Setup Betaflight OSD: Configuration and Ingredient Structure Examples

August 27, 2024

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The Betaflight OSD (On-Display Show) is a strong function that permits you to view important flight data immediately in your FPV feed. This tutorial will information you thru the steps to arrange and configure the OSD in Betaflight, function the OSD menu, and supply helpful CLI instructions for frequent OSD factor setups.

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What’s Betaflight OSD?

Betaflight OSD is a function that overlays flight information reminiscent of battery voltage, flight time, RSSI, and extra onto your FPV video feed. This function is extremely helpful for monitoring the efficiency and standing of your drone whereas flying. You’ll be able to even use it as a menu to vary your drone’s settings together with PID, charges, filters, VTX channel and extra.

This tutorial focuses on OSD for analog FPV techniques. In case you are utilizing the DJI FPV System, take a look at this tutorial on how you can set it up: https://oscarliang.com/dji-fpv-system-setup/#betaflight-osd-setup.

{Hardware} Necessities

Most Betaflight flight controllers (FC) assist OSD for analog FPV techniques, with a number of exceptions which are designed particularly for HD digital FPV techniques. This ought to be acknowledged within the FC specs.

For an FC to assist OSD in analog FPV system, it will need to have an built-in OSD chip (AT7456E). HD digital techniques don’t require this chip for OSD performance.

Wiring

Join your FPV digicam and video transmitter to the flight controller. The digicam sign goes to the “Vin” (video enter) pad on the FC, whereas the VTX sign connects to the “Vout” (video output) pad.

Betaflight Configurations

Enabling OSD Function

Obtain and Set up Betaflight Configurator: https://oscarliang.com/download-betaflight-configurator/. Plug your flight controller into your pc utilizing a USB cable. Open Betaflight Configurator and click on on the Join button.

Within the Betaflight Configurator, go to the Configuration tab and allow the “OSD” function. That’s it—your OSD is now activated.

OSD Tab Interface

Navigate to the OSD tab in Betaflight Configurator. That is the place you configure which parts seem in your FPV feed.

On the left, you’ll see an inventory of OSD parts. Merely activate or off the weather you need to show on the display screen.

You’ll discover three checkboxes for every factor, these correspond to the three obtainable OSD profiles you could change between throughout flight. This lets you use fully totally different OSD layouts and parts at any time by flipping a change in your radio. When you don’t want a number of OSD profiles, set “Preview for” to OSD Profile 1, and “Energetic OSD Profile” to OSD Profile 1 as nicely. Then, test the primary field for the factor you need to show.

Configuring OSD Components

Click on on a component from the left-hand menu so as to add it to the preview display screen, then drag it to your required location.

My incessantly used parts embrace:

Battery Voltage: Shows the battery voltage, so you already know when to land and keep away from over-discharging your LiPo.
Battery Common Cell Voltage: Routinely calculates the voltage per cell, simplifying monitoring (e.g., 16.0V for a 4S battery will show as 4.0V).
Timer2: That is your flight time, it shows how lengthy the drone has been armed. That is totally different from “Timer1,” which exhibits powered-on time.
Warning: Vital. Shows messages if something is mistaken with the quad, aiding in troubleshooting.
Battery Present Draw: Reveals amp attract actual time. It requires a present sensor.
Battery Present mAh Drawn: Reveals how a lot battery has been consumed. It requires a present sensor.
Hyperlink High quality
RSSI dBm Worth: Preferable over RSSI which is a proportion worth.
Throttle Place
VTX Channel: Helpful for confirming the channel in use.

Ideas for OSD Placement:

Keep away from Muddle: Strive to not overcrowd your display screen with an excessive amount of data. Deal with the necessities to maintain your FPV feed clear and readable.
Use Logical Placement: Place your important OSD parts in areas the place they’re simply readable with out obstructing your view.

