Drone Amplified Ignis II Quick start guide

Ignis II
Operational Manual
Hardware Version v2.0
Firmware Version 2.2.2+
Android App Version 2.15.3
Drone Amplified, INC

Ignis Operations Manual Drone Amplified
Contents
1 General 7
1.1 Overview 8
1.2 Size and Weight 9
1.3 Battery and Power 10
1.4 Safety Systems 10
1.5 Android App 11
1.6 Controls 12
1.6.1 DJI controls 12
1.6.2 Alta X and IF 1200 Controls 13
1.7 LEDs 14
1.8 Error Messages 14
1.9 Environmental Limitations 18
1.10 Ignition Spheres and Fluid 18
1.11 Antifreeze Jug Pump Setup 19
1.12 Storage and Transport 21
1.13 Warranty 21
2 Supporting Equipment 22
2.1 General 22
2.1.1 Generator 22
2.1.2 Tarp 22
2.2 DJI M600 22
2.2.1 Camera 22
2.2.2 Laptop with DJI Assistant 2 22
2.2.3 Antenna Improvements 23
2.3 Alta X and IF 1200 23
2.3.1 Camera 23
3 Normal Procedures 24
3.1 Start Dropping Checklist 26
3.2 Stop Dropping Checklist 26
3.3 Reloading Between Flights Checklist 26
3.4 Post Flight Inspection Checklist 29
3.5 Preparing for Storage Checklist 29
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4 Ignis Specific Amplified Normal Procedures 29
4.1 Normal Procedures 29
4.1.1 Ignition, Flight Plan and Emergency Procedures 29
4.1.2 Environmental Conditions and Forecast 30
4.1.3 Inspect for Visible Damage 30
4.1.4 Hatches 31
4.1.5 Dropper Attached to Hopper 31
4.1.6 Dropper Needle 32
4.1.7 Emergency Release Toggled 33
4.1.8 Battery Install and Connect 34
4.1.9 Verify Puncture Motion 35
4.1.10 Attach To Aircraft 36
4.1.11 Connect Ignis USB Cable 37
4.1.12 Fill Hopper 38
4.1.13 Reservoir and Pumps 38
4.1.14 Start Ignis App 42
4.1.15 Disarm Ignis 42
4.1.16 Ignis App Ignis Setup 43
4.1.17 Ignis Battery Level 44
4.1.18 Injection Amount 44
4.1.19 Create Geofence 45
4.1.20 Arm Ignis 45
4.1.21 Set Drop Spacing 45
4.1.22 Clear Drop Area 46
4.1.23 Start Ignitions 46
4.1.24 Stop Dropping 47
4.1.25 Check Ignis Status in App 47
4.1.26 Disarm Ignis 47
4.1.27 Turn off Ignis 47
5 Emergency Procedures 47
5.1 Communication Failure Checklist 48
5.2 In-Flight Fire Checklist 48
5.3 Stuck Ignition Sphere After Landing Checklist 48
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6 Amplified Emergency Procedures 48
6.1 Communication Failure Checklist 48
6.1.1 Stop Ignitions and Dropping 48
6.1.2 Alert Operators and Bystanders 49
6.1.3 Visually Verify Dropping Stopped 49
6.1.4 Perform Post Flight Inspection 49
6.2 In-Flight Fire Checklist 49
6.2.1 Check for In-Flight Fire 49
6.2.2 Disarm Ignis 50
6.2.3 Fly Over Safe Ignition Area 50
6.2.4 Trigger Dropper Emergency Ejection 50
6.2.5 Return Drone to Landing Zone and Land 50
6.2.6 Perform Post Flight Inspection 50
6.3 Stuck Ignition Sphere After Landing Checklist 51
6.3.1 Remove Needle Assemblies 51
6.3.2 Trigger Dropper Emergency Ejection 51
6.3.3 Battery Disconnect 51
6.3.4 Manually Remove Stuck Ignition Sphere 51
7 Ignis Android App 52
7.1 System Requirements 52
7.2 Privacy and Versions 53
7.3 Main Menu 54
7.3.1 First Time Registration 54
7.3.2 Connecting the Remote Controller 55
7.4 Settings 55
7.5 Download Maps 58
7.5.1 New Offline Region 59
7.5.2 Managing Regions 61
