MAVLink Communication

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The information on this page refers to firmware v2.56e and higher.

In addition to the serial commands, the STorM32 controller also understands MAVLink messages, as defined in the MAVLink standard. The STorM32 controller supports a rich set of MAVLink messages and features, the MAVLink 2 protocol, the MAVLink Gimbal Protocol V2, the MAVLink Camera Protocol, and the MAVLink FTP microservice. It easily might be the most integrated MAVLink capable gimbal controller available.

The STorM32 controller in fact integrates two MAVLink components, which are referred to as the MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components:

  • MAVLink Gimbal: This component deals with the gimbal operation. It is the part which you know from older firmware versions, but with massively extended functionality.
  • MAVLink Camera: This component is coupled with the NT Camera and provides a complete MAVLink Camera Protocol microservice server. It allows you to control the camera through MAVLink in unprecedented useful ways.

The MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components share some parameters, but function-wise they are independent of each other. That is, both can be used simultaneously, the MAVLink Gimbal component can be used alone without the MAVLink Camera component, and vice versa.

Comment: In case you find it confusing what "two MAVLink components" is supposed to mean, then just connect the STorM32 controller (with both components enabled) to MissionPlanner: You will find that it will show you two components, one named GIMBAL and the other named CAMERA :).

Parameters

The MAVLink parameters are located in the [GUI:Interfaces Tool] window, which is accessible via the [GUI:Experts Only] menu.

It has the following parameters:

  • Mavlink Gimbal: Enables the MAVLink Gimbal component and sets its component ID and gimbal device ID.
  • Mavlink Gimbal Stream: Activates emission of the selected message by the Gimbal component. Also determines if the STorM32 controller is in gimbal manager mode.
  • Mavlink ComPort: Selects the serial com port which is used for the MAVLink communication. Applies to both the MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components.
  • Mavlink System ID: Sets the system ID of the STorM32 controller (default = “0”). Applies to both the MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components. If it is set to “0”, then the system ID is autodetected, i.e., the STorM32 waits for incoming heartbeat messages from an autopilot and then uses its system ID.
  • Mavlink Version: Sets the used MAVLink protocol version (default = “Mavlink2”). Applies to both the MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components. Must be set to “Mavlink2” for the MAVLink Gimbal and Camera components to fully work (MAVLink 1 protocol supports only a subset of messages).
  • Mavlink Camera: Enables the MAVLink Camera component and sets its component ID.

The STorM32 system ID should match the system ID of the autopilot, or autodetection should be enabled with Mavlink System ID = “0” (which is the default).

STorM32 supports the MAVLink 1 and MAVLink 2 protocols, which can be set via the parameter Mavlink Version. Per default MAVLink 2 is enabled, and it is highly recommended to use it.

Comment: The MAVLINK field in the [GUI:Dashboard] Info Center shows MAVLINK is PRESENT when the STorM32 controller is receiving valid MAVLink messages, implying a MAVLink connection is established. This can be handy for diagnosis.

Comment: If Mavlink Gimbal or Mavlink Camera is set, then the serial port selected in Mavlink ComPort is exclusive to the MAVLink communication. That is, incoming MAVLink messages on this port are accepted and served, but serial commands are rejected, while on all other ports serial messages are accepted but MAVLink messages rejected. If both parameters are off, then the STorM32 controller will, in addition to the serial commands, also accept MAVLink messages on any of its serial ports, but no outgoing MAVLink messages such as heartbeats will be emitted.

Comment: The baudrate of the selected serial port is determined by the respective baudrate parameter in the [GUI:Expert] tab. Per default it is 115200 bps. It is recommended to use a baudrate of 230400 bps, if possible.

Comment: For v1.3x boards: When the UART port is selected, one cannot use a BT module and a serial MAVLink connection at the same time.

Gimbal Protocol V2

The STorM32 controller supports the MAVLink Gimbal Protocol V2.

The STorM32 controller can act as a gimbal device. This is the default mode, and active if the STorM32 controller is not in gimbal manager mode. It supports the gimbal device related GIMBAL_DEVICE_XXX messages. It also handles incoming AUTOPILOT_STATE_FOR_GIMBAL_DEVICE messages, and uses it for the STorM32-Link.

