How to Connect to Drone Using DroneKit: Simple Guide

To connect to a drone using dronekit, use the connect() function with the connection string (like serial port or UDP address). This establishes communication between your script and the drone for control and telemetry.

Syntax

The basic syntax to connect to a drone with DroneKit is:

• connect(connection_string, wait_ready=True): Connects to the drone using the specified connection string.
• connection_string: The address of the drone connection, e.g., 'udp:127.0.0.1:14550' for simulator or '/dev/ttyAMA0' for serial.
• wait_ready: If True, waits until the drone is ready before continuing.

python

from dronekit import connect

vehicle = connect('connection_string', wait_ready=True)

Example

This example shows how to connect to a drone simulator running on UDP port 14550 and print the drone's GPS location.

python

from dronekit import connect

# Connect to the drone on UDP port 14550
vehicle = connect('udp:127.0.0.1:14550', wait_ready=True)

# Print the current GPS location
print(f"GPS: {vehicle.location.global_frame}")

# Close the connection
vehicle.close()

Output

GPS: LocationGlobal(lat=47.397742, lon=8.545594, alt=488.0)

Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when connecting to a drone using DroneKit include:

• Using the wrong connection string format (e.g., missing udp: prefix for UDP connections).
• Not having the drone or simulator running before connecting.
• Forgetting to set wait_ready=True which can cause your script to run before the drone is ready.
• Not closing the connection with vehicle.close() after finishing.

python

from dronekit import connect

# Wrong connection string (missing 'udp:') - will fail
# vehicle = connect('127.0.0.1:14550', wait_ready=True)

# Correct connection string
vehicle = connect('udp:127.0.0.1:14550', wait_ready=True)

vehicle.close()

Quick Reference

Tips for connecting to your drone using DroneKit:

• Use udp:ip:port for simulator connections.
• Use serial port strings like /dev/ttyAMA0 for real drones.
• Always set wait_ready=True to ensure the drone is ready.
• Close the connection with vehicle.close() to free resources.

Key Takeaways

Use the connect() function with the correct connection string to link your script to the drone.

Set wait_ready=True to wait until the drone is fully ready before running commands.

For simulators, use UDP connection strings like 'udp:127.0.0.1:14550'.

Always close the vehicle connection with vehicle.close() after use.

Check your connection string format carefully to avoid connection errors.