PID-Analyzer
Analyzes Betaflight blackbox logs to calculate PID step responses for systematic quadcopter tuning.
What is PID-Analyzer?
PID-Analyzer is a tool that analyzes Betaflight blackbox logs to calculate PID step responses, helping quadcopter pilots systematically tune their flight controllers. It uses deconvolution to derive the system response from PID input and gyro output, providing visual feedback on tuning effectiveness. The tool addresses the challenge of optimizing PID settings for stable and responsive flight performance.
Quadcopter pilots and drone enthusiasts using Betaflight flight controllers who want a data-driven approach to PID tuning. It's particularly useful for those recording blackbox logs and seeking to improve flight characteristics beyond trial-and-error methods.
Developers choose PID-Analyzer because it replaces manual tuning guesswork with mathematical analysis, offering weighted response calculations to account for real-world disturbances. Its ability to handle logs from multiple Betaflight versions and provide separate responses for high/low inputs makes it a robust, open-source alternative to subjective tuning techniques.
Overview
PID-Analyzer is a Python-based tool that reads Betaflight blackbox logs and calculates PID step responses to provide a systematic approach to tuning quadcopter flight controllers. It helps pilots visualize how their PID settings affect flight performance by mathematically deriving the system response from input (PID commands) and output (gyro data).
Key Features
- Blackbox Log Analysis — Reads Betaflight blackbox logs using blackbox_decode.exe to extract flight data.
- PID Step Response Calculation — Computes the system response via deconvolution to evaluate PID performance.
- Weighted Response Functions — Reduces impact of external disturbances (e.g., wind) by weighting responses based on RC-input and quality.
- Dual Response for High Inputs — Calculates separate responses for inputs above and below 500 deg/s when D Setpoint Transition is enabled.
- Throttle and TPA Visualization — Plots throttle and TPA thresholds to account for dynamic PID changes during aggressive maneuvers.
- Cross-Platform Support — Tested on Windows 7/10 and macOS 10.10 with Betaflight 3.15/3.2/3.3 logs.
Philosophy
PID-Analyzer aims to replace guesswork in PID tuning with a data-driven, mathematical approach, making it easier for pilots to achieve stable and responsive flight characteristics.
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