GRAUPNER Alpha 150Q User manual

EN
16571.GPS (Racecopter with FPV micro camera and transmitter)
Quadcopter
Alpha 150Q
Manual
Copyright © Graupner/SJ GmbH

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16571.GPS_Alpha150Q_V2.0sh.en
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................5
Service centre ...................................................................................5
Intended use ....................................................................................6
Package content and technical data................................................7
16571.GPS.......................................................................................7
Symbol description...........................................................................8
Safety notes ......................................................................................8
Safety notes for battery ..................................................................9
Battery storage................................................................................9
Charge the LiPo battery ................................................................10
First use ...........................................................................................11
Receiver.........................................................................................11
Installing the LiPo battery in the copter .......................................11
Connecting the LiPo battery .........................................................11
Determining the centre of gravity ................................................11
Default model memory ................................................................11
Binding the receiver .......................................................................12
Range test........................................................................................13
Compass calibration .......................................................................13
Preset switching functions on the transmitter mz-12 Pro HoTT .14
Left side of the transmitter...........................................................14
Right side of the transmitter ........................................................14
Autopilot mode.............................................................................14
Come back home..........................................................................14
Flying on preset waypoints...........................................................15
Carefree GPS mode.......................................................................15
HoTT transmitter presettings.........................................................15
Flight modes .................................................................................15
Fail-Safe setting.............................................................................18
Throttle Cut...................................................................................18
Flight control ...................................................................................20
Control mode................................................................................20
MODE 1.........................................................................................20
MODE 2.........................................................................................22
MODE 3.........................................................................................24
MODE 4.........................................................................................26
Installing the propellers .................................................................28
First flight ........................................................................................28
Camera function .............................................................................29
Special functions on channel 6.....................................................29

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"Telemetry" menu ..........................................................................31
SETTING & DATA VIEW..................................................................31
Receiver display ............................................................................31
ROLL/NICK Display ........................................................................32
YAW Display...................................................................................34
MULTIC. AUTOPILOT display .........................................................34
Multicopter Base display ..............................................................36
Axis assignment ............................................................................41
Firmware updates...........................................................................44
SIMPLIFIED DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY................................46
Manufactured by ..........................................................................46
Notes on environmental protection..............................................47
Care and maintenance ...................................................................47
Warranty conditions.......................................................................47

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Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing the Graupner Race copter
Alpha 150Q GPS. This copter is extremely versatile. This manual is
valid for the copter set listed on the cover sheet. The package con-
tent changes depending on the version.
Read this manual carefully to achieve the best results with your
Alpha 150Q GPS and first of all to safely control your models. If you
experience any trouble during operation, take the instructions to
help or ask your dealer or Graupner Service Centre.
Due to technical changes, the information may be changed in this
manual without prior notice. Be always updated by checking period-
ically on our website, www.graupner.de to be always uptodate with
the products and firmwares.
This product complies with national and European legal require-
ments.
To maintain this condition and to ensure safe operation, you must
read and follow this user manual and the safety notes before using
the product!
Note
This manual is part of that product. It contains important informa-
tion concerning operation and handling. Keep these instructions for
future reference and give it to third person in case you gave the
product.
Service centre
Graupner Central Service
Graupner/SJ GmbH
Henriettenstraße 96
D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck
Servicehotline

(+49) (0)7021/722-130
Monday- Thursday:
9:15 am- 4:00 pm
Friday:
9:15 am- 1:00 pm
[e-mail]
Graupner USA
3941 Park Dr Suite 20-571
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Website: www.graupnerusa.com
Phone: [phone]
Email:[email protected]om
Graupner in Internet For the service centres outside Germany please refer to our web site
www.graupner.de.

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Intended use
The quadcopter Alpha 150Q GPS is a remote controlled quadcopter.
Other components are required, depending on the version, to be
able to use this copter. Punctual technical information about the
components can be found in the Technical data section.
The quadcopter Alpha 150Q GPS should only be used for the pur-
pose specified by the manufacturer for operation of remote con-
trolled UAVs and other unmanned RC-models. Any other type of use
is impermissible and may cause significant property damage and/or
personal injury. No warranty or liability is therefore offered for any
improper use not covered by these provisions.
In addition, it is explicitly pointed out that you must inform yourself
about the laws and regulations applicable at your respective starting
point before starting the remote control operation. Such conditions
may differ from state to state, but this must be followed in every
case.
Notes
• In general, it should forbidden to fly over airfields, factories,
nature reserves, built-up areas, etc.
• Where designated no-fly zones are located, and which in no way
affect them, it can be determined, for example, using the “Air-
Map” app.
Read the entire manual in advance before attempting to assemble
and operate this copter.
Graupner/SJ constantly works on the development of all products;
we reserve the right to change the item, its technology and equip-
ment.
Target group
A quadcopter of the series Alpha 150Q GPS is not a toy. This copter
is not suitable for children under 14. For questions about radio-con-
trolled models, please contact an experienced RC model expert or a
RC model club.

