Eagle Tree Systems Vector User manual

USER GUIDE
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Vector Multirotor/Fixed Wing
Flight Controller + OSD User Guide
April, 2016
Version 2.8
Software Version 11.78+

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Table of Contents
1 Safety....................................................................................................................................................................................................6
1.1......Read the Manual! ............................................................................................................................................................................6
1.2......Special Symbols used in the Manual ........................................................................................................................................6
1.3......General Safety Precautions..........................................................................................................................................................6
2 Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.1......Introduction.......................................................................................................................................................................................7
2.2......Packing List........................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.3......Specifications ....................................................................................................................................................................................8
2.4......How to Get Help and Request New Features ........................................................................................................................9
2.5......Installing the Software, and Updating the Firmware .......................................................................................................9
2.5.1 Software Compatibility .......................................................................................................................................................................................9
2.5.2 Downloading the Latest Software..................................................................................................................................................................9
2.5.3 Updating your Vector Firmware .................................................................................................................................................................10
2.6......Getting Notified about Important Vector Updates.......................................................................................................... 10
2.7......Glossary of Terms used in the Manual.................................................................................................................................. 11
3 Connecting the Vector ...............................................................................................................................................................13
3.1......Vector Controller Connections ................................................................................................................................................ 13
3.1.1 Backup Power.......................................................................................................................................................................................................13
3.2......Vector GPS/Mag, Current Sensor/PSU, and Accessory Connections ........................................................................ 14
3.3......Vector Current Sensor/PSU Power Output......................................................................................................................... 15
3.4......Current Sensor Maximum Continuous Current, and Load Testing ........................................................................... 15
3.5......Vector Wiring................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
3.5.1 Vector Video Harness + Connecting your Video Camera and Transmitter ............................................................................16
3.5.2 Providing power to your Video Transmitter and Camera ..............................................................................................................18
3.5.3 Vector Audio Harness and Audio Connections.....................................................................................................................................19
3.5.4 Vector Receiver Harness .................................................................................................................................................................................20
3.5.5 Receiver Connection Harness Load Capacity (Fixed Wing Only) ................................................................................................21
3.5.6 Powering your Receiver on Multirotors.................................................................................................................................................. 21
3.5.7 Connecting Receiver and Servos/ESCs to the Vector........................................................................................................................23
3.5.8 Connecting you Receiver’s RSSI Output (if available)....................................................................................................................... 26
3.5.9 Configuring SPPM Based RSSI and Link Quality..................................................................................................................................26
4 Mounting the Vector and Accessories ................................................................................................................................ 27
4.1......Mounting the Vector.................................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.1.1 Mounting Location and Orientation ..........................................................................................................................................................27
4.1.2 Mounting Technique .........................................................................................................................................................................................27
4.2......Mounting the GPS/MAG Sensor .............................................................................................................................................. 28
4.2.1 GPS Signal Interference....................................................................................................................................................................................28

