OpenHD supports a range of flight controllers through MavLink integration, with a general recommendation of F405 or better controllers for optimal performance. The following flight controller software is currently supported:
Software
Bidirectional MavLink Support
Warning: Betaflight support is sometimes not great, we recommend using Inav or Ardupilot, Betaflight also doesn't allow for bidirectional MavLink, meaning that settings cannot be changed via MavLink, and OpenHD-RC functionality is not available.
Recommended Flight Controllers
For the best experience with OpenHD, flight controllers with an F405 or better chipset are recommended due to their processing power and compatibility with OpenHD features. These controllers are well-suited to provide a seamless integration between OpenHD and your aircraft.
Flight controllers
*this is not complete, just shows FC's that are commonly used.
Choosing the Right Flight Controller
When selecting a flight controller, consider the specific requirements of your drone and the software you plan to use. In general Inav is recommended for beginners and Arduplane is more tailored to experienced users due to its complexity during setup.
Ensuring Adequate UARTs
Make sure the chosen flight controller has enough UART ports for your setup. A common setup includes:
UART1 for the control link (ELRS, Frsky, etc.)
UART2 for GPS
UART3 for OpenHD
If you plan to incorporate additional components such as a gimbal, secondary GPS, or advanced sensors, you'll need more UART ports.
INAV vs Arduplane Controllers
Not all flight controllers are compatible with Arduplane. Some use proprietary software like KISS, which is not supported. Generally, we recommend the following MCUs:
F405
F745
H743
If you don't intend to use Ardupilot, these MCUs are also suitable: