leptron Precision RDASS Technical specifications

Part # 27670009
Revision 11/17/2016
Precision RDASS
Aircraft Flight Manual

ii

iii
Contents
1. Introduction ......................................................................................1
1.1 Documentation Conventions ..........................................................1
1.2 Notes, Cautions, and Warnings.......................................................2
2. RDASS System Description................................................................5
2.1 List of Components .........................................................................5
2.2 Flight Tablet ....................................................................................9
2.3 DX9 Radio Controller Switchology ................................................10
2.4 Ground Station Components ........................................................12
2.5 Hyperion Charger Components ....................................................12
3. Battery Procedures .........................................................................13
3.1 Battery Safety................................................................................13
3.2 Charging the DX9 Radio Controller ...............................................14
3.3 Charging the GoPro.......................................................................15
3.4 Testing LiPo Battery Voltage .........................................................15
3.5 Ground Station In-line Connector.................................................15
3.6 Hyperion Charger Setup................................................................16
3.7 Charging and Balancing LiPo Batteries..........................................17
3.8 Storing LiPo Batteries....................................................................18
4. Cameras ..........................................................................................20
4.1 GoPro Basics..................................................................................20
4.1 Common Camera Operations .......................................................21
4.2 GoPro Hero4 Menus and S............................................................22
4.3 tatus ..............................................................................................22
5. PccLite .............................................................................................24

iv
5.1 Introduction ............................................................................26
5.2 General layout.........................................................................26
5.3 Video/Map Picture-in-Picture.................................................26
5.4 System Status..........................................................................27
5.5 Icons ........................................................................................28
5.6 Abort .......................................................................................29
5.7 Emergency Descent.................................................................29
5.8 Preflight...................................................................................30
5.9 Map Commands......................................................................33
5.10 Primary Flight Controls ...........................................................34
5.11 Aircraft Steering Control .........................................................34
5.12 Yaw and Camera Control ........................................................35
5.13 Altitude Controls .....................................................................35
5.14 Command Tray Buttons ..........................................................35
6. Flight Checklist ................................................................................40
7. Performance and Limits ..................................................................44
7.1 Aircraft Specifications ...................................................................44
7.2 Flight Time Calculation..................................................................44
7.3 Weight and Center of Gravity Limits.............................................44
8. User-Level Maintenance .................................................................46
8.1 Rotor Removal ........................................................................46
8.2 Rotor Installation ....................................................................47
8.3 Ground Compass Calibration ..................................................48
8.4 Air Compass Calibration..........................................................50
9. Emergency Procedures ...................................................................53

1
1.INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Precision RDASS. The
RDASS offers a superior aerial data collection platform. Leptron
provides this manual to support safe, effective, and legal
operations of our small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS). You
can ensure that you are getting the maximum benefit from your
sUAS by strictly observing all operating procedures and practices
outlined in this manual. You should regularly check leptron.com
for updates to this manual, as this manual is subject to change
without notice. For service and support call [phone].
1.1 Documentation Conventions
An operating procedure, condition, etc., which
is essential to highlight.
An operating procedure, practice, etc. which, if
not strictly observed, could result in damage to
or destruction of equipment.
An operating procedure, practice, etc., which,
if not correctly followed, could result in
personal injury or loss of life.
SHALL:
used to indicate a mandatory requirement
WILL:
used to express a declaration of purpose
SHOULD:
used to indicate a nonmandatory but preferred
method of accomplishment
MAY:
used to indicate an acceptable method
NOTE
CAUTION
WARNING

