dji S-900/Zenmuse Owner's manual

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK
DJIS‐900/Zenmuse

Author:GenePaysonRevised:9/02/2014

http://www.troybuiltmodels.com

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
PILOT OPERATION HANDBOOK
DJI S-900/Zenmuse
This book is offered in a format so that pilots can customize the checklists to their exact needs. Please print
out this handbook, make notes while watching the video regarding the checklist, then change the wording
and order to suit your needs. Then print out the revised form and laminate it in plastic. Use it every time you
operate your aircraft. Keep the log books regarding the following:
1) Pilot flight time
2) Aircraft flight time
3) Aircraft maintenance and updates
4) Battery usage, date put into service, voltage, mah vs time
Print out and make readily available the error message legend of various flashing lights. Know what to do
without hesitation should you observe warnings.
Insurance is a must! Not only will it be expensive to repair your aircraft in the event of an incident, if you
injure bystanders or damage other people’s property you are liable for damages which could run into the
millions of dollars. One insurance company which currently writes policies on sUAS is
www.Transportrisk.com
Errors & Omissions should be sent to [e-mail]. We will promptly update the
POH for everyone to have the latest updates available.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
DJI S900 KEY PARAMETERS
Max Takeoff Weight: 18 lbs.
Approved Cameras: Sony Nex5/7, Panasonic GH3/4, Blackmagic Cinema
--- No Gimbal
13.5lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 21000
12.3lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 15000
--- Nex-7 Gimbal
17.2lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 21000
16lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 15000
--- GH3/GH4 Gimbal
17.68lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 21000
16.48lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 15000
--- BMPCC Gimbal
17.3lbs = S900 and TBM 21000
16.1lbs = S900 and TBM 15000
--- 5D Gimbal
22.5lbs = S900 and TBM 21000 - OVERWEIGHT!
21.3lbs = S900 and TBM 15000- OVERWEIGHT!
Flight Times using 90% of battery:
15,000 mah battery with gimbal and camera: 15+ min
21,000 mah battery with gimbal and camera: 20+ min
These times are averages in our tests. Individual flight times may differ based on weight and flying style.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
DJI S-900/Zenmuse
CHECKLISTS
DJI S-900 BENCH SET UP & TESTS
oAll screws/bolts are tight
oTimer alarm for flight time to not exceed 80% battery capacity set properly
oBatteries are secure
oAntennas are secure
oProps balanced
oProps aligned
oProps not chipped
oCheck blades, arms, etc. for cracks/damage
oWiring Tight
oNo excessive flexing of motors or booms
oBooms/motors will not twist
oCenter of gravity is correct
oWarning lights set for low battery if used
oBatteries charged. Replace any battery which cycles below 80% of rated capacity
Laptop Battery
Flight Battery
Handheld Rx Battery
RC Tx Battery
Video Rx Battery
Spare Laptop Battery
DJI S-900 INVENTORY CHECKLIST
oLoad Flight plan
oAircraft
oCamera with SD card
oSpare parts/tools
oSpare batteries
oTwo RC transmitters
oLaptop
oBattery Charger
oFlight Controller Cable
oVideo monitor, stand, battery, antennas
oGoggles
oDatalink & cable
oBattery Y-harness

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
DJI S-900 PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST
oPosition: GCS, S900
oEmergency LZ
oWind
oArea secure
oAntennas
oGCS
oLens cap
oCamera On
oSD card
oFlight battery: voltage – install - CG
oC2 Tx: Switches – On - Model Selection - 5.4V+
oPhoto Tx – Switches – On - Model Selection - 5.4V+
oCopter On
oCalibrate? - Cycle
oCopter Voltage on GCS
oGPS Mode – Double Purple/Single Purple
oCourse Lock Mode - Green
oCamera/Gimbal tests
oUpload mission
oZero altitude
TAKEOFF CHECKLIST
oTimer
oGPS mode (Course lock?)
oMotor startup/checks
oTakeoff
oLanding Gear
LANDING CHECKLIST
oLZ clear
oLanding Gear
oLand
oFlight Time
oCopter/Camera Power down
oAdjust Params
oPower Down ____ batteries
oMotor Temps
oLogbooks

