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