2
1.2 Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Read the entire manual before operating the RDASS
This manual shall be immediately available to the
operator at all times during operation of the RDASS.
Check leptron.com regularly to ensure the most up-to-
date version of this manual is used
Always use the Flight Checklist provided herein during
flight. A supplemental laminated Flight Checklist (P/N:
27670008) may be substituted to meet this
requirement
Maintain a Pilot Log and an Inspection & Maintenance
Log for all flights (FAA 14 CFR 61.51 (b). Additional
log sheets are available on leptron.com
Comply with all FAA (or similar aviation authority) and
local regulations
Before flying, check for Temporary Flight Restrictions
(TFRs), Military Training Routes (MTRs), and Notice
to Airmen (NOTAMs) that may affect your planned
flight
If you experience any issue not covered in this
manual, please contact a Leptron Authorized Dealer.
A list of dealers can be found at leptron.com
Or call [phone] for assistance.
Do not leave ToughPad in direct sunlight. The
ToughPad can overheat and will not be usable until
the temperature of the ToughPad drops sufficiently
Keep the aircraft in Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) at all
times. Visual Line of Sight SHALL be maintained at all
times by either the PIC or VO
Do not fly within 500 feet below or within 2000 feet
horizontally of any cloud
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
NOTE
CAUTION
CAUTION

3
ONLY use Leptron provided rotors. See Chapter 8 for
rotor replacement procedure.
Keep the compass module away from magnets
including car speakers. Magnets can damage the
compass and can cause the aircraft to lose control.
Do not leave LiPo batteries in direct sunlight. This can
reduce the life of the batteries
Do Not Expose LiPo batteries to temperatures below
20°F. The internal battery cells can freeze and rupture
Verify the Wi-Fi function is disabled on GoPro to avoid
interference with the Radio Controller, which may
adversely affect RDASS controllability.
Do not leave LiPo batteries unattended while
charging. An undetected fault in the charger could
cause a fire
Failure to install antennas can cause permantant
damage to equipment . Always install antennas prior
to powering any equipment that uses an antenna.
Do not Fly at night
Flight within 5 nautical miles of any airport requires
special permissions, a VHF 2-Way radio, and
coordination with Air Traffic Control (ATC) a minimum
of 24 hours in advance.
Always give right of way to manned aircraft.
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
WARNING
WARNING
CAUTION

4
Before flying you should seek out flight training from a
qualified instructor. Leptron recommends receiving
flight training from a Leptron factory trained instructor.
Maintain 500 foot clearance from all persons and
property when conducting a post-maintenance
functional test flight
Beware of spinning motors and propellers
Motors can be very hot after flight!
Do not alter auto-pilot firmware or settings. Flight
stability can be negatively affected
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING

5
2.RDASS SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
2.1 List of Components
Table 1: RDASS Basic Components
Item
Qty
Description
Part
Number
A
1
Pelican Case with
foam
57605018
B
1
Battery Charger
17605036
H
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

6
Item
Qty
Description
Part
Number
C
1
HMMWV Adapter
Cable
17606741
D
2
Flight Battery
57605014
E.0
1
GB200 Gyro
Gimbal
17606742
E.1
1
RDASS Antenna
17606701
E.2
Camera
17606099
F
2
Anti-Crush Tubes
with Vinyl Caps
27606044
17606586
G
1
DX9 Radio
Transmitter with
Charger
57605024
Table 2: RDASS Ground Station Components (Part # 87606009)
Item
Qty
Description
Part
Number
H.0
1
Toughpad
17600004

7
Ite
m
Qty
Description
Part
Number
H.1
1
Microhard Radio
17600009
H.2
2
Ground Station
Battery Pack
(one pre-installed)
17606704
H.3
1
Microhard Radio
Case
57606003
H.4
1
Ground Station
Antenna
17606736
H.5
1
Toughpad Case
17606755
-
1
24 Volt Power
Supply
17605035
-
1
Laminated Checklist
27670008
Table 3: RDASS Maintenance Kit (Part # 57605030)
Item
Qty
Description
Part
Number
-
1
Wattmeter
17606022
-
1
Dynamite Driver
toolkit
17606091

