FlySparkDroneCAN nodes in your browser
FlySpark lists every DroneCAN node on a CAN bus, with its health, mode, uptime and name, through an SLCAN USB-CAN adapter. Open a node to see its identity and edit its parameters. It runs in Chrome or Edge and in the FlySpark Android app.
It is useful for checking CAN GPS units, airspeed sensors, power modules and ESCs before they go into an ArduPilot or PX4 build.
Free. Hardware connections need Chrome or Edge on a computer; phones use the FlySpark app.
Features
Live node list
Each node's id, name, health, mode and uptime, updated as the bus runs.
Node details
Hardware and software versions and the unique id, as reported by the node.
Parameters
Read and edit node parameters, with type and range checks.
Bus monitor
A live log of CAN frames decoded as DroneCAN messages.
Adapter choice
Works with SLCAN adapters such as CANable and Zubax Babel; pick the bitrate and the tool's own node id.
Simulated bus
A demo bus with nodes and parameters, for learning the tool without hardware.
An alternative to DroneCAN GUI Tool
DroneCAN GUI Tool is the standard desktop program for DroneCAN, formerly UAVCAN v0, and it is the tool most vendor guides use. It is a Python application that needs installing. FlySpark covers the most common jobs, checking which nodes are alive and changing their parameters, in a browser tab or on a phone.
For firmware updates of nodes in the field or a detailed bus analysis, keep DroneCAN GUI Tool or Mission Planner's DroneCAN screen handy. They use the same protocol, so you can switch freely.
What you need
An SLCAN-capable USB-CAN adapter wired to your CAN bus, with power on the bus and termination at both ends. The bus is usually opened at 1 Mbit/s, the DroneCAN default used by ArduPilot and PX4. In the browser, the adapter is reached through Web Serial in Chrome or Edge. Bus power must come from the vehicle or a separate supply; a USB adapter alone may not power your nodes.
Once nodes look healthy, configure the autopilot side in the ArduPilot ground station or the PX4 configurator.
How to view DroneCAN nodes in the browser
- Wire the adapter. Connect the SLCAN adapter to the CAN bus and power the bus.
- Open the tool. Open FlySpark in Chrome or Edge and choose DroneCAN.
- Pick the adapter. Allow the adapter when the browser asks. The bus opens at 1 Mbit/s.
- Inspect nodes. Watch the node list, then open a node to read or change its parameters.
Frequently asked questions
Which adapters are supported?
USB adapters that speak the SLCAN serial protocol, such as CANable and Zubax Babel.
Is DroneCAN the same as UAVCAN?
DroneCAN continues UAVCAN v0, the protocol ArduPilot and PX4 peripherals use. Cyphal, formerly UAVCAN v1, is a different protocol and is not supported here.
Can I change node parameters?
Yes. Open a node, edit a value and save it to the node.
Can I try it without an adapter?
Yes. The demo shows a simulated CAN bus with nodes and parameters.
Related tools
ArduPilot setup and ground station in your browser
A Mission Planner alternative that runs in Chrome: ArduPilot setup, calibration, parameters, missions and logs over USB, telemetry radio or Bluetooth.
PX4 setup and ground station in your browser
A QGroundControl alternative that runs in Chrome: PX4 airframe, sensors, flight modes, power, safety, parameters and missions. No install needed.
A MAVLink ground station that runs in your browser
A web MAVLink ground station for ArduPilot and PX4: HUD, arming, modes, parameters, missions and logs over USB, telemetry radio or Bluetooth.
Ready to try it?
Free. Hardware connections need Chrome or Edge on a computer; phones use the FlySpark app.