The STorM32 controller can also be put into gimbal manager mode. In this mode in addition the GIMBAL_MANAGER_XXX messages as well as the command MAV_CMD_DO_GIMBAL_MANAGER_TILTPAN are supported. The message GIMBAL_DEVICE_SET_ATTITUDE is denied. If another gimbal manager is found in the system, then the gimbal manager mode is terminated and the STorM32 controller falls back to default (gimbal device) behavior. The gimbal manager mode is not compliant with the MAVLink standard; use it (only) in combination with projects of the OlliW ecosystem (BetaPilot, MAVLink for OpenTx, easyMav).

The old (v1) and new (v2) gimbal protocol messages are accepted simultaneously, when not in gimbal manager mode. For example, the STorM32 controller can also always be controlled via the DO_MOUNT_CONTROL command. The user is responsible for configuring her/his setup such that the old and new gimbal protocol messages don't interfere. In gimbal manager mode, the DO_MOUNT_COFIGURE and DO_MOUNT_CONTROL commands are denied.

Pass-Through

It is possible to connect the STorM32 GUI to any routing component in a MAVLink system, such as an autopilot or on-board companion computer, and to communicate directly with the STorM32 gimbal via MAVLink tunnel messages.

This is extremely convenient when the STorM32 gimbal is permanently installed in a vehicle, as it allows us to configure the gimbal without having to have physical access to the STorM32's USB or UART ports. The pass-through also works with wireless telemetry links, which opens up options such as tuning the gimbal during flight, and other unheard-of possibilities for in-flight control of the gimbal.

The pass-through mode of operation is enabled by checking in the GUI the [MAVLink] checkbox, which is located next to the [Port] combobox. The GUI then effectively operates like a mini MAVLink ground control station (the system ID is determined from the attached components, its component ID is MAV_COMP_ID_TUNNEL_NODE = 242 per default).

Comment: The pass-through communication is based on standard MAVLink, and thus should work for any MAVLink standard compliant autopilot.

Comment: Pass-through works for both the MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components. The GUI chooses the MAVLink Gimbal if enabled, otherwise the MAVLink Camera for communication.

Comment: GUI functions which need physical access to a USB/UART port on the STorM32 controller do not work in pass-through mode. For instance, upgrading firmware won't work.

This preliminary demo video demonstrates the pass-through feature:

MAVLink FTP

The MAVLink Gimbal and MAVLink Camera components support the MAVLink FTP micro service, which allows us to download the various camera definition files stored in the STorM32 controller.

Supported OpCodes/Commands

These opcodes/commands are support (unsupported commands will be NACKed with error code Fail):

MAVFTP_OPCODE_None
MAVFTP_OPCODE_TerminateSession
MAVFTP_OPCODE_ResetSessions
MAVFTP_OPCODE_ListDirectory
MAVFTP_OPCODE_OpenFileRO
MAVFTP_OPCODE_ReadFile
MAVFTP_OPCODE_CalcFileCRC32

MAVLink Gimbal

The MAVLink Gimbal component is enabled with the Mavlink Gimbal parameter, which also determines its component ID: “Gimbal1” corresponds to MAV_COMP_ID_GIMBAL (= 154), “Gimbal2” to MAV_COMP_ID_GIMBAL2 (= 171), “Gimbal3” to MAV_COMP_ID_GIMBAL3 (= 172), and so on:

  • Mavlink Gimbal = “Gimbal1” or higher
  • Mavlink Gimbal Stream: Activates the emission of the selected message with a frequency of 4 Hz.

The system ID can be adjusted via the Mavlink System ID parameter, which usually can be left at its default value.

The gimbal device ID, which is relevant for the (Gimbal Protocol V2), is always set to be identical to the component ID.

The STorM32 controller is in gimbal manager mode when Mavlink Gimbal Stream = “manager status”.

Messages

The following MAVLink messages are supported:

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_HEARTBEAT (#0, 0x00)

See HEARTBEAT.

