3D R Solo S110A User manual

User Manual
™

3DR Support
Contact 3DR Support for questions and technical help.
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email: [email protected]
call: [phone] (direct)
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Support line hours:
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Berkeley, CA 94710
Tel. [phone]
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Solo User Manual V7
© 2015 3D Robotics Inc.
Solo is a trademark of 3D Robotics, Inc.
GoPro, HERO, the GoPro logo, and the GoPro Be a HERO logo are
trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.

Contents
1 Introduction 1
1.1 System Overview 1
1.2 Aircraft Overview 2
1.3 Controller Overview 3
1.4 Operating Parameters 4
1.5 Autopilot 5
1.6 Propulsion 5
1.7 LED Meanings 5
2 Setup 6
2.1 In the Box 6
2.2 Battery 6
2.3 Controller 8
2.4 Propellers 9
2.5 Camera 9
2.6 Mobile App 11
3 The Solo Gimbal 15
3.1 In the Box 15
3.2 Gimbal Installation 15
3.3 Gimbal Operation 21
4 Safety 24
4.1 Location 24
4.2 Environmental Awareness 24
4.3 Visual Line of Sight 24
4.4 Flight School 25
4.5 Propellers 25
4.6 GPS 25
4.7 Home Position 25
4.8 Altitude Limit 26
4.9 Emergency Procedures 26
4.10 Flight Battery 27
4.11 Controller 27
4.12 Antenna Configuration 28
5 First Flight 29
5.1 Preflight Checklist 29
5.2 Takeoff 29
5.3 Landing 30
5.4 Return Home 31
5.5 In-Flight Data 32
5.6 Joystick Control 33
5.7 App Interface Overview 36
6 Smart Shots 37
6.1 Selfie 37
6.2 Cable Cam 39
6.3 Orbit 40
6.4 Follow 41
7 Alerts 43
7.1 Preflight Errors 43
7.2 In-Flight Errors 44
8 Advanced Settings 47
8.1 Advanced Flight Modes 47
8.2 Enabling Advanced Flight Modes 48

8.3 Accessing Advanced Flight Modes 48
8.4 Home Position Safety 48
8.5 Performance Adjustment 49
8.6 Units 49
8.7 Maximum Altitude Adjustment 49
9 Support 50
10 Maintenance 50
10.1 Controller Battery Replacement 50
10.2 Calibrations 51
10.3 Pairing the Controller 52
10.4 Legs 53
10.5 Battery Tray 56
10.6 Motor Mods 57
10.7 Factory Reset 59
11 Appendix 62
11.1 Specifications 62
11.2 Warranty 63
11.3 Regulatory Compliance 63

Figures
Figure 1.1.3.1: Solo System Context Diagram 1
Figure 1.2.4.1: Solo Overview 2
Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview 4
Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters 4
Figure 1.6.1: Solo Motor Order 5
Figure 2.1.1: Solo Parts 6
Figure 2.2.1.1: Charing the Solo Smart Battery 7
Figure 2.2.2.1: Powering Solo 7
Figure 2.3.1.1: Controller Charging 8
Figure 2.3.2.1: Power On Controller 8
Figure 2.4.1.1: Attach Propellers 9
Figure 2.5.1.1: Attach Camera 10
Figure 2.5.2.1: Camera Configuration Process 10
Figure 2.6.2.1: Connect to Solo Link 11
Figure 2.6.3.1: App - Settings Menu 11
Figure 2.6.3.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings 12
Figure 2.6.4.1: Controller Preflight Update Prompt 12
Figure 2.6.4.2: App - Software Update 12
Figure 2.6.4.3: App - Connecting Instructions 12
Figure 2.6.4.4: App - Instructions List 13
Figure 2.6.4.5: App - Download Update 13
Figure 2.6.4.6: App - Start Update 13
Figure 2.6.4.7: Controller - Updating 13
Figure 2.6.4.8: App - Update Disconnection
Confirmation 13
Figure 2.6.4.9: Controller Update Complete Displays 14
Figure 2.6.4.10: Controller - Waiting for Solo 14
Figure 2.6.4.11: App - Update Success 14
Figure 2.6.5.1: App - Viewing Video 14
Figure 3.1.1: Solo Gimbal Parts 15
Figure 3.2.1.1: The Frame Removal 16
Figure 3.2.2.1: Connecting cables 16
Figure 3.2.3.1: Positioning the Gimbal Cable 17
Figure 3.2.3.2: Positioning the HDMI Cable 17
Figure 3.2.4.1: Mounting the Gimbal 18
Figure 3.2.5.1: HDMI Plug Positioning 18
Figure 3.2.5.2: Attach GoPro 19
Figure 3.2.5.3: Fasten Camera 19
Figure 3.2.6.1: GoPro Weight Balancing 19
Figure 3.2.7.1: Adding the Sunshade 20
Figure 3.2.9.1: Camera Configuration Process 21
Figure 3.3.1.1: Gimbal Controls 21
Figure 3.3.2.1: LED Gimbal Signal 22
Figure 4.4.1: App Flight School 25
Figure 4.9.5.1: Controller - Motor Shutoff 27
Figure 4.12.1: Controller Antenna Orientation 28
Figure 5.2.1.1: Controller - Start Motors Prompt 29
Figure 5.2.2.1: Controller - Takeoff Prompts 30
Figure 5.3.1: Controller - User-Initiated Landing 30
Figure 5.4.1: Return to Home Button 31
Figure 5.4.2: Return Home Below 15 m 31
Figure 5.4.3: Return Home Above 15m 31
Figure 5.5.1: Controller - In-Flight Data 32
Figure 5.6.1: Controller Left Joystick 33
Figure 5.6.2: Throttle Joystick Behaviors 33
Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior 34
Figure 5.6.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls 34
Figure 5.6.5: Pitch Joystick Controls 35
Figure 5.6.6: Roll Joystick Controls 35
Figure 5.7.1: App - Main Interface 36
Figure 5.7.2.1: App - Shot List 36
Figure 6.1.1: Selfie Path and Settings 37
Figure 6.1.1.1: App - Selfie Activation 37
Figure 6.1.2.1: App - Selfie Control 38
Figure 6.1.2.2: Controller - Selfie Control 38
Figure 6.1.3.1: App - Selfie Settings 38
Figure 6.2.1.1: App - Cable Cam Setup 39
Figure 6.2.2.1: App - Cable Cam Controls 39
Figure 6.2.2.2: Controller - Cable Cam Controls 39
Figure 6.2.3.1: App - Cable Cam Settings 40
Figure 6.3.1.1: App - Orbit Setup 40
Figure 6.3.2.1: App - Orbit Controls 40
Figure 6.3.2.2: Orbit Controls 41
Figure 6.3.3.1: App - Orbit Settings 41
Figure 6.4.1.1: App - Follow Setup 42
Figure 6.4.2.1: Follow Controls 42
Figure 6.4.3.1: App - Follow Settings 42
Figure 7.1.1.1: Controller - Calibration Alerts 43
Figure 7.1.1.2: Controller - Uneven Surface Alert 43
Figure 7.1.1.3: Controller - Re-Calibration Alerts 43
Figure 7.1.1.4: Controller - Calibration Error Alert 44
Figure 7.1.2.1: Controller - Service Alerts 44
Figure 7.2.1.1: Controller - Altitude Limit Alert 44
Figure 7.2.2.1: Controller - App Connection Alerts 45
Figure 7.2.3.1: Controller - Controller Disconnected Alert 45
Figure 7.2.3.2: Controller - Controller Signal Alerts 45
Figure 7.2.4.1: Controller - GPS Signal Alerts 46
Figure 7.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts 46
Figure 7.2.5.2: Controller - Critical Battery Alert 46
Figure 7.2.6.1: Controller - Controller Battery Alerts 46
Figure 8.2.1: App - Advanced Settings 48
Figure 8.3.1: App - A and B Presets 48
Figure 8.5.1: App - Performance Sliders 49
Figure 8.6.1: App - Change Units 49
Figure 8.7.1: App - Altitude Limit 49
Figure 9.1: App - Submit Trouble Ticket 50
Figure 10.1.1: Controller Battery Installation 50
Figure 10.2.1.1: App - Compass Calibration Setup 51
Figure 10.2.1.2: App - Compass Calibration Procedure 51
Figure 10.2.2.1: App - Level Calibration 51
Figure 10.3.1: Pair Button 52
Figure 10.3.2: Detected Solo 52
Figure 10.3.3: Solo Paired 52
Figure 10.4.1: Leg Types 53
Figure 10.4.1.1: Standard Leg Replacement Process 53
Figure 10.4.2.1: Detaching the Antenna from the Leg 54
Figure 10.4.2.2: New Leg with an Existing Antenna 54
Figure 10.4.2.3: Attaching Antenna to a New Leg 54
Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector on Mainboard 55
Figure 10.4.3.2: Insert New Leg with Compass 55
Figure 10.5.1.1: GPS Cover Removal 56
Figure 10.5.2.1: Battery Tray Removal 56
Figure 10.5.2.2: Battery Tray Detachment 56
Figure 10.6.1: LED Cover Removal 57
Figure 10.6.2: Motor Pod Removal 57
Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection 58
Figure 10.6.4: Motor Pod Connection 58
Figure 10.6.5: Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment 58
Figure 10.7.1: Pair Button 59
Figure 10.7.2: Strobing Pairing Light 59
Figure 10.7.3: Controller Reset 60
Figure 10.7.4: Controller Update 60