7.5.3 Elevation Data 63
7.6 Map Overlays 63
7.7 Pixhawk Drone Setup 68
7.7.1 MAVLink Connection 70
7.7.2 Video Feed Connection 73
7.7.3 Workswell Camera Config 75
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7.7.4 Px4 Compass Calibration 75
7.7.5 Px4 Automated Procedures 76
7.7.6 Arducopter Compass Calibration 78
7.7.7 Arducopter Automated Procedures 79
7.8 Pixhawk Advanced Configuration 80
7.8.1 MAVLink Communications 81
7.8.2 App control via RC channels 82
7.8.3 Px4 Flight Controller Parameters 83
7.8.4 Arducopter Flight Controller Parameters 90
7.8.5 Gremsy Gimbal Parameters 91
7.9 DJI Drone Setup 92
7.9.1 Camera Settings 95
7.9.2 SD Card 97
7.9.3 Remote Controller Settings 98
7.10 Flight Logs 98
7.11 Ignis Setup 100
7.11.1 Connection Options 100
7.11.2 Bluetooth Settings 100
7.11.3 Connecting through Bluetooth 101
7.11.4 Connecting through the Drone 103
7.12 Flying 104
7.12.1 Map Recentering 107
7.12.2 Auto Takeoff / Auto Landing 110
7.12.3 Battery Info 111
7.13 Camera Controls 112
7.13.1 Focus 115
7.13.2 Exposure 116
7.14 Ignis Controls 119
7.14.1 Geofencing Menu 122
7.15 Waypoints 123
7.15.1 Ignition Lines 132
7.16 Transect Lines 134
7.16.1 Ignition with Transects 139
7.16.2 Mapping with Transects 140
7.17 Saving and Loading Missions 144
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7.18 Drawing Map Annotations 148
7.18.1 Flight Path Drawing 148
7.18.2 Line Drawing 149
7.18.3 Marker Drawing 150
7.18.4 Erasing 151
7.18.5 Undo & Redo 151
7.18.6 Saving 152
7.18.7 Loading 153
7.19 Privacy Mechanisms 154
8 Service and Maintenance 155
8.1 Every Flight Maintenance 155
8.2 Daily Maintenance 155
8.3 Periodic Maintenance 156
8.3.1 Inspecting Screws 156
8.3.2 Cleaning Dropper 157
8.3.3 Replacing A Needle 160
9 Installation on DJI Matrice 600 163
9.1 DJI Channel Expansion Kit Installation 163
9.2 Interface Cables 163
9.3 DJI Software Configuration 166
9.4 DJI Onboard SDK Activation 168
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1 General
This manual covers the operation of the Ignis system with the following configuration:
• Hardware version v2.0
• Firmware version 68+
• Android App version 2.15.3
Ensure that you are using the proper manual for the version of your system.
This section provides a general overview and discusses the requirements and
limitations of the system. The following sections provide checklists for normal operation
(Section 3) and emergency procedures (Section 5). The checklist items utilize a standard
challenge-response type format with any special notes or warnings included after the
checklist item, such as:
1. Challenge: RESPONSE
WARNING: Location of warnings or notes
In addition, Section 4 and Section 6 provide amplified normal and emergency procedure
checklists, respectively, with additional detail and instructions. These should be thoroughly
read before operation. Finally, Section 8 discusses required service and maintenance, and
Section 9 covers initial installation of Ignis on a DJI Matrice 600.
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1.1 Overview
Figure 1.1: Overview of the Ignis 2 system.
