3D R H520-G Technical specifications
3DR H520-G
Flight Manual
V 1.5
3
3DR H520-G
Flight Manual V 1.5
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 General
1.1 Unfolding The Arms 7
1.2 Mounting The Camera 7
1.3 SD Card Selection 8
2.0 Overview
2.1 Limitations 9
2.2 Aircraft Servicing And Maintenance 12
3.0 Normal Procedures
3.1 Site Scan Firmware Update 18
3.2 Calibrations 19
3.3 Pairing With Aircraft 22
3.4 Aircraft Lights And Sounds 23
3.5 Charging 26
3.6 Flight Operations 26
4.0 Emergency Procedures
4.1 Return Home/Return To Launch (RTL) 31
4.2 Battery Failsafe 31
4.3 Emergency Shutdown 31
4.4 Five Motor Mode 31
4.5 Exit Autonomous Flight 31
4.6 RC/Data Link Loss Failsafe 31
5.0 Troubleshooting
5.1 Battery Recommendations 32
5.2 Aircraft Calibrations 32
5.3 Return Home/Return To Launch (RTL) 32
5.4 Pairing Troubleshooting 33
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1.0 GENERAL
Thank you for purchasing the 3DR H520-G Commercial Series Unmanned Aircraft. This guide provides
information on setup, usage of, and safety parameters for the 3DR H520-G.
The 3DR H520-G has advanced features to assist with government, commercial and other aerial
operations. The sUAS comes equipped with the ST10C controller, which is a simple and intuitive remote
controller incorporating manual flight control sticks and controls for primary and emergency systems.
For mission planning, fleet management and automated flight modes, 3DR Site Scan is the
recommended platform. To get started, visit the iOS App Store and search and download Site Scan - LE.
What is in the box? (standard package)
• H520-G Hexacopter
• E90 Camera
• Car Charger
• SD Card
• DY5 Dual Smart Charger
• ST10C Controller
• Propellers
• SC400-4H Balancing Smart Charger with Power Supply
• Pelican Case
• 4 Batteries
• iPad Mini Holder
* Dierent packages may include dierent accessories.
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1.1 UNFOLDING THE ARMS
Remove the H520-G from the storage/transport case and gently lift the arms until you hear a click. Test the
locks by gently lifting up and pressing down on the arms several times. To unlock the arms, press the Press
button on the base of the arms. On new systems, it may be necessary to release the arms while lifting up
on the bottom of the motor with one hand and pressing the Press button with the other. Doing so relieves
some of the pressure on the locking system.
Note: Do not depress the Press button on the arms while unfolding and locking them into place; doing so
may cause the arms to not engage the locking system.
1.2 MOUNTING THE CAMERA
1.2.1 E90
The E90 camera is a wide-angle, high-resolution, gimbal stabilized imaging system perfectly suited for use
in applications that require high-quality photos and videos. The E90 utilizes a 20MP 1-inch sensor and the
H2 high speed image processing chip.
1.2.2 INSTALLING THE CAMERA GIMBAL
Insert a supported micro SD card (see 1.3 SD Card Selection) in the rear of the E90 camera and mount the
camera on the H-Mount. Using the arrow on top of the camera gimbal pointed towards the H520-G, slide
the camera gimbal (arrow towards the airframe) until the front latch clicks. Gently pull the camera gimbal
away from the aircraft to check that it is properly installed. If the gimbal comes o the rail, or is not solid and
secure, remove and reinstall the gimbal.
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1.2.3 CHANGING THE CAMERA GIMBAL
Power down the H520-G using the power button on the top of the airframe, press the camera latch on the
front of the camera mount and slide the camera gimbal o the mount. Select the preferred camera gimbal
for use. Using the arrows on top of the camera gimbal, slide the camera onto the mount until the camera
stops. Test the gimbal to ensure the camera is installed. Power on the H520-G using the power button on
top of the airframe. Occasionally lubricating these slides with graphite will keep them sliding smoothly.