1
1 Introduction
We designed Solo to be the perfect aerial-video tool. It’s powerful, simple and reliable with intuitive Smart Shots
inspired by our favorite cinema pilots. With Solo, you don’t need a professional camera crew, you can get the
perfect shot every time. We’re excited to share our passion with you and help you see your world from a new
perspective. Join us in capturing the next evolution of creative videography
1.1 System Overview
The Solo system includes Solo, the Controller, and the Solo App. As the operator, you interact with the controller
and app on the ground, and the controller communicates with Solo during flight.
1.1.1 Solo
Solo is a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by four motors and four propellers. Solo’s onboard
computers control navigation, attitude, and communications in flight while sending real-time telemetry and video
output and receiving control inputs over the 3DR Link secure Wi-Fi network. Solo is optimized for capturing aerial
video using a GoPro® HERO camera.
1.1.2 Controller
The controller provides control mechanisms and displays in-flight data on a full-color screen. Using twin long-
range antennas, the controller acts as the central hub for all communication on the 3DR Link network, receiving all
communications from Solo and the app, forwarding telemetry outputs to the app, and managing the transmission of
all control inputs to Solo.
1.1.3 App
The Solo App outputs a live video stream from an onboard GoPro® camera to an Android or iOS device. The App
allows you to view the live video with overlaid telemetry and access a simplified graphic interface for controlling
Solo’s advanced functions. The App also connects to the 3DR SoloLink network to receive video and telemetry
outputs and send control inputs.
Figure 1.1.3.1: Solo System Context Diagram
1.1.4 3-Axis Gimbal
Available separately for Solo is the 3-Axis Solo Gimbal, which provides greater control of GoPro® HERO cameras.
This powerful accessory is fully covered in Chapter 3 of this manual.
Video output
Telemetry output
Control input
Operator
3DR Solo
Controller
3DR Solo
3DR Solo
App
AirGround
3DR Link
Secure WiFi
Network

2
1.2 Aircraft Overview
1.2.1 Smart Battery
The battery connects to Solo’s battery bay. Solo’s power button is located on the battery; Solo can be powered only
when the battery is connected.
1.2.2 Motors and Propellers
Solo’s arms are labeled one through four on the ends of the arms. Motors on arms #1 and #2 spin counterclockwise
and use clockwise-tightening propellers with silver tops. Motors on arms #3 and #4 spin clockwise and use
counterclockwise-tightening propellers with black tops.
1.2.3 Orientation LEDs
Each arm contains an LED for ground-to-air directional awareness; when armed for flight, the two front arms (#1 and
#3) display white, and the two rear arms (#2 and #4) display red. This LED scheme mimics the headlight and taillight
style of a car.
1.2.4 Fixed Camera Mount and HDMI Cable
Solo includes a GoPro® The Frame fixed mount to mount a GoPro® HERO camera. The HDMI cable connects to
the GoPro® to output video during flight.
Figure 1.2.4.1: Solo Overview
Silver-top propeller
Power button
Battery
Rear orientation LEDs
Black-top propeller
Motor
Arm numbering
Front orientation LEDs
Fixed camera mount
HDMI cable
Height: 10.2”
Motor-to-motor: 18.1”
Weight (no camera): 3.3 lbs.

