AgEagle AGEGSNT915 User manual

AGEAGLE RX48
MODEL AGEGSNT915
USER MANUAL
!

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
2
Using&This&Manual&
Legend&
Prohibited
Warning
Read Before
Continuing
Tips and
Reminders
Inspect
Disclaimer&
READ THE ENTIRE USER MANUAL BEFORE FIRST FLIGHT
Operator Assumes All Responsibility for Safe Operation
Never fly within 5 miles of any airport or airstrip without authorization.
Do not allow children near the aircraft or launcher.
Never fly where any aerial operations or planes are flying.
Never fly over populated areas or busy roadways.
Never fly over or near wind turbines.
Never fly beyond line of sight.
Keep children away from aircraft.
Never stand near or to the side of rotating propeller.
If you are not physically able to maintain a safe distance of the propeller from
your body, do not operate the AgEagle
OBEY ALL FEDERAL AND LOCAL REGULATIONS
Always do a thorough preflight to ensure everything is ready for flight
Obtain proper FAA credentials
Follow FAA Guidelines
PLEASE VISIT AgEagle.COM FOR THE NEWEST UPDATES TO THE USER MANUAL

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
3
Limitations&of&Current&Technology&
It is important that AgEagle customers realize there are some limitations of the current
aerial mapping technology. To understand this it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of
how the software utilizes hundreds of individual images to create one mosaic.
To assemble aerial maps from a collection of separate images, large portions of each image
must overlap each other. Within the overlapping area, the computer identifies unique
points, which it uses to align the images. Like a big puzzle, the computer assembles the
images by looking for unique features and patterns to help align the images. Such features
might include a road, a large, tree, a patch of weeds, or an area where the crop is missing.
Early in the crop life cycle, when bare ground can still be seen between the rows, there are
many more unique points which make processing (stitching) simple and fast. However as
some crops mature, the canopy of the plants cover the ground when viewed from above,
making the stitching process slow and difficult. In fact, it is possible that in a large field of
mature corn that the current technology may not stitch an image mosaic at all. To be clear,
this is not a new problem. Photogrammetrists have had to deal with the same problem when
handling imagery depicting large bodies of water for quite some time now; and frankly, a
gentle breeze blowing over a tall canopy can turn the field into a “sea of crops” where the
mosaic process is concerned. Fortunately, most of the benefits from aerial imaging can be
realized early in the season when crops benefit the most from precision applied nutrients, or
when crop scouting for weeds, insects, or disease is most important.
Please also understand that you may not always get the ideal aerial image with the current
technology. Sometimes late in the season of a crop the images are so homogenous that
you may not get an aerial map at all or it may take several hours to process it or it will be a
less desirable tiled map.
AgEagle realizes that this technology is going to continue to improve. When it does,
AgEagle will do everything in our power to provide a way to upgrade your system, but
whether or not that is possible will depend on the emerging technology.
We do not know what the future holds, nor do we know what the associated costs will be,
but rest assured that we want you to realize value from the technologies.
In the meantime, there are some things you can do to minimize error and improve overall
stitching success.
●Pay attention to details by following the checklists
●Fly with more overlap of narrower paths
●Fly at a higher altitude
●Fly during optimal conditions (completely clear or completely overcast, non-variable
winds, etc.)
It is important to understand and appreciate that the AgEagle is an aircraft that requires
extreme attention to details. Just like anything that flies, checklists must be followed and

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
4
small details must be checked to ensure that the AgEagle is ready and safe to fly. If you
forget just one thing in the checklist, or think that “close enough is good enough”, it is likely
that the aircraft will crash and destroy itself as well as the payload. It is your responsibility
to make sure every flight is successful. Failing to do proper preflight inspections and
carefully following the checklist will likely result in catastrophic damage.
Typically, the AgEagle will fly for 40 minutes with standard batteries. The acres that it can
cover within the 40 minutes are affected by the path width (spacing), wind, battery
conditions, and the altitude at which you choose to fly. When flying at 400 feet above the
ground in no winds at 80% side overlap typically 250 - 300 acres can be covered. To be
safe, you should plan on around 250 acres per flight.
AgEagle ensures that your aircraft is free of any manufacturing defects as each aircraft is
flight tested at our factory and it is test flown again upon the training and delivery to our
each of our customers. AgEagle claims no warranty. Most damage can be corrected with
Gorilla glue and tape. It is rare that an aircraft is damaged beyond repair.
Only the person who has received training from AgEagle or an authorized dealer is
authorized to operate the AgEagle. If additional people need to be trained, contact your
AgEagle dealer or AgEagle directly to learn more about the cost to train more operators.
Lastly, each person operating the AgEagle must have the appropriate credentials from the
FAA. For details, visit http://www.faa.gov/uas/.