1.3 SD CARD SELECTION
3DR requires an SDXC Class 10 UHS-3 micro SD card for capturing high-resolution images and recording 4K
video. Using the UHS-3 card allows the camera buer to record to the micro SD card faster, resulting in less
buer overrun and allowing for over-the-air firmware updates.
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2.0 OVERVIEW
2.1 LIMITATIONS
• Do not fly in precipitation is prohibited
• Continued flight in precipitation is not recommended; land as soon as possible
• Flight in visible moisture is not recommended
• Flight in Known Icing (FIKI) conditions may result in vehicle failure
• Takeo, landing and flight in dust or sand not recommended
• Flight beyond visual line of sight is not recommended
• Maximum Wind Speed: 11 m/s (25 mph, 21.7 kts, 40 kph)
2.1.1 AIRCRAFT — 3DR H520-G
• Flight time: up to 28 minutes (depending on payload weight)
• Size: 520x457x310 mm
• Airframe weight: 1645g (3.6 lbs)
• Maximum gross takeo weight: 2633 g (5.8 lbs)
• Battery: LiPo
• Battery capacity & voltage: 5250mAh 4S/15.2V (79.8Wh)
• Charger: SC4000-4H
• Transmitter: ST10C Ground Station
• Maximum flying height (relative altitude): 500m
• Maximum rotation rate: 120 deg/s
• Maximum roll angle: 35 deg
• Maximum climbing speed: 4m/s
• Maximum horizontal speed (Manual mode): 17m/s (38mph)
• Maximum horizontal speed (Angle mode): 13.5m/s (30mph)
• Maximum descending speed: 2.5m/s
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2.1.2 GROUND STATION: ST10C CONTROLLER
• Compatible with iPad running iOS 10.0+ using an Apple USB cable
• Video, telemetry and RC transmitter links: 5.8 GHz WiFi and 2.4 GHz WiFi
• Control transmission distance (optimal conditions): Up to 1.6km/1 mile
• Live feed video output: HDMI
2.1.3 INCLUDED CAMERA: E90
• Weight: 350g
• Focal length: 23mm
• Color sensitivity: RGB
• Compression bit rate: 100Mbps
• Compression type: AVC/HEVC
• Digital noise reduction: 2D filter
• Eective pixels: 20 megapixels
• Elements: 7G2P
• View field: DFOV 91
• Frame rate: 24/25/30/48/50/60/120
• FSTOP range: F2.8
• Gimbal axes: 3
• Angular vibration range: ± 0.02°
• Maximum control range: TILT: -90° - 15° / PAN: 360° limitless
• Maximum control speed: TILT: 30°/s / PAN: 120°/s
• ISO range: 100 - 6400
• Video resolution: 4K 60FPS
• MTF: 104lp/mm / CENTER: 0.6 / CORNER: 0.4
• Sensor size: 1 inch
• CMOS shutter speed: 1/8000s - 4s
• Shutter type: Rolling
• SD card class: 10 u3 min. 90 Mbit/s SNR ISO100, SNR 36db
• Storage temperature: -10°C - +50°C
• Operating temperature: -10°C - +40°C
2.1.4 PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
• Maximum altitude: 4500 m (14,763 ft) maximum density altitude
• Maximum and cruise airspeeds: 17 m/s (38 mph) maximum, 9 m/s (20 mph) cruise
• Maximum endurance: 25 minutes with standard E90 Camera payload
• Maximum range: 13.5 km (8.4 SM)
• Rate of climb: 4 m/s (780 ft/min)
• Rate of descent: 3 m/s (600 ft/min)
• Maximum glide slope: N/A
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2.1.5 WEIGHT AND BALANCE
• Airframe Weight: 1645g
• Maximum gross takeo weight: 2633 g (5.8 lbs)
The center of gravity should be located within a 2.5 cm radius (1”) of the center of the aircraft as shown:
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2.2 AIRCRAFT SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE
There are two categories of maintenance: preventive and directed. Preventive maintenance is
user-managed and user-performed at manufacturer’s recommendation. Directed maintenance is a required
maintenance/replacement following 3DR guidelines and must be performed at scheduled times.
