/mavlink-anywhere

Scripts to install and configure mavlink-router on a Raspberry Pi or Ubuntu

Primary LanguageShellMIT LicenseMIT

MAVLinkAnywhere

This is MavlinkAnywhere! This project provides comprehensive scripts to install and configure mavlink-router on a Raspberry Pi. mavlink-router is a powerful application that routes MAVLink packets between various endpoints, including UART, UDP, and TCP, making it ideal for UAV and drone communication systems.

Installation Script

Our installation script seamlessly installs mavlink-router on your Raspberry Pi, taking care of all necessary dependencies and configurations.

Usage

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/alireza787b/mavlink-anywhere.git
cd mavlink-anywhere

  2. Run the installation script:

    chmod +x install_mavlink_router.sh
sudo ./install_mavlink_router.sh

What the Installation Script Does:

  • Checks if mavlink-router is already installed.
  • Removes any existing mavlink-router directory.
  • Updates the system and installs required packages (git, meson, ninja-build, pkg-config, gcc, g++, systemd, python3-venv).
  • Increases the swap space to ensure successful compilation on low-memory systems.
  • Clones the mavlink-router repository and initializes its submodules.
  • Creates and activates a Python virtual environment.
  • Installs the Meson build system in the virtual environment.
  • Builds and installs mavlink-router using Meson and Ninja.
  • Resets the swap space to its original size after installation.

Configuration Script

The configuration script generates and updates the mavlink-router configuration, sets up a systemd service, and enables routing with flexible endpoint settings.

Usage

  1. Run the configuration script:

    chmod +x configure_mavlink_router.sh
sudo ./configure_mavlink_router.sh

  2. Follow the prompts to set up UART device, baud rate, and UDP endpoints:

    • If an existing configuration is found, the script will use these values as defaults and show them to you.
    • UART Device: Default is /dev/ttyS0. This is the default serial port on the Raspberry Pi.
    • Baud Rate: Default is 57600. This is the communication speed between the Raspberry Pi and connected devices.
    • UDP Endpoints: Default is 0.0.0.0:14550. You can enter multiple endpoints separated by spaces (e.g., 100.110.200.3:14550 100.110.220.4:14550).

What the Configuration Script Does:

  • Prompts the user to enable UART and disable the serial console using raspi-config.
  • Reads existing configuration values if available, and uses them as defaults.
  • Prompts for UART device, baud rate, and UDP endpoints.
  • Creates an environment file with the provided values.
  • Generates the mavlink-router configuration file.
  • Creates an interactive script for future updates if needed.
  • Stops any existing mavlink-router service.
  • Creates a systemd service file to manage the mavlink-router service.
  • Reloads systemd, enables, and starts the mavlink-router service.

Monitoring and Logs

  • Check the status of the service: 
    sudo systemctl status mavlink-router
  • View detailed logs: 
    sudo journalctl -u mavlink-router -f

Connecting with QGroundControl

Use QGroundControl to connect to the Raspberry Pi's IP address on the configured UDP endpoints. This allows you to monitor and control your UAVs efficiently.

Contact

For more information, visit the GitHub Repo.

Keywords

  • MAVLink
  • Raspberry Pi
  • Drone Communication
  • UAV
  • mavlink-router
  • UART
  • UDP
  • TCP
  • QGroundControl
  • Drone Telemetry