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Package content and technical data
16571.GPS
already assembled Race copter Alpha 150Q
Propellers size 3 x 5,2 inches
Ultra PRO brushless motors 1306
(No. 16570.2300L and No. 16570.2300R)
4in1 ULTRA brushless speed controller BL Heli S (No. S3087)
FPV micro camera V2 (No. 48341)
25 mW 5,8 GHz video transmitter raceband (No. 16570.123)
GPS (No. 33602)
Assembly material and manual
Recommended accessories
mz-12PRO HoTT transmitter (No. S1002.PRO77DE)
LiPo battery V-Maxx 3s/850 mAh (No. 78108.3XT30)
Battery charger (No. S2015.XH or 6454.XH or S2034)
FPV goggle (No. 48354)
Graupner 7“ FPV monitor (No. S8405)
Technical data
Length excl. rotors 126 mm
Width excl. rotors 126 mm
Axial distance 106 mm
Propellers 3 blades 3 x 5,2 inches
Chassis material Carbon fibre
Chassis height 30 mm
Weight <250 g without battery protection
Video channels in Europe R 3 … 6
Notes
• Some model memory of the supplied transmitter Graupner
mz-12 Pro HoTT are pre-assigned with pattern settings for dif-
ferent Graupner copters. For the operation of the Race copter
Alpha 150Q GPS it is provided the model memory 10 named
with "Alpha GPS". This model memory can also be found in the
download area of the copter product page.
• In the further course of this manual, the use of this model mem-
ory is assumed.
• After purchase always check the content of the packaging for
integrity or damages.

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Symbol description
Always observe the information indicated by these warning signs.
Particularly those which are additionally marked with the words
CAUTION or WARNING.
!
The signal word WARNING indicates the potential for serious injury,
the signal word CAUTION indicates possibility of lighter injuries.
The signal word Note indicates potential malfunctions.
Attention indicates potential damages to objects.
Safety notes
!
This safety notes are intended to protect you and other people. They
are also used for safe handling the product. Therefore please read
this section very carefully before using the product!
• Do not leave the packaging material lying around, this could be
a dangerous toy for children.
• Persons, including children, with reduced physical, sensory or
mental capabilities, or lack of experience or knowledge, or not
capable to assemble and use safely this Race copter Alpha
150Q GPS must not use it without supervision or instruction by
a responsible person.
• Operation and use of radio-controlled models needs to be
learnt! If you have never operated a model of this type before,
start carefully and make yourself familiar with the model's
reactions to the remote control commands. Proceed responsi-
bly.
• First, always perform a range and function test on the ground
according to the manual of your transmitter (to do so, hold
your model tight), before you use your model. Repeat the test
with running motor and with short throttle bursts.
• Due to safety and licensing reasons (CE), any unauthorized
reconstruction and/or modification of the product is prohib-
ited.
• Only use the components and spare parts that we recommend.
Always use matching, original Graupner plug-in connections of
the same design and material.
• Make sure that all of the plug-in connections are tight. When
disconnecting the plug-in connections, do not pull the cables.
• Protect your copter from dust, dirty, humidity and other small
parts. Do not expose it to vibrations or to extreme heath or
cold. The models may only be operated remotely in normal
outside temperatures such as from -10°C to +55°C.
• Always use all your Graupner HoTT components only with the
latest firmware version.

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• If you have questions which cannot be answered by the oper-
ating manual, please contact us (contact information see page
5) or another expert in the field.
!
WARNING
• During programming, make sure that connected electric motors
do not start unintentionally. Injury risk by the turning propel-
lers! For safety reasons always remove the propellers when
programming. Always activate the Motor Stop function accord-
ing to the instructions of your transmitter.
• Avoid impacts and crushing. Check the copter regularly for
damages to the housings and cables, specially after model
crashes. Damaged or wet electronic components, even if
re-dried, should no longer be used!
• Never touch the turning propellers, this can cause serious
injury.
• The propellers must be mounted securely, thrown parts can
cause serious injury.
• Never stay in the danger area of running propellers! Long hair,
loose clothing such as scarves, loose shirts or similar, can be
sucked in by the propeller, flying parts can lead to serious inju-
ries.
• Observe the safety notes of the required components.
Safety notes for battery
!
CAUTION
• LiPo batteries are not a toy. Persons, including children, with
reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of
experience or knowledge, or not capable to use safely the bat-
tery must not use the battery without supervision or instruc-
tion by a responsible person.
• Any alterations to the battery, charger or charging cables can
cause serious injury. Risk of fire and explosions! Risk of burns!
• Do not use any damaged battery or charger, risk of short-circuit
and fire!
Battery storage
LiPo batteries should be stored with a voltage of about 3,8V per cell.
If the cell voltage falls below 3 V, then the battery must be necessar-
ily charged. Deep discharge and storage in discharge status (cell volt-
age < 3V) make the battery useless. For transport and storage the
LiPo batteries should be placed in a safety bag e.g. No. 8373.

