Docs directory
Table of contents
MicoAssistant User Guide
About MicoAssistant
MicoAssistant is an online tool for MicoAir telemetry radios, optical flow sensors, and rangefinders. Open it in Chrome or Edge to check device information, change settings, and view sensor data. No desktop app is required.
Open MicoAssistant: https://micoair.com/assistant/
Connecting a Device to MicoAssistant
Connect the Device and Install the Driver
Before opening MicoAssistant, connect the device to your computer and make sure Windows recognizes its serial port.
If the device has a USB Type C port, connect it directly with a USB data cable. If it only has a UART port, use a USB to TTL serial adapter.
Devices with a USB Type C Port
If the device has a USB Type C port for setup, connect it directly to the computer. This requires no extra wiring and prevents TX and RX from being connected the wrong way around.
Devices with Only a UART Interface
If the device only has a UART port, connect it through a USB to TTL serial adapter. Common adapter chips include CP2102, CH340/CH341, and FT232.
MicoAir sensors and modules use 3.3 V logic levels. If your USB to TTL adapter has a jumper for 5 V or 3.3 V levels, set it to 3.3 V. A 5 V TTL level may cause unstable communication or stop communication completely.
Use the following wiring:
| Device | USB to TTL Adapter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TX | RX | Cross the transmit and receive lines |
| RX | TX | Cross the transmit and receive lines |
| GND | GND | Both devices must share a common ground |
| VCC | Correct power output | Check the required supply voltage |
Never identify pins by wire color alone. Always follow the connector labels and pinout for the specific product, and verify both the supply voltage and UART logic level before making the connection.
Install the CP210x Driver
The LR900-F/P, LR868-F, LR24-F/P, and devices or adapters based on the CP2102 generally require the CP210x Virtual COM Port driver.
Install the CH340/CH341 Driver
The LR900-A, MicoAir-WiFi-Link, and devices or adapters based on the CH340/CH341 require the corresponding serial driver.
When using an external USB to TTL adapter, install the driver for the chip inside the adapter. Do not choose the driver based on the MicoAir product connected to it.
Check the Driver Status
After connecting the device and installing the driver, open Windows Device Manager and expand Ports (COM & LPT).
- COM port appears normally: Windows has recognized the device, and you can continue in MicoAssistant.
- Yellow exclamation mark: the driver is not installed correctly; reinstall the appropriate driver.
- No new device appears: check the USB cable, USB port, power supply, and wiring.
- Unknown device appears: check the USB to serial chip and install the matching driver.
Connect the Device in MicoAssistant
-
Open MicoAssistant.
-
Make sure the device is connected and its COM port appears normally in Device Manager.
-
Click Select Port, then select the device's COM port in the browser dialog.
-
Set the connection baud rate. MTF-01/01P/02/02P sensors normally use
115200; standard MicoAir telemetry radios use57600by default.
-
When setting up a telemetry radio, enable Radio Config before connecting. MicoAssistant will set the baud rate to the default value of
57600.
-
Click Connect.
-
Wait for MicoAssistant to identify the device and display its model information.
If MicoAssistant cannot identify the device, check the selected port, baud rate, driver, wiring, and power supply before changing any parameters.
Configuring Telemetry Radios
LR900, LR868, and LR24 Series
The LR900, LR868, and LR24 series are mainly used for two way communication between one ground unit and one air unit. Read the settings from both units and make sure the paired radios use the same communication settings. The UART baud rate of the air unit must also match the flight controller port.
The LR24-F-Mini does not have a USB port for direct connection to a computer. To set it up, connect its UART port through a USB to TTL serial adapter. Cross TX and RX, and connect GND on both devices.
For parameter details, operating modes, wiring, and setup steps, see the relevant manual:
MSTAR24 Telemetry with Multiple Air Units
MSTAR24 links one base unit to one or more air units. Its firmware, modes, and settings differ from the LR900, LR868, and LR24 series. Do not use the standard setup steps for those radios.
When connected to a computer, the MSTAR24 base unit creates eight serial ports, from ChA to ChH. ChA is also used to set up the base unit. Give each air unit a unique slave ID and pair it with the correct channel on the base unit. All units in the same network must use matching module addresses, frequencies, and data rate modes.
For wiring, driver installation, base unit and air unit settings, channel mapping, and connections for multiple vehicles, see:
TRS Integrated RC and Telemetry System
TRS is a 2.4 GHz system that combines RC control and telemetry. It includes a transmitter module and a receiver. The transmitter module fits a NANO module bay and works with compatible OpenTX and EdgeTX radios. The receiver outputs an SBUS signal for RC control and has a telemetry UART for the flight controller.
TRS has Long Range, Standard, and High Speed modes. Each mode uses a different data rate, RC update rate, and UART baud rate. The selected mode sets the transmitter baud rate. After binding, the receiver automatically uses the same telemetry baud rate. You do not need to set up the receiver separately.
For product details, binding steps, operating modes, pin definitions, Bluetooth setup, and full setup instructions, see:
Configuring Optical Flow Sensors and Rangefinders
Read and Change Parameters
Before using MicoAssistant, make sure the optical flow sensor or rangefinder is connected correctly to the USB to TTL serial adapter.
-
Connect the sensor to the computer.
