GUIDE·Setup

Getting Started with SparkNavi Blue

Applies to: SparkNavi Blue · ArduPilot 4.6.x+

This walkthrough takes you from an unpowered SparkNavi Blue to a successful Mission Planner connection and the calibrations required before first flight.

Before you start

You will need a USB-C cable, Mission Planner (Windows) or QGroundControl, and a power source (battery via the power module, or 5 V USB for bench setup).

1. Hardware Connections

2. First Power-Up

• LED indicator behaviour during boot
• USB enumeration on Windows / macOS / Linux
• Driver installation notes

3. Mission Planner Connection

4. Firmware Verification

SparkNavi Blue ships with ArduPilot pre-installed. To verify or update:

1. Mission Planner → Setup → Install Firmware
2. Verify the board is detected as SparkNavi Blue (APJ Board ID 1362)
3. Choose your vehicle frame (Copter / Plane / Rover)

5. Mandatory Calibrations

Before first flight, complete in Mission Planner → Setup → Mandatory Hardware:

• Frame Type — match your physical airframe
• Accelerometer — full 6-axis calibration on a level surface
• Compass — outdoor on-board calibration
• Radio — transmitter range and stick mapping
• ESC Calibration — if applicable to your frame
• Flight Modes — assign at least Stabilize / AltHold / Loiter / RTL

6. Why This Order Matters

7. SparkNavi Blue–Specific Notes

8. Troubleshooting

Further Reading

• GPS F9P Module Setup — add an RTK GPS
• Setup Guide overview
• ArduPilot — First Time Setup
• SparkNavi Blue product page