KiwiQuards Drone Racing Starter Kit User manual
Drone Racing Starter Kit
Version 1.0
Instruction Manual
2
For Accessories, Parts,
Guides, and More Visit
www.kiwiquads.com
Copyright © 2018 KiwiQuads Limited. All Rights Reserved.
3
Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................4
Getting to Know Your KiwiQuad..............................................................4
Unit Diagrams .........................................................................................5
Operation.....................................................................................................6
Drone Operation .....................................................................................6
FPV Headset...........................................................................................7
Frequency Management .........................................................................8
Low Battery Warnings.............................................................................9
Getting Started..........................................................................................10
Controls.................................................................................................10
Advanced Controls................................................................................12
Training Guide ......................................................................................14
Maintenance..............................................................................................16
Consumables ........................................................................................16
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................18
Lost Procedure .........................................................................................20
Warranty Information ...............................................................................21
Accessories ..............................................................................................22
Component Upgrades..............................................................................23
4
Getting to Know Your KiwiQuadIntroduction
Welcome to the World of
Drone Racing!
Congratulations on the purchase of your new KiwiQuad Drone Racing
Starter Kit. Although you’re eager to start ying, we need to cover the
basics rst! We recommend you familiarise yourself with the controls
and read this manual in its entirety before attempting to y.
Warning
!
Ensure you have read and understand Civil Aviation Authority rules
and local laws before ying outdoors or in a public space.
Box Contents:
- KiwiQuads Drone
- Radio Controller
- FPV Headset
- Antenna
- Headstrap
- 1x Propeller Spare Set
- 2 x Batteries
- USB Charger
- Micro USB Cable
- Propeller Removal Tool
- Screwdriver
-Landing Pad
5
Unit DiagramsIntroduction
FPV Camera
Motors
Video Aerial
Canopy
Propeller Duct
Propeller
Throttle/Yaw Pitch/Roll
Change Rate Activate Flip
On/Off
Rate Indicator
Yaw Trim
Pitch Trim
Roll Trim
Level/Acro Toggle
6
Drone OperationOperation
Turning The Drone On and
Off
The drone does not have a power
switch. It will turn on and off when
the battery is connected and discon-
nected.
Insert a fully charged battery into the
slot underneath the drone. Ensure
the battery plug is facing the rear of
the drone. Plug the red and black
cable into the battery plug. The
drone will light up.
Charging The Battery
To charge a battery, connect it to
the included USB charger. The USB
charger must be connected to a
USB power supply. The red LED will
ash twice quickly to indicate it is
charging. On completion of charging,
the red LED will remain lit on the
charger.
To charge the FPV headset, con-
nect the included micro-USB char-
ger. A red LED on the underside of
the headset will indicate the unit is
charging. Once charging is com-
plete, the red LED will turn off. Caution
!
Take care when unplugging the
battery lead to avoid damage.
Always grasp the lead by the
white plug.
Warning
!
Lithium Polymer batteries can become
a safety and re hazard if not used or
handled correctly.
• Never leave batteries charging
unattended.
• Only charge batteries with ofcial
KiwiQuad chargers.
• Do not attempt to charge a
swollen or damaged battery.
• Immediately dispose of any
damaged batteries. Lithium
batteries require proper disposal;
do not dispose of with garbage.
• Do not expose batteries to water
or modify in any way.
• Dispose of any bent, punctured,
swollen or burnt batteries
immediately.
The camera transmitter is now
functional. The controller must now
be switched on using the switch at
the front. You will hear a single beep
to conrm power is on. Lower the
Throttle control to minimum. You will
hear another beep to indicate the
drone is bound to the controller. This
process must be repeated at each
power cycle of the drone.
7
FPV HeadsetOperation
Operating The FPV Headset
Before operation, ensure the headset has been fully charged using the
included micro-USB cable.
To switch on the headset, hold the ‘SCAN/ ’ button for 5 seconds. The
monitor display will switch on. You may see static video appear on the
display. Switch on the drone to proceed.
Press the ‘SCAN/ ’ button briey to initiate a frequency scan. After a short
time, the headset will tune into the same frequency as the drone. The real-
time video link is now established and ready for ying.
If the headset has selected the incorrect frequency, simply repeat the
scanning process until the correct frequency is selected.
MHz CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CH6 CH7 CH8
Band A 5740 5760 5780 5800 5820 5840 5860 5880
Band B 5705 5685 5665 5645 5885 5905 5925 5945
Band C 5865 5845 5825 5805 5785 5765 5745 5725
Band D 5658 5695 5732 5769 5806 5843 5880 5917
Band E 5733 5752 5771 5790 5809 5828 5847 5866
Band F* 5362 5399 5436 5473 5510 5547 5584 5621
Buttons located on right side of the
FPV Headset
+MENU SCAN/
_
*Cannot be received by KiwiQuads FPV Headset but may be received on other compatible headsets.