This maintenance may occur at a 3DR Authorized Service Facility or performed by user (except where noted
in this manual.)
2.2.1 HARDWARE FOR BASIC MAINTENANCE
We recommend a tool kit consisting of:
• #00 size Phillips screwdriver
• #0 size Phillips screwdriver
• #1 size Phillips screwdriver
• 1.5mm Hex Driver
• 2.0mm Hex Driver
• 2.5mm Hex Driver
• Small pair of hemostats bottle of bearing lubricant (Tri-Flow with needle applicator recommended)
• Magnifying glass
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• Lens cleaning cloth
• Can of compressed air
• Tube of extra-fine graphite lubricant (dry)
• Small vacuum and bristle brush
2.2.2 FIRMWARE
We recommend always installing the latest firmware/software for all 3DR aircraft and all related
components. Failure to update aircraft, Ground Control Station and camera system, may result in flight error
for which 3DR cannot be held responsible. Verify you are using the latest firmware using the Site Scan iOS
application (see 3.1 Site Scan Firmware Update.)
2.2.3 INSPECTIONS OF AIRCRAFT
This guide provides the basics of inspections. However, it’s important to remember that the aircraft
inspection is only a single component of flight safety. Always remember to check local weather, airspace,
flight restrictions and the area in which the aircraft will be flying. Ensure there are no persons, property
or ground hazards/objects in the determined flight areas that may be impacted during flight operations.
Logging maintenance is an industry best-practice, and in some regions, required for regulatory compliance.
Always abide by local flight regulations.
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2.2.4 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
PREFLIGHT/EACH FLIGHT:
Aircraft
• Check motors for smooth rotation
• Batteries fully charged
• Battery fully seated and locked to airframe
• Check propellers for lock on motor
• Check propellers for nicks, cuts or other damage (replace if necessary)
• Check propellers for symmetry (replace if necessary)
• Landing gear for matched angle
• Gimbal properly attached to pin rails
• Gimbal vibration dampers properly seated, pinned for safety
• Check camera for full motion
ST10C Controller
• Fully charged
• Antenna(s) firmly seated
• Vents not blocked
• Always hover UAS at a height of approximately 10’ (to avoid being at eye level)
• Perform a controllability check prior to a mission (pitch, roll and yaw)
25 FLIGHTS MAINTENANCE (approx. 15 hours per cycle):
Aircraft
• Clean gimbal vibration dampers of debris and dust
• Check arm locks for positive operation
• Check the motor wire sleeves leading into the airframe for wear
• Clean motors of debris and dust using compressed air can
• Manually spin to assure there is no grit inside, and all propellers spin freely
• Clean leg actuators of debris and dust and check for leg tightness
• Inspect camera rails for wear
• Inspect camera filter threads for thread integrity
• Verify all screws are secure and hand tighten if necessary
• Listen to cooling fan for consistency/no unusual noise
• Wipe arms/legs of dust clean sonar ports, removing debris and dust
• Calibrate the compass, accelerometer and gimbal
ST10C Controller
• Verify all screws are secure and hand tighten if necessary
• Check vents for debris and dust and vacuum if necessary
• 3DR does not recommend blowing compressed air into these vents
• Check switch retainer rings for tightness
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100 FLIGHTS MAINTENANCE (approx. 45 hours per cycle):
Aircraft
• Inspect play of motors by lifting each motor and adding some pressure
to the side; replacing any motor showing signs of play
• Inspect motor wire sleeves leading into the airframe for wear
• Check the propellers for any cracking, stress marks or pitting
• Check cooling fan for smooth spin and replace if necessary
• Check venting areas for debris and dust
• Check arm locking mechanism and adjust if necessary
• Brush, blow or vacuum dirt from actuators, motors and cooling fan
• Replace gimbal vibration dampers
• Replace gimbal vibration damper locks