The Ignis system is shown in Figure 1.1. The top component of it is called the Hopper
and holds the ignition spheres. The bottom component is called the Dropper and performs
the puncturing and injection of the ignition spheres. The Dropper has a dual-mechanism
with two sides, A and B, to allow dropping of ignition spheres at a maximum rate of
approximately 120 ignition spheres per minute.
This manual covers the operation of the Ignis when used with a DJI Matrice 600 (M600),
Alta X, and IF 1200. It connects to the mounting rails of the aircraft and receives commands
over a communication link from the aircraft. The Ignis system includes a number of safety
systems. This includes onboard monitoring of the system status, onboard sensors, the
ability to detach the dropper remotely, and an integrated camera feed for enhanced
awareness. See the following sections for details on connecting and using the Ignis system.
For first-time installation of Ignis on the M600 see Section 9.
This manual provides standard checklists for typical operations and conditions. In
addition to following the guidelines in this manual, we recommend:
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• Integrating and modifying these checklists based on your specific operating setup and
conditions.
• Setting up the drone operational area away from the ignition area, but at a location that
can easily be defended in case of fire.
• Have fire extinguishing and fire safety equipment and processes at the drone
operational area.
• Be aware of where the drone may fly in case the drone loses communication and
performs an automatic return to home (if configured to do so).
• Be aware of your surroundings and to maintain visual line of sight of both the drone
and the ignition area.
• Abide by any and all recommendations from the drone manufacturer.
• Follow all fire and drone operational recommendations and best practices.
• Follow all federal, state, and local regulations.
1.2 Size and Weight
Figure 1.2: Dimensions of the Ignis 2 system.
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The Ignis 2 system is approximately 20 x 33 x 40 cm as shown in Figure 1.2. With no
ignition spheres or antifreeze, the system weighs 2.02kg. With a full load of 400 ignition
spheres and antifreeze, the total weight is 4.015kg.
1.3 Battery and Power
The Ignis 2 requires a separate 2 Cell LiPo battery (nominal voltage of 7.4V, fully
charged voltage of 8.4V) with a standard XT60 connector (One such example is
https://www.amazon.com/Turnigy-2200mAh-Lipo-Pack-XT60/dp/B07F8KP7FS/
ref=sr_1_4?keywords=2s+lipo+2200mah+turnigy&qid=1570554570&sr=8-4). Always use
the batteries provided with Ignis 2 or a battery of similar kind and quality.
For best performance, the battery voltage should be above 7.0V during operation and we
do not recommend operations below 6.8V. A fully charged 2200mAh battery should allow
for over 2000 injections before dropping below 6.8V. However, temperature and operational
conditions can have a significant impact on the number of injections per battery charge. We
always recommend checking the battery voltage before flights (see Section 4.1.17).
1.4 Safety Systems
Ignis contains numerous safety features to ensure safe and reliable operation. Before
delivery, each Ignis component undergoes rigorous individual tests and quality control, and
every system is tested in the factory after completion. Ignis contains more than a dozen
sensors and independent processors to ensure that each operation, from the puncturing to
the injection, is proceeding properly. The system continuously monitors motor speed,
current, and temperatures to make sure that all systems are operating correctly. Custom
designed needles, that are reinforced and supported at the injection point, reduce any risk
of bent or clogged needles and software monitors quickly detect these conditions and notify
the user. Finally, Ignis contains an ejection system that allows the detachment of the
Dropper from the Hopper in the case of an emergency.
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1.5 Android App
Ignis is primarily controlled from a custom Android app we have developed. This app
integrates software to control the drone, give access to online and offline satellite maps, and
control of Ignis to allow safe and easy aerial ignitions anywhere. The app can be used to
control Ignis over a convenient short-range Bluetooth connection for bench testing.
Figure 1.5: Android app being used to ignite burn lines.
This can be done without connecting Ignis to the drone. During the flight, the app
controls Ignis over the radio connection between the remote controller and the drone, which
can transmit signals up to 5 km.