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4.2.2 Magnetometer Interference...........................................................................................................................................................................28
4.2.3 GPS/MAG Mounting Orientation.................................................................................................................................................................28
4.2.4 The GPS Stand and Clip.................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.3......Mounting the Current Sensor/PSU........................................................................................................................................ 29
4.4......Mounting the Optional Pitot Tube ......................................................................................................................................... 29
4.5......Controlling the Vector ................................................................................................................................................................ 30
4.5.1 The Mode Switch.................................................................................................................................................................................................30
4.5.2 The Submode Switch.........................................................................................................................................................................................30
4.5.3 The Gain Knob ......................................................................................................................................................................................................31
4.5.4 The Kill Switch (for Multirotors Only)......................................................................................................................................................31
5 Configuring the Vector ..............................................................................................................................................................31
5.1......Configuration Overview............................................................................................................................................................. 31
5.2......Transmitter Channel Mixing .................................................................................................................................................... 31
5.3......Configuring with the Windows Software ............................................................................................................................ 32
5.4......Configuring the Vector via Stick Menus or InfoPanel .................................................................................................... 33
5.4.1 Teaching the Vector about SPPM or S.BUS™ Channel Mappings .................................................................................................34
5.4.2 Navigating the Stick Menus............................................................................................................................................................................36
5.4.3 Exiting Menu Mode ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 36
5.4.4 Accessing Menus during Flight ....................................................................................................................................................................36
5.5......Selecting the Airframe type ...................................................................................................................................................... 37
5.6......Accepting the Airframe Type ................................................................................................................................................... 37
5.7......Telling the Vector about Transmitter Dual Surface Mixing ........................................................................................ 37
5.8......Running the Receiver Analysis Wizard ................................................................................................................................ 38
5.9......Configuring Auxiliary Receiver Inputs and Servo Outputs........................................................................................... 39
5.9.1 Configuring the Auxiliary Input Channel (for non-serial Rx inputs) .........................................................................................39
5.9.2 Configuring the Vector Auxiliary Output Channels (Fixed wing only) ..................................................................................... 39
5.10...Flight Modes, and Configuring the Mode/Submode Switches .................................................................................... 41
5.10.1 Flight Mode Description..........................................................................................................................................................................41
5.10.2 Control Stick Function in Multirotor Modes..................................................................................................................................43
5.10.3 2D Hold Flight Mode Information for Fixed Wing......................................................................................................................43
5.10.4 Programming the Mode Switch...........................................................................................................................................................43
5.10.5 Programming the Optional Submode Switch................................................................................................................................44
5.11...Configuring the Flight Controller/Stabilizer..................................................................................................................... 45
5.11.1 Setting Controller Gains ..........................................................................................................................................................................45
5.11.2 Verifying Correct Control Surfaces Movement (Fixed Wing) ...............................................................................................49
5.11.3 Confirming ESC Endpoints are set Correctly (Multirotor only)...........................................................................................49
5.11.4 Arming and Disarming your Multirotor (Multirotor only) ....................................................................................................50
5.11.5 Setting Idle Throttle (Multirotor only) ............................................................................................................................................51
5.11.6 Confirming Correct Motor Order and Direction (Multirotor only) ....................................................................................51
5.11.7 Configuring Low Battery Autoland (Multirotor only) ..............................................................................................................52

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5.11.8 Setting Flat Level Mounting...................................................................................................................................................................52
5.11.9 Rezeroing Gyros..........................................................................................................................................................................................52
5.12...Configuring Return to Home and other Safety Modes ................................................................................................... 53
5.12.1 Configuring Failsafe Detection.............................................................................................................................................................53
5.12.2 Configuring RTH/Safety Mode.............................................................................................................................................................55
5.12.3 Configuring Maximum Altitude and Maximum Distance........................................................................................................56
5.13...The Vector’s LED Indicator....................................................................................................................................................... 56
5.14...Configuring the OSD .................................................................................................................................................................... 57
5.14.1 Adjusting the Display................................................................................................................................................................................ 57
5.14.2 Setting Display Units (English or Metric) ....................................................................................................................................... 58
5.14.3 Choosing what to Display on the OSD Screen...............................................................................................................................58
5.14.4 Basic Numeric Readouts .........................................................................................................................................................................58
5.14.5 Advanced Numeric Readouts ...............................................................................................................................................................60
5.14.6 Graphics and Indicator Readouts .......................................................................................................................................................60
5.14.7 Setting OSD Alarms.................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
5.15...Configuring and Calibrating the Magnetic Compass ..................................................................................................... 63
5.15.1 Using the Compass with Fixed Wing Airframes ..........................................................................................................................63
5.15.2 Calibrating the Compass ......................................................................................................................................................................... 64
5.15.3 Testing the Compass.................................................................................................................................................................................65
5.16...Configuring the EagleEyes™ FPV Station............................................................................................................................ 65
5.17...Configuring and Using the Alerter Buzzer/LCD............................................................................................................... 66
5.17.1 Configuring the Alerter............................................................................................................................................................................66
5.17.2 The Alerter LEDs.........................................................................................................................................................................................67
6 First Flights .................................................................................................................................................................................... 69
6.1......Preflight Checklist ........................................................................................................................................................................ 69
6.1.1 Resetting Home Position.................................................................................................................................................................................69
6.2......First Flight Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................ 70
6.2.1 Ground Tests before First Flight .................................................................................................................................................................70
6.2.2 Flight Mode for Takeoffs .................................................................................................................................................................................70
6.2.3 Fixed Wing Stalls.................................................................................................................................................................................................71
6.3......In-air Leveling................................................................................................................................................................................ 71
6.3.1 Multirotor in-air leveling ................................................................................................................................................................................71
6.3.2 Fixed Wing in-air leveling...............................................................................................................................................................................71
6.3.3 Optimal Fixed Wing leveling .........................................................................................................................................................................71
6.4......Return to Home Testing and Operation .............................................................................................................................. 71
6.4.1 RTH Limitations .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 71
6.4.2 RTH Ground Testing..........................................................................................................................................................................................72
6.4.3 In-air RTH Testing.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 72
7 Advanced Vector Setup and Calibration............................................................................................................................73
7.1......Advanced OSD Setup ................................................................................................................................................................... 73