3
1.3 Controller Overview
1.3.1 Mobile-Device Holder
Mount an Android or iOS device to run the Solo App and effortlessly integrate the App into the controller’s
operational flow. A user-supplied smartphone or tablet is required to initialize Solo and use Smart Shots.
1.3.2 Joysticks
The controller’s left and right joysticks provide direct manual control of Solo and physical control mechanisms for
use with Smart Shots.
1.3.3 Screen
The controller’s full-color screen provides live in-flight data and prompts for certain Solo functions.
1.3.4 Power Button
Press the power button once to check the controller’s battery level. Hold the power button until you see the
controller startup screen to power on the controller.
1.3.5 Fly Button
The Fly button lets you control Solo’s main flight functions: starting motors, takeoff, land, and activating GPS flight.
1.3.6 Return Home
The Return Home button allows you to end your flight automatically at any point by returning Solo to its original
launch point and landing.
1.3.7 Pause Button
The Pause button is Solo’s emergency air brake. Press Pause to stop Solo and hover in place at any time.
1.3.8 Option Buttons
The A and B buttons change functionality based on where you are in the operational flow. The screen shows the
currently assigned functions of A and B at all times. You can program A and B to specific functions using the App.
By default, the A button is assigned to Cable Cam and the B button is assigned to Orbit.
1.3.9 Antennas
The controller’s long-range dipole antennas communicate with Solo during flight. See Section 4.12 for proper
antenna configuration.
1.3.10 Gimbal Controls
Use the paddle, buttons, and dial on the top of the controller are used to control the Solo Gimbal. You can also use
them in some Smart Shots.

4
Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview
1.4 Operating Parameters
The following operating parameters apply to Solo. Always operate Solo within these parameters. Solo’s performance
and behaviors may vary significantly if flying in that conditions violate the parameters listed below.
Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters
* Flight time varies with payload, wind conditions, elevation, temperature, humidity, flying style,
and pilot skill. Listed flight time applies to elevations less than 2,000 ft above sea level.
** To adjust maximum altitude, see Section 8.7.
*** Depending on environmental conditions
**** This top speed corresponds to Solo when operating in Fly mode. Maximum speeds for advanced
modes may vary; see Section 8.1 for more information.
Antennas
Mobile-device holder
Gimbal controls
Joysticks
Screen
Pause
Return home
Fly
Power
Options
Estimated flight time up to 25 minutes*
Default maximum altitude 150 ft. (46 m) above ground level**
Range .5 miles*** (.8 km)
Payload capacity 1 lb. (450 g)
Cruise speed 18 mph (8 m/s)
Maximum speed 33 mph (15 m/s)****
Wind speed limitation 25 mph (11 m/s)
Operating temperature 32° F - 113° F (0° C to 45° C)

5
1.5 Autopilot
Solo uses a Pixhawk 2 autopilot running ArduPilot Copter software. ArduPilot is open-source flight control based on
the MAVlink communication protocol. Pixhawk 2 runs an ARM Cortex-M4 STM32F427 processor with 2 MB of flash
memory and 256 KB of RAM. Combined with an array of CAN, I2C, SPI, PWM, and UART interfaces, Pixhawk 2
uses a suite of onboard sensors to calculate Solo’s orientation and motion in flight. This data is input into ArduPilot’s
inertial navigation and position-estimation algorithms and combined with control inputs to send commands to Solo’s
propulsion system.
1.6 Propulsion
Solo uses four brushless 880 Kvmotors and four self-tightening propellers for propulsion. For control and
aerodynamic efficiency, two motors spin clockwise and two motors spin counterclockwise. Navigation in the air is
achieved by mixing propulsion of the four motors to actuate flight control along the roll, pitch, and yaw axes.
Each of the four motors is numbered by the marking on the arm. These numbers correspond to the autopilot
calculations for these commands and are used for indicating motor replacement procedures. Each motor is
controlled by an ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) that regulates the rotation of the motors to achieve the speed
commanded by the autopilot.
Figure 1.6.1: Solo Motor Order
1.7 LED Meanings
Solo’s four LEDs indicate its status during startup and in flight.
• Solid white (front) and red (back): Ready to fly, standard flight configuration
• Pulsing white (front) and red (back): Solo is flying under autopilot control
• Flashing red alternating front and back: Controller signal lost
• Flashing rainbow: Update in progress
• Solid green, then turning off one-by-one: Startup successful
• Solid green without turning off automatically: Startup unsuccessful, please restart Solo
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