7.1. Using Serial Port

Follow these steps to establish a connection with the drone using the serial port.

Step 1: As illustrated in the screen below, choose the "Serial" option from the dropdown list and proceed to configure the parameters.

Serial port connection

Configure or choose the appropriate values as explained below.

Serial Port Settings:

Within the serial port settings, users can establish device connection through serial communication. Moreover, users hold the flexibility to adjust baud rates based on specific requirements before initiating the device connection.

1.1 Serial Port Selection: Choose a serial port from the provided drop-down list. Opting for the correct serial port is essential to ensure the establishment of a reliable communication link.

1.2 Baud Rate: In the realm of computer communication, digital data is exchanged between devices via transmission media using bits. When it comes to data transfer, users can seamlessly send and receive data without the need to configure intricate details. The baud rate corresponds to the pace at which information moves within a communication channel. It signifies the frequency of signal element alterations or transitions per second as data traverses through a transmission medium. A higher baud rate translates to accelerated data transmission and reception speeds.

Baud rate = Number of signal elements/total time (in seconds)

Baud rate holds significance, particularly in serial communication. Within the context of a serial port, the term "9600 baud" indicates that the serial port can facilitate the transfer of up to 9600 bits within a single second.

1.3 Data Bits Overview: Data bits in serial communication carry a range of information, including device commands, sensor readings, and error messages. Both text (ASCII) and binary data can serve as carriers. Commonly, serial ports employ five to eight data bits. Typically, eight bits of binary data are transmitted, while text data can utilize seven or eight bits. In ASCII, seven bits are required for the 27- or 128-characters present, with the eighth bit set to 0. For extended ASCII, accommodating 28 or 256 characters necessitates using all eight bits.

1.4 Parity: Parity, an error-checking method, enforces a consistent count of 1s – either even or odd – within each error-free bit group transmitted. Before modem-to-modem communication, both sending and receiving parties typically established parity as a shared parameter, crucial for initiating successful transmission.

1.5 Data Flow Control:

1. RTS/CTS Protocol: The Request to Send (RTS) / Clear to Send (CTS) protocol employs a single wire in each direction, facilitating a handshaking technique. This allows devices to signal one another about their readiness to accept data at any given moment. Essentially, this technique informs the modem that the host is primed to transmit data, consequently establishing a communication channel. RTS conveys the host's intention to send data, while CTS conveys the authorization to commence data transmission.

2. XON/XOFF Flow Control: XON/XOFF, also referred to as Software Flow Control, are control characters integral to data transmission. In this context, XOFF serves as a signal from the receiving device to halt transmission from the sending device. Conversely, the XON character is dispatched to indicate the device's readiness to recommence operation.

Step 2: To establish a connection with the drone, click on the "Connect" button.

After a successful connection, the user will receive a voice notification confirming "Drone Connected," and the top bar of the screen will change to a vibrant green color.