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7.1.1 The Advanced Numeric Readouts Menu ................................................................................................................................................. 73
7.1.2 Gauges and Swatches........................................................................................................................................................................................74
7.1.3 The Advanced Graphics/Indicators Menu.............................................................................................................................................. 76
7.2......Using Optional RPM and Temperature Sensors ............................................................................................................... 76
7.2.1 Temperature Sensor..........................................................................................................................................................................................76
7.2.2 Brushless RPM Sensor......................................................................................................................................................................................76
7.3......Waypoints........................................................................................................................................................................................ 77
7.3.1 Configuring Waypoints ....................................................................................................................................................................................77
7.3.2 Showing Waypoints on the OSD ..................................................................................................................................................................78
7.4......Data Logging.................................................................................................................................................................................. 78
7.4.1 Configuring Data Logging ...............................................................................................................................................................................78
7.4.2 Downloading, Viewing and Saving Logged Flight Information ....................................................................................................78
7.4.3 Additional Data Logging and Telemetry Features ..............................................................................................................................80
7.5......Advanced RTH Setup ................................................................................................................................................................... 80
7.5.1 Home Altitude Mode ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
7.5.2 Other Advanced RTH Settings ......................................................................................................................................................................81
7.6......Acoustic Variometer.................................................................................................................................................................... 81
7.7......Vector Calibration........................................................................................................................................................................ 82
7.7.1 Electrical Calibration......................................................................................................................................................................................... 83
7.7.2 Altimeter Calibration ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 83
7.7.3 Pitot Airspeed Calibration ..............................................................................................................................................................................84
7.8......GPS Configuration ........................................................................................................................................................................ 84
7.8.1 Choosing the GPS Position Display Format............................................................................................................................................84
7.8.2 Changing the GPS Fix Quality Settings......................................................................................................................................................84
8 Troubleshooting...........................................................................................................................................................................85
9 Notification Messages................................................................................................................................................................89
10 Description of Numeric Readouts ........................................................................................................................................94
11 Regulatory ......................................................................................................................................................................................96
12 Limited Warranty........................................................................................................................................................................ 97