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ERROR MESSAGES
oWhite flashes
IMU malfunction. Land and determine cause. Possibilities:
GPS/Compass not pointing forward
IMU not pointing forward
Set up of X, Y, Z for location of IMU and Compass is incorrect
oExcessive rocking/instability possible causes:
Weak motor
Structure flexing from fatigue or cracks
Motor mount
Main frame
Booms
Loose Bolts causing flexing or misalignment
Props
Mounts
Props out of balance
Props misaligned
Excessive wind speeds or gusts
Excessive Gains
Excessive motor power. Max motor power must a little more than typical ascent
power.
oRed Flashes (1, 2 or 3 flashes with pauses) – GPS loss (3 is more serious). Land if loss lasts
for more than 30 seconds. Possible causes:
Clouds
Structures
GPS mal-function
GPS too close to electrical components
GPS vibration

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1: General
Section 2: Limitations
Section 3: Emergency Procedures
Section 4: Normal Procedures
Section 5: Performance
Section 6: Weight and Balance/Equipment List
Section 7: Air Vehicle and Systems Description
Section 8: Handling, Service and Maintenance
Section 9: Supplements

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SECTION 1
GENERAL
NOTE: In an effort to minimize costs and maximize spare parts availability, many COTS (commercial off
the shelf) components have been utilized. Some may have slight modifications to better suit this application.
Most COTS products have separate data sheets, assembly manuals and instruction manuals. They are
reference in this document, with key factors being emphasized.
As with all high technology products utilizing constantly evolving software, it is important to periodically
check for online upgrades to the COTS components, including hardware, firmware and software.
WARNING: Great care must be taken with the batteries. Much of this manual and supplemental information
is devoted to the use and care of the batteries, especially the flight batteries. They are less volatile than
gasoline, though they should be treated with the same respect. Become very familiar with proper techniques
of their use.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
oPrimarily for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)
oEconomical due to extensive use of COTS products
oLow Visual Signature
oLow Aural Signature
oQuick Launch and Recovery
oShort Training Period
oSimple Operation
oWaypoint Navigation
oBackpackable
oVTOL
oQuick Repairs
oRedundant Flight Systems
oSafety Return to Home during lost link or low battery
oHigh Degree of Mission Success
oGPS navigation aid
oVarious sensors
o18 lb max takeoff weight
oOperating Temp Range: -5°C to +60°C
oFlight Modes: Manual and GPS aided waypoint navigation
oMaximum Operating Altitude: 1000 meters
oMaximum Operation Wind Conditions: 10 m/s
oPropulsion System: LiPoly batteries
oTakeoff: Manual or Automatic
oLanding: Manual or Automatic
oTakeoff/Recovery Area: 5m square

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IMPORTANT DIMENSIONS
oDistance rotor to rotor across the center: 35”
oHeight with GPS/Compass folded down: 21”
oHeight with GPS/Compass up: 25”
oLength of landing gear skids: 17”
oDistance between landing gear skids: 18”
oCollapsed size: 22” x 19”
IMPORTANT WEIGHTS
o--- No Gimbal
o13.5lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 21000
o12.3lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 15000
o--- Nex-7 Gimbal
o17.2lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 21000
o16lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 15000
o--- GH3/GH4 Gimbal
o17.68lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 21000
o16.48lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 15000
o--- BMPCC Gimbal
o17.3lbs = S900 and TBM 21000
o16.1lbs = S900 and TBM 15000
o--- 5D Gimbal
o22.5lbs = S900 and TBM 21000 - OVERWEIGHT!
o21.3lbs = S900 and TBM 15000- OVERWEIGHT!
MOTORS
oManufacturer: DJI-Innovations
oNumber of motors: 8
oMotor type: 41mm x 14mm
oMotor Model Number: 4114-11
oMotor KV/RPM: 400
oMotor max @ 25.2V: 10,000 rpm
oMotor Max Power: 500 Watts
oPower rating: 3000 Watts maximum power consumption for all 6 motors
oCurrent Max: 100 amps
oAmp Draw Typical Average: 55 amps
PROPELLERS
oManufacturer: DJI-Innovations
oMaterial: Composite
oNumber of propellers: 6
oPropeller model number: DJI 15 x 5.2
oNumber of blades: 2 - folding
oPropeller Diameter: 15”
oPropeller Pitch (fixed): 5.2”
oMax rpm: 10,000 rpm

