Drone

Understanding PID Tuning in Betaflight 4.3

May 17, 2025

# Betaflight 4.3 Configuration Series: PID Tuning Tab ## Introduction - **Series Overview**: Comprehensive step-by-step Betaflight 4.3 configuration. - **Current Focus**: Explanation of the PID Tuning Tab. - **Goal**: Explain the function of each option in the PID Tuning tab. - **Note**: This is not a full PID tuning class. ## PID Profiles and Rate Profiles - **Profiles**: Betaflight has 3 PID profiles and 6 rate profiles. - **Purpose**: Each profile stores settings enabling quick changes between configurations. - **Access**: Can be changed via OSD in the field, goggle 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, such as compass PID gain. ## Overview of PID Gains - **Components**: Proportional (P), Integral (I), Derivative (D), and Feedforward. - **Goal**: Ensure the quadcopter moves according to the input command; poor tuning can lead to erratic flight. ## Sliders in PID Tuning - **Master Multiplier**: Adjusts all PID gains up or down. - **Tracking**: Boosts response to external forces. - **Damping**: Affects D-max parameters to prevent motors from overheating. - **Stick Response**: Controls feedforward response. - **Dynamic Damping**: Relates to D-max; adapts based on quadcopter motion. - **I-term Relax**: Adjusts I-term gains; affects stability during turns. - **Pitch Tuning**: Separate sliders for pitch axis settings. ## PID Controller Settings - **Feedforward Section**: Configures feedforward operation, mostly through presets based on RC link. - **Averaging and Smoothing**: Helps reduce noise and surges. - **Amplification and Limits**: Further settings for responsiveness. ## I-term and Anti-gravity - **I-term Relax**: Counteracts I-term buildup during rapid turns. - **Anti-gravity**: Stabilizes the quad during sudden acceleration changes and is recommended to remain active. ## Throttle and Motor Settings - **Throttle Boost**: Increases responsiveness for larger quads. - **Motor Output Limit**: Reduces power for controlling powerful quads or tuning for different batteries. - **Dynamic Idle**: Dynamic settings of idle motor RPMs for better control. ## Additional Settings - **V-bat Compensation**: Smoothens power output over the battery life. - **Thrust Linearization**: Strives to smooth thrust output throughout the throttle range. - **Cell Counting**: Allows auto-switching of profiles based on battery voltage. - **Acro Trainer Mode**: Angle limit in training mode. ## Conclusion - **Continuous Series**: More about rate profiles and filter settings in upcoming videos. - **Additional Resources**: Includes links to tutorials and further study.