Throttle Fallback Setup in GPS Rescue Mode in Betaflight 4.4
Setup GPS Throttle Fallback properly to avoid disaster.
Connect your quad to Betaflight : Go to the Failsafe Tab.
Change from Default Drop to GPS Rescue : In the Failsafe tab, change the Stage 2 failsafe from the default “Drop” to “GPS Rescue”. This will activate the GPS Rescue mode in the event of a failsafe.
Change Throttle Channel Fallback from “Auto” to “Hold”: By default, the Throttle Channel Fallback setting is “Auto”, which drops the throttle to zero when Stage 1 failsafe is activated. This can cause the motors to stall and the drone to drop to the ground. To prevent this, change the Throttle Channel Fallback setting to “Hold”. This will hold the throttle value at its last commanded position during the Guard Time (1.5 seconds by default), avoiding motor stalling.
Setup Throttle Rescue Values : To properly set up the throttle rescue values, it is recommended to find the hover throttle value by flying the quad in Angle mode, centering all the roll/pitch/yaw sticks, and setting the throttle to hover. This will ensure that the quad will level out in the event of a failsafe and stay there until the Rescue mode kicks in.
Find Throttle Hover Values : To find the throttle hover value, fly the quad in Angle mode, center all the roll/pitch/yaw sticks, and adjust the throttle until the quad stays in a stable hover position.
Apply to GPS Rescue in Failsafe Tab : In the Failsafe tab, set the throttle rescue values to the hover throttle value found in step 5.
Simulate GPS Rescue on the Bench : To ensure that the GPS Rescue mode is working properly, it is important to simulate the rescue mode on the bench by removing the propellers and turning off the radio. Observe the behavior of the quad and make sure that it levels out and stays there until the Guard Time has passed.
Field Test in a Safe Altitude and Location : After verifying that the GPS Rescue mode is working on the bench, it is important to perform a field test in a safe altitude and place. This will give you the opportunity to observe the real-world performance of the GPS Rescue mode and ensure that it is functioning properly in all conditions. DO NOT TEST Gps Rescue over water! 💩
Gps RTH Testing : It is important to regularly test your setup to make sure that it is functioning properly. Fly the quad in GPS Rescue mode and simulate a failsafe by disconnecting the receiver, turn off the radio, or simply reducing your signal strength in your transmitter. Make sure the quad is past 150 meters over tall grass and you have a beeper in case it drops. Tall grass will help to avoid a broken frame. Observe the behavior of the quad and make sure that it levels out and stays there until the Rescue mode kicks in. New in Betaflight 4.4 feature : Return to home and land! :)
WARNING : It is important to never set the throttle to zero in Stage 1 failsafe as this can cause the drone to drop to the ground.
Gps Home Point : Also your gps needs up to 60 seconds to insure proper gps home point positioning. If you do not have a gps home point lock your quad gps rescue mode may fail. Check that your home arrow is working. YOu can walk the quad around before take off to make sure the home arrow moving in your OSD. If it is this means the home point has been established.
Before take off : Make sure your OSD does not say " Rescue OFF"! ! ! Setting up throttle fallback in GPS Rescue mode in Betaflight 4.4 is a critical step in ensuring the safety of your drone. By following these steps, you can ensure that your drone will level out and fly home safely in the event of a failsafe. It is important to regularly test your setup to make sure that it is functioning properly, both on the bench and in the field. By doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that your drone is protected in the event of a failsafe.
If you need more help please join our Discord Group here : https://discord.gg/j9jVjvA
Article by Justin Davis of Drone Camps RC on Youtube. ® Rights Reserved 2023.