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROLS
oManufacturer: DJI-Innovations
oNumber of speed controls: 6
oSpeed control model number: DJI 40A Opto
oRating in amps: 40 Amps continuous
oSignal Frequency: 30 - 450 Hz
oDrive PWM Frequency: 8 KHz
AUTOPILOT
oManufacturer: DJI-Innovations
oAutopilot Model Number: DJI A2
oComponents: GPS/Compass, IMU, Master Controller, Power Distribution System, LED
Indicator Lighting System, Data Transceiver, GCS Software
oPower Consumption: 5W
oOperating Temp Range: -5°C to +60°C
oSoftware Compatible: Windows XP sp3 / Windows 7
oHovering Accuracy: Vertical : ± 0.5m; Horizontal: ± 2m
ANALOG WIRELESS LINKS
oDistributor: DJI-Innovations
oFrequencies:
2.4 Ghz datalink with WiFi
2.4 Ghz Command & Control
5.8 Ghz Video
oPower Consumption: <1 watt
oUsable Range: <2 km.
DIGITAL WIRELESS LINKS (Lightbridge)
oDistributor: DJI-Innovations
oFrequencies:
2.4 Ghz (C2 & Video)
oPower Consumption: <1 watt
oUsable Range: <2 km.
FLIGHT BATTERY
oManufacturers: Various COTS suppliers
oBattery chemistry recommended: Lithium Polymer
oBattery Capacity: up to 21,000 mah or greater depending on max gross weight
oBattery cell count required: 6S (6 cells in series)
oBattery Voltage: 21V minimum during hover, 22.2V nominal, 25.2V maximum
oBattery Minimum Rated Discharge Rate: 20C minimum
oBattery Minimum Charge Rate: 1C (3C preferable)
oBattery Rest Time between discharging and charging: 0-30 minutes
oBatteries used simultaneously: typically 1
oRecommended Battery Discharge Amount: 80-90%

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
FLIGHT PARAMETERS
oFlight Time: 20+ minutes typical
oPayload Max: 9.5 lbs for battery, sensor and gimbal
WARNINGS
oNever power a video transmitter or receiver without an antenna connected or overload failure
will occur.
oRead all information regarding batteries contained in this manual and supplements.
oBatteries are highly flammable and can explode, especially when fully charged. Improper
charging, vibration, impact, high discharge, etc. can lead to explosion and fire. Batteries must
be charged under constant supervision and using proper precautions.
oBatteries fully charged must be handled with extreme care.
oBatteries must not be stored above 60% charged state.
oStore batteries between 20% - 60% charged state. Fully charge just before use.
oFully charged batteries which are not to be used within 24 hours should be discharged to 20%
- 50% charged state.
oDischarging LiPoly batteries in excess of 80% of their rated capacity can cause harm to the
batteries.
oUsing more than one battery at a time requires the proper wiring harness so that the voltage is
no more than 25.2V. Over voltage will cause serious damage to electrical equipment.
oUsing more than one battery at a time requires weight and balance checks. Proper CG is
critical to performance. Airframe must not be overloaded.
oGPS/Compass must be facing forward.
oDo not use GPS Mode without GPS lock.
oUse low strength thread locking compound on all screws.
oWireless Video and Data ranges vary considerably on many factors including weather,
equipment, and obstructions. Be prepared for com failures.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SECTION 2
LIMITATIONS
AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS
oVne – Velocity to Never Exceed: 15 m/s
oVa – Typical Maneuvering Speed – 5 m/s
POWER & POWERPLANT LIMITATIONS
o40 Amps max per motor
o40 Amps max per speed control
o320 Amps max total
oDo not exceed 80-90% discharge of rated battery capacity
oDo not charge batteries which are warmer than air temperature
oAllow batteries to cool after use before charging
oLeave an air gap between batteries when multiple batteries are used simultaneously
WEIGHT LIMITS
oTakeoff Weight Max: 18 lbs
Must be checked prior to takeoff if any change in equipment is made
CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS
o3mm from the center of any of the three pairs of arms
Must be checked before every flight to ensure batteries were installed in the proper
location.
Check all 4 pairs of arms before flight
MANEUVER LIMITS
oThis aircraft is intended for non-aerobatic operations
oG-loading maximum: 2G
TEMPERATURE LIMITS
oOperating Temp Range: -10°C to +40°C
oIn cold temperatures
Keep IMU at room temperature if possible before the flight
Keep Batteries above 5°C before flight
Do not fly with any frost or ice on the propellers
oIn warm temperatures
Batteries heat up when discharged
The higher the discharge rate the higher the temperature increase during use
At temperatures above 45°C, use of 2 or more batteries is required to lower the load
on any one battery pack to keep it cooler.
WEATHER LIMITS
oLight dust and light rain require the use of a shield for the electronics in the center section.
oLight dust and light rain are acceptable for the unshielded motor and ESC.

