What software, to plan a CCC mission?

[Bucho]

Hello,
On the Typhoon H, the CCC task is very simple and efficient when defining a new mission, once we are arrived at the place of overflight.
I was interested, as you probably are, in the CCC software available to prepare a mission before going to the location planned to fly the drone.

1) Flight Planner (free)
The mission is set from the Web.
Too often, the software asks that we update the WayPoint settings.
Then, all of a sudden, it crashes in my house and the map scrolls constantly!
I'm not confident!

2) UAV Toolbox (not free)
Has the particularity that the missions are parameterized from the ST16 and not separately (i.e. from a PC connected to the Web).
When setting up the mission, the map presented is the plan, not the satellite view, which lacks precision when one wants to locate oneself with the greatest details.
Once the mission is loaded, you can edit the waypoints using an executable to be launched from the ST16.

3) VideoCiel (formerly: CCC Editor, I have made a donation)
Perfect for staking the mission from a PC and the Web.
Save the settings and then download it to ST16 directory: Internal storage \ flightmode \ mission_data.
From the ST16, launch Yuneec CCC task, select the mission, execute.
Once in the field, you can edit the mission waypoints from a tablet connected to the Web (via a smartphone acting as a hotspot).

I still have not found my happiness!
MY DREAM: have the equivalent of Litchi for DJI!
Litchi allows you to set up missions from the Web, and then the mission runs on a smartphone or tablet, using an application to download from the Google Play or Apple library (the DJI Phantom X and Inspire Y require that they be connected to a smartphone or to a tablet ; the Typhoon H does not need this, it is an excellent point for Yuneec!).
Litchi takes full control of all the DJI settings and all the manufacturer's software controls (DJI Go App).
What I find particularly beautiful in Litchi is to be able to parameterize several instructions that will be executed automatically when passing each Waypoint: stop the drone, take a picture, resume the mission, etc.).

Do you have an opinion on the subject, or an observation, a recommendation?

 

[Tuna]

I'm the author of UAV Toolbox, so a couple of points -

None of the editors will be able to perform actions at waypoints - the Typhoon Flight controller does not support that at present.
Please also add links to all of the software you've found - it's good that people can discover what's out there.

With regards to UAV Toolbox in particular:
This is the only editor that gives a close estimation of the actual route that will be flown. That's quite important as the Typhoon does not fly in straight lines and can differ from the 'straight route' by a large distance.
It's also the only editor that shows camera views, with ground coverage estimation for those who want to fly grid mapping missions
You can edit maps with a satellite view - go to Settings on the main screen and choose your desired map format.
The advantage of having an app on the ST-16 is that it installs the CCC route for you, ready to fly.
I'm working on web synchronisation - the next release allows you to upload full flight data to the web, and that is the basis for being able to share and plan routes online in the future. These things take time

We will not see a Litchi-type app for the Typhoon until:
1. Yuneec release the SDK for the platform and
2. Users are willing to pay for third party apps. An app that controls live flight is a serious risk and needs thorough testing - that really won't happen when people expect enthusiasts to spend their free time developing software for no cost.

Note that the authors of the two 'free' apps have not been on this forum in months now - if the users don't make it worthwhile to develop tools, then the developers will go elsewhere. The reason Litchi is successful is because many people pay for it to be developed and improved. Writing a good app is a full time job, and 'likes' on the internet don't pay the bills.

It also really helps me and any other developers if users actually talk to us! Often the only time I hear from a user is when something doesn't work, or they've forgotten their password. If you want a tool to improve, or want a new feature, or have an idea - talk about it to us! If you like an app, share the information, tell your friends, support the author. If you have problems with it, or it doesn't do quite what you want - again, let us know. We're not mind readers, so if something isn't quite what you want, we're not going to do anything about it without you actually taking the time to tell us.

 

[yuneec53]

Hello,
On the Typhoon H, the CCC task is very simple and efficient when defining a new mission, once we are arrived at the place of overflight.
I was interested, as you probably are, in the CCC software available to prepare a mission before going to the location planned to fly the drone.

1) Flight Planner (free)
The mission is set from the Web.
Too often, the software asks that we update the WayPoint settings.
Then, all of a sudden, it crashes in my house and the map scrolls constantly!
I'm not confident!