OSD Settings

On the fitting facet of the OSD tab, you’ll discover numerous OSD-related choices, most of which may be left at default. Nonetheless, listed below are some key settings to contemplate:

Video Format: Select Auto, PAL, NTSC, or HD relying in your digicam/FPV system. For analog, I like to recommend setting it to “Auto” so it detects the right video format for you. For DJI, Walksnail and HDZero, set this to HD.
Alarms: Set limits for RSSI, battery capability, flight time, and altitude. When these limits are reached, the info will flash on-screen as a warning.

Working the OSD Menu

Betaflight OSD not solely shows flight data but additionally permits you to entry a configuration menu immediately out of your goggles. This menu helps you to alter numerous settings of the drone with out connecting to a pc, together with PID settings, charges, VTX energy/channel, and extra. This function is useful for fine-tuning your quadcopter within the subject. Word that not all choices in Betaflight Configurator can be found within the OSD menu, so that you would possibly nonetheless want your pc or an Android app for full configuration.

To entry the OSD menu, disarm your drone and use your transmitter sticks (mode 2):

Throttle heart
Yaw left
Pitch ahead

Your throttle ought to stay at round heart throughout menu navigation.

Navigating the OSD Menu:

Pitch Up/Down: Transfer up and down the menu objects.
Roll Proper: Enter a menu merchandise.
Roll Left: Return or exit.
Roll: Change parameter values.
Yaw Proper: Rapidly save and exit.
Yaw Left: Return to the final menu.

After making changes, save your settings by going again to the primary menu and deciding on “Save & Reboot.”

Altering Betaflight OSD Font

You’ll be able to change the OSD font by clicking the “Font Supervisor” button positioned on the backside proper of the OSD tab. Choose a font preset (I like to recommend “Daring”) and click on “Add Font.”

On this window, you may also add a customized brand, which is able to seem once you plug within the battery.

Remember that when you’ve uploaded a brand new font, it gained’t present within the preview window, however it can show accurately in your goggles.

FAQ and Ideas

Q: I’m getting a core temperature warning. Ought to I be involved?
- A: This could occur when the drone is sitting on the bench for too lengthy with out correct cooling. It’s often a non-issue, and you may disable this warning within the OSD tab below “Warnings”.
Q: I’m getting an RSSI warning. Ought to I be involved?
- A: Make sure you’ve set the right RSSI alarm worth. By default, it’s set to -60 which is simply too excessive for ExpressLRS. Regulate it to match your system’s sensitivity limits. For instance, for ExpressLRS 250Hz, the sensitivity restrict is -108dBm, so I usually set the warning to be round -93dBm (-15dBm hyperlink margin). You’ll be able to set this in CLI: set osd_rssi_dbm_alarm = -93. Extra information right here: https://oscarliang.com/lq-rssi/#What-is-RSSI
Q: I’m not getting OSD textual content on the display screen. Why?
- A: When you can see the Betaflight brand when energy on, that means your OSD is working, make sure you’ve chosen OSD parts and are utilizing the right OSD profile. If there’s no Betaflight brand at startup, test your video format (NTSC/PAL), set it to Auto if unsure. Additionally test your digicam and VTX wiring. Or else it could possibly be a defective OSD chip on the FC.
Q: How do I alter the craft title within the OSD?
- A: The craft title enter subject is positioned within the Configuration tab.
Q: I’m seeing loads of “V” letters on the display screen.
Q: The OSD doesn’t save the font and different OSD settings.
- A: Strive plugging in your battery whereas making modifications in Betaflight Configurator to make sure the OSD chip is absolutely powered. Warning: ensure to take away the props first for security.
Q: “Add Font” isn’t responding.
- A: Strive plugging within the battery earlier than connecting the USB to Betaflight Configurator, then attempt once more.

My OSD Setup CLI Instructions

Configuring OSD parts from scratch for each quad you construct may be time-consuming. To make issues simpler, I’ve compiled a few of my most well-liked OSD parts/format configurations you could simply copy and paste into the CLI.