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
5
Acknowledgements&
At AgEagle, we want to give acknowledgements to the open-source hardware and web
communities that have helped answer and create the AgEagle Aerial System.
We would like to thank these companies and web communities:
•3DRobitics
•Botlink
•Ardupilot Open Source Community
All ideas and implementations for the AgEagle were created by employees at AgEagle.
Issues relating to the system were accessed by AgEagle, and resolved using web
community forums and ideas.
Our products and ideas are created and maintained solely by employees at AgEagle Aerial
Systems.

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
6
Contents&
Using This Manual..................................................................................................................2!
Disclaimer ..............................................................................................................................2!
Limitations of Current Technology..........................................................................................3!
Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................5!
Included in your system .........................................................................................................8!
Key Features..........................................................................................................................8!
Recommended Spare Parts List ............................................................................................9!
Additional resources ..............................................................................................................9!
Recommended System Maintenance ..................................................................................10!
Operational Flying Conditions..............................................................................................12!
Flight Limits and No Fly Zone ..............................................................................................12!
Steps to operate the AgEagle drone....................................................................................12!
Initial Setup & Calibration.......................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.!
User Interface ......................................................................................................................14!
Online Botlink XRD Registration ..........................................................................................15!
Updating Your Botlink XRD..................................................................................................16!
Botlink First Flight ................................................................................................................17!
Binding Cameras .................................................................................................................28!
Saving Maptiles (Prefetching Maps) ....................................................................................29!
Uploading Offline Flight Images...........................................................................................31!
Registering Your AgEagle for its First Flight ........................................................................33
USB Connection...................................................................................................................34!
Managing Maps after Flight .................................................................................................35!
Downloading Maps after Flight ............................................................................................37!
Overlap and Sidelap .............................................................................................................40!
Tablet (Android Device)........................................................................................................41!
Camera.................................................................................................................................42!
Lens Cleaning ......................................................................................................................42!
Charging ...............................................................................................................................42!
Aircraft LiPo Batteries ..........................................................................................................42!
Specifications Sheet .............................................................................................................45!
AgEagle flying Wing.............................................................................................................50!
Charger and Batteries..........................................................................................................51!
Tips……….. .........................................................................................................................53!
Preflight and Check Lists ......................................................................................................55!

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
7
Product Overview

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
8
Aircraft&
Included&in&your&system&
RX48 Flying Wing
Sentera - Measures Crop Health
(Near-Infrared)
Ground Support Equipment
(Android tablet is supplied by operator)
Key&Features&
•Strong Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Airframe.
-Dual layered polypropylene guards provide the user with a rugged and
durable system.
•Automatic Flight
-From launching to landing, direct pilot control inputs are not required.
•Easy-to-Use Flight Planning
-Scan patterns are easily created and altitude, path width and other details
can be easily changed.
•Precision Aerial Maps Include Inertial Data
-Positional data from each image results in optimum map processing time and
accurate geospatial maps.
•Easy Post Flight Processing
-After the flight, the images will automatically transfer from the camera to the
Botlink XRD then combined with inertial data for each image. The image files

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
9
are uploaded to the cloud based Botlink processing server to create aerial
maps. The optional cellular data connection feature, automates the entire
upload process.
Recommended&Spare&Parts&List&
Here’s a list of recommended spare parts:
•Extra battery
•Propellers (11 X 5.5E, included in your ground support kit)
•Propeller Collet (included in your ground support kit)
•Lipo Battery Checker (included in your ground support kit)
•Pitot Tube Cleaner Assembly (included in your ground support kit)
•Camera Lens Cleaning Solution (included in your ground support kit)
Additional&resources&
Below are links for additional information:
•Our web site has links to support information: AgEagle.com
•AgEagle videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AgEagleLLC/
•AgEagle on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AgEagleLLC/
•AgEagle support via email: mailto:[e-mail]
•AgEagle customer support via telephone: [phone]
•Updates to this manual are available at: http://ageagle.com/resources/support/ If a
password is requested, enter “neodesha“

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
10
Recommended&System&Maintenance&
The following contains recommended maintenance checks. Failing to properly
maintain the system on a regular basis can result in system failure.
It is the operator's responsibility to conduct a thorough preflight of each component for a
successful flight
Check Daily:
•Check winglets and winglet fasteners to make sure they are securely attached.
•Fully charge batteries
•Use the battery tester to check individual cells have similar voltage.
•Inspect the Pitot Tube prior to each flight. Check for any obstructions/mud in
the pitot tube by looking down the tube. Clear, light should be seen. Also
look for any pinched, cracked or damaged tubing.
NEVER blow into the pitot tube to clear obstructions! This will damage the
sensor beyond repair and result in aircraft failure.
•Pull servo control rods to ensure good connection to servos and elevens.
•Check security of motor mounting
•Check propeller to ensure it is securely fastened. The writing on the propeller should
be facing the aircraft. Make sure no debris (mud, dirt, etc.) is stuck to the prop
•Check aircraft for any damage from previous flights
•Check elevons to ensure they have full range of motion. (Do not move the elevons
rapidly)
•Check camera lens for cleanliness
Check Yearly:
•Change motor every 10,000 acres flown
•Replace batteries with any sign of damage or a weak cell

