3D R Solo User manual

User Manual
™

3DR Support
Contact 3DR Support for questions and technical help.
online: 3dr.com/support
email: [email protected]
call: [phone] (direct)
[phone] (toll free in the US and Canada)
Support line hours:
Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm PST
3D Robotics (3DR)
1608 4th Street, Suite 410
Berkeley, CA 94710
Tel. [phone]
3dr.com
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.

1 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 - Solo with The Frame 6
2.2 In the Box - Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal 6
2.3 Battery 6
2.4 Controller 8
2.5 Propellers 9
2.6 Camera 10
2.7 Mobile App 11
3 The Solo Gimbal 16
3.1 In the Box 16
3.2 Gimbal Installation 16
3.3 Gimbal Operation 22
4 Safety 25
4.1 Location 25
4.2 Environmental Awareness 25
4.3 Visual Line of Sight 25
4.4 Flight School 26
4.5 Propellers 26
4.6 GPS 26
4.7 Home Position 27
4.8 Altitude Limit 27
4.9 Emergency Procedures 27
4.10 Flight Battery 28
4.11 Controller 28
4.12 Antenna Configuration 29
5 First Flight 30
5.1 Preflight Checklist 30
5.2 Takeoff 30
5.3 Landing 31
5.4 Return Home 32
5.5 In-Flight Data 34
5.6 Joystick Control 35
6 Using the Solo App 38
6.1 App Interface Overview 38
6.2 Smart Shots 44
6.3 Selfie 45
6.4 Cable Cam 47
6.5 Orbit 48
6.6 Follow 50

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7 Alerts 52
7.1 Preflight Errors 52
7.2 In-Flight Errors 53
8 Advanced Settings 56
8.1 Advanced Flight Modes 56
8.2 Enabling Advanced Flight Modes 57
8.3 Accessing Advanced Flight Modes 57
8.4 Home Position Safety 57
8.5 Performance Adjustment 57
8.6 Units 58
8.7 Maximum Altitude Adjustment 58
8.8 Map Tile Provider (Android only) 58
9 Support 59
10 Maintenance 60
10.1 Controller Battery Replacement 60
10.2 Calibrations 60
10.3 Pairing the Controller 61
10.4 Legs 62
10.5 Battery Tray 66
10.6 Motor Mods 67
10.7 Factory Reset 69
11 Appendix 71
11.1 Specifications 71
11.2 Warranty 72
11.3 Regulatory Compliance 72

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1.1 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: Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal Parts 6
Figure 2.3.1.1: Charing the Solo Smart Battery 7
Figure 2.3.2.1: Powering Solo 8
Figure 2.4.1.1: Controller Charging 8
Figure 2.4.2.1: Power On Controller 9
Figure 2.5.1.1: Attach Propellers 9
Figure 2.6.1.1: Attach Camera 10
Figure 2.6.2.1: Camera Configuration Process 10
Figure 2.7.3.1: Connect to Solo Link 11
Figure 2.7.4.1: App - Settings Menu 11
Figure 2.7.4.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings 12
Figure 2.7.5.1: Controller Preflight Update Prompt 12
Figure 2.7.5.2: App - Software Update 12
Figure 2.7.5.3: App - Connecting Instructions 12
Figure 2.7.5.4: App - Instructions List 13
Figure 2.7.5.5: App - Download Update 13
Figure 2.7.5.6: App - Start Update 13
Figure 2.7.5.7: Controller - Updating 13
Figure 2.7.5.8: App - Update Disconnection Confirmation 14
Figure 2.7.5.9: Controller Update Complete Displays 14
Figure 2.7.5.10: Controller - Waiting for Solo 14
Figure 2.7.5.11: App - Update Success 14
Figure 2.7.6.1: App - Viewing Video 15
Figure 3.1.1: Solo Gimbal Parts 16
Figure 3.2.1.1: Removing The Frame 17
Figure 3.2.2.1: Connecting cables 17
Figure 3.2.3.1: Positioning the Gimbal Cable 18
Figure 3.2.3.2: Positioning the HDMI Cable 18
Figure 3.2.4.1: Mounting the Gimbal 19
Figure 3.2.5.1: HDMI Plug Positioning 19
Figure 3.2.5.2: Attach GoPro 20
Figure 3.2.5.3: Fasten Camera 20
Figure 3.2.6.1: GoPro Weight Balancing 20
Figure 3.2.7.1: Adding the Sunshade 21
Figure 3.2.9.1: Camera Configuration Process 22
Figure 3.3.1.1: Gimbal Controls 22
Figure 3.3.2.1: LED Gimbal Signal 23
Figure 4.4.1: App Flight School 26
Figure 4.9.5.1: Controller - Motor Shutoff 28
Figure 4.12.1: Controller Antenna Orientation 29
Figure 5.2.1.1: Controller - Start Motors Prompt 30
Figure 5.2.2.1: Controller - Takeoff Prompts 31
Figure 5.3.1: Controller - User-Initiated Landing 31
Figure 5.4.1: Return Home Button 32
Figure 5.4.1.1: The Cone Zone 32
Figure 5.4.2.1: Above Return Home 33
Figure 5.4.2.2: Below Return Home and Inside the Cone 33
Figure 5.4.2.3: Below Return Home and Outside the Cone 34
Figure 5.5.1: Controller - In-Flight Data 34
Figure 5.6.1: Controller Left Joystick 35
Figure 5.6.2: Throttle Joystick Behaviors 35

