Step 7 — Config & first flights

Pixhawk 6X Mini — ready for setup

More images

Stack / module

TX16S for radio calibration

Goal: ArduPilot parameters, calibration, manual/stable modes, then Auto/missions.

Manuals & guides

Official docs and practical guides for this step:

• ArduPilot — Mandatory hardware configuration
• Mission Planner — Initial setup
• ArduPilot — Flight modes (Copter)
• ArduPilot — Tips for new pilots
• Complete hardware & tuning intro (video series)

Video guides

Videos below are embedded. Use the link if the player does not load.

Complete ArduPilot Tuning Guide — Part 1 Hardware and Setup — YouTube

First flight — Stabilize, AltHold, PosHold and Autotune — YouTube

What you do

1. Lock frame type, motor order, ESC protocol, and battery parameters.
2. Accel/compass/radio/ESC calibration (without props where required).
3. Enable failsafe, geofence, arming checks, and logging.
4. First flights: Stabilize → AltHold → Loiter/PosHold; only then Auto.
5. Review logs; change PID/filters only in small steps.

Related parts

• Pixhawk 6X Mini
• ArduPilot + ELRS setup
• Earlier steps: radio, GPS, flow, LiDAR

Done when

• Manual/stable modes are reliable; Auto/waypoints have been tested in an open field.

Photos