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RANGE LIMITS
oFUEL
Fuel capacity is a primary limiting factor.
Flying into the wind will use more battery power to travel the same ground distance.
Higher air speeds will be required to penetrate the wind which used more battery
power. Take this into account when flying a mission.
Where possible, fly upwind at the start of a mission and downwind at the end to avoid
depleting the battery before returning to base. Have alternative landing sites available
in case of emergency landing.
oWIRELESS LINK
Wireless links will be stable in LOS (line of sight) in most conditions
Wireless links are always susceptible to shorter ranges due to
Atmospheric conditions
Other transmission devices in the area
Jamming
Antennas not aligned properly
Improper voltage
Antenna blockage from AV in certain positions
Multipath – reflection off buildings or ground which cause multiple signals to
arrive at different times and/or phase.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SECTION 3
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
MOTOR FAILURE
oOperation is possible with one motor/ESC/propeller failure
The two adjacent motors/ESCs will be increased in thrust automatically by the flight
controller to overcome the loss
In cases where the airframe is highly loaded the maximum rating of 40 amps may be
exceeded by these two motors/ESCs
Operation should be terminated as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of damage
to the remaining motors
COMMUNICATION FAILURE
oVideo link failure
5.8 Ghz being the shortest wavelength in general AV use has the least ability to
penetrate. This link should be the first to be lost.
It is best to lose video first! It is the least likely to cause a crash when it fails.
5.8 Ghz can lose link with little warning.
Ensure that the GCS station antennas are perpendicular to the AV. Do not point the
antenna at the AV.
Yaw the AV to change the antenna position
Other links should still be good. Return back to the GCS until link is restored.
Transmitters produce heat when in operation. When overheated they may have
thermal protection which interrupts use temporarily. Use of a heat sink or fan may be
required especially with high ambient temperatures.
Higher gain antennas may be used, but do so with caution. High gain antennas are
directional.
Multiple antennas using “diversity” can be used. Diversity is a device which
determines the best signal, and uses that.
5.8 Ghz even at high wattages theoretically has less range than lower frequencies.
Changing to 1.3 Ghz is an option, though there are other issues to be considered.
oRC link failure
2.4 Ghz antennas can lose link with little warning.
Anything in between the two antennas can cause temporary signal loss especially a
person.
Hold the transmitter up in the air and walk in the general direction of the AV (aerial
vehicle).
Ensure that the antenna is vertical. Do not point the antenna at the AV.
The failsafes on the RC link should be set so that the AV returns to home. Should this
require a heading change, the antenna may move into a more desirable position and
link will be restored.
The onboard equipment may block the signal. Yaw the AV so that the antennas point
towards the GCS.
A LRS (long range system) can be used as a permanent solution. This is higher in
wattage and usually on 433 Mhz.
oData Link Failure
900 Mhz do not lose link without some warning. When drop outs are noticed to
increase in frequency that is the limit of the range.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
If using 900 Mhz, this is on cell phone frequency. If a cell tower is nearby it can
swamp the signal. 900 Mhz may not be usable in that area. Change to a different freq.
or remain closer to the AV
oLOW BATTERY POWER
Fail-safes can be set such that in the event of low battery power, either due to a failure
or too long of a flight, the warning light on the AV will constantly flash amber. This is
the first level of warning.
The second warning level is red flashing lights
Auto landing will occur when battery power is low. It may land in a tree or a lake, so
this is not desirable.
Landing with 80-90% of battery depleted is best. Therefore landing with 17,000 mah
used and 3,000 mah remaining of a 20,000 mah battery is desirable. Batteries should
be drawn down equally when in use if they are both charged equally and both in
relatively the same condition/age.
Do not mix partially charged batteries. Only use completely charged batteries.
Over discharging a battery below 19.8V can permanently damage the battery.
oGCS FAILURE
Takeover by the external pilot should happen ASAP using the RC link.
Most often happens due to a low battery.
Keep a spare 3 cell LiPoly battery with the appropriate plug to plug into the charge
jack for emergency use. Most chargers are 19V output which is roughly equivalent to
a 4-cell battery. 3-cell batteries may work.
oCOMPASS CALIBRATION ERROR
If the compass is out of calibration the warning light will flash red. This is the same
signal as low voltage. If the voltage is correct, there is a calibration error.
Recalibrate the compass following the instruction manual
oFIRE
Fires can occur due to a short circuit or battery failure.
Disconnect the battery ASAP unless there is danger in doing so if there is any
electrical issue.
It is not possible to put out a battery fire.
Do not attempt to put out a battery fire. Use a fire extinguisher to put out fires
surrounding the battery. A CO2 fire extinguisher is better than the powder or chemical
type. CO2 does not leave a residue. Water can be used though it may cause other
electrical component failures.
oFORCED LANDINGS
If alternate emergency landing zones should be chosen ahead of time.
Be sure that the LZ is clear of people to avoid any incidents.
Land in the nearest LZ which is clear of people.
Announce your intentions of landing as loud as necessary to alert people of the
incoming AV.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
SECTION 4
SET UP SUGGESTIONS
ELECTRONICS BURN IN
oWe recommend that you put weights onto the landing skids to keep the copter on the ground
and run the copter at about 70% throttle for about 2 hours to burn in the electronics. Most
electronic failures occur in the first 2 hours of operation.
GPS/COMPASS MAST LENGTH
oWe found that the higher the mast, the better the GPS reception
Nex5N vs. Nex7 vs. Panasonic GH3
oThese cameras are excellent for stills, and very good for video. The best for video is the
Panasonic GH4 with 4k capabilities.
oWe found that the Nex 5N takes exceptional quality stills and video, though most
professionals use the Nex 7.
oUse the Panasonic GH4 if you primarily shoot video
RADIO SET UP
oFollow the instructions in the manual
oWe prefer the switch assignment as shown in the checklists above though feel free to modify
to your liking
COPTER COMMAND AND CONTROL
oWe recommend the use of a dual rate switch for main copter operation.
High rate – used to initialize the motors. The flight controller will not engage unless it
sees full down throttle, full left rudder, full left cyclic and full back cyclic. However,
these may be too high for normal flying. On high rate it is helpful to utilize fairly high
exponential to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to your preference.
Low rate – used for typical flying. Set the end point adjustments such that full stick
deflection offers the maximum speed required in normal flying. If conditions require
higher flight speeds, switch to high rate. On low rate it is also helpful to utilize a small
amount of exponential to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to your
preference.
ZENMUSE COMMAND AND CONTROL
oWe recommend the use of a dual rate switch for gimbal operation.
High rate – used to initialize the gimbal. The gimbal may not engage unless it sees full
motion. However, these may be too high for shooting video smoothly. This is best for
still photography so as to put the camera on target quickly. On high rate it is helpful to
utilize fairly high exponential to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to your
preference.
Low rate – used for videography. Set the end point adjustments such that full stick
deflection offers the maximum speed required for videography. If conditions require
higher gimbal speeds, switch to high rate. On low rate it is also helpful to utilize a
small amount of exponential to make the stick feel soft around center. Adjust to your
preference.
TIMERS
oUse of the countdown timer is a good backup method to ensure landing with battery power.
Set the timer for 20 minutes (or what you deem appropriate) and have it start when the
throttle is over ¼. Then adjust the timer upwards until the amount of battery used is
about 80-90% of the total available. If using 20,000 mah batteries, a total of 17,000
mah would be the target. Set the timer such that you have a minute or so to land after