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1Safety
The Vector is intended to be used exclusively for recreational purposes in model aircraft. Using the Vector for
other purposes is not supported. Further, using the Vector in situations where its use or failure could result in
loss of life, bodily injury or property damage is expressly prohibited.
Eagle Tree Systems, LLC, is not responsible for your use of this product, or for any damages or injuries
you may cause or sustain as a result of its usage.
1.1 Read the Manual!
This manual contains important instructions related to safety. Read the entire manual before proceeding, to
become familiar with the features and operation of the Vector. Failure to correctly configure or operate the
Vector could cause damage to personal property or serious injury!
The latest version of this manual is available in the Product Manuals section of the Support tab on
http://www.eagletreesystems.com.
If, after you read the manual, you have further questions or problems, see the “How to Get Help” section below.
Reading this manual is probably more enjoyable, and will probably take less time, than rebuilding your
model!
1.2 Special Symbols used in the Manual
Warning that could affect safety or result in injury, a crash, property damage or Vector hardware
damage if not heeded.
Under construction. This feature is experimental, incomplete, or under active development.
Information applicable only for fixed wing models
Information applicable only for multirotor models
Helpful Note or Tip
1.3 General Safety Precautions
In addition to other warnings and other precautions in this manual, the following should always be
observed:
The Vector is intended for recreational use only, in model aircraft. Any other use is not supported.
Never connect ESCs or servos to the Vector until you have verified the airframe type is correctly
selected! Doing so can cause multirotor propellers to spin at high speed, or can destroy fixed wing
servos.
Always remove propeller(s) or otherwise disable motor(s) when configuring the Vector!
Always move a safe distance away from the model before starting the motor(s), and never approach the
model with the propeller(s) spinning! Never approach a multirotor when it is armed!
Always wear eye protection when operating models with propellers!

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RC models and accessories are not toys! The Vector should not be used by children.
You should always use a spotter if your eyes are not on your model. For USA customers, please refer
to the Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Code at http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/105.PDF and
FPV related code at http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/550.pdf
Always obey the law when flying. Most video transmitters used for FPV flying require an amateur
radio license to operate legally.
If you have never set up or operated an RC model before, you will need help from an experienced
modeler. Local RC clubs are great ways to meet experienced modelers, and receive the required
training. This requirement is especially true for FPV flying, which can be more challenging.
Never operate your model aircraft near or over buildings, power/telephone lines, or other obstacles.
Never operate your model aircraft near or over people or animals! Never operate your model after
consuming drugs or alcohol!
Never operate your model within 5 miles of airports, without permission from the airport!
Never operate the Vector in a situation where it may get wet, such as on a rainy day.
Do not change wiring in your model when any power is applied.
2Overview
2.1 Introduction
Thank you for your purchase! Based on Eagle Tree's proven inertial stabilization and video technology, the
Vector Flight Controller + OSD has everything we’ve dreamed about, in one small, lightweight, easy to use
product:
Straightforward to set up and operate "out of the
box" with no PC required
FIXED WING and MULTIROTOR Flight Controller
with GPS modes and RTH
Built-in OSD with COLOR GRAPHICS
OSD display is fully configurable, so you can make
the screen as simple or detailed as you want it
OSD still displays even if your camera fails!
COMPATIBLE: PCM, SPPM and S.BUS™receiver
support, with several types of RSSI
EXPANDABLE with additional sensors,
accessories, and internet firmware updates
FLEXIBLE: fly with or without your FPV equipment
Built in FLIGHT DATA RECORDER helps take the guesswork out if something goes wrong
REDUCED WIRING: innovative wire harness with power distribution simplifies hookup
Built-in altimeter, IMU, and magnetic compass sensors
Current sensor with quiet and efficient Power Supply Unit supports up to 6S packs

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2.2 Packing List
Your package should include the following:
Vector Controller
Current Sensor/PSU (DeansTM, XT60TM or wire leads version),
GPS/Magnetometer (GPS/Mag), with GPS stand, clip and screw
Video, Audio (not shown), GPS, and Receiver Harnesses
2.3 Specifications
Supported Airframes:
oTraditional fixed wing, Elevon, and V-tail planes
oTricopter, Quadcopter, and Hexacopter multirotors
Recommended Airframes: the Vector is not recommended for large or heavy airframes, due to no or
limited testing on these types of models at this time. Examples: giant scale fixed wing models, gas or
nitro models, turbines, or multirotors larger than 650mm are not recommended.
Video formats: composite NTSC and PAL (autodetect)
Servo/ESC Output framerate:
oFixed wing: adjustable up to 400Hz
oMultirotor (including tricopter yaw servo): 400Hz
Dimensions (L x W x H, approximate):
oController: 65mm x 33mm x 14mm
oGPS/Mag: 35mm x 24mm x 15mm
oCurrent Sensor/PSU (with Deans™): 42mm x 19mm x 18mm
Mass (approximate):
oController: 21g
oGPS/Mag: 13g
oCurrent Sensor/PSU (with Deans™): 15g
Current Sensor/PSU
oPeak measured current: 140 amps (see section 3.4)
oMax pack voltage: 6s/25.2V
oMaximum 12V PSU current: 1A
oMaximum 5V PSU current: 1A