2) UAV Toolbox (not free)
Has the particularity that the missions are parameterized from the ST16 and not separately (i.e. from a PC connected to the Web).
When setting up the mission, the map presented is the plan, not the satellite view, which lacks precision when one wants to locate oneself with the greatest details.
Once the mission is loaded, you can edit the waypoints using an executable to be launched from the ST16.

3) VideoCiel (formerly: CCC Editor, I have made a donation)
Perfect for staking the mission from a PC and the Web.
Save the settings and then download it to ST16 directory: Internal storage \ flightmode \ mission_data.
From the ST16, launch Yuneec CCC task, select the mission, execute.
Once in the field, you can edit the mission waypoints from a tablet connected to the Web (via a smartphone acting as a hotspot).

I still have not found my happiness!
MY DREAM: have the equivalent of Litchi for DJI!
Litchi allows you to set up missions from the Web, and then the mission runs on a smartphone or tablet, using an application to download from the Google Play or Apple library (the DJI Phantom X and Inspire Y require that they be connected to a smartphone or to a tablet ; the Typhoon H does not need this, it is an excellent point for Yuneec!).
Litchi takes full control of all the DJI settings and all the manufacturer's software controls (DJI Go App).
What I find particularly beautiful in Litchi is to be able to parameterize several instructions that will be executed automatically when passing each Waypoint: stop the drone, take a picture, resume the mission, etc.).

Do you have an opinion on the subject, or an observation, a recommendation?

Type in Eric ccc

 

[Bucho]

Type in Eric ccc

In Eric CCC AND in UAV Toolbox

 

[Bucho]

I'm the author of UAV Toolbox, so a couple of points -

[1] None of the editors will be able to perform actions at waypoints - the Typhoon Flight controller does not support that at present.
...
[2] It's also the only editor that shows camera views, with ground coverage estimation for those who want to fly grid mapping missions
You can edit maps with a satellite view - go to Settings on the main screen and choose your desired map format.
The advantage of having an app on the ST-16 is that it installs the CCC route for you, ready to fly.
I'm working on web synchronisation - the next release allows you to upload full flight data to the web, and that is the basis for being able to share and plan routes online in the future. These things take time

[3] We will not see a Litchi-type app for the Typhoon until:
1. Yuneec release the SDK for the platform and
2. Users are willing to pay for third party apps. An app that controls live flight is a serious risk and needs thorough testing - that really won't happen when people expect enthusiasts to spend their free time developing software for no cost.

The reason Litchi is successful is because many people pay for it to be developed and improved. Writing a good app is a full time job, and 'likes' on the internet don't pay the bills.

[4] It also really helps me and any other developers if users actually talk to us!.

____________________

Thank you Tuna, for this long and very informative answer!
I do not think I have devalued your software, it is true that I could have received two details by writing directly to you, I apologize for that.

Please allow me to answer in summary, on the points mentioned above:

[1] This would be the reason why "my dream" can not be realized.

[2] The satellite view is therefore available in UAV Toolbox, I should have checked with you by writing directly to you, receive my apologies!
The other benefits of your software explain why I acquired it.

[3] Tens of thousands of users have bought Litchi and use it every day.
They paid once and for all and they receive free monthly updates.
That DJI released its SDK certainly contributed to obtaining, as it is said in the press, nearly 75% of the market.

[4] Promised, I will question you.

Thanks again.

 

[Tuna]

Hey, I'm very happy that you've reviewed the main options, and very keen to see a healthy development community around Yuneec.

The main reason for my post was not to 'sell' UAV Toolbox, but to point out that the other two options have received far too little support, and that we're not seeing enough tools around these drones. The Yuneec community is not as big as DJIs so we have to understand that without supporting third parties, we won't see the tools we'd like - either from the big companies or hobbyists developing stuff in their free time.

 

[PatR]

The problem with even DJI apps is that DJI does not truly support them. If and when DJI makes changes in their code it can and has left previously released apps "buggy", causing issues with control function. DJI even has a disclaimer relative to this in their warranty docs. Apps need to be developed by the manufacturer of the aircraft to keep the apps relevant to an evolving product.

 

[BEC1]

Tuna's app is great. It's well worth the small expense. I highly recommend everyone get his app. I used it yesterday to fly around an estate. It made my job so much easier.

I hope Yuneec will release an SDK. This is an area where DJI is kicking their butts. I really like Litchi.

 

[K2BLS]

This one works very well. Been using it for a few months now.