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
11
Flight

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
12
Operational&Flying&Conditions&
•Avoid flying in adverse weather conditions including temperatures below 40 degrees,
rain, sleet, snow, fog and wind conditions exceeding 30 mph.
•Only fly in open areas with no obstacles or obstructions.
•Avoid flying near large structures; large metal buildings may have an adverse effect
on the onboard compass.
•Never fly over populated areas or busy roadways.
•Avoid flying close to electromagnetic producing devices (i.e. radio towers, cell
towers, etc.)
•Avoid launching downwind of trees or buildings as severe turbulence may be
encountered.
•Launch into the wind
•Land into the wind
Flight&Limits&and&No&Fly&Zone&
AgEagle operators should follow all regulations set forth by aviation regulation
organizations such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil
Aviation Organization, Transport Canada and local aviation authorities. Please research
local laws and/or regulations for additional flight compliance requirements.
Steps&to&operate&the&AgEagle&drone&
To consolidate this manual and the preflight list, we have included a thorough preflight
list at the back of the manual. Operators should keep a printed copy of the preflight list
at hand and follow it for each flight.

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
13
Botlink

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
14
User&Interface&
Botlink can be accessed by using an Android tablet. The Botlink application is available by
visiting the Botlink.com website or via the Google Play Store.
Familiarize and understand the home screen to fly safer, smarter, and faster than ever
before

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
15
Online&Botlink&XRD&Registration&
To activate the Botlink XRD for the first flight:
1. Go to: https://registration.botlink.com/ and choose the subscription plan.
2. Fill out the XRD Billing Form (If you need assistance send an email to:
mailto:[e-mail]?subject=Help with AgEagle registration)
As long as the billing information is processed correctly, a Botlink Support agent will receive the
request and begin processing. Once the activation process in enacted, it may take up to 48
hours before the account be active.
Once hitting "Submit" within these forms the credit card information entered will
be automatically processed.

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
16
Updating&Your&Botlink&XRD&
To improve performance, Botlink continually updates the software and firmware on the
hardware and any new AgEagle may be a candidate for updating. For updates, follow
these steps:
1. Turn off power to the aircraft.
2. Access the micro SD card in the Botlink XRD module by pushing in on the end of it
and it will pop out. (See photo)
3. Use a micro SD card adaptor to view the card files and locate the OS version file.
Open it with a text editor or note pad program. The text in it will state what “BotBox”
operating system is on it. Compare this version with the firmware version on the
Botlink web site.If your AgEagle is an older version, follow the instructions on the
Botlink page and update it.
MAKE SURE YOUR AIRCRAFT HAS AT LEAST 50% BATTERY BEFORE STARTING
THE UPDATE.
1. Download the update file from Botlink, and transfer those file onto your XRD
microSD card.
2. Insert the microSD card back into your Botlink XRD module.
3. Power up the aircraft. The XRD will automatically update itself. Monitor the update
by watching the LED on the XRD. It will blink normal for a while, then shut off as it is
restarting itself. Once the LED comes back on, the update is complete; the aircraft
will be able to reconnect with the Botlink app. This process should take less than 20
minutes.

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
17
Botlink&First&Flight&
1. Open the Botlink app (application) on the tablet
2. Once the app is opened, select the hamburger (three-lined menu drawer) icon in the
upper left hand corner to access the main menu.

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
18
3. Go to the Settings option
4. Select “Drone” in settings, and make sure the “Preflight Arming” is turned ON

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
19
5. Press the Menu button again and select the Connect to Drone option.
6. Select the overflow (three vertical dots) icon next to the drone being connected
NOTE: Select the USB connection (typical) for USB telemetry connectivity

01/23/18 ©2018 AgEagle Aerial Systems. All Rights Reserved
20
7. Once app starts to connect to the aircraft the app will advance to the Mission Control
page and provide status updates including:
a. Connection status of aircraft
b. Camera connection status
c. Flight alerts within the current airspace requirements
Selecting the alarm icon in the upper right hand corner will display connection
statuses and alerts.
8. Once the app is connected to the aircraft, the name of the drone profile will display under
the Mission Control heading AND it will display “Connected” in the main menu. To get to
the main menu use the down arrow (upper left hand corner) to navigate to the Missions
(Mission Planning) page and then use the hamburger icon.
9. To load an existing mission go to step 13.