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Notes
• Remove the battery from the model when transporting or when
not in use.
• During transport protect the model and the transmitter from
damages.
Charge the LiPo battery
Connect the LiPo battery to the supplied charger and charge it as
described in the corresponding manual.

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First use
For the version 16571.GPS the optionally available video goggle (No.
48354) or an optionally available FPV monitor (No. S8405) are
needed for the FPV flight.
Receiver
The integrated HoTT receiver is optimally matched to the copter at
the factory. To program some parameters, refer to the section
"Receiver settings".
Installing the LiPo battery in the copter
To compensate for the weight of the camera, place the LiPo battery
slightly backwards with a self-adhesive Velcro strip on the underside
of the frame and, after fine-tuning the centre of gravity, secure it
against falling with an additional Velcro strip.
Connecting the LiPo battery
To start up the copter, plug the connector of the main battery into
the corresponding socket on the back of the copter and remove it
again after setting the flight mode.
Determining the centre of gravity
Hold the copter in the middle of the upper frame with two fingers
and lift it up. The copter should take a horizontal position. Other-
wise, move the battery accordingly.
Default model memory
07
08
09
VersaCopt
Alpha 150
Alpha 170
Alpha GPS
06
05
10
Alpha 1703D
–––
Xcell 220 Some of the 250 model memories of the supplied transmitter
Graupner mz-12 Pro HoTT are pre-assigned with pattern settings for
different Graupner copters. For the operation of the Race copter
Alpha 150Q GPS it is provided the model memory 10 named with
"Alpha GPS". If required, this model memory can also be found in
the download area of the copter product page at www.graupner.de.
Notes
• In both cases, it is recommended not to use the pre-programmed
model memory directly, but to copy it into a free model memory
in accordance with the transmitter manual and then rename it
accordingly.
• In the further course of this manual, the use of this model mem-
ory is assumed.

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Binding the receiver
The receiver integrated into your Race copter Alpha 150Q GPS is
already ready for use with a suitably pre-configured model memory
of the Graupner mz-12 Pro HoTT transmitter included in the set.
If you want to bind the copter to another transmitter or renew a
binding, proceed as follows:
Binding step-by-step
1. Switch on transmitter.
2. Start the copter by plugging in the drive battery.
On the left side of the copter, the status LED lights up red for
about 15 seconds: The copter waits exclusively for control signals
from "its" transmitter.
3. After the expiration of these approx. 15 seconds, the status LED
starts flashing rhythmically red: The receiver of the copter is now
in bind mode.
‖If "his" previous HoTT transmitter is switched on, the existing
binding is retained.
‖If a binding process is triggered on another HoTT transmitter
according to its description, the receiver of the copter binds
to this transmitter and the existing binding is lost.
4. If the binding process was successful, the red status LED on the
copter goes out and the LEDs that may be present on the arms of
the copter light up constantly in the select color. Otherwise the
process has to be repeated.
Attention
As mentioned above, the receiver of a Race copter Alpha 150Q GPS
is in binding mode approximately 15 seconds after the battery is
plugged in. If the copter is already bound to a specific transmitter
and should this binding be maintained, the transmitter must there-
fore be switched on for safety reasons before the commissioning of
the copter or at the latest within this period of 15 seconds. Other-
wise, there is an acute danger that the copter unintentionally binds
to a foreigner Graupner HoTT transmitter, which is eventually in
binding mode at the same time, and consequently goes into uncon-
trolled operation.

