Setting up GPS rescue mode requires both hardware preparation and software configuration. First, verify your flight controller has a GPS module properly connected and mounted away from sources of electromagnetic interference like ESCs and video transmitters. The GPS should have a clear view of the sky, ideally on top of your quad with the arrow pointing forward.
In Betaflight or INAV configurator, navigate to the GPS tab and confirm your GPS is detected and acquiring satellites. You need at least 5 satellites for GPS rescue to work, though 8 or more is ideal for reliability. Check that your home point is being set correctly after arming, which you can verify in the configurator's map view.
Head to the Failsafe tab to configure GPS rescue as your failsafe action. You'll see options for different failsafe behaviors when radio link is lost. Select GPS rescue mode instead of the default drop or land options. Critical parameters include initial altitude, which determines how high the quad climbs before returning home, typically set between 30 and 100 meters depending on your flying environment. Lower for open fields, higher for areas with obstacles.
Set your descent velocity conservatively, around 150 to 200 centimeters per second works well for most builds. Ground speed during the return flight is usually configured between 5 and 10 meters per second. Sanity check values prevent erratic behavior, with defaults around 500 for position and velocity sanity being reasonable starting points.
Configure your minimum satellite count threshold, usually 5 or 6 satellites minimum. Test throttle settings ensure the quad has enough power to climb and return, typically around 1400 to 1600 depending on your quad's weight and motor setup.
Always perform a controlled test in an open area. Arm the quad, let it hover at a safe distance, then turn off your transmitter to trigger the failsafe. Watch how it behaves during the rescue sequence. The quad should climb to your set altitude, rotate toward home, fly back, and descend. Be ready to intervene if something goes wrong during initial tests.
Remember that GPS rescue only works when you have sufficient satellite lock before arming. If you arm without GPS fix, the home point won't be set and rescue mode will fail, reverting to your secondary failsafe like landing mode.