• Check gimbal rail for any wear or stress marks; replace if necessary
• Check gimbal rail screws for tightness
• Apply a small amount of graphite lubricant to a tissue and brush lengthwise on the gimbal rails
• Check gimbal arms for smooth rotation
• Inspect camera quick contact pins for wear and clean if necessary
• Electronic cleaning solution applied to a paper towel or cleaning cloth is recommended
• Inspect camera lens threads for thread integrity
• Check propeller locks for integrity, wear and operation
• If wear is noticed, replace the propeller lock and springs
• Clean motors of debris and dust
• Manually spin to assure no grit, imbalanced grind and free spinning propellers
• Remove landing gear actuators, checking for contact wear and
add a very small amount of graphite lubricant if necessary
• Remove the antennas from their sleeves and check for any wear or frayed wires
• Clean leg actuators of debris and dust and check for leg tightness
• Check leg locks for integrity
• Check landing gear feet for wear and replace if necessary
• Check all screws and hand-tighten if necessary
ST10C Controller
• Clean air vents/fans using computer vacuum or hand blower (do not use compressed air)
• Clean joystick pivot points with small brush
• Check gimbal control for tightness and adjust if necessary
• Check throttle control for tightness and adjust if necessary
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2.2.5 ANNUAL FLIGHT MAINTENANCE (Recommended to be done at an Authorized 3DR repair facility):
Aircraft
Perform all actions of 100 flight maintenance recommendations
• Open shell, gently clean debris and dust
• Check shell for cracks or breaks
• Check motherboard for cracks or breaks
• Inspect all legs and connectors for cracks and any loose connections
• Check all connections for integrity
• Clear debris and dust from GPS module
• Check all solder joints for integrity
• Replace battery connection board
• Replace landing pads on legs
• Replace gimbal vibration dampers and safety pins
• Lubricate gimbal attachment points
• Thread lock any metal to metal screw points
• Replace gimbal rails
• Open camera housing
• Clear lens board of debris and dust
• Clean antennas of grime, debris and dust
• Check antenna connection for integrity
• Check antenna lobes for uniformity
• Check attachment points for integrity
• Replace arm locks and springs
• Clean motors of debris and dust
• Inspect motor bearings for lubrication and wear
• Clean leg actuators of debris and dust and check for leg tightness
• Check all moving parts for strength and integrity of function
• Remove and retighten all hex screws
• Remove and retighten all other fasteners
• Verify all sensors are optimized and functioning properly
• Update firmware
• Calibrate compass, GPS, accelerometer and gimbal
ST10C Controller
• Update firmware
• Update all software applications
• Clean air vents/fans using computer vacuum or hand blower (do not use compressed air)
• Clean joystick connection points with contact cleaning spray
• Remove and clean throttle control potentiometer with contact cleaning spray
• Reinstall and throttle control potentiometers
• Check throttle control for tightness
• Clear electronic components of debris and dust
• Check stand/handle screws
• Check all connectors for integrity
• Check toggle mount threads for tightness
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2.2.6 MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED PART REPLACEMENT
PART INTERVALS
Propellers 20 Flights
Landing Pads/Feet 100 Flights
Batteries 200 - 250 Cycles*
Motors 400 Flights
Landing Gear 400 Flights
Motor Arm Lock/Catch 400 Flights
Internal Cooling Motor 400 Flights
ST10C Controller Fan 400 Flights
ST10C Controller Battery 400 Flights
Time Between Overhaul 500 Hours**
*Batteries
Batteries may fail due to overheating, being dropped or any number of other causes. Any battery that is
bulged or distorted in the casing should be immediately disposed of to avoid impending failure that may
lead to mid-air power loss or explosion. Self-contained batteries may not be repaired.