The emission of the heartbeat needs to be activated in the GUI via the Mavlink Gimbal parameter. The heartbeat is emitted at 1 Hz, with the following values:

  • type: MAV_TYPE_GIMBAL (= 26)
  • autopilot: MAV_AUTOPILOT_INVALID (= 8)
  • base_mode: MAV_MODE_FLAG_STABILIZE_ENABLED (= 0x10) and MAV_MODE_FLAG_SAFETY_ARMED (= 0x80) are set in NORMAL mode, MAV_MODE_FLAG_CUSTOM_MODE_ENABLED (= 0x01) is always set
  • custom_mode: lowest byte (0x000000FF) = STATE value; highest bit (0x80000000) = set if prearm checks have not passed
  • system_status: either MAV_STATE_BOOT (= 1), MAV_STATE_STANDBY (= 3), MAV_STATE_ACTIVE (= 4) or MAV_STATE_EMERGENCY (= 6)

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_SYSTEM_TIME (#2, 0x02)

See SYSTEM_TIME.

The UNIX epoch time in this message is logged by the NT Logger (if time_unix_usec is > 0). The SYSTEM_TIME message is usually emitted by the autopilot, and the UNIX epoch time becomes > 0 when e.g. a 3D GPS fix has been obtained. The UNIX epoch time facilitates synchronizing the autopilot data logs and the NT Logger data logs.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_REQUEST_READ (#20, 0x14)

See PARAM_REQUEST_READ.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_REQUEST_LIST (#21, 0x15)

See PARAM_REQUEST_LIST.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_VALUE (#22, 0x16)

See PARAM_VALUE.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_SET (#23, 0x17)

See PARAM_SET.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_ATTITUDE (#30, 0x1E)

See ATTITUDE.

Emission of the attitude message with 4 Hz can be activated in the GUI via the Mavlink Gimbal Stream parameter, or by requesting a data stream or single-shot emission with the MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL or MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE commands, respectively. The yaw angle is relative to the forward direction.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_RC_CHANNLES (#65, 0x41)

See RC_CHANNELS.

The parameter Virtual Channel Configuration needs to be set to “serial” for the values received by this message to become available for inputs as “Virtual-1” to “Virtual-16”.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_INT (#75, 0x4B)

See COMMAND_INT.

Same as for MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_LONG, see next.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_LONG (#76, 0x4C)

See COMMAND_LONG.

Each command is acknowledged with a COMMAND_ACK message (with result MAV_RESULT_ACCEPTED or MAV_RESULT_DENIED for supported commands, and MAV_RESULT_UNSUPPORTED otherwise). The following commands are supported (parameter fields not mentioned are ignored):

MAV_CMD_DO_SET_PARAMETER (#180, 0xB4)
* param1 = parameter index
* param2 = parameter value
MAV_CMD_DO_SET_SERVO (#183, 0xB7)
* param1 = instance (must be 0, else denied)
* param2 = pwm value (only 700...2300 accepted, else denied)
MAV_CMD_DO_DIGICAM_CONFIGURE (#202, 0xCA)
* param1 = mode 
     0: CAMERA_MODE_PHOTO
     1: CAMERA_MODE_VIDEO
* param6 = command identity 
     0: command accepted by all cameras
     1-6: command accepted only if camera is CAMERA1-CAMERA6
MAV_CMD_DO_DIGICAM_CONTROL (#203, 0xCB)
* param5 = shot
     if CAMERA_MODE_PHOTO: 
         0: off
         1: SHUTTER
     if CAMERA_MODE_VIDEO
         0: VIDEOOFF
         1: VIDEOON
* param6 = command identity 
     0: command accepted by all cameras
     1-6: command accepted only if camera is CAMERA1-CAMERA6
MAV_CMD_DO_MOUNT_CONFIGURE (#204, 0xCC)
* param1 = mount_mode (0 = MAV_MOUNT_MODE_RETRACT and 1 = MAV_MOUNT_MODE_NEUTRAL recenters the camera)
 
The command is denied in gimbal manager mode.
MAV_CMD_DO_MOUNT_CONTROL (#205, 0xCD)
* param1 = pitch, angle in degree (COMMENT: the sign is opposite to convention!)
* param2 = roll, angle in degree
* param3 = yaw, angle in degree (COMMENT: the sign is opposite to convention!)
* param7 = mount_mode (0 = MAV_MOUNT_MODE_RETRACT and 1 = MAV_MOUNT_MODE_NEUTRAL recenters the camera)
 