The app displays the current status of Ignis and can be used to start and stop dropping,
or trigger an emergency release if necessary. The app can be used to perform more precise
ignition patterns by touching the map to place waypoints, and then specifying which
portions of the path Ignis should drop along. The app will direct the drone to autonomously
fly along the path, and the app will automatically start and stop Ignis’s dropping. As a
failsafe, if Ignis loses connection with the app, it will automatically stop dropping.
The app can also connect to Ignis through Bluetooth for easy setup and configuration
while on the ground. The Bluetooth transmitter has a theoretical 300ft range, but in
practice, communication is limited beyond 50 ft.
See Section 7 for a full description of the app.
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1.6 Controls
1.6.1 DJI controls
Figure 1.6.1: Ignis control switches for M600
Physical safety switches are also incorporated onto a switch bar attached to the remote
controller. This includes switches to manually trigger an emergency release, as well as an
Arm/Disarm switch. While the Arm/Disarm switch is in the Disarm position, Ignis will not
drop ignition spheres for any reason.
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1.6.2 Alta X and IF 1200 Controls
Figure 1.6.2: Herelink Blue Button Layout for Alta X and IF 1200.
Similar to the M600 controls, there are buttons to manually trigger an emergency
release, arm/disarm Ignis, and control the camera/gimbal. To trigger the E-Release hold
button B and C. Additionally, the A button toggles the flight mode between altitude hold and
position hold. The home button will trigger an RTL with the user defined settings. Button D
is preset to toggle the thermal and visual video feeds. However, it can be mapped to several
other functionalities: toggle map/video in the fly screen, shoot photos, and start/stop video
recording. The scroll wheel on the top left is used to pitch/ yaw the gimbal. To toggle
between the pitch and yaw axis, short press the button on the top right. To re-center the
gimbal, long press the button on the top right.
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1.7 LEDs
Feedback on the current status of the Ignis system is provided through the app and by
an indicator LED on the rear of Ignis 2. The table below outlines the status information from
the LEDs.
IGNIS LED
Status
Green Slow Blink
Ready
Green Fast Blink
Dropping
Blue Blink
Injecting
Red Blink
Error
1.8 Error Messages
Figure 1.8 Ignis status display in-app during flight, showing that Ignis is currently flying
outside of a geofence.
When Ignis is connected to the app, it will display a message indicating its current state.
If Ignis encounters an error, the red light on Ignis will blink. Check the app to identify the
cause of the error.
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If Ignis encounters an error, dropping will automatically stop and Ignis will perform
recovery operations to return to a safe state. Dropping cannot be restarted until the error is
resolved.
The following is a list of the status messages that can be displayed in the app:
HIGH TEMP …: Ignis’s temperature sensor is detecting a high temperature above the
injection chamber. An ignition sphere may have caught fire inside the dropper. Trigger
an emergency release to separate the dropper from the rest of the aircraft. The ellipsis
would display other information about Ignis’s status.
IDLE: Ignis is currently idle and has no errors to report.
IDLE (STOPPED B/C ...): Ignis is currently idle but stopped dropping because of an error.
The ellipsis would display the reason why Ignis stopped. Try restarting dropping.
DROPPING: Ignis is dropping.
DISARMED BY CONTROLLER: On DJI controllers, the Arm/Disarm switch on the left side
of the control bar is in the Disarm position. The switch must be moved to the Arm
position in order to start dropping. On the Herelink controller, button C needs to be
pressed to toggle Arm/Disarm.
FLYING OUTSIDE GEOFENCE: Dropping was disabled because the drone is flying in an
area that is not enclosed by the geofence. Fly back inside the geofence, or modify the
geofence to include the current flight area.
DISALLOWED FLIGHT MODE: Dropping was disabled because the drone is returning to
home, taking off, landing, or in an emergency state. Regain control of the drone to
enable dropping.
