Quick Start

Quick Start Guide

This guide shows the fastest way to get FPVToys running on your controller and screens. For more detailed setup information, see the documentation page.

1. Connect the Hardware

Connect the display screens and plug the controller into your computer with a data-capable USB cable.

Make sure the cable supports data. Some micro USB cables are charge-only and will not create a serial port.

2. Open a Terminal Program

Open a serial terminal program such as Tera Term, PuTTY, CoolTerm, or iTerm2, then select the COM port or serial device that appears when the controller is plugged in.

If you are on Windows and are not sure which port to use, open Device Manager, expand Ports, and look for the new USB Serial Device that appears when the controller is connected.

3. Set the Screen Driver

Start with screen 1 and select the correct driver for the screen resolution. For 320×240 screens, there are two choices, 3 and 4. Use the one that displays the screen correctly.

screen 1
driver 4

If the colors look wrong, use invert. If the image is upside down or mirrored, use flip, rotate, or mirror.

invert
flip
rotate
mirror

4. Choose What the Screen Displays

Use mode to choose what each screen shows. For a quick test, set the screen to the G1000-style display.

mode g

Other common modes include map, weather radar, airplane radar, flight instruments, and debug.

5. Set the Input Source

Choose the input source used by the gauge controller. This can be MSP, Mavlink, SmartPort, Inverted SmartPort, sBus, or direct R/C input.

input m

Use the command that matches your setup. If you are using a flight controller, MSP is usually the first thing to try.

6. Save the Settings

After the screen looks correct and the input source is set, save the settings so they stay after power is removed.

save

7. Verify Everything Works

Reconnect the controller or reboot it and confirm that the screens come back with the same settings. Check that the expected data is showing, such as attitude, airspeed, altitude, GPS, or map information.

Common First Checks

  • Use a data-capable USB cable.
  • Confirm the correct COM port or serial device.
  • Make sure the screen driver matches the display.
  • Use invert, flip, rotate, or mirror if needed.
  • Run save after changes.

Typical First Setup

screen 1
driver 4
invert
mode g
input m
save

For more detailed command references, see the CLI Commands page.