The command is denied in gimbal manager mode.
MAV_CMD_DO_SET_CAM_TRIGG_DIST(#206, 0xCE)
* param1 = distance (must be 0, else denied)
* param3 = trigger camera once immediately 
     0: off
     1: SHUTTER
MAV_CMD_PREFLIGHT_STORAGE (#245, 0xF5)
* param1 = parameter storage
     0: restore parameter values from EEPROM
     1: store parameter values in EEPROM
     2: ignored, as it maybe harmful
MAV_CMD_PREFLIGHT_REBOOT_SHUTDOWN(#246, 0xF6)
* param4
     0: do nothing
     1: restart with full reset
     2: shut down motors
MAV_CMD_GET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL (#510, 0x01FE)
* param1 =  MAVLink message ID;
MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL (#511, 0x01FF)
* param1 =  message ID of the message to stream
     30: stream ATTITUDE message
     158: stream MOUNT_STATUS message (target is set according to param7, for details see message description)
     285: stream GIMBAL_DEVICE_ATTITUDE_STATUS message (target is set according to param7, see message description)
* param2 = interval between two messages, in microseconds; set to -1 to disable
* param7 = request target
 
Stream rates of up to 100 Hz are supported. Note however that this can take a significant toll and may strain the STorM32's microcontroller capabilities. Please resort to common sense. The resulting stream rate is in multiples of 1.5 ms.
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE (#512, 0x0200)
* param1 = message ID of the requested message
     30: send ATTITUDE message
     148: send AUTOPILOT_VERSION message
     158: send MOUNT_STATUS message (target is set according to param7, default is requester IDs)
     253: send STATUSTEXT message with firmware and board type information
     280: send GIMBAL_MANAGER_INFORMATION message (only if in gimbal manager mode)
     281: send GIMBAL_MANAGER_STATUS message (only if in gimbal manager mode)
     283: send GIMBAL_DEVICE_INFORMATION message
     285: send GIMBAL_DEVICE_ATTITUDE_STATUS message (target is set according to param7, default is requester IDs)
     300: send PROTOCOL_VERSION message
* param7 = response target
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_PROTOCOL_VERSION (#519, 0x0207)
  send PROTOCOL_VERSION message 
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_AUTOPILOT_CAPABILITIES (#520, 0x0208)
  send AUTOPILOT_VERSION message
MAV_CMD_DO_GIMBAL_MANAGER_TILTPAN (#1000, 0x03E8)
  This command is handled in gimbal manager mode. The gimbal device ID (param7) must match the STorM32's gimbal component ID.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_ACK (#77, 0x4D)

See COMMAND_ACK.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_FILE_TRANSFER_PROTOCOL (#110, 0x6E)

See FILE_TRANSFER_PROTOCOL.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_AUTOPILOT_VERSION (#148, 0x94)

See AUTOPILOT_VERSION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_DIGICAM_CONTROL (#155, 0x9B)

ArduPilot specific message. See DIGICAM_CONTROL.

Deprecated message, but supported for compatibility.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_MOUNT_CONFIGURE (#156, 0x9C)

ArduPilot specific message. See MOUNT_CONFIGURE.

Deprecated message, but supported for compatibility.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_MOUNT_CONTROL (#157, 0x9D)

ArduPilot specific message. See MOUNT_CONTROL.

Deprecated message, but supported for compatibility.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_MOUNT_STATUS (#158, 0x9E)

ArduPilot specific message. See MOUNT_STATUS.

Emission of this message with 4 Hz can be activated in the GUI with the Mavlink Gimbal Stream parameter, by requesting a data stream with the MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL command, or by requesting a single-shot emission with the MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE command. The yaw angle is relative to the forward direction.

The 4 Hz message stream activated with Mavlink Gimbal Stream is always broadcast. The messages emitted as result of MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL or MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE commands can be broadcast or with a target, as specified by param7 in the command. For MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL: If the streaming of targeted messages is requested, then the emission is in addition to a broadcast 4 Hz stream (if activated). Otherwise the stream replaces a broadcast 4 Hz stream.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_AUTOPILOT_VERSION_REQUEST (#183, 0xB7)

ArduPilot specific message. See AUTOPILOT_VERSION_REQUEST.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_MESSAGE_INTERVAL (#244, 0xF4)

See MESSAGE_INTERVAL.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_STATUSTEXT (#253, 0xFD)

See STATUSTEXT.