8
Frequency ManagementOperation
Manually Tuning the FPV Headset
In some situations, the headset may
not select the correct frequency.
You can use the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons
to select the correct frequency. The
tuned frequency is displayed in the
bottom right corner of the display
when powered on.
Finding the Camera Frequency
1. Using the included screwdriver,
remove the two screws securing
the canopy to the frame then
remove the canopy.
2. Observe the LED pattern on the
camera module. Take note of
which LED is lit in each row. The
top row represents the band A-F.
The bottom row represents the
channel 1-8.
3. Compare the band/channel with
the diagram on the previous
page.
Setting the FPV Camera
Frequency
To set the FPV camera frequency,
rst remove the canopy as de-
scribed previously in ‘Finding the
Camera Frequency’.
Briey press the yellow button on
the camera module to skip to the
next frequency channel. The bottom
row of LEDs will indicate an advance
to the next channel. To change
frequency bands, hold the yellow
button for 1 second. The top row of
LEDs will indicate an advance to the
next band.
Pro Tip
+
When ying with more than
one drone in close proximity to
others, space the frequencies
apart by at least 40(MHz) on
the frequency chart. Due to
the bandwidth of video signals,
this will give less interference
between video feeds.
Band indicator
Channel indicator
Button
Video Interference and Range
For best FPV results, y in an open
area free of dense obstructions.
Walls, oors and windows may pres-
ent attenuation and result in break-
up of the video signal.
This camera module is operating on
frequency A-1 as indicated by the Blue
and Green LED.
9
Low Battery WarningsOperation
Low Battery Warnings
In the case of a low battery, the
drone’s red and blue LEDs will begin
to blink rapidly. This indicates you
have approximately 30 seconds left
of ight time. Find a safe place to
land the drone and swap the battery
out.
To protect the battery from over
discharging, the on-board ight
controller will shutdown when the
battery voltage is detected as being
too low. This will cease all function in
the motors.
If the controller begins beeping re-
peatedly, the 4xAAA batteries must
be replaced.
It is recommended that you replace
the AAA batteries at the rst opportu-
nity as this can decrease the signal
range. Do not mix old and new
batteries.
The FPV Headset has a battery
voltage indicator in the bottom left
corner. It will begin ashing when
the battery is low. If the USB cable is
connected, the headset may still be
used while charging.
The LED charge meter (sold
seperately) can be used to show the
charge level of KiwiQuad batteries.
Caution
!
Discharging the batteries too low will cause irreversible damage and
reduce the expected lifespan. To maximise battery health, land and
unplug your drone when the low battery warning occurs.
4.35V
Fully Charged
Depleted
3.5V
10
ControlsGetting Started
Learning The Controls
The diagrams below indicate movements of the drone corresponding
to movements of the controller.
INCREASE THROTTLE
YAW LEFT
DECREASE THROTTLE
YAW RIGHT
11
ControlsGetting Started
Take time to learn each of the controls and how they modify the
movement of the drone. Start by making small adjustments to alter the
ight path of the drone.
PITCH DOWN
ROLL RIGHT
PITCH UP
ROLL LEFT
12
Advanced ControlsGetting Started
Flight Modes
The KiwiQuads Starter Kit
Drone has several different
ight modes to use. This can
be explained in two different
settings.
1. Control Modes
Control modes are toggled by
pressing the left ‘up’ arrow next
to the left stick.
allow more freedom in control
for stunts and racing. This
mode is much more difcult
and it is recommended for
experienced pilots only.
2. Rate/Speed Modes
Rate modes are cycled using
the left bumper button.
Rate 1:
Level / Angle mode:
This is the default mode
selected on power-up of the
drone. The drone uses its
gyrometer correct itself to a
level ying orientation when no
controls are changed. This is
the easiest mode to learn on
as the drone will always correct
itself in the case of an pilot
error.
Acro mode:
The gyrometer is disabled to
The lowest level of rates and
the default mode on power-up.
This mode allows for precise
control of the drone and is
particularly useful for indoor
racing and beginners. This
mode is indicated by a Red
LED on the controller.
Rate 2:
In this mode, the rates are
increased so that the drone can
spin, pitch and roll faster and
further. This means it is more
13
Advanced ControlsGetting Started
capable ying outdoors and
better for experienced pilots
who like to y fast. This mode
is indicated by a Green LED on
the controller.
Rate 3:
This setting is recommended
for outdoor ying only. The
rates are increased to high
levels which can be very
difcult for indoor ying and
requires a large open space to
make the most use of. This is
indicated by an Orange LED on
the controller.
Flips
Your KiwiQuad is equipped to
perform 360 ips. To initiate
a ip, press the right bumper
button followed by a direction
on the pitch/roll stick. Your
KiwiQuad drone will ip in that
direction.
