WISPR Ground Control

Updating WISPRGroundControl and WISPR Flight Firmware

Periodically WISPR will release software and firmware updates that the customer will need to know how to receive, to ensure that their drone is always flying with the latest and greatest we have to offer. Software applies to WISPRGroundControl. Updates for it will only effect settings and elements within the app. Flight firmware updates are less frequent, yet very important updates that can effect flight characteristics.

Take a look at these two guides to get you started, or as a reference in case you forget something:

Can the volume of the controller be muted/unmuted from inside of WISPRGroundControl?

Yes. You can mute all audio output if needed by navigating to the General Settings, then scroll down and check the “Mute all audio output” selection box as seen below. To unmute, uncheck the “Mute all audio output” box.

Mute Audio Output Checkbox

WISPRGroundControl freezes on the controller while in the air/running a mission.

  • The most common causes for this are the USB cord dropping packets during the installation, or the USB port on the computer being used for the installation is faulty.

    • Before reinstalling, be sure to delete WISPRGroundControl in the applications on the controller, and then reinstall.

    • To test this, use a cable that you know works with no issues for data transfer.

      • You can also try a different port of the computer being used, or use a different computer for the installation.

    • If this does not fix the problem, please submit a ticket at wisprsystems.com using the support tab for further help.

I cannot update WGC. When I run the update tool, the script to install appears, stops, and does not install WGC.

  • Confirm you followed all steps correctly in the manual:

  • Ensure that you are installing from the extracted file and not the zipped folder.

    • To extract the files from the zipped folder, right click the folder and select “Extract All”

  • Enable "Developer Mode" on the controller by navigating to Settings → About Phone → Build Number and tap at least 7 times on Build Number. You will receive a message stating “You are now a developer”.

  • Next, you will need to enable USB debugging in the settings.

    • Go to Settings and scroll down to Developer Options. Once there, you will see USB debugging with a toggle switch to the right of it. Toggle the switch on. You may now run the update tool again.

  • The controller may prompt the user with a message reading “Allow USB debugging on this computer?” if it is the first time updating from that computer. Press yes to proceed. You will only need to allow USB debugging one time on each device.

While trying to update WISPR Flight Firmware in Mission Planner, a pop-up reading “Is this a Solo” appears. What should I do?

Do not be concerned by this message. Select “No” and the custom firmware will begin to load.

What steps should I take if the maps appear as a plain white screen, lacking the actual map content?

You’ll need to connect your controller to a 5GHz hotspot, such as your phone (ensure your phone or any hotspot you choose is emitting a 5GHz band). The controller needs access to internet data to display the maps. It is important to note that this is not a guaranteed resolution, but it may assist and is generally the cause behind this issue.

You can also download offline maps while connected to internet so that in locations where you don’t have access or don’t want to tether to a hotspot, the map will be usable on site. For information on this process, check out this guide

If a mission is being flown higher than the set RTL altitude, will the drone descend to that altitude before the RTL?

No. The drone will ascend if it is below the RTL height, but if the RTL height is set to for example 50m, the drone with RTL at any altitude equal to or greater than that.