dji spreading wings s900 User manual

Spreading Wings S900
2014.08
V1.0
User Manual

2
©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
Disclaimer
Thank you for purchasing the S900. Please visit the Spreading Wings S900 page on www.dji.com regularly
to keep up to date with product information, technical updates and manual corrections. Information in this
manual is subject to change without notice.
In using this product, you hereby agree to this disclaimer and signify that you have understood all points
completely. When assembling this product, follow all instructions carefully. The manufacturer and seller
assume no liability for any damage or injury arising from the use of this product.
This is a class A product of the FCC certication. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
DJI is a registered trademark of DJI. Names of product, brand, etc., appearing in this manual are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective owner companies. This product and manual are copyrighted by
DJI 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 DJI.
About
The S900 is designed for professional aerial photography and cinematography. It is user friendly, safe,
stabilized and easy to fly while its integrated design makes assembly and configuration simple and fast.
Retractable landing gear, vibration dampers, slightly angled arms and a minimalized gimbal mount allow for
a clear 360 degree view from the camera. A patented power distribution board, built-in high-speed ESCs
and motors with high efciency propellers ensure dynamic stability and maximized power efciency. Used
with a professional DJI multi-rotor autopilot system, the S900 can hover and y reliably making it ideal for
photography and cinematography.
126mm
433mm
305mm

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3
Contents
Disclaimer 2
About 2
Contents 3
Cautions 4
Legend 4
In The Box 5
Mounting the Landing Gear 6
Mounting Frame Arms 7
Mounting Electronics and Wiring 11
Connecting XT60 Ports on the Center Frame 16
Installing Battery 16
Setting Up the Landing Gear 18
Mounting the Gimbal 20
Appendix 22
ESC Sound 22
ESC LED 22
Specications 22
Gain Value Settings 23
FAQ 24
Soldering the ESC 24
Remounting the Propellers 24
Propeller Precautions 24
Using the Propeller Holder 25
Assembling Motor Vibration Absorbers 25
Remounting the Landing Gear Servo 26
Recalibrating Servo Travel 26
Part List 27
FCC Statements 31

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Cautions
When ying, the rotating propellers may cause serious damage and injury. Please y safe at all times.
Assembly Cautions
1. Use a bracket to mount the GPS module on the center frame to avoid interference with the power board.
2. Ensure the IMU is mounted with the arrow pointing toward the nose of the aircraft.
3. If using a receiver, attach it under the bottom board of the center frame with the end of the antenna
facing downwards and away from obstructions to avoid signal loss.
4. Ensure frame arms are mounted correctly.
a) Motor mounts with CCW marks should be mounted to the center frame positions with the following
marks: M1, M3 and M5.
b) Motor mounts with CW marks should be mounted to the center frame positions with the following
marks: M2, M4, and M6.
5. Do not remove any glued-in screws.
6. Screws that already have blue glue can be used once without thread locker. On other occasions, apply
appropriate thread locker rst.
7. The S900 should be lifted off the ground when testing landing gear or recalibrating servo travel.
Flight Cautions
1. ESCs are not water-proof, please do not y in rain or snow.
2. Ensure all soft dampers and vibration absorbers are in good condition before every ight. If not, replace
immediately. Otherwise, the ight performance of your aircraft will be adversely affected.
3. Ensure all parts are in good condition before each ight. Do not y with worn or broken parts.
4. Ensure propellers and motors are installed correctly and propellers are unfolded before ying.
5. Ensure ESC signal connectors and power cable connectors are tight before every ight.
6. When ying, maintain a safe distance away from people, buildings, high-voltage lines, tall trees, water
and other hazards.
7. Use only 6S LiPo batteries for the power supply.
8. Ensure all output signals from M1 to M6 are in proper working order when using the DJI A2 ight control
system to avoid damage or injury.
9. Do not overload the system.
10. Do not get close to or touch motors or propellers when they are spinning as this can cause serious injury.
11. Disconnect the battery and remove the camera during transportation to avoid damage or injury.
12. We strongly recommend using as many DJI manufactured parts as possible.
Others
If you have any problems you cannot resolve, contact your dealer or DJI customer service.
Legend
Important Hints and Tips
Cautions