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
the alarm sounds so that you have adequate time to return to base. Adjust to your
preference.
BATTERIES
oReplace the transmitter standard battery with a Lipoly battery to extend use times to 8 hours.
Supplied batteries often last about 2 hours.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
NORMAL PROCEDURES
PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST
oConfirm all communication radios are operational
Radio with ATC
Radios with others in the group
oSet a perimeter of 100 meters
Area must be clear of people to avoid collision
oCheck for overhead power lines and other obstacles to avoid
oCheck structural integrity
In event of prior crash, inspect all booms, props and motor mounts for excessive flex
indicating structural fatigue/failure
oHave a manual flight plan avoiding obstacles.
oLoad auto flight plan if using one
Be sure that the total flight time is under 10 minutes to avoid low battery
oClean lens
Remove lens cap
oEnsure camera has SD card installed
Many flights have been wasted due to this!
oInstall batteries
Ensure that the straps are tight and the Velcro keeps the batteries from moving which
will avoid a shift in the CG (Center of Gravity – or that it balances evenly)
oCheck CG (Center of Gravity)
Lift the copter on each of the 3 pairs of arms. The copter should balance properly. If
not, do not fly. Rearrange the equipment such that the CG is
oIMU pointing forward
The Inertial Measurement Unit is set so that it must face forward
oGPS/Compass installed, limited free play, pointing forward
This device must be installed with a screw to hold it in place. It cannot vibrate easily.
If it does not point forward, the corrections in ATTI and GPS mode will be incorrect
and it will crash. The FC will provide a warning with constant flashing white lights.
oLevel copter using a bubble level with front pointing in correct direction for course lock – do
not turn on
Keep in mind the best angle for pointing the landing gear in the direction that will
keep the landing gear out of the shot when flying.
oTurn on Pilot Tx
oIf using the rate gyro, set it at the correct position. This is usually a slider switch. Gains
should have the range set from 200 – 350. Use the highest gain possible which does not cause
oscillation.
oCheck Model Selection on Tx to be S900
oThrottle on Tx Down
oReturn to Home switch Off
oAdjust gain to correct position (if required)
oManual Flight Mode Switch to manual (not ATTI or GPS mode)
oFlight Path Switch Off – Not Course or Home or POI
oCheck Tx battery voltage (above 7.5v)
These settings above are required to initialize the copter properly. If the switches are
in the incorrect position, it will not initialize properly which may cause some of the
functions like course lock or GPS mode to not operate properly.

