How to Install and Use INAV Configurator for Chrome INAV Configurator is the essential tool for setting up GPS-enabled flight control software on RC airplanes and quadcopters. While the software originally ran directly inside the Google Chrome browser as an extension, it has transitioned to a standalone application built on the Chromium framework.
This guide covers how to install the modern standalone application and use its core features to get your aircraft ready for flight. Step 1: Download and Install INAV Configurator
The standalone version looks and operates like a Chrome extension but runs independently for better performance and stability.
Navigate to the official INAV Configurator GitHub repository under the Releases section.
Download the installation file matching your operating system: Windows: .exe installer or .zip file. macOS: .dmg disk image. Linux: .deb package or .tar.gz archive.
Open the downloaded file and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation.
Launch the application from your desktop or applications folder. Step 2: Install Required Virtual COM Port Drivers
Before connecting your flight controller to your computer, you must ensure your operating system can communicate with the hardware.
Windows Users: Download and install the CP210x USB to UART Bridge VCP Drivers from Silicon Labs, as well as the STM USB VCP Drivers from STMicroelectronics.
ImpulseRC Driver Fixer: If your computer fails to recognize the flight controller in DFU mode (needed for flashing firmware), download and run the ImpulseRC Driver Fixer tool while your board is plugged in.
Mac/Linux Users: Drivers are typically built into the operating system, but Linux users may need to grant serial port permissions using the command: sudo usermod -a -G dialout $USER. Step 3: Connect and Navigate the Interface
Plug your flight controller into your computer using a high-quality, data-sync Micro-USB or USB-C cable. Open INAV Configurator.
Look at the top right corner of the screen. Select the correct COM Port from the dropdown menu. Set the baud rate to 115200. Click the click Connect button.
Once connected, the sidebar menu on the left side of the screen will unlock, granting access to the configuration tabs. Step 4: Key Tabs and Basic Setup Workflow Firmware Flasher
Before configuring a new board, you should update it to the latest stable release. Click Firmware Flasher in the top menu, select your specific flight controller target, choose the latest stable firmware version, click Load Firmware [Online], and then click Flash Firmware.
This is your dashboard. Place your aircraft on a completely level surface and click Calibrate Accelerometer. This ensures your flight controller accurately understands its orientation in space. You can also verify that the 3D model on the screen moves in perfect synchronization with your physical model.
This tab maps your physical wiring to the software. You must activate Serial RX on the specific UART port where you soldered your radio receiver. If you are using a GPS module, toggle the GPS slider on its corresponding UART port. Configuration Tab This is the heart of your setup. Here you will define:
Mixer: Choose your platform type (e.g., Airplane, Flying Wing, or Quadcopter).
Receiver: Select your receiver protocol (e.g., SBUS, CRSF, or IBUS).
GPS: Enable the GPS feature and select the correct protocol (usually UBLOX) to unlock navigation features like Return-to-Home. Receiver Tab
Turn on your radio transmitter and plug a battery into your aircraft (ensure your props are off for safety). Move the sticks on your controller. The colored bars on the screen should move accordingly. Ensure your channel mapping is correct (typically AETR1234 or TAER1234) and that your center stick values read exactly 1500.
Assign physical switches on your transmitter to flight modes. At a minimum, you should configure: ARM: To turn the motors on and off. ANGLE: For stabilized, beginner-friendly flight.
NAV RTH: Return-to-Home, which brings the aircraft back to its launch point automatically if you lose signal. Safe Disconnection
Once your settings are saved, always click the Disconnect button in the top right corner before unplugging your USB cable. This ensures all configuration data is cleanly written to the flight controller’s onboard flash memory.
If you need help fine-tuning your aircraft or troubleshooting a specific error, I can guide you through the process. Tell me:
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