LOW BATTERY: Ignis battery voltage dropped below a safe level (11.4 V on Ignis 1, 6.8 V on
Ignis 2). Use the app to check that the battery voltage is above this safe level. If it is, and
you don’t need to drop many more ignition spheres, attempt to restart dropping.
Otherwise, land and replace the battery. If Ignis is idle and the battery is close to or
lower than the safe level, then dropping is not recommended, as the battery voltage will
likely dip below the safe level while Ignis is puncturing an ignition sphere, which will
trigger this error again.
NO CONNECTION TO IGNIS: The app is not receiving messages from Ignis and has
disabled dropping. Reconnect the app to the controller. If you are using a Matrice 600,
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you may see this message if you have not activated the onboard SDK on an M600
(Section 9.4).
LOST CONNECTION TO APP: Ignis stopped receiving messages from the app and disabled
dropping. Reconnect the app to the controller.
WRONG DRONE MODE: For M600 only. Remote controller was switched to mode A. Or,
the drone lost connection to the remote controller. Switch the remote controller into
mode P or F. Regain radio connection between the controller and the drone. This error
may also occur if the drone’s configuration in DJI Assistant 2 is incorrect. Verify the
configuration in DJI Assistant 2 matches the configuration in 9.
LOST CONNECTION TO DRONE: Ignis is not receiving any signals or messages from the
drone. Check that the USB cable from Ignis is connected to the drone.
LOST DRONE PWM: Ignis is no longer receiving PWM signals from the drone. Check that
the USB cable from Ignis is fully plugged into the drone. On the Matrice 600, check that
the green-wrapped cable is plugged into the flight controller in the correct location.
LOST DRONE PWM 0: Ignis is no longer receiving one of the PWM signals from the drone.
Check that the USB cable from Ignis is fully plugged into the drone. Check that the
green-wrapped cable is plugged into the flight controller, and none of the wires are
broken.
LOST DRONE PWM 1: Ignis is no longer receiving one of the PWM signals from the drone.
Check that the USB cable from Ignis is fully plugged into the drone. Check that the
green-wrapped cable is plugged into the flight controller, and none of the wires are
broken.
LOST DRONE PWM 2: Ignis is no longer receiving one of the PWM signals from the drone.
Check that the USB cable from Ignis is fully plugged into the drone. Check that the
green-wrapped cable is plugged into the flight controller, and none of the wires are
broken.
LOST DRONE DATA: Ignis is no longer receiving messages from the drone’s serial port.
Check that the USB cable from Ignis is fully plugged into the drone. On the Matrice 600,
check that the blue-wrapped cable is plugged into the flight controller in the correct
location and orientation.
EMERGENCY RELEASE TRIGGERED: The emergency release has been triggered.
Dropping is disabled until you power-cycle Ignis.
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S1 NOT CCW: For the M600 only. Dropping is disabled because the knob on the control bar
labeled “S1” is not twisted counter-clockwise all the way. This knob is used to trigger the
emergency release, and Ignis will not allow dropping until this knob is ready. An
emergency release is triggered when S1 and S2 are twisted all the way clockwise within
2 seconds of each other in order.
S2 NOT CCW: For M600 only. Dropping is disabled because the knob on the control bar
labeled “S2” is not twisted counter-clockwise all the way. This knob is used to trigger the
emergency release, and Ignis will not allow dropping until this knob is ready. An
emergency release is triggered when S1 and S2 are twisted all the way clockwise within
2 seconds of each other in order.
MOVE TIMEOUT: Dropping was stopped and disabled because one of the injection or
puncture motors had trouble moving. Dropping cannot restart until Ignis is
power-cycled. Land and inspect the injection and puncture motors. This message will
only appear on older versions of Ignis.
INJECTION A MOTION ERROR: Dropping was stopped and disabled because the A-side
injection motor had trouble moving. Dropping cannot restart until Ignis is power-cycled.
Land and inspect the motor.