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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
If the copter does not function properly after takeoff, land immediately and disconnect
the copter power. Then put all the switches in the proper position for initialization and
turn the power back on to the copter.
oCount down timer should be set correctly depending on battery capacity. This can be adjusted
to your flying style. The timer should engage at ¼ throttle and trigger an alarm at the proper
time. This is a backup alarm in case the indicator lights on the copter are not visible.
oTurn on Photography Tx
oCheck Model Selection on Tx – should read Zenmuse
oCheck Tx battery voltage (above 5.4v for Futaba 14ch)
oHDMI switch Off
oFreestyle switch Off (FPV On)
These settings above are required to initialize the Zenmuse properly. If the switches
are in the incorrect position, it will not initialize properly which may cause some of
the functions like live video or gimbal operation to not operate properly.
If the camera or gimbal do not function properly, disconnect the copter power. Then
put all the switches in the proper position for initialization and turn the power back on
to the copter.
oEngage power to copter
Plug in the 2 battery packs. Typically the battery packs use red T-style connectors in a
parallel wire harness. This Y-harness has a yellow connector. It is preferable to
connect the batteries to the Y-harness first, then plug in the yellow connector. This
reduces (but does not eliminate) electrical arcing.
6 quick chirps should be heard confirming 6S LiPoly batteries are recognized by the
ESCs.
Hearing less than 6 chirps indicates fewer cell battery packs are being
recognized which is incorrect. Check for improper or damaged batteries.
oDo not move or vibrate the Squadcopter until 30 seconds after full GPS Lock
Initial 3 red blinks is normal meaning no GPS lock. No red flashes indicates full GPS
lock.
Continue with checklist as you are waiting for full GPS lock, but do not move the
copter.
If the GPS takes more than 5 minutes to lock, there is a problem with the area. It is not
receiving the proper signals from the satellites. GPS signals are weak, so trees, people,
buildings, terrain, weather, have an effect. Move the copter into a more open area
where it can more easily see the satellites.
oCheck Copter Voltage from both Tx’s (transmitters)
The transmitters receive a signal from the corresponding receivers. The voltages are
regulated to about 5v. If the voltage is below 4.4v or above 6v do not fly. There may
be power regulation issues. The receivers cannot work outside this voltage
consistently. Also there is some issue if the voltage is outside that range which should
be resolved before flying.
oEngage Attitude Mode – Must achieve double amber flash
oEngage GPS Mode – Must achieve double purple flash
oEngage course cock mode – Must achieve double green flash
oDisengage course lock mode. Must achieve double purple flash. Stay in this mode until just
prior to takeoff, after takeoff at any time, or do not use.
oDo not engage motors. Set throttle to center position. Must achieve single purple flash when
in GPS mode.
To verify that the sticks are all centered properly:

