dji Ace One User manual

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Ace One
User Manual
Revision 2.0
Date: 2011-04-15
http://www.dji-innovations.com
©2010-2011 Dajiang Innovation Technology Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

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Copyrights
This product and manual are copyrighted by Dajiang Innovation Technology Co. Ltd. with all rights reserved. No part of this product or
manual shall be reproduced in any form without the prior written consent or authorization of Dajiang Innovation Technology Co. Ltd. No
patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the product or information contained herein.
©2010 Dajiang Innovation Technology Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
Dajiang Innovation Technology Co. Ltd. assumes no liability for damage(s) or injured incurred directly or indirectly from the use of this
product.
Trademarks
DJI and Ace One are registered trademark of Dajiang Innovation Technology Co. Ltd. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this
manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies.

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Product Documents List
The Ace One product package includes the following installation manual.
To correctly use Ace One system and fly safe, please read the instruction carefully before power on.
WarrantyCard
「WarrantyCard」
recommend the necessary conditions for using Ace One system and related safety issues. Please fill out the
customer & helicopter information card and return to DJI to register your product warranty.
QuickStartGuide
「QuickStartGuide」
For experienced users, the quick start guide provides a brief summary of the steps that can also be found in
details in the manual.

AceOneUserManual（inCD）
「AceOneUserManual」 provides you the detailed steps for Ace One basic setup, configuration, parameter settings, operation
processes, and also maintenance of the product.
Reader’s Guide for This Manual
Please strictly follow these steps to mount and connect the Ace One system on your helicopter, as well as to install the Ace Assistant
software on your computer.
Icons seen in this document:
FORBIDDEN Please refer to the page(s)
mentioned TX
R/C Transmitter
configuration
required Alt
A
lt Key
CAUTION Assembly & Mounting Tips Mouse Left Click Enter Key
Correct General Tips Mouse Right Click
Up/Down/
Left/Right
Directions
Keys
Wrong
Ace Assistant
configuration required Ctrl Ctrl Key
Contents
DJI Ace One Introduction..................................4
Package Contents..............................................5
Mounting and Connection.................................6
A1Before you Begin...........................................6
A2Mount the devices on your helicopter............6
A3Connections...................................................7
A4Ace Assistant Software Basic Operation .......9
Flight & Configuration Procedure Brief.........10
Configuration Procedure.................................11
B1GPS & IMU Mounting..................................11
B2Control Mode Switch ...................................12
B3Flybarless....................................................13
B4Swashplate..................................................14
B5Pitch and Throttle Curve Setup....................14
B6Tail Gyro......................................................15
B7Engine Governor .........................................16
B8R/C Transmitter Calibration.........................17
B9SYSTEM CHECK........................................18
B10Autopilot ......................................................19
B11Camera Gimbal Control...............................20
Flight ................................................................. 21
C1Digital Compass Calibration........................21
C2MANUAL MODE Test Flight........................22
C3Enhanced Fail-Safe.....................................23
C4Autopilot Test Fight......................................24
Maintains .......................................................... 25
Flight Log Reading................................................25
Firmware Upgrade ................................................25
Product Info...........................................................25
Appendix........................................................... 26
LED Indicator description......................................26
Product Specifications...........................................27

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DJI Ace One Introduction
DJI Ace One is an autopilot system for radio-controlled helicopters, which completely takes the stress out of flying RC helicopters for
both professional and hobby applications. Ace One can be installed in a variety of models, from small electric helicopters to large
gasoline and turbine helicopters.
Multiple control mode based on autopilot system:
GPSCruiseMode GPSAtti.Mode Atti.Mode ManualMode
Command Stick
Meaning
Flight speed control; Stick center
position for 0m/s, its endpoint for
maximum speed set by user.
Helicopter attitude control; Stick center position
for 0˚ attitude, its endpoint for 45˚which is a
fixed limit.
Mechanical driving
directly
Command Linearity YES NO
Stick Released Lock the position when GPS signal is adequate Only altitude
stabilizing
Recommand for
experience pilot only
Altitude lock Maintain the altitude best above 3 meters NO
Stabilization Flybarless stabilizing on ELEV and AILE direction is available for all control mode
GPS Lost After 10s when GPS signal lost,
System enters
Atti.Mode .Automatically.
Only performing
attitude stabilizing
without position lock.
---
Safety Maintain constant speed Attitude & speed mixture control ensures
stability. Depends on
experience
Enhanced fail-safe featured, auto hover or Go-Home if transmitter signal lost
Appropriate
Applications Long and smooth flight route High agility for all flying ---
Built-in functions include:
Integrated tail gyro
The flying direction (YAW) of helicopter will be effected by
cross wind. Ace One system can detect the drifting angle &
Speed, and control the rudder servo to eliminate such
influences.
In the case of flying forward in cross-wind, Tail Gyro can work
on two different modes as the example shown.
Flybarless rotor head support
Integrated engine governor for internal combustion engines
Tilt and roll gimbal stabilization