Pro Tip
+
When ying outdoors, it is
useful to switch rate modes
during ight to adapt to your
ying situation. Rate mode 3
is particularly useful in windy
environments.
Flips can also be performed by experi-
enced pilots using a combination of the
throttle and pitch/roll stick.
Stealth Mode
Stealth mode turns off the red and
blue LEDs during ight. Stealth
mode does not affect the LED
low-battery warnings or calibration
procedure.
To toggle Stealth Mode, ensure the
throttle is at minimum and move the
Pitch control Up to maximum three
times, returning to the centre each
time.
Gyrometer Calibration
To calibrate the gyrometer, place it
on a at, level surface. Ensure the
throttle is at minimum and move the
Pitch control Down to minimum three
times, returning to the centre each
time. The LEDs will slowly blink until
the calibration is complete.
14
Training GuideGetting Started
Training Guide - Learning
To Fly
Learning to y FPV takes practice.
These lessons will take you through
step-by-step to introduce you to the
basic controls. Remember to cut the
throttle if you lose control during an
exercise.
The FPV Headset is not required
until instructed.
Lesson 1 - Hovering
This rst lesson will introduce you to
the throttle control and allow you to
hover the drone.
1. Mark off an area of at least 1m
x 1m to y in. Your aim is to stay
within this area.
2. Slowly increase your throttle
control until the drone ‘jumps’ on
the ground to get a feel for the
throttle range.
3. Practice hovering around 50cm
off the ground and make minor
adjustments to the pitch/roll to
correct ight drift. Your aim is to
maintain altitude for a few sec-
onds.
4. Land and disconnect when the
blue/red LEDs begin to ash and
charge or replace the battery.
Lesson 2 - Basic Movement
Lesson 2 will teach you how the
pitch and roll controls work and
how the drone will respond to these
inputs.
1. Mark off an area of at least 1m x
1m to y in.
2. Maintain a hover of at least 30cm
off the ground.
3. Gently press the pitch control
downwards. Watch how the
drone moves forward.
4. Experiment with pitching up and
down, and rolling left and right.
Try to maintain altitude while
performing these movements.
5. Increase the amount of input
you use when comfortable. The
drone will move faster.
15
Training GuideGetting Started
Lesson 3 - Square Pattern
In this lesson, you will follow a
square pattern while maintaining
altitude. This will teach you to make
adjustments and correct your paths.
1. Mark a square area on the
ground at least 1m x 1m. Ensure
there is sufcient space sur-
rounding the marked area.
2. Begin hovering at the perimeter
of the marked square.
3. Follow the marked square from
corner to corner, making any cor-
rections to your path as needed.
4. When condent, try using the
yaw control to rotate the drone
at each corner. The change of
perspective can be challenging
at rst, this will become easier
when using the FPV Headset.
Lesson 3 - FPV
Now you know the basics, it’s time
to try FPV! It is recommended that
you begin from Lesson 1 with the
FPV Headset on to get a feel for the
controls in rst person view.
1. Set up your drone in an open
area before putting on your FPV
Headset.
2. Turn on the FPV Headset and
check for a video link. At close
range, the picture should be free
from distortion and break-up.
See page 7-8 for FPV Headset
operation.
3. Complete lessons 1-3 in FPV.
4. Fly around a larger open area
now, practice changing altitudes
and some of the advanced con-
trols such as ips.
5. Practice, practice practice!
16
ConsumablesMaintenance
Maintenance
KiwiQuad drones are designed
for minimal maintenance. Often,
the only maintenance required is
replacement of consumable parts.
Do not introduce foreign substances
to motor shafts e.g. Oil.
Consumables
The following parts are considered
consumable products and may
require replacement with continued
use:
Batteries:
Despite their longevity, batteries
are consumable items similar to car
batteries. This is due to the internal
chemistry of the battery. Over time,
they lose the ability to hold a full
charge and will result in a reduced
ight time.
By following the recommendations in
this manual, you can maximise the
lifespan of your batteries.
Propellers:
We expect the propellers in your
KiwiQuad will last a considerable
amount of time due to their high
quality and the protection the ducts
offer. However, in the event of a
crash, propellers may lose their
shape or become bent.
Motors:
By nature, brushed motors wear out
as the internal components wear
due to the high performance. As they
wear out, they don’t run as efcient
as new and lose thrust resulting in a
shorter ight time.
HOLD
PRESSURE
A propeller removal tool is included
to assist you in removing the
propeller. Some force is required for
removal.
1. Place the forked end of the
propeller removal tool between
the propeller and motor shaft.
2. Gently apply pressure at the
handle to force the propeller
upwards. Cover the propeller
Propeller Replacement
17
ConsumablesMaintenance
Motor Replacement
To replace a motor or set of motors,
follow the instructions below.