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In The Box
Center Frame ×1 Frame Arms ×6
Landing Skid Tubes ×2
(with Silicone Rubber Dampers)
Landing Gear Legs ×2
GPS Collapsible Mount ×1 Springs ×2
Connector Set ×1 3-PIN Servo Cable ×1
Screw Package ×1 Accessories Package ×1
For frame arms mount: M4×35
For landing gear mount: M3×8,
M2.5×8 (socket cap), M3×22 (socket cap)
CW propellers ×2
CCW propellers ×2
Magic tapes ×4
The red knobs ×6
Landing gear leg rings ×4
Soft dampers ×50
Tools Required
Tools Usage
2.0mm Hex Wrench, 2.5mm Hex Wrench Mounting screws.
Thread Locker Fastening screws.
Nylon Cable Tie
Binding devices and wires.Scissors
Cutting Pliers/Dykes
Foam Double Sided Adhesive Tape Mounting receiver, controller and other modules.
In The Box

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©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
Mounting the Landing Gear
Instructions
1. Put one landing gear leg ring onto each landing gear leg.
2. Insert one landing gear leg into each landing skid tube and secure it in place by tightening the M2.5×8
(socket cap) screw. Ensure silicone rubber dampers are attached to each end.
3. Insert the landing gear leg into connection point on the center frame. Afx in place with M3×8 screws.
4. Connect both springs on the legs to the center frame.
Note the springs are 58.5mm before connecting to the center frame, and are stretched to 70mm
when mounting is completed.
It is recommended that the landing gear leg ring be placed about 30mm above the landing skid tube.
70mm
30mm
Mounting the Landing Gear
M2.5×8
(socket cap)

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Mounting Frame Arms
Instructions
1. Prepare the arms.
(1) Check all propellers for cracks, then install and screw each propeller cover on tightly.
(2) Ensure all motors are mounted rmly and rotate freely.
(3) Mount all arms with red propeller covers to M1 and M2 to indicate the nose of the S900.
(4) Identify the CW and CCW marks on the arms. Mount the arms with the CCW mark to the M1, M3 and
M5 positions of the center frame. The arms with the CW mark should be mounted to the M2, M4 and
M6 positions of the center frame.
2. Insert each frame arm vertically into the mounting
area on the center frame.
3. Line up the screw holes of the frame arm and
center frame.
4. Insert the M4×35 screw from the right of the
frame arm (the thread is located on the left of the
screw mount). Tighten each screw correctly. Over
tightening may lead to connector abrasion.
PropellerCover
Screw
Motor
ESC
CW or CCW Mark
LED*
Screw Mount Power Cable
ESC Signal Cable
*LED is on after motor started.
Mounting Frame Arms

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©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
5. Gently lift the frame arm.
6. Twist the red knob to lock each arm in place. Be sure there is an audible click, which indicates a proper
lock. Check the arm for movement. To store, untwist the knob and lower the frame arm.
7. Now unscrew 6 screws (M2.5×8 cheese) on the upper plate of the center frame and remove the upper
plate. Then unscrew the 4 screws (M3×8 self-tapping, found under the center frame) of the round cover
and remove it to gain access to the ESC and power cable installation area.
8. Plug each ESC signal cable into the slot near each arm on the center frame.
Mounting Frame Arms

Spreading Wings S900 User Manual
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9. Connect the power cables to the center frame. Each cable must be screwed into a positive (+) or negative (-)
gold bracket. Each bracket will have two cables of the same color screwed into it. Red cables are positive
and black cables are negative.
10. To ensure a reliable connection, rotate the screw until it is both tight and parallel to the connecting
bracket.
11. Ensure all ESC cables, and power cables are correctly installed onto the center frame.
ESC cables
power cables
Mounting Frame Arms

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©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
12. Replace the round cover of the center plate, and re-tighten the 4 screws (M3×8 self-tapping). Then
replace the upper plate of the center frame, and re-tighten the 6 screws (M2.5×8 cheese).
13. Double check all frame arms. Arms M1 and M2 are the forward facing (nose), arms M4 and M5 are the
tail. Seen from the top, motors on arms M1, M3 and M5 rotate counter clockwise while those on arms M2,
M4 and M6 rotate clockwise.