Flight Planner H - Waypoints Creator for Yuneec Typhoon H

 

[SeamusOD]

I think better again is APM mission planner, big plus is when you have viewed maps (sat views at all zoom levels) they are kept in the system so you no longer need to be online to use them, I have done loads of missions with my apm and pixhawk quads, really easy to use and very accurate.

 

[Torres]

I'm the author of UAV Toolbox, so a couple of points -

None of the editors will be able to perform actions at waypoints - the Typhoon Flight controller does not support that at present.
Please also add links to all of the software you've found - it's good that people can discover what's out there.

With regards to UAV Toolbox in particular:
This is the only editor that gives a close estimation of the actual route that will be flown. That's quite important as the Typhoon does not fly in straight lines and can differ from the 'straight route' by a large distance.
It's also the only editor that shows camera views, with ground coverage estimation for those who want to fly grid mapping missions
You can edit maps with a satellite view - go to Settings on the main screen and choose your desired map format.
The advantage of having an app on the ST-16 is that it installs the CCC route for you, ready to fly.
I'm working on web synchronisation - the next release allows you to upload full flight data to the web, and that is the basis for being able to share and plan routes online in the future. These things take time

We will not see a Litchi-type app for the Typhoon until:
1. Yuneec release the SDK for the platform and
2. Users are willing to pay for third party apps. An app that controls live flight is a serious risk and needs thorough testing - that really won't happen when people expect enthusiasts to spend their free time developing software for no cost.

Note that the authors of the two 'free' apps have not been on this forum in months now - if the users don't make it worthwhile to develop tools, then the developers will go elsewhere. The reason Litchi is successful is because many people pay for it to be developed and improved. Writing a good app is a full time job, and 'likes' on the internet don't pay the bills.

It also really helps me and any other developers if users actually talk to us! Often the only time I hear from a user is when something doesn't work, or they've forgotten their password. If you want a tool to improve, or want a new feature, or have an idea - talk about it to us! If you like an app, share the information, tell your friends, support the author. If you have problems with it, or it doesn't do quite what you want - again, let us know. We're not mind readers, so if something isn't quite what you want, we're not going to do anything about it without you actually taking the time to tell us.

 

[PatR]

APM Mission Planner has always been, and still is, superior to anything else in planning waypoint missions with actions at waypoints. It is not an app, but programmed into the system. It would behoove Yuneec to add such capability to their systems. Considering their FC's appear to be built in a Pixhawk type board such should be possible.and would also require changes to the GUI and ST-16 coding. Adding the ability to directly access Google Earth through the GUI and ST-16 would significantly augment the process. Since the coding is open source that should not be a problem.

Better still would be adopting the entire Pixhawk flight control system. It possesses the best stability and positional accuracy in a consumer level FC and provides incredible user flexibility, without requiring apps to accomplish those tasks. Doing that and incorporating a better camera sensor and lens would turn the H and higher products into true "prosumer" and "enterprise" platforms. The cost to implement would be negligible, however, it would require users to become better educated with the functions of their systems. The latter is the only downside.

 

[Skeets]

2) UAV Toolbox
When setting up the mission, the map presented is the plan, not the satellite view

You can change "Map" view to "Satellite" view by simply selecting it in the upper left of the screen. Mine comes up as Satellite each time I open it.
One issue that I do have with UAV Toolbox (and I don't know if that is specific to UAV Toolbox, or a limitation of the ST-16..I'm sure Tuna can verify) is that when I zoom in too close (and it's really not THAT close), the map becomes unavailable. Which is understandable, but when I try to zoom back out to the previous view, the map remains unavailable. So I have to go back to the Mission Select screen.

 

[Tuna]

Better still would be adopting the entire Pixhawk flight control system. It possesses the best stability and positional accuracy in a consumer level FC and provides incredible user flexibility, without requiring apps to accomplish those tasks. Doing that and incorporating a better camera sensor and lens would turn the H and higher products into true "prosumer" and "enterprise" platforms. The cost to implement would be negligible, however, it would require users to become better educated with the functions of their systems. The latter is the only downside.

It is a *big* downside though in a consumer drone. Look how much trouble some users have got themselves into just with the simplified functions of the Typhoon.

