure that all apps in the Freefly Updater on your controller are up-to-date.
If Freefly Updater is not installed, follow these instructions.
Connect Astro to your computer with a USB cable.
Power on aircraft with one battery and wait about 15 seconds for aircraft to fully boot.
Using a browser such as Chrome or Safari, open the aircraft's info/update page at http://10.41.1.1 (internet connection is not needed).
As of Astro Version 1.4.6, Herelink is maintained through the Freefly Updater. Instructions on how to install the Freefly Updater can be found here.
Once the Freefly Updater has been installed, it can be used to update AMC and other apps.
Open AMC and activate Advanced mode
Connect AMC to Astro
Select: Vehicle setup > Parameters > Tools > Reset to vehicle's configuration defaults.
Reboot Vehicle
Calibrate sensors as required
This advanced feature significantly enhances drone navigation in environments where compass reliability is a concern. Originally developed and launched by Freefly Systems in 2015, the algorithm leverages a single GPS to accurately determine aircraft heading.
The new compassless flight mode developed by Auterion and introduced in APX4 further increases the experience by achieving faster convergency times and alows users to directly take off in position mode. Updating to the new Astro Software 1.2 will enable you to experience increased confidence and precision during flight operations, even in challenging conditions.
Compassless flight mode is enabled on all Astro’s flying v1.2 or above by default. Now the information from the compass is only used on the ground to determine the initial heading, and it will not be used in flight.
In a situation where there is a magnetic interference that is preventing the aircraft to figure out its heading before takeoff, you are presented with options:
Simply take off in altitude mode. Shortly after flying in altitude mode, GPS heading will be locked and you can then switch to position mode.
Move away from any magnetic interferences. In most cases, moving the Astro few feet away will allow it to get a better magnetic reading to figure out the heading and position mode will become available for takeoff
We've made several key improvements to enhance the flight performance
The AMC Fly screen user interface has been redesigned to display more information, including aircraft heading.
Astro now relies solely on the Barometer sensor, rather than fusing it with GPS. This change sacrifices some precision but ensures greater reliability and determinism.
Preflight critical parameters check has been added for enhanced safety.
GPS lock thresholds have been updated to be stricter to improve navigational accuracy.
Position Mode now features a faster descent speed to allow more controllability for the pilot. Its been increased from 2.5 m/s to 3.0 m/s
Descend and climb speeds for auto (including RTL) are now independent from Position mode min/max settings.
Tuning has been refined for better yaw hold.
Vertical speed limitations due to blocked distance sensors have been resolved, no longer restricting the aircraft to 0.1m/s.
Fixed an issue where aircraft may steer to the original setpoint of heading, not the new heading when pushing forward.
Removed the non actionable and confusing “Preflight GPS drift too high” message.
Astro Software v1.2 introduces significant updates to mission planning, streamlining the process and enhancing the overall user experience for professionals.
A redesigned user interface for AMC Mission Planning offers a more intuitive experience, guiding pilots through mission setup with the Start, Mission, and End tabs. The updated Plan View path predictor more closely simulates vehicle flight behavior, allowing for more precise mission planning.
Photo spacing has been optimized, resulting in notably more consistent image capture during missions. This consistency ensures accurate mapping, particularly in situations where altitude is low, or when edges need to be mapped accurately.
Import and export missions, as well as KML files, directly on Herelink. This feature allows for efficient mission preparation and sharing across devices, enabling pilots to create missions on a computer, then import them to Herelink simultaneously. KML import and export also allows for mission shape definition creation in other software and waypoint export outside AMC.
EXIF data now includes gimbal orientation for improved accuracy.
Added support for 50mm lenses in the Missions screen.
Resolved an issue causing blurry photos when pausing and resuming missions.
Fixed default camera parameter issues during flight.
Addressed display issues for photo interval computation.
Corrected a problem where a loaded mission's takeoff waypoint remained at the original location after moving the aircraft.
Changing the speed now prompts users to re-upload the mission.
AMC now displays the correct accuracy for RTK FIXED with additional decimal points.
Astro Software v1.2 brings several enhancements and bug fixes to payload, camera, and gimbal functionalities:
Focus area settings have been added for increased control over autofocus modes, including wide, center, and zone options.
Gimbal tilt angle indicator provides real-time information on the gimbal's position. Enable this feature in the camera settings.
Adjustable gimbal speed and an option to invert wheel direction for customized control. Enable this feature in the camera settings.
Exfat support for USB drives streamlines formatting, saving time and effort for both the Astro production line and customers.
Photo capture speed with the A7R is no longer capped at 2 seconds, increasing efficiency.
Added Gimbal firmware version display and Gimbal Firmware v1.2 for enhanced performance.
Resolved an issue where no error is thrown when SD card is missing while photo storage is set to "both."
Fixed a problem where the camera indicates video recording without an SD card present.
Addressed a mode switch failure message when switching from photos to video.
Corrected an issue where the gimbal may not receive power until Herelink connects to Astro.
Fixed a problem where AMC triggers a sound and the photo counter does not increment when storage is set to both and no camera SD card is present.
Updated the name of the "SER_PPB_BAUD" parameter to "SER_EXT2_BAUD".
We just started shipping the Thermal Module for the LR1 Payload. This adds a radiometric 640x512 LWIR core to Astro!
More info can be found here, feature highlights include:
Spot temperature readout
Mix/max temperatures of region
Adjustable region size
Selectable Fahrenheit, Celsius, Kelvin
Media capture - Jpeg, Radiometric Tiff, both, video
Zoom - digital up to 8x
Digital Zoom:
1.0 to 4.0x digital zoom for live preview and saved images/videos. This can be controlled with the on screen buttons or the right hand rocker on pilot pro.
Tap to Focus:
A new mode under Auto Focus is exposed: Flexible Spot with size small, medium, or large.
This can be enabled/disabled by the tap icon next to the shutter button as well
Note: A7R4 tap to focus is much slower than LR1, limited by the camera's autofocus speed
Zoom function is now mapped to the right hand rocker (below R1 button) on Pilot Pro. This works for:
LR1 Payload
A7R4 Payload
Thermal Module for LR1
Wiris Pro Payload
LR1 Payload - Fixed an overheat condition on bootup
LR1 Payload - Fixed soft focus in infinity focus mode
A7R4 Payload - Removed incorrect 50mm infinity focus setting
AMC - Removed Structure Scan
AMC - LR1 and Thermal Module appear as EO/IR toggle when both connected
Distance Sensor Module - can now select between ft. and meters
Distance Sensor Module - displays +99m when max range is reached
Added support for up to 3 cameras on Astro
Currently, only video can be recorded on LR1 and one additional camera (ex: LR1 and Thermal) simultaneously. Wiris Pro is treated in the software as one camera
through the Pilot Pro App
Check the section in Updater app
Check the section in Updater app