©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
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Mounting Electronics and Wiring
Eight positions are reserved for mounting a flight control system, wireless video transmission module,
receiver, and other accessories. The DJI A2 ight control system has been used here as an example. If using
an A2, follow mounting and wiring instructions found in the A2 ight control system user manual. If using
the DJI WK-M ight control system, please refer to the WK-M user manual for connections. Also be sure the
rmware on your DJI ight controller has been updated to the latest version.
Instructions
1. Attach IMU module to the IMU area of the center frame. Ensure that it points toward the nose.
2. Attach the PMU module to the center frame.
Only mount the IMU in the IMU position of the center frame.
3. Mount the ight controller in the reserved position near the PMU module.
Mounting Electronics and Wiring
A2 Flight Controller
Reserved Position
IMU

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©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
4. Attach the GPS collapsible mount to the center frame using M2.5×8 screws.
5. Mount a GPS module to the GPS mount with a bracket. Ensure the arrow points toward the nose and avoid
catching your ngers in the bracket when folding for transportation.
6. The other reserved positions are indicated in the diagram below and can be used for mounting a receiver,
LED ight indicator, iOSD module and wireless video transmission module.
M1
M2
Mounting Electronics and Wiring

Spreading Wings S900 User Manual
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7. Check that every anti-drop screw has been firmly installed in the reserved positions. Thread locker is
recommended.
(1) Remove the anti-drop screws to apply appropriate thread locker.
(2) Replace and tighten.
8. Note that the dampers are 30° silicon rubber. If you use other dampers or vibration absorbing balls, the
quality of your aerial photography may be affected.
Mount the GPS with a bracket to avoid interference from the center frame power board.
Use glue to install the GPS bracket. Ensure it is rm and stable before every ight.
Always test motors using the Assistant Software after installation. Refer to your ight control system
user manual for details.
Mounting Electronics and Wiring
dampers

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©2014 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
Mounting Electronics and Wiring
If using a DJI WK-M ight controller, you must use the wires that came with the WK-M. M1 through
M6 correspond to each motor number.
Connecting the ight controller to the center frame
1. Connect the ight control system according to your ight control system user manual.
2. Plug in the connector sets to the ESC signal outlet on the center frame. Then plug in the connector set to
ight controller as shown below.
(1) Yellow 4-pin cables are for M1~ M4 connections. The yellow cable should be connected to M1.
(2) Brown 4-pin cables are for M5~ M6 connections. The brown cable should be connected to M5.
(3) Black 4-pin cables are for four continuous ground pins connections. M1~M4 are connected as the
following diagram shows.
M1
2
3
4
5
6
M
M
M
M
M
1
brown
2
3
M1
M2
M3
M4
M5
M6
yellow
1
2
3
M1
M2
M3
M4
M5
M6
yellow
brown
M1
2
3
4
5
6
M
M
M
M
M
M1
M2
M3
M4
M5
M6
3
1
4
2
5
64
6
3
5
2
1
the ESC Signal Outlet
the ESC Signal OutletWKM Flight Controller
A2 Flight Controller

Spreading Wings S900 User Manual
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If right and left servo cables are reversed, the landing gear will not function properly.
Connect all wires carefully and neatly to avoid cable damage caused by frame edges.
Connecting the ight controller and landing gear
1. Connect the left servo (between M3 and M4) cable to the “L” port of the landing gear control board.
2. Connect the right servo (between M5 and M6) cable to the “R” port of the landing gear control board.
3. For the A2 ight control system, connect the F1 port of the ight controller to the “IN” port of the landing
gear control board. Other ight control systems connect a 2-position channel receiver to the “IN” port.
Mounting Electronics and Wiring
Right Servo Connector Left Servo Connector
R
L
IN
R
L
IN
F1
R
L
IN
R
L
IN
F1

