Draganfly DRAGANFLYER X8 User manual

DRAGANFLYER X8
USERS MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
.......................................................................................................OPERATOR NOTICE 5
.......................................................................................................................WARNINGS 6
....................................................................X8 OVERVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS 7
FEATURES .........................................................................................................................7
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................8
.............................................................................................SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 12
.............................................................................................................MAINTENANCE 12
......................................................................................ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS 13
...................................................................................................................Side Arms 14
.............................................................................................................Landing Gear 14
.........................................................................................................................Rotors 15
.......................................................................................................................Canopy 17
........................................................................................................................Battery 18
WIND..............................................................................................................................20
DRAGANFLYER X8 HELICOPTER/CONTROLLER RANGE TEST ........................................21
RECOMMENDED OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES ..................................................................21
......................................................................................................................General 21
PREFLIGHT PREPARATION ...............................................................................................22
..............................................................................................Control Systems Check 23
............................................................................................................Before Takeoff 23
.....................................................................................................Launch Helicopter 24
..................................................................................................................Post Flight 24
MAINTENANCE ...............................................................................................................25
SPOTTERS .......................................................................................................................26
TELEMETRY AND CALIBRATION......................................................................................26
....................................................................................................Telemetry Program 26
HANDHELD CONTROLLER ..............................................................................................27
......................................................................................................................Battery: 28
...........................................................................................................Control Sticks: 29
....................................................................................................................Switches: 29
.........................................................................................................................Trims: 30
..........................................................................................................Trainer Button: 30
.......................................................................................................Camera Controls 30
...........................................................................................Dual Video Output Jacks 31
............................................................................................Data log Micro-SD Port 31
....................................................................................Draganflyer X8 Touch Screen 32
WARNINGS AND CONFIRMATIONS ..................................................................................45
..........................................................................................................................Visual 45
.......................................................................................................................Audible 46
ACTIVATING THE DRAGANFLYER ..............................................................................X8 47
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
2
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

......................................................................................................Arming Procedure 47
........................................................................................................................Takeoff 48
......................................................................................................................Landing 48
DISARMING THE DRAGANFLYER ...............................................................................X8 48
.............................................................................DRAGANFLYER X8 GPS SYSTEM 49
GPS LOCK QUALITY ......................................................................................................49
POSITION HOLD ACCURACY...........................................................................................50
FLIGHT MODES...............................................................................................................51
.........................................................................................Altitude-Hold Flight Mode 51
...........................................................................................GPS Position Hold Mode 51
MAGNETOMETER HEADING............................................................................................52
...........................................................................................................CALIBRATIONS: 53
MAGNETIC DECLINATION...............................................................................................53
VERTICAL MAGNETIC FIELD ..........................................................................................: 54
..........................................................................Vertical Magnetic Field Calibration 54
TRANSMITTER RF POWER ..............................................................................................55
................................................................................BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM 56
SET UP AND OPERATION .................................................................................................56
.....................................................................................................CAMERA SYSTEMS 58
................................................................Quick Release Camera Mount Installation 60
STILL DIGITAL CAMERA .................................................................................................61
HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO................................................................................................62
LOW LIGHT BLACK AND WHITE VIDEO..........................................................................63
THERMAL INFRA-RED VIDEO .........................................................................................64
.......................................................................GROUND CONTROL BASE STATION 65
.............................................................................................................VIDEOGRAPHY 68
..............................................................PRE-TRAINING FOR DRAGANFLYER X8 69
.........................................................................................................Flight Simulator 69
............................................................Indoor Electric Coaxial Helicopter Training 70
.......................................................................................................FLIGHT TRAINING 72
TRAINER .......................................................................................................FLIGHT 72
............................................................................................Master Controller Setup 73
...............................................................................................Slave Controller Setup 74
FLIGHT .......................................................................................................LESSONS 75
.................................................................Lesson 1: Familiarization and Trimming: 75
..........................................................................................Lesson 2: Basic Hovering 76
.................................................................................................Lesson 3: Movements 77
................................................................................................Lesson 4: Orientation 78
.................................................................................Lesson 5: Climbs and Descents 78
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
3
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

.................................................................Lesson 6: Introduction to Forward Flight 79
.........................................................................Lesson 7: Advanced Forward Flight 79
..................................................................................FLIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING 80
......................................................................MY DRAGANFLY SUPPORT CENTER 82
................................................................................................GLOSSARY OF TERMS 84
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
4
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

