This guide walks users through the setup of Hovermap with the Blue variant of the Freefly Astro or Astro Max. It includes installing a custom Pilot Pro firmware to enable S2 switch forwarding for offboard control, along with the required configuration steps.
This setup is only required for Astro / Astro Max Blue configurations. For standard Astro or Astro Max units, follow the steps in the main guide.
Update to Pilot Pro 2.2.0 or Later
To use Hovermap with the Astro / Astro Max Blue, the system must be running Pilot Pro version 2.2.0 or later.
Configure Astro to work with Hovermap as per the setup guide
On the Pilot Pro tablet, uninstall the existing Pilot Pro app.
Copy the following files to a USB stick:
-pilotpro-release-2.2.0.apk
-HOVERMAP_EMESENT.yamlInsert the USB stick into the Pilot Pro.
Open the Files app and navigate to the USB stick.
Tap the
.apkfile to install the new Pilot Pro app.Once installed, open the app and go to:
Menu > System Updates > Update to 2.2.0The tablet will reboot into bootloader mode and perform the update automatically.
Importing the Custom Input Mapping
After the update is complete, open the updated Pilot Pro app.
Go to: Input Mapping > User Presets > Import
When prompted, allow the app to access files on the device.
Navigate to and select the
HOVERMAP_EMESENT.yamlfile.Tap Apply.
The controller may freeze for a few seconds while settings are applied.
Configuring Auterion Mission Control (AMC) for Astro
Open AMC on the Pilot Pro tablet.
Navigate to: Settings > Comm Links
Add a new connection with the following settings:
- Name: Pilot Pro
- Type: TCP
- Host address:192.168.144.20
- TCP port:5790Tap OK, then tap Connect.
Configuring Parameters on Astro
Open AMC and enable Advanced Mode by tapping the AMC icon six times.
Go to: Parameters > MAV_0_FORWARD and set to Enabled
Set the following parameters:
- COM_RC_IN_MODE = Joystick only
- SER_EXT_2_BAUD =500000 8N1
- MAV_2_MODE = Custom
- SDLOG_MODE = DisabledThis configuration is required for correct operation with the Astro / Astro Max Blue setup. However, disabling
SDLOG_MODEwill prevent flight log recording on the Astro, which may impact post-incident analysis or support diagnostics.Reboot both the Astro and Hovermap.
Verifying the Setup
In Commander, proceed with the standard setup for an autonomy mission on Astro.
Begin a scan to initialize system parameters. The first scan will fail as expected.
Once Commander has set parameters on Astro, confirm the S2 switch changes the status in the app as expected.
Continue with your mission.
