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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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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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© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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%