Ethernet Adapters¶
Ardupilot has the ability to use Ethernet peripherals and networking (see ArduPilot Network Interface), but most H7 based autopilots do not include the Ethernet controller. Ethernet networking capability can be added using an Ethernet Adapter which provides connectivity to the autopilot using PPP protocol over a serial port of the autopilot.
Requirements¶
PPP capability is not included by default on standard H7 autopilot firmware, so the Custom Firmware Build Server must be used to include it.
Note
if using a local build environment (Building the code), you can include PPP capability by using the --enable-ppp waf configuration option when building the code for an autopilot locally.
H7 based autopilot with an unused, flow controlled (for optimum transfer speeds) SERIAL port. (SERIAL2 used in the following setup examples)
Ethernet to PPP adapter (see below)
Autopilot Setup¶
See PPP configuration and ArduPilot Port Configuration sections of ArduPilot Network Interface. Be sure to set NET_ENABLE = 1 and reboot first. The Ethernet MAC configuration is internal to the Adapter itself.
Adapter Setup¶
Currently available adapters use DroneCAN to change or setup the Ethernet interface parameters such as MAC and IP addresses, NET mask, etc. Once setup/changed, the DroneCAN connection can be removed, if desired. When attached to a DroneCAN enabled port on the autopilot, you can use Mission Planner or the DroneCAN GUI tool to explore/change its Ethernet parameters.
In addition, it may implement its own Web Browser interface for status and configuration on the network similar to:
Adapters¶