Dispose of batteries by placing the battery in a salt water bath for 24 hours. Deliver to a recycling center or
dispose of them safely.
**Time Between Overhaul (TBO)
See 2.2.5 Annual Flight Maintenance that is recommended to be done at an Authorized 3DR repair facility.
Users may choose to set a more conservative TBO.
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2.2.7 INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Owner:
Date:
Unit Tested:
Serial Number:
☐ Firmware updated to current version
☐ Checked ST10C nuts and toggle mounts
☐ Motor shafts and propellers in good shape
☐ Battery slides in properly and locks in place
☐ Landing gear in good condition and properly extending/retracting
☐ Camera installed and in good condition
☐ Camera rails in good condition
☐ Frame inspected for structural damage
☐ Full transmitter system check
☐ Battery cells balance normal (if included)
☐ LED Indicators checked
☐ Telemetry data accurate and functioning
☐ Startup sequence normal
☐ Accelerometer test complete
☐ Compass calibration checked
☐ GPS signal locked and acquired sucient satellites
☐ Stationary hover test completed
☐ Range tested and within specs
☐ Max altitude tested and within specs
☐ Picture tested at altitude
☐ Camera tested for functionality and quality
☐ Tested manual/no GPS flight response
☐ Tested waypoint/survey functions
☐ Tested RTL and auto-landing
☐ GPS locked throughout flight
☐ Motors and battery tested for normal temperature
☐ Video/picture examined for any discrepancies
☐ Product cleaned
Maintenance by:
Date:
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3.0 NORMAL PROCEDURES
3.1 SITE SCAN FIRMWARE UPDATE
An internet connection is required for the Site Scan Field app to download the update. We recommend
doing it via WiFi:
1. Power up the Controller, connect it to the iPad via Lightning cable and turn the aircraft on
2. Open the Site Scan App and select the H520-G aircraft
3. Click the gear icon on the top-right corner to open the Global settings menu
4. Go to Aircraft Settings → Firmware Manager
5. Select Update Firmware
6. Download and install the update(s), wait for the aircraft to finish the update(s) and restart the aircraft
7. Ensure the firmware on the aircraft versions for Autopilot, Camera, Gimbal and Remote Controller
match the Latest Firmware versions
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3.2 CALIBRATIONS
3.2.1 COMPASS CALIBRATION
1. With the aircraft powered on, open the Site Scan App and select the H520-G aircraft
2. On the Global settings menu, go to Aircraft Settings → Calibration → Compass
3. A six box graphical grid will display indicating what is required to calibrate the compass
4. Pick up the H520-G by the two arms with green dots, as close to the arm joints as possible
5. Rotate the H520-G in the direction indicated in the box highlighted in yellow
6. Using the arrow in the box to point towards the front of the H520-G
(the front has the two sonar eyes) rotate the H520-G until it beeps
7. Continue doing the same for the next box highlighted in yellow
8. Upon successful completion of the compass calibration, you will return to the calibration menu
and a green dot will be displayed next to Compass
9. A failed calibration will be indicated by all six arm lights on the H520-G blinking red
10. If calibration fails, try again after moving the aircraft away from any metallic objects
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3.2.2 ACCELEROMETER CALIBRATION
1. With the aircraft powered on, open the Site Scan App and select the H520-G aircraft
2. On the Global settings menu, go to Aircraft Settings → Calibration → Accelerometer
3. A six-box graphical grid will appear with the H520-G in dierent positions
4. Place the H520-G on the ground as shown in the highlighted box
5. After each position, the H520-G will give an audible tone and the highlighted box will change to the
next position
6. A successful completion of accelerometer calibration shows a green dot next to Accelerometer
7. A failed calibration will be indicated by all six arm lights blinking red
8. If a calibration fails, try again making sure not to move the aircraft
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