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With throttle in the center position, use the trim buttons on the transmitter to check
that the sticks are centered. Trim the roll (the stick located on the right side of the
transmitter when moved to the right and left) to the right, counting the number of
clicks until a double flash occurs. Then center the trim. Then move the trim to the left,
counting the number of clicks until a double flash occurs. An equal number of clicks
should be counted each side of center.
Do this check for the 3 stick movements other than throttle.
Center the trim such that when the stick is in the neutral position that there are equal
numbers of clicks in each direction. This ensures that when the sticks are neutralized
that the flight controller will recognize this signal and engage GPS mode.
oCalibrate GPS/Compass before the first flight each day or if receiving continuous red blinks
or continuous white blinks.
Flip the GPS mode switch 7 times very quickly from manual to GPS. End with the
switch in the manual position. The indicator light will be blue. Rotate the copter about
1.5 turns in a horizontal position. A green flashing light indicates that this is complete.
Then hold the copter vertically and rotate about 1.5 turns. A white flashing light
indicates that this is complete. Repeat if necessary until this is completed.
oAfter calibration, reset the copter by cycling battery with copter pointed in the correct heading
for course lock.
oEngage Camera
oHDMI switch On
This will stop video from playing on the back of the camera and will send the video
signal to the video transmitter via the HDMI connection.
oFreestyle switch On (FPV Off)
This allows the camera to be operated freely through the transmitter
oVerify camera operation
Operate the shutter
Set the focus to auto or manual. Manual setting is usually set to infinity to stop
constant focusing of the camera.
oVerify data link if installed
Roll the copter about 45 degrees on its side by lifting one side of the copter and resting
one side of the landing gear on the ground
A corresponding roll should be seen on the gauge.
If the copter is rolled to the right, it will appear on the gauge that the horizon rolls to
the left – not the right because the view from inside the copter is that the horizon rolls
the opposite direction of the copter.
oVerify altitude is about 0 via gauge on computer
If it is not about 0, the altitude settings for the waypoints will be off by this amount.
This could cause the copter to fly at 10 meters or 30 meters if the waypoint is set for
20 meters and the altitude is off by 10 meters one way or another. If the copter thinks
it is at 10 meters when it is on the ground, then it will only rise 10 meters above the
ground to achieve what it believes it to be 20 meters above the ground.
The altitude can be reset using the ground control software by going to altitude offset.
oAlternate Emergency Landing Sites Established
NORMAL TAKEOFF
oConfirm clear for takeoff with ATC
Necessary if within 5 miles of an airport