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Range test
Carry out the range test of a Graupner HoTT remote control system
according to the instructions in your transmitter manual. It is useful
to have an assistant who helps you.
Attention
Never start a range test on the transmitter during normal model
operation!
Compass calibration
Attention
• Before taking up flight operations on any other airfield, the com-
pass should be recalibrated as described in the "MULTICOPTER
BASIC" display of the telemetry menu.
• The motors can not be started until the GPS signal from at least
6 satellites is received.
• If the copter still does not hold the position, perform a current
calibration as described in the "MULTICOPTER BASIC" display of
the telemetry menu.
10mAh I 0A
0:00 Dir: 0°
11.6V Alt: 0m
0km/h 0°
6 0m
C+00016 +00060 -00011

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Preset switching functions on the transmitter mz-12 Pro HoTT
S2
S4
S1
S6
S3
Left side of the transmitter
S1 rear switch position: Motor OFF
front switch position: Motor ON
S2 Push-button function: activate flip function
(only possible in Attitude mode)
S4 lower switch position: Rate mode
middle switch position: Attitude mode
Upper switch position: see the following special functions
Right side of the transmitter
S3 rear switch position: see "Carefree GPS mode"
front switch position: Standard position
S6 see the following special functions
Autopilot mode
S3 front switch position (C7 /-100%)
S4 upper switch position (C5 /-100%)
S6 middle switch position: (C6 / 0%)
Come back home
S3 front switch position (C7 /-100%)
S4 upper switch position (C5 /-100%)
S6 upper switch position (C6 /-100%)

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Flying on preset waypoints
S3 front switch position (C7 /-100%)
S4 upper switch position (C5 /-100%)
S6 lower switch position (C6 / +100%)
Carefree GPS mode
S3 rear switch position: (C7 / +100%)
S4 upper switch position (C5 /-100%)
S6 middle switch position: (C6 / 0%)
HoTT transmitter presettings
Some of the current HoTT transmitters are even shipped with pre-
configured model memory, such as: for example, the transmitter
mz-12 Pro HoTT included in this set. The following information and
display illustrations are based on this transmitter, in particular, on its
preconfigured and named "ALPHA GPS" model memory 10.
Flight modes
Attitude mode
The stick movements act directly proportionally to Roll and Nick.
In the attitude mode, the maximum inclination angle is limited to
approx. 50° at 100% of the stick travel.
The Attitude mode is active as long as the bar of channel 5 operated
by switch S4 in the "Servo display" display is to the left of +50%. How
far to the left is irrelevant.
(The 0% shown on the left are based on the switch programming
above.)
Flight mode suggested for beginners.
Rate mode
In this mode, the rate is determined by the rash of the stick without
inclination limit. In this aerobatic mode rolls and loops are possible.
The Rate mode is active as soon as the bar of channel 5 operated by
switch S4 in the "Servo Display" display is on the right of +50%. How
far to the right is irrelevant.
(The +100% shown on the left are based on the switch programming
above.)
Not suitable for beginners.
1
3
5
7
+
0%
0%
9
11
0%
0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
0%
I5
I6
I7
+
trv
+100% +100%
+100% +100%
+100% +100%
I8 +100% +100%
free
free
free
SW4/5
I9 +100% +100%
free
1
3
5
7
+
0%
0%
9
11 0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
0%
+100%
I5
I6
I7
+
trv
+100% +100%
+100% +100%
+100% +100%
I8 +100% +100%
free
free
free
SW4/5
I9 +100% +100%
free

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Autopilot mode
Once the left front switch S4 in the upper, the right front switch S6
in the center and the upper right switch S3 is in the front switch posi-
tion, the copter is in autopilot mode.
The reference point for this mode is always the position at the time
of switching to autopilot mode.
In the servo display this looks like the picture on the left: The bars of
C5 and C7 already end at-100% and the bar of C6 ends in the mid-
dle, at 0%.
When starting in autopilot mode with a throttle position above the
center of the stick (0%), the copter automatically raises to a altitude
of approx. 1m so that it can hold the position.In autopilot mode, an
electronic grid at 500 m distance and the set max. altitude active.
When the limits are reached, a corresponding warning message is
transmitted to the transmitter.
• When starting in autopilot mode, the copter will lift off as soon
as the pitch control stick is pushed past the center position. In
the middle position of the pitch control stick, the height is held;
below the center position, the copter drops accordingly.
• If you start in the Rate or Attitude mode and then switch to the
autopilot mode, the throttle position when switching is the stick
position where the altitude is maintained.
• As soon as the switch S3 is placed in the rear switch position and
the bar of K7 extends beyond the value of +50 % to the right, the
Copter is in the Carefree auto pilot mode. How far to the right of
+50 % is irrelevant.
Come back home
The reference point for this mode is always the position of the cop-
ter at the time when the motor stop switch has been switched to the
ON position.
1
3
5
7
+
0%
–100%
9
11
–100%
0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
–100%
As long as the upper right switch S3 is in the front position and both
the left front switch S4 as well as the right front switch S6 are in the
upper switch position, the copter is in the GPS-controlled come back
home mode, as long as the right front switch S6 is held in the upper
switch position.
In the servo display this looks like the picture on the left: The bars of
C5, C6 and C7 already end at-100%.
Flying on preset waypoints
As long as the left front switch S4 is in the upper position, the right
front switch S6 is in the lower position and the upper right switch S3
is in the front switch position, the copter flies GPS previously pro-
grammed waypoints.
In the servo display this looks like shown on the left: The bar of C5
and C7 already ends at-100% and the bar of C6 only on the right, at
+100%.
To create the waypoints you will need:
1
3
5
7
+
0%
9
11
–100%
0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
0%
–100%
I5
I6
I7
+
trv
+100% +100%
+100%
+100% +100%
I8 +100% +100%
free
SW6/7
3
SW4/5
+100%
I9 +100% +100%
free
1
3
5
7
+
0%
–100%
9
11
–100%
0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
–100%
+100%