This message is sent out after a PARAM_REQUEST_LIST has been served, and provides firmware and board type information.

Emission of this message with a user-suplied text can also be triggered through a script using the SENDMAVTEXT script command.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_MANAGER_INFORMATION (#280, 0x118)

See GIMBAL_MANAGER_INFORMATION.

This message can be requested in gimbal manager mode.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_MANAGER_STATUS (#281, 0x119)

See GIMBAL_MANAGER_STATUS.

Used to detect the presence of a gimbal manager in the system. Streamed in gimbal manager mode.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_MANAGER_SET_ATTITUDE (#282, 0x11A)

See GIMBAL_MANAGER_SET_ATTITUDE.

This message is handled in gimbal manager mode. The gimbal device ID must match the STorM32's gimbal component ID.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_DEVICE_INFORMATION (#283, 0x11B)

See GIMBAL_DEVICE_INFORMATION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_DEVICE_SET_ATTITUDE (#284, 0x11C)

See GIMBAL_DEVICE_SET_ATTITUDE.

This message is handled if not in gimbal manager mode.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_DEVICE_ATTITUDE_STATUS (#285, 0x11D)

See GIMBAL_DEVICE_ATTITUDE_STATUS.

Emission of this message with 4 Hz can be activated in the GUI with the Mavlink Gimbal Stream parameter, by requesting a data stream with the MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL command, or by requesting a single-shot emission with the MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE command. The yaw angle is relative to the forward direction.

The 4 Hz message stream activated with Mavlink Gimbal Stream is always broadcast. The messages emitted as result of MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL or MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE commands can be broadcast or with a target, as specified by param7 in the command. For MAV_CMD_SET_MESSAGE_INTERVAL: If the streaming of targeted messages is requested, then the emission is in addition to a broadcast 4 Hz stream (if activated). Otherwise the stream replaces a broadcast 4 Hz stream.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_AUTOPILOT_STATE_FOR_GIMBAL_DEVICE (#286, 0x11E)

See AUTOPILOT_STATE_FOR_GIMBAL_DEVICE.

This message can be send to the STorM32 controller and is then used for STorM32-Link.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_GIMBAL_MANAGER_SET_TILTPAN (#287, 0x11F)

See GIMBAL_MANAGER_SET_TILTPAN.

This message is handled in gimbal manager mode. The gimbal device ID must match the STorM32's gimbal component ID.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PROTOCOL_VERSION (#300, 0x12C)

See PROTOCOL_VERSION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_TUNNEL (#385, 0x181)

See TUNNEL.

The STorM32 controller occupies the block of payload_type values from 200 - 209 (see MAV_TUNNEL_PAYLOAD_TYPE). The payload types 200 and 201 are used for communicating with the GUI. Payload types 202 and 203 are for communicating with a flight controller, but can also be used otherwise.

MAVLink Camera

The MAVLink Camera component is independent on the MAVLink Gimbal component, and can also be used when the MAVLink Gimbal component is disabled.

Setting the Mavlink Camera parameter enables the MAVLink Camera component, and determines its component ID: “Camera1” corresponds to MAV_COMP_ID_CAMERA (= 100), “Camera2” to MAV_COMP_ID_CAMERA2 (= 101), and so on. In addition, MAVLink 2 must be enabled; otherwise many functions of the MAVLink Camera component won't work properly:

  • Mavlink Camera = “Camera1” or higher
  • Mavlink Version = “Mavlink2”

The system ID of the MAVLink Camera component is determined by the parameter Mavlink System ID, which is also used by the MAVLink Gimbal component, and usually can be left at its default value.

The MAVLink Camera component supports the File Transfer Protocol micro service, which allows us to download the camera definition .xml files directly from the STorM32 gimbal controller.

The MAVLink Camera component is deeply related to the NT Camera. This means that it works in conjunction with the Camera Control function and associated parameters in the [GUI:Functions] tab.

