This document outlines the planned development directions for the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator project. Our goal is to provide comprehensive, automated configuration assistance for ArduPilot users across all vehicle types.
We are actively working to enhance automation in key configuration areas:
- Goal: Develop intelligent ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) configuration wizards
- Benefits: Reduce manual parameter tuning, minimize setup errors, optimize performance
- Goal: Automated notch filter setup for vibration dampening and noise reduction
- Benefits: Improved flight stability, automatic frequency detection, reduced pilot workload
Currently, the ArduPilot Methodic Configurator primarily supports ArduCopter. We plan to extend support to additional ArduPilot vehicle types:
- ArduPlane (fixed-wing aircraft)
- Rover (ground vehicles)
- Helicopter (rotary-wing aircraft)
- ArduSub (submarine vehicles)
- Boat (surface water vehicles)
- Blimp (lighter-than-air vehicles)
- Create vehicle-specific configuration templates
- Develop vehicle-appropriate parameter sets
- Add vehicle-specific automation features
- Ensure compatibility with ArduPilot's vehicle-specific firmware
We need contributors to help realize this roadmap! Here's how you can get involved:
- Expertise in specific vehicle types (planes, rovers, helicopters, etc.)
- Knowledge of vehicle-specific ArduPilot parameters
- Testing capabilities for target vehicles
- Review our Contributing Guide
- Check existing GitHub Issues for related tasks
- Submit Pull Requests with your improvements
- Q4 2025: Complete ESC configuration automation prototype
- Q1 2026: Release notch filter automation tools
- Q2 2026: Add ArduPlane support
- Q3-Q4 2026: Extend support to Rover and Helicopter
- 2027: Complete support for remaining vehicle types
Note: Timeline is indicative and depends on contributor availability and project priorities.
- 2025.11.26 - 83% of Gold OSS best practices reached
- 2025.11.25 - 91% test coverage
- 2025.11.22 - 100 Github stars
- 2025.11.06 - Motor test plugin
- 2025.10.05 - 80% test coverage
- 2025.09.25 - Added download last flight log button
- 2025.09.04 - Added empty, unopinionated vehicle templates
- 2025.08.28 - Option to reset all parameters to their defaults before starting the configuration
- 2025.07.16 - YouTube beginners Tutorial
- 2025.06.15 - The tuning guide is the single most liked post in the ArduPilot forum
- 2025.04.26 - First YouTube video Tutorial
- 2025.04.02 - Initial ArduPlane template and support
- 2025.02.20 - AI powered, ArduPilot trained chatbot
- 2025.01.27 - 40% test coverage
- 2024.12.18 - Reached all initially defined project features
- 2024.03.14 - First public release
- 2023.12.15 - Posted the tuning guide