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• A suitable mobile phone with Android operating system.
• The app "GraupnerSJHoTTViewer2" on the mobile phone.
For transfer to the Kopter you will need:
• "micro USB OTG to micro USB cable", No. 33002.OTG0M5
• Update adapter, No. S8500
• Update cable, No. 7168.S
Notes
• When the GPS is connected, the copter only allows the motors
to be switched on if 6 GPS satellites or more are found.
• While searching for GPS satellites, an HD camera should be off.
If more than 8 satellites have been found, the HD camera can be
switched on again. Then check the copter's telemetry display to
see if there are more than 6 satellites left.
• The Autopilot and Come back home mode only work in the con-
figuration of how the compass was calibrated (eg with HD cam-
era on). If the airfield is changed, the compass must also be re-
calibrated for safety's sake.
• If the departure of the pre-programmed waypoints is inter-
rupted and switched to "autopilot" mode, the copter will stop
at the point of interruption.
Carefree Autopilot mode
As soon as the left front switch S4 is brought into the upper position,
the right front switch S6 is in the middle position and the upper right
switch S3 is in the rear switch position, the copter is in the carefree
control mode.
From the point of view of the pilot standing on the ground in this
control mode, the left / right orientation of the directional control is
maintained even if the copter was rotated 180 degrees by the "yaw"
command and thus falls on the pilot. This facilitates the control of
the copter in difficult visibility conditions, as this eliminates the oth-
erwise necessary "side-reversed" control.
In the servo display this looks like the one on the left: The bar of C5
ends at-100%, the bar of C6 in the middle, at 0%, and the bar of C7
on the right, at +100%.
As soon as S3 is brought back into the front switch position and thus
the bar of C7 left of +50%, the copter is back in the normal control
mode. How far left of +50% is insignificant, see picture left.
10mAh I 0A
0:00 Dir: 0°
11.6V Alt: 0m
0km/h 0°
6 0m
C+00016 +00060 -00011
1
3
5
7
+
0%
9
11
–100%
0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
0%
–100%
1
3
5
7
+
0%
9
11
–100%
0%
2
4
6
8
+
0%
0%
0%
0%
10
12 0%
0%
0%
0%
+100%
I5
I6
I7
+
trv
+100% +100%
+100%
+100% +100%
I8 +100% +100%
free
SW6/7
3
SW4/5
+100%
I9 +100% +100%
free

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Fail-Safe setting
FAIL SAFE
Pos
Hold
1 2 34567 8
Delay 0.25s STO
We recommend to set Channel 1 to “hold” and the Channels 5 and
6 to "Pos" according to the transmitter instructions. And indeed in
the switch position “come-back-home”, so that the Copter automa-
tically returns to the starting position.
In such a case, a red LED will flash on the left side of the Alpha 150Q
GPS quadcopter. The motors run with the motor power specified
immediately before the fail-safe case and the position control of the
Copter is still active.
Note
This state continues until a correct transmitter signal is recognized
again by the receiver module. At that moment have to take over the
pilot the flight control again.
Throttle Cut
raised min
timer
+6%
4:00
cut off
Race timer
–100% +150% 1
yes
1
=
For safety reasons, always use the transmitter-preprogrammed
motor-stop switch S1. Only when this is placed into the appropriate
position, an undesired start of the motors is reliably avoided.

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Flight control
Control mode
According to the transmitter instructions, the appropriate control
mode and, if necessary, "motor front / rear" must be set. Usually
"backwards" so that the channel 1 indicator in the servo display indi-
cates-100% in the "motor off" position of the "throttle / pitch control
stick".
MODE 1
Climb and sink
Roll to the right and left