Comment: For camera models which need to establish a connection to the NT Camera module for operation, such as the GoPro Hero5, the heartbeat will be emitted only when a connection is established. For these camera models the connection status is displayed in the [GUI:Dashboard].

Messages

The following MAVLink messages are supported:

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_HEARTBEAT (#0, 0x00)

See HEARTBEAT.

The emission of the heartbeat needs to be activated in the GUI via the Mavlink Camera parameter. The heartbeat is emitted at 1 Hz, with the following values:

  • type: MAV_TYPE_CAMERA (= 30)
  • autopilot: MAV_AUTOPILOT_INVALID (= 8)
  • base_mode: MAV_MODE_FLAG_SAFETY_ARMED (= 0x80)
  • custom_mode: 0
  • system_status: MAV_STATE_ACTIVE (= 4)

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_REQUEST_READ (#20, 0x14)

See PARAM_REQUEST_READ.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_REQUEST_LIST (#21, 0x15)

See PARAM_REQUEST_LIST.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_VALUE (#22, 0x16)

See PARAM_VALUE.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_SET (#23, 0x17)

See PARAM_SET.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_INT (#75, 0x4B)

See COMMAND_INT.

Same as for MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_LONG, see next.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_LONG (#76, 0x4C)

See COMMAND_LONG.

Each command is acknowledged with a COMMAND_ACK message (with result MAV_RESULT_ACCEPTED or MAV_RESULT_DENIED for supported commands, and MAV_RESULT_UNSUPPORTED otherwise). The following commands are supported (parameter fields not mentioned are ignored):

MAV_CMD_DO_DIGICAM_CONFIGURE (#202, 0xCA)
* param1 = mode 
     0: CAMERA_MODE_PHOTO
     1: CAMERA_MODE_VIDEO
* param6 = command identity 
     0: command accepted by all cameras
     1-6: command accepted only if camera is CAMERA1-CAMERA6
MAV_CMD_DO_DIGICAM_CONTROL (#203, 0xCB)
* param5 = shot
     if CAMERA_MODE_PHOTO: 
         0: off
         1: SHUTTER
     if CAMERA_MODE_VIDEO
         0: VIDEOOFF
         1: VIDEOON
* param6 = command identity 
     0: command accepted by all cameras
     1-6: command accepted only if camera is CAMERA1-CAMERA6
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_MESSAGE (#512, 0x0200)
* param1 = message ID of the requested message  
     147: send BATTERY_STATUS message
     148: send AUTOPILOT_VERSION message
     259: send CAMERA_INFORMATION message
     260: send CAMERA_SETTINGS message
     261: send STORAGE_INFORMATION message
     262: send CAMERA_CAPTURE_STATUS message
     300: send PROTOCOL_VERSION message
* param7 = response target
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_PROTOCOL_VERSION (#519, 0x0207)
  send PROTOCOL_VERSION message 
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_AUTOPILOT_CAPABILITIES (#520, 0x0208)
  send AUTOPILOT_VERSION message
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_CAMERA_INFORMATION (#521, 0x0209)
* param1 = request camera capabilities
     1: send CAMERA_INFORMATION message
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_CAMERA_SETTINGS (#522, 0x020A)
  send CAMERA_SETTINGS message
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_STORAGE_INFORMATION (#525, 0x020D)
  send STORAGE_INFORMATION message
MAV_CMD_STORAGE_FORMAT (#526, 0x020E)
  returns COMMAND_ACK with MAV_CMD_ACK_DENIED
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_CAMERA_CAPTURE_STATUS (#527, 0x020F)
  send CAMERA_CAPTURE_STATUS message
MAV_CMD_RESET_CAMERA_SETTINGS (#529, 0x0211)
* param1 = reset (must be 0, else denied)
MAV_CMD_SET_CAMERA_MODE (#530, 0x0212)
* param2 = camera mode
MAV_CMD_SET_CAMERA_ZOOM (#531, 0x0213)
* param1 = zoom type
* param2 = zoom level
MAV_CMD_SET_CAMERA_FOCUS (#532, 0x0214)
  returns COMMAND_ACK with MAV_CMD_ACK_DENIED
MAV_CMD_IMAGE_START_CAPTURE (#2000, 0x07D0)
* param2 = desired elapsed time between two consecutive pictures (in seconds)
* param3 = total number of images to capture
* param4 = capture sequence number starting
MAV_CMD_IMAGE_STOP_CAPTURE (#2001, 0x07D18)
  stops capturing images
MAV_CMD_REQUEST_CAMERA_IMAGE_CAPTURE (#2002, 0x07D2)
  returns COMMAND_ACK with MAV_CMD_ACK_DENIED
MAV_CMD_VIDEO_START_CAPTURE (#2500, 0x09C4)
* param1 = video stream ID 
* param2 = frequency CAMERA_CAPTURE_STATUS messages should be sent while recording
MAV_CMD_VIDEO_STOP_CAPTURE (#2501, 0x09C5)
* param1 = video stream ID

