Getting Your Lua Scripting Groove On with ArduPilot: A Whimsical Dive into the Basics


This is a companion topic for our recent blog post on blog.unmanned.tech

Welcome to the whimsical world of Lua scripting for ArduPilot! In our latest blog post, we embark on a light-hearted yet informative journey through the basics of Lua scripting, perfect for both seasoned coders and those who still struggle with the self-checkout machine in Tesco. We cover everything from essential resources (yes, even the ArduPilot documentation, though it might feel a bit like digging through the attic) to the crucial bits about version 5.3—because you wouldn’t want to be stuck with an outdated script, would you?

We delve into the delightful quirks of ESC telemetry and how you can tap into vital insights for optimising your vehicle’s performance. The functions at your disposal, such as getRPM and getCurrent, will make you feel like a wizard controlling your drone’s fate. Plus, we’ve included a practical example of a parking brake script to showcase how these concepts come together, ensuring your drone doesn’t go rogue while you’re sipping tea.

Of course, we can’t ignore those pesky Mavlink messages; knowing how to utilise them is akin to having a secret handshake in the drone community. Lastly, don’t fret if the documentation leaves you scratching your head—sometimes, the most valuable insights are hidden in the code itself or in a good chinwag with fellow enthusiasts.

For a visual treat, we’ve linked a YouTube video that walks you through the essentials in style. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s get coding!

Read the full post over at: