Imported from GitHub: akhodeir/Pi-Fly · commit 25a7dff · license GPL-3.0

Description

Significant improvement to OBAL (Open Board Autopilot Linux)

README

Welcome to the Pi-Fly Wiki

Welcome to the official Pi-Fly github page! 🚀

Pi-Fly is a next-generation automation platform designed to streamline and simplify the configuration of Raspberry Pi-based systems for Ardupilot, Pi Camera, and more. This platform takes advantage of modern Linux capabilities and offers an easy-to-use Python script to automatically configure your system for optimal performance.

Whether you're a developer, hobbyist, or a drone enthusiast, Pi-Fly is designed to help you easily set up and run your systems with minimal effort. Our goal is to provide you with the tools you need to succeed in your projects, whether it's automating flight controllers, working with IMUs, or streaming live video from your Pi Camera.

Why Pi-Fly?

• 64-bit Architecture 🏎️ - Faster and more efficient than previous versions.
• Automated Setup ⚙️ - No manual kernel tweaking; everything is configured via script.
• Multi-Sensor Support 📡 - Works with multiple IMUs, GPS modules, and ADCs.
• AI & Computer Vision Ready 🤖 - With the powerful Raspberry Pi 4, the Pi Camera Module 3 can be leveraged for AI-based applications such as object detection, autonomous navigation, and real-time video analysis.
• Affordable & Open-Source 💡 - A high-performance alternative to expensive, proprietary flight controllers.

Feel free to explore the various setup guides, troubleshooting tips, and features that Pi-Fly offers. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to reach out—we're here to help you make the most of your experience with Pi-Fly!

Check out the Pi-Fly Wiki for all the details.

Note : The board/project is not limited to Ardupilot. It can be used with any other flight controller such as PX4, INAV, Betaflight, your own flight controler,...etc Note: : The initial name of the project was OBAL_V2, the name was changed to Pi-Fly due to some political issues with the owner of initial OBAL !!

Happy building! 🚁✨

OBAL vs Pi-Fly vs Navio2 - Comparison

🚀 Overview

This table outlines the significant improvements made from the initial OBAL to Pi-Fly and compares it with the Navio2 flight controller system.

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⚙️ Feature Comparison

Feature	OBAL	Pi-Fly	Navio2
Linux Kernel	Bulleyes	Bookworm	Raspbian + ROS
Ardupilot	32-bit	64-bit	?
Linux Configuration	Manual	Automatic via script	Manual
Rx Protocol	PPM/PWM	IBUS and SBUS	PPM and SBUS
Flight Controller	Prototype	Complete system	Complete system
IMU	GY-91	GY-91, GY-912, ... + more	MPU9250, LSM9DS1
Display	No	Yes	No
Power Module	No	Yes	Yes
License	Open source	Open source	Proprietary
Price	< $60	< $60	$199
Link	here	here	here

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⚠️ Cons with Initial OBAL:

• Uses analog Rx protocol (PPM) or (PWM), limiting flexibility.
• Limited to GY-91 IMU (only possible IMU).
• Safety switch is not well designed.
• No proper logic conversion (mix of 5V and 3.3V logical levels with Raspberry Pi).
• Uses an old Linux version, requiring recompilation to disable CONFIG_STRICT_DEVMEM.
• 32-bit Ardupilot applications limit performance.

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[Donation] Your support is invaluable to this project!

Countless hours of hard work, prototyping, and investment in tools and materials have gone into making this project a reality. If you appreciate the effort and would like to contribute, your donation will help us continue developing and improving Pi-Fly.

Please consider donating for the project. There were tremendous effort added in this project. Many prototype boards were built and a lot of tools were purchased to make this project become true.

click image below to start donating :

Important

Use this project at your own risk.