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_COMMAND_ACK (#77, 0x4D)

See COMMAND_ACK.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_FILE_TRANSFER_PROTOCOL (#110, 0x6E)

See FILE_TRANSFER_PROTOCOL.

The opcodes TerminateSession, ResetSessions, ListDirectory, OpenFileRO, ReadFile and CalcFileCRC32 are supported.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_BATTERY_STATUS (#147, 0x93)

See BATTERY_STATUS.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_AUTOPILOT_VERSION (#148, 0x94)

See AUTOPILOT_VERSION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_AUTOPILOT_VERSION_REQUEST (#183, 0xB7)

ArduPilot specific message. See AUTOPILOT_VERSION_REQUEST.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_CAMERA_INFORMATION (#259, 0x103)

See CAMERA_INFORMATION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_CAMERA_SETTINGS (#260, 0x104)

See CAMERA_SETTINGS.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_STORAGE_INFORMATION (#261, 0x105)

See STORAGE_INFORMATION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_CAMERA_CAPTURE_STATUS (#262, 0x106)

See CAMERA_CAPTURE_STATUS.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_CAMERA_IMAGE_CAPTURED (#263, 0x107)

See CAMERA_IMAGE_CAPTURED.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PROTOCOL_VERSION (#300, 0x12C)

See PROTOCOL_VERSION.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_EXT_REQUEST_READ (#320, 0x140)

See PARAM_EXT_REQUEST_READ.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_EXT_REQUEST_LIST (#321, 0x141)

See PARAM_EXT_REQUEST_LIST.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_EXT_VALUE (#322, 0x142)

See PARAM_EXT_VALUE.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_EXT_SET (#323, 0x143)

See PARAM_EXT_SET.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_PARAM_EXT_ACK (#324, 0x144)

See PARAM_EXT_ACK.

MAVLINK_MSG_ID_TUNNEL (#385, 0x181)

See TUNNEL.

The STorM32 controller occupies the block of payload_type values from 200 - 209 (see MAV_TUNNEL_PAYLOAD_TYPE). The MAVLink Camera component supports the payload types 200 and 201 for communicating with the GUI. Payload types 204 and 205 are used for NT Camera implementations on a companion.

Comments on Compatibility

The STorM32's MAVLink support embraces the MAVLink standard, as defined by the original MAVLink project.

However, not all flight stacks support all messages of the MAVLink standard, or have them all implemented correctly.

ArduPilot

ArduPilot does not support some relevant messages of the standard MAVLink message set. This can lead to enhanced traffic, since messages are not routed or digested correctly. Also, some functions of the STorM32 controller such as the new gimbal messages or MAVLink camera micro service or passthrough configuration or STorM32-Link will not work properly. In addition, since version 4.0, ArduPilot has two serious bugs in handling the "old" gimbal MAVLink messages.

ArduPilot's handling of the "old" gimbal MAVLink messages and commands is in fact a mess. A drastic example is the 3DR Solo drone. Here the issue is a combination of the infamous "reversed signs", use of non-standard/deprecated messages, improper use of target IDs, and the bugs.

The STorM32 controller cannot work around ArduPilot's behavior without substantially violating the MAVLink standard, so it doesn't. So, you will find that many functions will work fine with ArduPilot, but also that some will not work properly.

PX4

TBD.