1. Remove propellers from motors
to be replaced using the
propeller removal tool. Take note
of which propeller belongs to
each motor.
2. Carefully unplug the motor from
the ight controller board. A
motor of the same specication
must be replaced. Wire colours
are indicative of the spinning
direction of the motor.
3. Remove the clear ring holding
the wire over the motor socket.
Then remove the motor by
pressing the motor up from
underneath the frame. Some
force may be required.
4. Insert the new motor into the
motor socket. Take care to
ensure the wire travels through
the hole towards the ight
controller.
5. Plug the wire into the white ight
controller socket.
6. Replace the clear ring over the
motor socket and raise to the top
of the motor housing.
7. Replace propeller.
Caution
!
Take particular care when
removing propellers from
motors. Incorrect procedure can
result in a bent motor shaft.
Always apply direct upwards
pressure to the propeller, never
sideways.
with your hand and point in a
safe direction for removal.
3. Place the new propeller on the
motor shaft and rmly press
down until there is a 1-2mm
gap between the bottom of the
shaft and propeller. The diagram
below illustrates the direction of
each motor.
18
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Your KiwiQuad
Quadcopters are very sensitive to imbalances in weight and power distri-
bution. A small problem can present itself as a major symptom during ight.
The table below explains the most common issues, likely causes, and rem-
edies. If your KiwiQuad is experiencing abnormal behaviour, please contact
us for support online at www.kiwiquads.co.nz/contact-us/
Symptoms Likely Causes Remedies
Quick oscillations or
shaking during hover
accompanied by abnor-
mal motor noise.
Heavy vibration at ight
controller.
Remove canopy and
ensure front and back
screws holding ight
controller board are
screwed tight. Ensure
black rubber grommets
are in place and not
missing.
Unbalanced propellers
due to damaged pro-
pellers or bent motor
shaft.
Replace damaged pro-
pellers with new propel-
lers. See page 16.
Replace motor. See
page 17.
Lack of thrust when
increasing throttle.
CW/ACW Propellers on
wrong motors.
See page 17 for correct
motor and propeller di-
rection and orientation.
Worn-out motors. Replace motors with
new set. See page 17.
Battery wear / not fully
charged.
Battery has lost ability
to hold a full-charge.
Dispose of correctly
and replace with a new
battery.
19
Troubleshooting
Symptoms Likely Causes Remedies
Controller beeping
constantly.
AAA batteries in con-
troller low voltage.
Replace with fresh AAA
batteries. See page 9.
KiwiQuad banks to one
direction when hover-
ing without user input.
Gyrometer calibration
required.
Place KiwiQuad on at
surface and perform a
gyrometer calibration.
See page 13.
Video break-up during
ight.
Device interference. Interference could
cause video breakup if
another device is using
the same frequency.
Set a new frequency on
the video module. See
page 8.
Dense obstacle inter-
ference or distance too
far.
For best results, y in
an open area free from
dense objects such as
walls and oors. See
page 8 for more infor-
mation.
KiwiQuad loses signal
during ight or motors
stop spinning and falls.
LEDs are blinking.
Flight controller has
entered a failsafe
state and shutdown all
motors to prevent a y-
away situation.
Distance from control-
ler too far or too much
attenuation from inter-
ference. Ensure you
have line of sight with
your drone while ying.
Do not y near moun-
tains or large hills.
Battery voltage too low. To protect the battery
from over-discharging,
the ight controller will
shutdown if a very low
voltage is detected.
20
Lost Procedure
Symptoms Likely Causes Remedies
KiwiQuad LEDs blink-
ing rapidly on startup.
Controller not bound to
KiwiQuad
Ensure controller is
switch on, throttle is
at minimum to initiate
binding procedure.
KiwiQuad motors will
not spin when throttle is
increased.
Movement detected on
startup.
The rst time a Kiwi-
Quad is launched from
startup, it must be from
a stable, level surface.
This is a protection
measure.
No picture at FPV
Headset or heavy video
break-up at close dis-
tances
Wrong frequency se-
lection on FPV Head-
set.
Tune FPV Headset to
correct frequency. See
pages 7-8.
Lost Procedure
Don’t panic! If your KiwiQuad is lost, follow the instructions below. It is
important to begin your search as soon as possible as the battery will
continue to deplete.
• Do not switch off your headset or controller. These items can be of
assistance in your search.
• Lower your throttle to minimum. Otherwise, when the controller
connection re-establishes, it could take-off unexpectedly.
• Pulse your throttle up and down. This will create sound as the motors
pulse and may help you locate the position.
• Look through the FPV Headset. Can you see any recognisable
surroundings? Does the picture become clearer when heading a specic
direction? Move towards the stronger signal.
• Recall last ying location. On loss of signal, your KiwiQuad will shutdown
all motors and fall. This is a protection measure.
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