INJECTION B MOTION ERROR: Dropping was stopped and disabled because the B-side
injection motor had trouble moving. Dropping cannot restart until Ignis is power-cycled.
Land and inspect the motor.
PUNCTURE MOTION ERROR: Dropping was stopped and disabled because the puncture
motor had trouble moving. Dropping cannot restart until Ignis is power-cycled. This
error could lead to an in-flight fire if Ignis was not able to remove an injected sphere.
Use the camera and temperature sensor to monitor for an in-flight fire and use the
emergency release in that event. Land and inspect the motor.
UNKNOWN ERROR: Dropping was stopped because of an error that the app did not
understand. Try to restart dropping. Check that you are using the latest version of the
app.
UNKNOWN HARD ERROR: Dropping was stopped because of an error that the app did not
understand, and cannot be restarted until Ignis is power-cycled. Land and inspect Ignis.
Verify that you are using the latest version of the app.
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If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the issue, contact Drone Amplified for
support.
1.9 Environmental Limitations
The Ignis system has been designed to operate under the following conditions:
●System temperatures ranging from 5°C to 40°C (40°F to 105°F).
●No precipitation.
●Humidity under 90% and non-condensing on the surface of Ignis.
●Winds within the operational limits of the drone carrying Ignis, but no greater than
15m/s.
Caution should be exercised when performing ignitions under high winds and/or at
higher altitudes to ensure that the ignition spheres drop on target and are not blown out of
the ignition area.
Operations outside of these limits are untested, add risk, and may endanger property
and persons. Special care must be taken to ensure that temperatures are not inadvertently
exceeded. For instance, leaving Ignis in its storage case in the sun can cause temperatures
to be exceeded, even when the ambient temperature is significantly lower. Similarly,
moisture and temperatures can vary significantly based on drone altitude.
1.10 Ignition Spheres and Fluid
The Ignis system is designed to use standard Dragon Egg spheres
https://www.sei-ind.com/products/dragon-eggs/. The Ignis 2 Hopper holds up to 400
ignition spheres. Use with other ignition spheres is not supported and may cause damage to
the equipment, drone, or start uncontrolled fires.
The Ignis injects ethylene glycol (common automotive antifreeze) into the ignition
spheres. After injection, the ignition spheres typically will ignite within 20-40 seconds,
although this time is highly variable based on the ambient temperature (longer times at
colder temperatures, sometimes as long as 2 minutes when near freezing).
The amount of antifreeze Ignis injects is fully customizable and can be configured in the
app (see Section 4.1.16). Injection amounts between 0.3-0.5ml work well under most
conditions, although variability in antifreeze composition can impact the results and
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require adjustment of this parameter. We recommend testing under controlled conditions to
ensure the results are as expected whenever changing antifreeze types or when there are
significant changes to the ambient temperature.
1.11 Antifreeze Jug Pump Setup
Refilling Ignis with antifreeze is made faster and easier by using the included hand
pump and jug mount. To prepare to use the setup, start by removing the factory cap from
the jug of antifreeze and installing the customized cap by inserting the tube with the pickup
clunk attached to the jug first (Figure 1.11a).
Figure 1.11a: Put the pickup clunk and tube into the jug first and tighten the cap.
The custom cap has been tested with most of the common 1 gal jugs of antifreeze
available but is not guaranteed to fit all possible brands. Tighten the cap onto the jug.
Secure the pump mounting bracket by snapping the front around the cap and zip-tying the
rear to the jug handle as shown in Figure 1.11b. Connect the red marked line from the fill
coupler to the red marked port on the hand pump. Finally, connect the remaining line from
the cap to the remaining port on the hand pump.
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Figure 1.11b: Snap pump mounting bracket on the cap and zip-tie the other end to the
handle.
The coupler stores on the two pins protruding from the front of the pump mounting
bracket as shown in Figure 1.11c.
Figure 1.11c The coupler stores on the front of the pump mounting bracket when not in
use.
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