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Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior 36
Figure 5.6.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls 36
Figure 5.6.5: Pitch Joystick Controls 37
Figure 5.6.6: Roll Joystick Controls 37
Figure 6.1.1: Solo App Home Screen 38
Figure 6.1.1.1: App - Main Interface 39
Figure 6.1.1.2: Advanced telemetry data 39
Figure 6.1.2.1: Initial Map Screen 40
Figure 6.1.2.2: Map Screen During Caching 40
Figure 6.1.3.1: Camera button states 41
Figure 6.1.3.2: Tap for Camera Settings 42
Figure 6.1.3.3: In-App Camera Settings 42
Figure 6.1: App - Main Screen 44
Figure 6.2: App - Shot List 44
Figure 6.3.1: Selfie Path and Settings 45
Figure 6.3.1.1: App - Selfie Activation 45
Figure 6.3.2.1: App - Selfie Control 46
Figure 6.3.2.2: Controller - Selfie Control 46
Figure 6.3.3.1: App - Selfie Settings 46
Figure 6.4.1.1: App - Cable Cam Setup 47
Figure 6.4.2.1: App - Cable Cam Controls 47
Figure 6.4.2.2: Controller - Cable Cam Controls 48
Figure 6.4.3.1: App - Cable Cam Settings 48
Figure 6.5.1.1: App - Orbit Setup 48
Figure 6.5.2.1: App - Orbit Controls 49
Figure 6.5.2.2: Orbit Controls 49
Figure 6.5.3.1: App - Orbit Settings 49
Figure 6.6.1.1: Follow in Look At Me mode 50
Figure 6.6.1.2: Follow in Follow mode 51
Figure 6.6.2.1: Follow Controls 51
Figure 7.1.1.1: Controller - Calibration in Progress Alerts 52
Figure 7.1.1.2: Controller - Uneven Surface Alert 52
Figure 7.1.1.3: Controller - Re-Calibration Required Alerts 52
Figure 7.1.1.4: Controller - Calibration Error Alert 53
Figure 7.1.2.1: Controller - Service Alerts 53
Figure 7.2.1.1: Controller - Altitude Limit Alert 53
Figure 7.2.2.1: Controller - App Connection Alerts 54
Figure 7.2.3.1: Controller - Controller Disconnected Alert 54
Figure 7.2.3.2: Controller - Controller Signal Alerts 54
Figure 7.2.4.1: Controller - GPS Signal Alerts 55
Figure 7.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts 55
Figure 7.2.5.2: Controller - Critical Battery Alert 55
Figure 7.2.6.1: Controller - Controller Battery Alerts 55
Figure 8.2.1: App - Advanced Settings 57
Figure 8.3.1: App - A and B Presets 57
Figure 8.5.1: App - Performance Sliders 58
Figure 8.6.1: App - Change Units 58
Figure 8.7.1: App - Altitude Limit 58
Figure 9.1: App - Submit Trouble Ticket 59
Figure 10.1.1: Controller Battery Installation 60
Figure 10.2.1.1: App - Compass Calibration Setup 60
Figure 10.2.1.2: App - Compass Calibration Procedure 61
Figure 10.2.2.1: App - Level Calibration 61
Figure 10.3.1: Pair Button 61
Figure 10.3.2: Detected Solo 62
Figure 10.3.3: Solo Paired 62
Figure 10.4.1: Leg Types 62
Figure 10.4.1.1: Standard Leg Replacement Process 63
Figure 10.4.2.1: Detaching the Antenna from the Leg 63
Figure 10.4.2.2: Attaching a New Leg with an Existing Antenna 64

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Figure 10.4.2.3: Attaching an Existing Antenna to a New Leg 64
Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector on Mainboard 65
Figure 10.4.3.2: Insert New Leg with Compass 65
Figure 10.5.1.1: GPS Cover Removal 66
Figure 10.5.2.1: Battery Tray Removal 66
Figure 10.5.2.2: Battery Tray Detachment 66
Figure 10.6.1: LED Cover Removal 67
Figure 10.6.2: Motor Pod Removal 67
Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection 68
Figure 10.6.4: Motor Pod Connection 68
Figure 10.6.5: Motor Pod and LED Cover Attachment 68
Figure 10.7.1: Pair Button 69
Figure 10.7.2: Strobing Pairing Light 69
Figure 10.7.3: Controller Reset 69
Figure 10.7.4: Controller Update 70
Figure 10.7.2.5: Controller Screen After Reset 70

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
The 3-Axis Solo Gimbal provides greater control of GoPro® HERO cameras. The Gimbal is included, fully installed,
in the package Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal and is also available separately for Solo. 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

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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 1 through 4 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.