Getting Started

Welcome to OrniFlight! This guide walks you through the initial setup of your ornithopter flight controller.

What You Need

• OrniFlight Configurator — download from orniflight.org
• USB cable — to connect flight controller to computer
• Ornithopter with:
  • Supported flight controller (OMNIBUSF4, TINYFISH)
  • Servos for wing actuation
  • Receiver bound to your transmitter
  • Battery (2S–4S LiPo)

Quick Start

1. Flash Firmware

1. Open OrniFlight Configurator
2. Go to Firmware Flasher tab
3. Select your board target (OMNIBUSF4 or TINYFISH)
4. Choose latest stable version
5. Click Load Firmware then Flash Firmware

2. Initial Configuration

After flashing, the Configurator will prompt you to apply custom defaults. Always accept.

3. Receiver Setup

1. Go to Ports tab → set the correct UART to Serial RX
2. Go to Configuration tab → select your receiver protocol (CRSF, SBUS, etc.)
3. Go to Receiver tab → verify stick movements match expected channels
4. Set channel endpoints: 1000–2000 with 1500 center

4. Servo Setup

1. Go to Servos tab
2. Verify servo mapping matches your ornithopter’s wing configuration
3. Test servo direction — reverse if needed
4. Set center position (wings horizontal = 1500)

5. Modes Setup

1. Go to Modes tab
2. Assign ARM to an AUX switch
3. Assign flight modes (ANGLE / ACRO / HORIZON) as desired
4. Assign INDEPENDENT and GLIDE to spare switches
5. Configure BEEPER for lost-model locating

6. First Flight

1. Disconnect wing linkage for bench testing
2. Arm and verify servo movement direction
3. Check throttle response
4. For first actual flight: use ANGLE mode, low rates
5. Hover at eye level, trim as needed

Next Steps

• Basic Setup — detailed configuration walkthrough
• ONDAS Tuning — tune flapping dynamics
• PID Tuning — adjust flight characteristics