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2.4 How to Get Help and Request New Features
Eagle Tree is committed to providing great customer service. Once you’ve read the manual, if something is not
clear, just ask. We’d much prefer to take the time to answer your questions, rather than having you waste your
valuable time struggling with an issue.
To get help 24/7, visit the Eagle Tree Vector support thread on RCGroups:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2032857
Or, visit the thread on FPVLab:
http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread.php?22260
Chances are someone has posted a solution to your problem already. If not, posting your problem on the forum
will get a very quick response from the Eagle Tree community.
If you prefer to not post on the forum, or you feel there is a problem with your Eagle Tree hardware, please
open a support ticket with us at http://ticket.eagletreesystems.com and we will respond to your support ticket
as soon as we can –normally within a few business hours. Note that when you create a support ticket, you
will be emailed a link that will let you check the status of the ticket. If you do not receive the email, most likely a
spam filter is intercepting emails from Eagle Tree.
Also, Eagle Tree greatly values your feedback on how we can improve our products. To leave us feedback for a
new feature request or improvement, post the feedback on our support threads above, create a support ticket
with your feedback, or just email us at [e-mail].
2.5 Installing the Software, and Updating the Firmware
To configure your Vector with the software, or to update the Vector firmware, you
will need to install our software on a compatible device.
Additionally, you will need a standard “mini” USB cable. You probably have one of
these cables already, but if not, you can order one online from us, or elsewhere.
Our p/n is USB-CAB-MINIB.
2.5.1 Software Compatibility
The software is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.
Most Windows based PCs, laptops, notebooks, and tablets (including the Surface™ Pro™) are compatible with
the software.
A minimum screen resolution of 1024x768 is required.
If you have a Mac™, you can run our software by using a correctly configured Windows emulator such as
VMWare™.
2.5.2 Downloading the Latest Software
The latest software for the Vector is available online at no
additional charge, by selecting “Download Latest Software”
from the Support tab at http://www.eagletreesystems.com
and selecting the Vector software.
The software version you are presently running is shown in
the lower left hand corner of the software. If that version
is lower than the version presently on our website,

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consider upgrading.
2.5.3 Updating your Vector Firmware
Even if you will be configuring the Vector using the stick menus, it’s a good idea to keep your Vector firmware
updated, in case we add a feature or resolve an issue that is relevant to your airframe. Our latest software
always has the latest Vector firmware included with it.
To check to see if you have the latest firmware, first check
what firmware version is installed on your Vector, which is
displayed at the bottom of the Vector boot-up OSD screen.
Or, you can check the version by using the firmware update
utility described below. Then, compare your version
number with the latest Vector firmware version we have
released (listed on the software download page on our
website).
To update the Vector firmware, install the latest software,
connect the Vector to USB, click the “Firmware Update”
button in the software (in the bottom row of buttons), and
follow the instructions.
Make sure that your GPS/Mag is connected to your Vector before updating firmware. The firmware on
the GPS/Mag will also be updated automatically, if needed.
Also, note that if you install new software and it detects that the Vector’s firmware needs an update, it will
automatically run the firmware update utility.
2.6 Getting Notified about Important Vector Updates
Eagle Tree updates the Vector firmware and software periodically to add new features or to address issues that
may arise, and will issue important hardware information bulletins as needed. There are two ways to get
notified about these:
1) Subscribe to the Vector update notification thread on RCGroups. Whenever we update the software or
release a hardware bulletin, we will post a note to this thread, and subscribing to it should result in you
receiving an email. Note that this thread will normally be closed, so only we can post to it, reducing the
number of emails you will receive.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2159747
2) Follow us or like us on Facebook™. We will post a note on Facebook indicating that new software or
important hardware information has been posted, and you should see that on your Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/eagletreesystems