ESPFlight Docs v1
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PID Tuning

Tune only after hardware, orientation, motor mapping, and basic flight behavior are known-good.

ESPFlight Docs · v1 Validated v1 documentation path

# Before touching PID

Frame and motors are mechanically secure.
Motor mapping and direction are correct.
IMU orientation and axis directions are correct.
Battery/power behavior is stable.
The Drone can perform a controlled conservative hover on the current baseline.

# Tuning method

  1. 1

    Save the baseline

    Record the current P, I, and D values before changes.

  2. 2

    Change one axis or term at a time

    Avoid simultaneous large changes that hide cause and effect.

  3. 3

    Use small adjustments

    Observe the behavior after each controlled test.

  4. 4

    Stop on oscillation or loss of control

    Return toward the known-good baseline before further testing.

  5. 5

    Document the result

    Keep notes tied to the hardware, firmware, battery, propellers, and frame used during the test.