Betaflight 4.3 Configurator Series: PID Tuning Tab

Introduction

• Series Overview: A comprehensive walkthrough of Betaflight 4.3 Configurator.
• Current Focus: PID Tuning Tab explanation.
• Objective: Explain what each option in the PID Tuning Tab does.
• Note: This is not a complete PID tuning class.

PID Profiles and Rate Profiles

• Profiles: Betaflight has 3 PID profiles and 6 rate profiles.
• Purpose: Each profile stores settings that enable quick changes between configurations.
• Access: Can be changed on-field via the on-screen display, goggles menu, or automatically based on battery voltage.

Key Functions in the PID Tuning Tab

• Copy Profile: Saves current settings to another profile.
• Reset Profile: Resets PID settings.
• Show All PIDs: Reveals hidden options like compass PID gain.

PID Gains Overview

• Components: Proportional (P), Integral (I), Derivative (D), and Feed Forward gains.
• Purpose: Ensure quadcopter moves as commanded; poor tuning can cause erratic flight.

Sliders in PID Tuning

• Master Multiplier: Adjusts all PID gains up or down.
• Tracking: Sharpens response to external forces.
• Damping: Affects D-max parameters; prevents hot motors.
• Stick Response: Controls feed forward response.
• Dynamic Damping: Relates to D-max; adapts based on quadcopter movement.
• Drift Wobble: Adjusts I-term gains; affects stability during turns.
• Pitch Adjustments: Separate sliders for pitch axis adjustments.

PID Controller Settings

• Feed Forward Section: Parameters fine-tuning how feed forward works, mostly set through presets based on RC link.
• Averaging and Smoothing: Helps in reducing noise and spikes.
• Boost and Limits: Additional adjustments for responsiveness.

I-term and Anti-gravity

• I-term Relax: Addresses I-term windup during fast rotations.
• Anti-Gravity: Stabilizes quad during abrupt throttle changes and is generally recommended to remain enabled.

Throttle and Motor Settings

• Throttle Boost: Enhances responsiveness for larger quads.
• Motor Output Limit: Reduces power for taming powerful quads or adjusting for different battery setups.
• Dynamic Idle: Adjusts idle RPMs dynamically for better control.

Additional Settings

• V-bat Sag Compensation: Evens out power output over a battery's life.
• Thrust Linearization: Attempts to make thrust output more consistent across throttle range.
• Cell Count: Enables automatic profile switching based on battery voltage.
• Acro Trainer Mode: Limits angle in training mode.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Series: More on rate profiles and filter settings in subsequent videos.
• Additional Resources: Includes links to related tutorials and further reading.