I think we're going to see more specialisation in future. It used to be that all the engineering effort went into just getting a stable flying platform. Now that's more of a 'solved' problem, it's easier to create models that fit particular needs. So we're likely to see models that have quite different styles of control and a lot of granularity in that - from highly autonomous 'selfie drones' through to deeply programmable industrial platforms. The raw Pixhawk system is not suitable for a lot of users who actually just want a machine to do a particular job. You don't always need a swiss army knife

 

[PatR]

Tuna,

I hate to be the one to say it, but our society's desire to make everyone a winner in every game they play isn't going to work out. The same applies to multirotor operations; some people are smart enough to participate, some will never be. Where advanced features and software is concerned there will be a great many people that either won't be qualified, or refuse to become qualified. If they want to participate in aerial activities they will have to be content to fly systems that are simple enough for them to operate safely and effectively. This stuff can only be dumbed down so far.

Truth is, you don't need to be a programmer to make effective use of something like Pixhawk, a very large portion of the functionality is already there and needs only be assigned to a switch in MP, or modify dropped way points in MP. All the "How To" instructions are online for anyone that chooses to read them. I don't think a highly advanced system can be made without expecting the users to step up. Someone else did that and ended up having to share their APK for others to develop new functionality beyond the basics, functionality the prime manufacturer bears no responsibility for. Another benefit of a self contained FC is public agencies would be more prone to make use of them, something they are avoiding now because of data sharing between flight controllers, apps, and the manufacturer/developers.

"You don't always need a swiss army knife ," but they work even when one is not needed

 

[Tuna]

I'm not going to disagree. My point was more that we're likely to see a separation between 'professional' drones (where you'd expect people to pass a course and obtain a license to prove they know what they're doing) and 'consumer' or 'hobby' drones. Currently we're seeing quite a few 'high end consumer' drones trying to straddle that divide - and it leaves people upset, either that their drone is too complex, or not complex enough. Pixhawk is indeed a powerful and sophisticated system, but I'd be worried to see it promoted on a 'consumer' drone that anyone can buy off Amazon as you could imagine how many of them would be crashed as a result of people not reading the manual. Just because experienced pilots want complex tools does not mean we should be expecting those tools on all drones.

It's not trying to make everyone a winner - it's recognising that people will use drones at all levels (regardless of our opinions) and should be given the appropriate tool for their needs.

As for Mission Planner and some of the other tools, I think there is still a lot of room for improvement. They show their origins in a very low level approach to flying - which made more sense when components were individually sourced and delicately balanced, but makes much less sense when you have deeply integrated platforms that are pretty consistently manufactured. It's reassuring to old hands to see all of those details exposed, but as a pilot I want a distraction free interface that I don't have to fiddle with to get the results I want. The technology has moved on to a point where we could do better, but re-engineering a complete flight control system from scratch is no small task if you want to get a consistent and logical user interface.

 

[madatme]

I have not used other ccc software yet but purchased uav toolbox and cannot get the mission map to load so I cannot create a mission if cannot see it, if there is a trick please let me know, sorry for this but I'm frustrated

 

[Tuna]

I have not used other ccc software yet but purchased uav toolbox and cannot get the mission map to load so I cannot create a mission if cannot see it, if there is a trick please let me know, sorry for this but I'm frustrated

I've sent you a message, check your message tab here in the forums!

 

[Yuneec007]

Hi,
I would be the first person to support such an app by paying for it. I believe that people should be rewarded for their hard work and skill sets. If I had more time to learn this programming language and technology I would do it myself. For what these apps do, these days a few measly dollars is equivalent to a few cups of coffee.
Thanks
Sam

 

[Yuneec007]

Hi Everyone, I'm sorry to say that I have no choice but to return my Typhoon H.

I purchased mine from BUYDIG.COM. It was an open box and according to BUYDIG's policy an open box is a new item that has been checked by their technical staff to insure that everything is fully functional.

I picked up the H last Friday and when I opened the box, there were thee broken props and the rest still had dirt on them. I could not even test fly the H because I didn't have all the appropriate props to fly it. I also found a number of telemetry data dating back to Dec 2016, which told me that this was not a new H.

I tried everything except beg BUYDIG to replace it, or send me new props and replace the two used batteries with new ones; none of which they agreed to. The only thing that they are willing to do is to have me send it back for a full refund.

I would really like to keep it, but without any props I can't even test it and confirm that there isn't anything wrong with it.

They really give me no options or an alternative solution. This is all to say that I'm returning it tomorrow and most likely not buying another one.

I would like to thank all of you who took the time to help me out during this short journey. I wish you all well and safe flying.