Operator Notice
The responsibility falls upon owners operating or authorizing the
operation and pilots operating the Draganflyer X8 helicopter for
operation of the helicopter in a safe manner that ensures no
injury to persons or damage to property occurs by taking
unnecessary risk in its operation.
Further more the onus is upon each owner authorizing the
operation of the Draganflyer X8 helicopter, and each pilot
operating the Draganflyer X8 helicopter, to comply with all
regulations pertinent to the use of the Draganflyer X8 helicopter
and associated components, at the location of operation with
regards to the use of airspace as well as radio communications.
Draganfly Innovations Inc. does not accept any responsibility for
the damages or financial compensations which may arise there
of as the result of an owner operating or authorizing a pilot to
operate and failing to comply with any of the respective
regulations and which leads to a claim of a third party against
the user.
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
5
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

Warnings
The Draganflyer X8 helicopter is a precision machine that is vulnerable to misuse and can
prove to be dangerous if not properly maintained or used in an inappropriate manor.
Throughout this manual, look for this symbol, which will be used to remind
you about safe operating procedures.
Helicopters by their nature are not positively stable. Although the Draganflyer X8 will
maintain an attitude and a position relative to wind movement without constant control
input, operators should always be aware of its position and be able to take immediate
control of the helicopter to recover from an unwanted position and avoid any mishaps.
Please completely read and understand all Draganflyer X8 instructional information
before attempting to fly the Draganflyer X8.
To provide optimum performance, a Lithium Polymer battery powers your Draganflyer
X8. The same properties that make these batteries extremely powerful and lightweight
also make them dangerous if handled incorrectly. Please read and understand all
information pertaining to the battery before attempting to use or charge it.
IF MISUSED THIS AIRCRAFT IS CAPABLE OF CAUSING SERIOUS BODILY HARM
TO THE OPERATOR AND SPECTATORS AS WELL AS PROPERTY DAMAGE. ANY
DAMAGE OR INJURY OCCURRING DUE TO MISUSE OF THIS PRODUCT IS
SOLELY THE OPERATOR’S RESPONSIBILITY.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR HANDS OR ARMS IN CLOSE PROXIMATY TO THE ROTORS
OR ATTEMPT TO STOP SPINNING ROTORS WITH YOUR HANDS AS SERIOUS
INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT.
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS CHEMICALS WHICH ARE KNOWN BY THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA TO CAUSE CANCER, BIRTH DEFECTS AND/OR OTHER
REPRODUCTIVE HARM. Many common materials such as metals, plastics, glues,
lubricants and other coatings contain chemicals in varying amount and concentrations
which will cause harm if introduced into the human body. For further information on
toxic or dangerous chemicals please refer to California’s Health and Safety Codes
Sections 25249.5-13
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
6
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

X8 Overview and Specifications
With experience gained through the production of the Draganflyer X6 helicopters as well
as feedback from customers, Draganfly Innovations has utilized the talents of skilled
engineers, designers and technicians to bring you the Draganflyer X8. This collaboration
has resulted in a more powerful, highly stable flying platform that requires minimal
training to effectively fly. The Draganflyer X8 can be equipped with a variety of cameras
allowing for video or still pictures to be taken with live feed to enable one-person
operation.
Features
Eight High Efficiency Carbon Fiber Rotors:
direct drive
custom designed
optimized for maximum efficiency
Eight Brushless Motors:
high performance, high efficiency
Auto stabilization with 11 Sensors and Onboard Processor:
3 Gyros: Monitor the rate of rotation around the x, y, and z axis.
3 Accelerometers: Monitor the rate of acceleration in the x, y, and z
directions.
3 Magnetometers: Allow the helicopter to orient itself relative to the
Earth’s magnetic field.
1 Barometric pressure sensor: Measures Altitude.
1 GPS Receiver: Measures absolute position with a resolution of under
one meter.
Advanced Stabilization Software: over 10000 lines of programming
instruction achieve full stabilization and allow the helicopter to be
flown in an intuitive manner, by anyone even without training.
Collapsible carbon fiber frame
Antenna for GPS Position Hold
Rechargeable lithium polymer battery
Easily removable carbon fiber landing gear
Revolutionary software and sensor package combine to produce an aerial
flying platform that is easier to fly than any previous model.
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
7
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