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Package Contents
Main Controller
The Main Controller is the brain of Ace One. The Main Controller communicates with the IMU,
GPS/Compass, engine governor, servos and RC transmitter to carry out autopilot
functionality. The Main Controller provides a “black box” flight log, and USB interface to read
flight logs, configure Ace One and update firmware from a PC.
(System requirement: Windows XP SP3 or Windows 7)
GPS & Compass module
The GPS/Compass module includes two status-indicating
LEDs. It should be installed on the tail boom, where there is a
clear view of the sky.
×1
IMU
The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) consists of one 3-axis
accelerometer, one 3-axis gyroscope and a barometer.
×1
GPS Tail Boom Mount
The GPS Tail Boom Mount and double-sided foam tape enable
secured installation for the GPS/Compass module on almost
any helicopters.
×1
3-PIN Servo Cable
Cables used to connect the Main Controller to the RC receiver.
×10
3M 5925 Double Sided Tape
（Only for GPS & Compass module）
×4
Micro USB Cable
This cable is used to configure Ace One, update firmware and
download flight logs.
×1
Quick Start Guide
For experienced users, the quick start
manual provides summary of the steps
which can be found in detail in this
manual.
Warranty Information Card
Ace One comes with a two-year
warranty, as described on this card.
Please keep this for your personal
records.
Product CD
The CD contains a digital copy of this manual,
some helpful videos, Ace Assistant and the driver
to connect Ace One to your PC with the provided
USB cable.
×1

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Mounting and Connection
A1 Before you Begin
Fly the helicopter without Ace One and make sure that the helicopter works properly without any autopilot assistance. To complete this
step, you will need a tail gyro instead of Ace One system. This is a good time to isolate and resolve unwanted vibrations.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU SHOULD NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
A2 Mount the devices on your helicopter
IMU
Where? The IMU is best positioned near the helicopter’s center of gravity, where
vibration is relatively low.
What orientation? Orient the IMU such that the arrow marked on the above
surface of the IMU faces the sky and points directly forward, backward, left or
right. The sides of the IMU should be precisely parallel to the helicopter body.
DO NOT MOUNT THE IMU UPSIDE-DOWN.
How? Use double-sided foam tape for secured installation.
1 Check the double-sided foam tape or Velcro regularly to ensure that the
IMU is securely positioned.
2 DO NOT cover the ventilation holes, keep them unobstructed.
3
The IMU module is NOT water-proof or oil-proof.
GPS & Compass Module
Where? Mount it on the tail boom, between the
rotor-head and the tail-rotor. The compass is
sensitive to magnetic interference, so position the
module at least 20 cm from servos and 30 cm from
electric motors or gasoline (petrol) engines. The
GPS is sensitive to vibration interference, so position
the module at least 10 cm from the tail rotor. The
GPS should not be close to the main rotor head
because rotor blades can interfere with GPS satellite
signal, the farther from the center of the rotor disk,
the better.
What Orientation? The DJI logo marked on the
GPS should face the sky, with the orientation arrow
pointing directly forward. The GPS/Compass is
packaged with a special indication line for mounting
for the first time. The LED status indicators should
face the tail rotor.
1 If you are uncertain whether materials near the GPS/Compass module are magnetic or not, you can use a compass or
magnet to check it.
2 GPS/Compass mounting-support hardware is included in the Ace One package. If however you prefer to use your own
GPS/Compass mount, please make sure that the mount material is NOT magnetic.
Main Controller
Where? There is no orientation requirement for the Main Controller. Maintain at least a 20-centimeter-distance between the
Main Controller and the engine or motor. Choose a mounting location where as shorter servo extension wires are needed as
possible. This helps reduce the risks of electronic interference. Please also make sure the USB port is accessible when installing
the Main Controller so as to facilitate software configuration.
After choosing a location to mount the Main Controller, it is recommended that you DO NOT mount the Main Controller until
all wirings and software configurations are completed.
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1 2
3 4

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A3 Connections
CAN Bus– Interface for Ace One Module
The Ace One Main Controller uses CAN-Bus to power and
communicate with other Ace One modules. Three connection ports
are provided: two on the Main Controller and one in-line connection
on the GPS/Compass wire. Ace One identifies the connected
devices automatically without configuration.
GPS/Compass module can be connected to either port of
Main Controller.
IMU can be connected to the Main Controller or to the in-line
port on the GPS/Compass wire. Connect the GPS/Compass
and IMU to the Main Controller.
Press & Pull out

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Receiver & Servos
STEP1: Set the transmitter to single-servo CCPM (Futaba: H-1; JR/Spektrum: 1sNORM; Hitec: 1-Servo 90°).
Connect the receiver to the Main Controller input servo ports.
For Camera Gimbal control
For Control Mode Switch
For collective pitch or up/down
For gyro sense adjusting
For rudder control
For throttle control
For cyclic pitch or front/back
For cyclic roll or left/right
STEP2: Connect the cyclic servos and throttle servo or ESC (NOT the rudder servo) to the
Ace One output servo ports using the diagram corresponding to the swash type of
your helicopter.
For swashplate servos
ForthrottleservoorESC
For rudder servo
For Gimbal servos
Battery or BEC
Ace One uses the same power source as the servos and receiver; power to all electronics connected to the Main Controller can be
supplied by either servo input or output ports on the Main Controller. Ace One operates with a power source between 4.8 to 8.4 volts
DC. When choosing a power source, bear in mind that all servos and Ace One will use that same power source, thus please make
sure the power source you use will also satisfy the servo requirements. A high capacity battery of 4000mAh or above is strongly
advised, especially for large scale electric powered helicopter.
The power consumption of Ace One is 5W maximum (testing condition: 0.9A@5V). For some small scale helicopters, the
BEC provided may not be able to supply enough overall power consumption, please use high performance BEC.