Analog (with out GPS)

set osd_vbat_pos = 6465
set osd_link_quality_pos = 2112
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2080
set osd_tim_2_pos = 6520
set osd_throttle_pos = 2298
set osd_vtx_channel_pos = 2101
set osd_current_pos = 2327
set osd_mah_drawn_pos = 6496
set osd_craft_name_pos = 6155
set osd_warnings_pos = 6410
set osd_avg_cell_voltage_pos = 2348
save

Analog (with GPS)

set osd_vbat_pos = 2371
set osd_link_quality_pos = 2179
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2147
set osd_tim_2_pos = 2467
set osd_flymode_pos = 2456
set osd_throttle_pos = 2391
set osd_current_pos = 2421
set osd_mah_drawn_pos = 2404
set osd_gps_speed_pos = 2359
set osd_gps_lon_pos = 2065
set osd_gps_lat_pos = 2048
set osd_gps_sats_pos = 2115
set osd_home_dir_pos = 2190
set osd_home_dist_pos = 2156
set osd_flight_dist_pos = 2435
set osd_altitude_pos = 18508
set osd_warnings_pos = 14601
set osd_avg_cell_voltage_pos = 2339
save

Analog (Tiny Whoop)

set osd_vbat_pos = 6444
set osd_link_quality_pos = 2112
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2080
set osd_tim_2_pos = 6520
set osd_throttle_pos = 2298
set osd_vtx_channel_pos = 2101
set osd_current_pos = 2327
set osd_mah_drawn_pos = 6496
set osd_craft_name_pos = 6155
set osd_warnings_pos = 6410
save

Minimalist Setup

For many who want a clear and uncluttered view, the minimalist setup focuses on displaying solely the necessities:

set osd_vbat_pos = 2433
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2150
set osd_tim_2_pos = 6520
save

HD (with GPS)

set osd_vbat_pos = 2529
set osd_link_quality_pos = 2337
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2305
set osd_tim_2_pos = 2625
set osd_flymode_pos = 3670
set osd_throttle_pos = 3606
set osd_current_pos = 3636
set osd_mah_drawn_pos = 2561
set osd_craft_name_pos = 2049
set osd_pilot_name_pos = 2081
set osd_gps_speed_pos = 3382
set osd_gps_lon_pos = 3119
set osd_gps_lat_pos = 3087
set osd_gps_sats_pos = 2369
set osd_home_dir_pos = 2269
set osd_home_dist_pos = 2235
set osd_flight_dist_pos = 2593
set osd_altitude_pos = 18587
set osd_warnings_pos = 14712
set osd_avg_cell_voltage_pos = 2587
set osd_log_status_pos = 1616
set osd_sys_lq_pos = 225
set osd_displayport_device = MSP
set osd_canvas_width = 60
set osd_canvas_height = 22
save

HD (with out GPS)

set osd_vbat_pos = 2499
set osd_link_quality_pos = 2237
set osd_rssi_dbm_pos = 2229
set osd_tim_2_pos = 2563
set osd_flymode_pos = 3596
set osd_throttle_pos = 3532
set osd_current_pos = 3563
set osd_mah_drawn_pos = 2531
set osd_craft_name_pos = 2083
set osd_pilot_name_pos = 2115
set osd_warnings_pos = 14677
set osd_avg_cell_voltage_pos = 2520
save

Conclusion

Organising the OSD in Betaflight is easy, however with some customization, you possibly can considerably improve your FPV expertise. Whether or not you’re utilizing the OSD to maintain monitor of your battery life, monitor your flight time, or entry the configuration menu on the fly, it’s a function that each pilot can profit from. Use the steps and instructions on this information to tailor your OSD setup to your particular wants, and luxuriate in a extra immersive FPV flying expertise.

Edit Historical past

Jul 2017 – Article created
Apr 2021 – Eliminated data concerning MinimOSD, not relevant; up to date article with the newest data and screenshots
Aug 2024 – Tutorial up to date and added my OSD setups in CLI instructions