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Connecting XT60 Ports on the Center Frame
The bottom board is a power distribution board with three XT60 connectors for battery power.
Instructions
1. Connect the PMU power cable to the XT60 connector on top of the bottom board.
2. Connect the landing gear control board cable to the XT60 connector on the bottom of the bottom board.
3. Other connectors can supply power for other DJI devices, as required.
Installing Battery
Soldering battery connectors
AS150 spark-proof connectors are used. They must be soldered to your battery power cables.
1. Remove the original battery connectors. Avoid cutting the power and ground cables at the same time, as
this can cause a short circuit. We recommend wrapping unsoldered cables with insulating tape to prevent
accidental connections.
2. Pass the black ground wire through the black housing. After passing the wire through, solder the female
bullet connector to the ground wire. Wait for the soldered connection to cool, then pull the housing back
over the bullet connector.
3. Screw and pass the red power wire through the red housing. After passing the wire through, solder the
male bullet connector to the power wire. Wait for the soldered connection to cool, and then screw and pull
the housing back over the bullet connector.
Connectors soldering diagram
Connecting XT60 Ports on the Center Frame / Installing Battery

Spreading Wings S900 User Manual
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Installing and connecting battery
1. Attach battery to battery tray. Do not use an oversized battery. Maximum installation dimension is 80mm X
120mm X 200mm.
2. Connect the black connector and then the red connector to power on. Disconnect the red connector then
black connector to power off.
Connectors are soldered
Installing Battery

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Setting Up the Landing Gear
Using a 2-position RC transmitter switch, landing gear retraction can be carried out remotely.
Setting up the transmitter
Select a 2-position switch (default setting is OK) as the control input for the landing gear. Ensure the
corresponding receiver port is connected to the “IN” port on control board. For the A2 flight control
system, connect the ight controller’s F1 port to “IN” port on control board.
Upper: Toggle the switch to this position to raise the landing gear.
Lower: Toggle the switch to this position to lower the landing gear.
If the transmitter switch has a FailSafe function, set the FailSafe value to the [Lower] position. This
ensures that the landing gear will lower automatically when the receiver enters FailSafe mode.
To avoid accidental switch triggering, slide levers or other controls can be used for landing gear
control.
Usage procedures
1. Ensure transmitter and receiver batteries are fully charged.
2. Toggle the switch to the [Lower] position, and then turn on the transmitter.
3. Ensure the “R”, “L” and “IN” connections are correct.
4. Ensure the landing gear is in the [Lower] position, then power on the system. If a solid green LED on the
landing gear control board lights up, everything is normal. If it ashes green slowly, re-calibrate the system
according to instructions in “Recalibrating Servo Travel”.
5. Toggle the switch to the [Upper] position ONLY AFTER takeoff.
6. Toggle the switch to the [Lower] position for landing.
Setting Up the Landing Gear

Spreading Wings S900 User Manual
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Servo power will shut off 3 seconds after the landing gear has reached its target position.
When powering on the system, if the transmitter switch is in the [Upper] position, the LED will ash
red quickly as a warning. Toggle the switch to the [Lower] position to continue.
If there is an abnormal signal or no signal input into the “IN” port, the LED will slowly ash red.
Check receiver and connections for problems.
If servo power consumption is too high, the LED will light up red. If this lasts more than 4 seconds,
the landing gear will lower and the LED will ash green slowly. Re-calibration is needed before
ying.
A2 ight control system users can use the A2 Assistant to set intelligent gear on the “Advanced”
page. Refer to the “A2 user manual” for details.
LED Control Board Indicator
System normal — Solid green.
Calibration required Blinks rapid green.
Recalibration required Blinks slow green.
Calibration failed
— Solid yellow.
Enter calibration mode Blinks rapid yellow.
System calibrating Blinks slow yellow.
Motor stalled
— Solid red.
Unsafe startup alert Blinks rapid red.
Input signal abnormal Blinks slow green.
Landing Gear Specications
Parameter Range Parameter Range
Working Voltage 3S~6S (LiPo) Input Signal PWM (High-Pulse Width 800us~2200us)
Working Current Max 1A@6S Output Signal PWM (Mid Position is 1520us) in 90Hz
Working Temperature -20~70° C Output Voltage 6V
Total Weight 875g Servo Travel 150° (Minimum 120° )
Setting Up the Landing Gear

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Mounting the Gimbal
Before assembling the gimbal, install the GCU as shown below. Be sure to install on the side as shown below.
A DJI Z15-GH4 (HD) gimbal has been used as an example in the following diagrams.
The connectors on gimbal should be removed for better performance, then the gimbal can be mounted to
the lower connection points. Users of DJI Z15-5N / 7N gimbal, refer to the DJI Z15-5N / 7N Gimbal Mounting
Notes (Page 21) for details.
Mounting the Gimbal