Technical Specifications
Helicopter Size
•Dimensions
oWidth: 87cm (34in)
oLength: 87cm (34in)
oTop Diameter: 106cm (42in)
oHeight: 32cm (13in)
•Dimensions
(Without Rotors)
oWidth: 54cm (21in)
oLength: 54cm (21in)
oTop Diameter: 70cm (28in)
oHeight: 32cm (13in)
•Folded Dimensions
oWidth: 35cm (14in)
oLength: 70cm (28in)
oHeight: 25cm (10in)
•Folded Dimensions
(Without Landing Gear)
oWidth: 18cm (7in)
oLength: 70cm (28in)
oHeight: 13cm (5in)
•Folded Dimensions
(Without Rotors or Landing Gear)
oWidth: 13cm (5in)
oLength: 51cm (20in)
oHeight: 13cm (5in)
RF Communications
•2.4GHz Data Link
oLink Type: Helicopter to Ground & Ground to Helicopter (Two-Way)
oHelicopter Antenna: Wired Whip Antenna
oController Antenna: Omni-Directional
oTransmission Power (North America): 50mW (+18dBm)
oTransmission Power (International): 10mW (+10dBm)
oRF Data Rate: 250kbps
oReceiver sensitivity: -100dBm
oTransmission Technique: DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum)
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
8
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

oFrequency band: 2.4000 - 2.4835 GHz
oCertifications: CE, FCC, IC, ETSI
oData Link Channel Selection: Automatic (13 Channels)
•5.8GHz Video Link
oLink Type: Helicopter to Ground (One-Way)
oTransmitter Antenna: Omni-Directional
oReceiver Antennas: Omni-Directional & Flat Patch
oTransmission Power: 12dBm
oTransmitter Power Consumption: 500mW
oNTSC and PAL Compatible
o7 Selectable Channels: 5740MHz, 5760MHz, 5780MHz, 5800MHz,
5820MHz, 5840MHz, 5860MHz
11 Onboard Sensors
•3 Solid State MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Gyros
•3 Solid State MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) Accelerometers
•3 Magnetometers (Magnetoresistive Sensors)
•1 Barometric Pressure Sensor
•1 GPS Receiver
oGPS Battery Backup: 75mAh Lithium Polymer
GPS
•GPS Used For: Position Hold, Location & Velocity Data
•Maximum Satellites Tracked Simultaneously: 16
•Position Update Rate: 4 Hz
•GPS Antenna: Ceramic Patch
•Battery Backup: Lithium Polymer
Black Box Data Recorder
•Flight Data Recording: On-Board
•Stored To: Removable 2Gb MicroSD Memory Card
•Data Recorded: Onboard Sensor Flight Data (Link quality, Orientation, Altitude,
Speed, Direction)
Weight & Payload
•Helicopter Weight: 1,700g (60oz)
•Payload Capability: 1200g (42oz)
•Maximum Gross Take-Off Weight: 2,900g (102oz)
Flight Characteristics:
•Climb Rate: 2m/s (6.5ft/s)
•Descent Rate: 2m/s (6.5ft/s)
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
9
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e

•Turn Rate: 90°/second
•Maximum Speed: 50km/h (30mph)
•Minimum Speed: 0km/h (0mph)
•Launch Type: VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing)
•Maximum Flight Time: approx 20 minutes (no payload)
•Sound at 1m (3.28ft):72dB
•Sound at 3m (9.84ft):62dB
Rotor Blades
•Four Counter-Rotating Pairs (Eight Rotors Total)
•Rotor Blade Material: Molded Carbon Fiber
•Upper Rotor Diameter: 40cm (16in)
•Lower Rotor Diameter: 38cm (15in)
•Upper Rotor Weight: 20g (0.71oz)
•Lower Rotor Weight: 19g (0.67oz)
Electric Motors
•Brushless Motors: 8
•Configuration: Direct Drive (One Motor per Rotor)
•Ball Bearing: 2 per Motor
•Rotor Mounting Points: Integrated
Camera Attachments
•12.3MP (Mega-Pixel) Digital Still Camera with Remote Controlled Tilt and
shutter
•18MP (Mega-Pixel) Digital Still Camera with Remote Controlled Tilt, Zoom &
Shutter
•1080p HD (High Definition) Video Camera with Remote Controlled Tilt
•Thermal FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red) Camera with Remote Controlled Tilt
& onboard digital video recorder
•Low Light (0.0001 lux) Dusk/Dawn Black & White Video Camera with Remote
Controlled Tilt & onboard digital video recorder
•2MP (Mega-Pixel) Digital IP Day/Night Video Camera with Remote Controlled
Tilt
•
Position Navigation Lights
•Type: 1 Watt LED Variable Brightness Emitters
•Luminous Flux at Full Brightness: 40lm
•Purpose: Helicopter Orientation Confirmation
•Visible Condition Range: Full Darkness to Direct Sunlight
•Standard Aircraft Colors
oRed: Left - Green: Right -White: Both sides Tail/Rear
Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual
10
07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e