-
Set the baud rate in MicoAssistant to
115200. -
Click Select Port, then select the adapter's COM port in the browser dialog.
-
Click Connect and wait for MicoAssistant to identify the device.
-
Open the parameter settings page. MicoAssistant reads the current settings automatically.
-
Change the required parameters.
-
Click Save to Device.
-
Make sure the settings were saved. If needed, turn the device off and on, then read the settings again.
For wiring, mounting direction, flight controller settings, and setup steps, see the relevant manual:
- MTF-01 Optical Flow and Range Sensor User Manual
- MTF-01P Optical Flow and Range Sensor User Manual
- MTF-02/02P Optical Flow and Range Sensor User Manual
About the Auto Protocol
MTF series firmware version 1.1.0 includes the Auto protocol. It can select the correct output protocol for supported flight controller firmware, including ArduPilot, PX4, and INAV. When Auto is selected, you normally do not need to change the protocol in MicoAssistant. This makes setup easier and reduces the need to remove the sensor from the drone.
View Optical Flow and Range Data
The Data page shows sensor output in real time. For an MTF series optical flow and range sensor, first check that the range value looks correct. Then move the sensor and make sure the optical flow speed values change smoothly. This is a quick way to find frozen or unusual data.
Troubleshooting
If MicoAssistant does not work as expected, check each part in this order: driver, serial port, wiring, device connection, and then settings or data output.
Driver Issues
No COM Port Appears
If no new COM port appears in Windows Device Manager after the device is connected, check the following:
- Make sure the USB cable supports data transfer.
- Make sure the product or USB to TTL adapter has the correct power supply.
- Check the USB port and all physical connections.
- Install the driver that matches the USB to serial chip.
Try another USB data cable or USB port, then reconnect the device. For a USB to TTL adapter, install the driver for its CP210x, CH340/CH341, or FT232 chip.
Device Manager Shows a Yellow Exclamation Mark or Unknown Device
A yellow exclamation mark or Unknown device usually means that the driver is missing, damaged, or incorrect. Check the USB to serial chip, remove the device from Device Manager, install the correct driver, and reconnect the device.
If Windows still does not recognize the device, restart the computer and check Device Manager again.
Serial Port and Browser Issues
No Serial Ports Are Listed in the Browser
- Use the latest version of Chrome or Edge.
- Confirm that the COM port appears in Windows Device Manager.
- Reconnect the device and refresh the MicoAssistant page.
- Make sure the browser has permission to access serial ports.
- Do not use a browser without Web Serial support or an Incognito/InPrivate window.
Port Access Is Denied or the Port Is Busy
Only one app can normally use a COM port at a time. Close Mission Planner, QGroundControl, serial terminal tools, the desktop version of MicoAssistant, and any other app that may be using the port. Then try again.
If the port still cannot be opened, reconnect the device. Restart the browser or computer if necessary.
The Selected Port Opens the Wrong Device
If several serial devices are connected, the browser may list multiple ports. Disconnect the target device and note which COM port disappears from Device Manager. Reconnect it, then select the port that reappears.
Device Connection and Identification Issues
The Port Opens, but MicoAssistant Cannot Identify the Device
Opening the port only means that the browser can access it. It does not mean that the device is communicating correctly. Check the following:
- The selected baud rate is correct.
- Radio Config is enabled when configuring a telemetry radio.
- TX and RX are crossed when using a USB to TTL adapter.
- Both devices share GND.
- The supply voltage and UART logic level meet the product requirements.
- The product is powered and running the correct firmware.
If MicoAssistant cannot identify the device model, the settings page may not open or respond. Fix the connection before you try to read or change any settings.
The Device Keeps Disconnecting
Check for a loose USB cable, connector, or wire. Also make sure the power supply is stable. When using a USB to TTL adapter, avoid unreliable USB hubs or extension cables.
Parameter Read and Save Issues
Device Parameters Cannot Be Read
- Confirm that MicoAssistant has identified the correct device model.
- Check the selected port and baud rate.
- For telemetry radios, make sure Radio Config is enabled.
- Close any other software using the serial port.
- Disconnect the device, turn it off and on, then reconnect it.
Saved Parameters Do Not Take Effect
After saving, confirm that MicoAssistant reports a successful write. Restart the device, then read the settings again to verify them.
For telemetry radios, check that the module address, frequency, and operating mode match on the ground unit and air unit. The UART baud rate of the air unit must also match the flight controller port.
Data Display Issues
No Data Appears on the Data Page
First confirm that MicoAssistant has identified the device, then open the Data page. If no values appear, check the baud rate, wiring, power supply, and firmware version before reconnecting the device.
Range Values Are Incorrect or Do Not Change
Point the sensor at a flat surface and change the distance within its working range. Do not use glass, mirrors, black surfaces that absorb light, or surfaces at a steep angle. Make sure the ranging window is clean and clear. When the sensor points into open space beyond its maximum range, the range value should be zero.
Optical Flow Data Does Not Change or Appears Abnormal
Point the optical flow lens at a surface with clear texture and enough light. Move the sensor sideways at a suitable height and check that the optical flow speed values change. A plain surface, poor lighting, a blocked lens, or too much distance from the surface can cause bad or unstable data.
If the values do not change, jump a lot, or stay at zero, check the connection, power supply, and settings. Then turn the device off and on and test it again.