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A4 Ace Assistant Software Basic Operation
Software and Driver Installation
Please read Software & Driver Installation Guide, the micro-USB port is used for Ace One configuration, read flight logs and update
firmware.
Introduction for Software GUI


How to adjust parameters?
I
Red and bold text indication
if you changed anything*;
II
Write parameters to main
controller.
*except the direct edit items, they
can be written to main controller
directly.
1 TOOL
Firmware upgrade: update your firmware from DJI
server, keep your Ace One system up-to-date.
Read flight log: Upon choosing this, Ace One main
controller will become a mobile drive under [My
computer] directory, and Ace Assistant will be
closed automatically.
2 ABOUT
Information regarding your Ace One
3 Export: export/save Ace One configurations in files.
4 Import: load previously saved Ace One configurations.
5 Wizard: step-by-step, for your first-time-configuration.
6 Write: write data of latest settings of the current page to
your Ace One main controller. The parameter value or the
title of which will appear as red and bold in font when
modifications have been made, make sure you click the
“Write” button to update your Ace One system.
7 Read: read parameters from Ace One main controller.
8 Write all: write latest settings and changes of all files to
your Ace One main controller.
9 Graphic guidance
10 Text guidance
11 Flybarless function ON / OFF indication
12 Engine governor working mode indication
13 Tail gyro working mode & gyro sense indication
14 Autopilot working mode indication
15 Red light: Ace One  PC has been disconnected.
Green light: Ace One  PC has been connected.
Blue light: Ace One  PC communication.
16 Here you can find all the configuration pages the same as
in the “Wizard”.

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Flight & Configuration Procedure Brief
1 For safety reasons, during configuration and system setup, please disconnect the power supply for Electric motor.
2 Please do the following configurations in Manual Mode of the autopilot system.
Steps Description Page
B1 GPS & IMU Mounting Please measure the center-of-gravity (C.G.) of your helicopter, and fill in the
distance between IMU/GPS and C.G. of helicopter in X, Y & Z axles; 11
B2 Control Mode Switch Adjust your transmitter for channel , and then you can switch the
autopilot working mode between Manual / GPS Atti. / Atti. / GPS Cruise; 12
B3 Flybarless Please select flybarless ON/OFF. You might need to adjust parameters
during test flight; 13
B4 Swashplate Setup you swashplates according to your helicopter specification; 13
B5 Pitch & Throttle Curve Setup Set pitch & throttle curve on your transmitter according to our suggestion; 14
B6 Tail Gyro Make rudder correctly responding to your transmitter commands (rotating
C.W. or rotating C.C.W.); 15
B7 Engine Governor Both electric motor and gasoline engine require setting; 16
B8 R/C Transmitter Calibration , , & are required to do; 17
B9 SYSTEM CHECK Check controller output, IMU mounting and battery performance; 18
C1 Digital Compass Calibration Slide the control mode switch on transmitter 10 times, and ACE ONE will
enter the compass calibration mode; 21
C2 Manual Mode Test Flight
Please strictly follow the procedure during flight test, you may need to adjust
the following parameters to achieve the best flight performance: 22
B3 Flybarless control parameters if you’ve enabled Flybarless; 13
B6 Tail Gyro sense; 15
B7 Engine speed and Gov Gain for Gasoline / Nitro engine. 16
C3 Enhanced Fail-Safe
Please strictly follow the failed-safe setting procedure, otherwise this
function might not be working correctly. 23
C4 Autopilot Test Fight
Please strictly follow the procedure during flight test, you may need to adjust
the following parameters to achieve the best flight performance: 24
B10 Autopilot control parameters; 19
B3 Flybarless control parameters if you’ve enabled Flybarless; 13
Except tail gyro sense which is already adjustable via Tx, parameters adjusting via transmitter are also available for
Flybarless and Autopilot. These parameters were indicating with“Remote Adj.”option
on Ace Assistant software, which allows you adjust them from 0.5 to double times:
INH means remote parameter adjusting was disabled;
X1 means Remote Adj. was enabled on channel for this parameter;
X2 means Remote Adj. was enabled on channel for this parameter.
Please finish the following procedure before enable the Remote Adj:
1 Make sure X1 & X2 channel are connected on main controller;
2 Assign two channels on your transmitter for channel X1 and X2;
3 Centered X1 & X2 knobs on transmitter, otherwise the adjustment range for increase / decrease will not be the same.
Notice: The introductions for control parameter adjustment were marked by dash-line box in this manual. You will fly the helicopter
and adjust these parameters for few times during first configuration, to achieve the best flight performance.