8
Item
Qty
Description
Part
Number
-
1
10mm
open/closed end
wrench
17606176
-
1
Spare Battery,
DX9 Radio
27606155
-
2
Spare e-Props
(Right)
17606024
-
2
Spare e-Props
(Left)
17606025
1
HDMI Cable
17606431
Table 4: Optional Equipment
Item
Qty
Description
Part
Number
P
1
SanDisk 64 GB
Card
17606527
-
1
Gyro Stabilized
Dual Camera
Gimble
17606769
-
1
FLIR Camera
17606639

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2.2 Flight Tablet
The Pilot-on-the-Controls must exercise caution when
directing attention to the live video. Always use a
Visual Observer to assist in maintaining situational
awareness of aircraft positioning and to aid in obstacle
avoidance
CAUTION
Dashboard for PC
Power Button
Digital Keyboard
Screen Orientation
Volume Increase
Volume Decrease
Start Menu
Stylus with
right-click
Button

10
2.3 DX9 Radio Controller Switchology
+0
+0
+0
+0
7.9V
TX
Yaw Trim
Throttle Trim
Pitch (Fore)/Aft Trim
Lateral Trim
Flight Mode Switch
Count-Down Timer Switch
Power Switch
10:00
Count-Down Timer
LED indicator –Orange = Power ON
–Blue = Charging Battery

11
Throttle
Climb
Descend
Yaw Control
Yaw Left
Yaw Right
Pitch Control
Fly Forward
Fly Rearward
Roll Control
Fly Right
Fly Left
Auto-Pilot
Mode
The aircraft receives
flight commands from
the tablet
Steering Mode
Position 1 and Position
2 on the Flight Mode
Switch have identical
functions. The aircraft
receives flight
commands from the
DX9 Remote Control
0
1 E
2
0
1 E
2
0
1 E
2

12
2.4 Ground Station Components
2.5 Hyperion Charger Components
v
Power Switch
Ground Station Antenna
Voltage
LED Status
Ethernet Port
Battery Access Door
Connection Signal
LED Status
Balance Board
Power Source
Banana Clip to Anderson Powerpole
Battery Charger

13
3.BATTERY PROCEDURES
3.1 Battery Safety
The operator should not begin a flight with less than
25.0 Volts on the Flight Battery.
DO NOT discharge the flight battery beyond 80% of
its capacity (7,200 mAh), or leave the battery
plugged into the RDASS when unused. If the LiPo
flight battery is over discharged the battery may be
irreparably damaged.
Never allow batteries or battery packs to come into
contact with moisture at any time. Store the battery
in a cool and dry environment.
Do not use or store the battery near fire.
Only use provided charger to charge batteries.
Dropping the battery can cause it to rupture; Avoid
Puncturing the battery; Do not disassemble or alter
the battery in any way.
Do not use or store the battery in extreme heat
environments, such as direct sunlight or in a car.
Overheating the battery may affect the performance
of the battery and shorten the service life of the
battery.
Use a clean dry lint-free cloth to clean battery
contacts.
Battery electrolyte gel can be harmful or fatal if
swallowed. Battery electrolyte gel is an eye irritant.
If battery ruptures, avoid getting any gel in your
eyes. If battery electrolyte gets in eyes, flush eyes
with water then seek medical assistance
immediately.
If the battery gives off a foul odor, the battery
swells, or any other abnormal phenomena occur,
discontinue use of the battery and discard the
battery in accordance with local laws and
regulations.
Do not charge batteries unattended. Undetected
faults in the charger could cause a fire
CAUTION

14
3.2 Charging the DX9 Radio Controller
The DX9 has an internal charger designed to charge the included
2-cell Li-Ion battery at a charge rate of 200mAh. The charge port
on the right side of the transmitter is not polarity-dependent.
Always charge the transmitter on a heat resistant surface.
1. Power off your transmitter.
2. Connect the power supply connector to the transmitter
charge port.
3. Connect the power supply to a power outlet using the
appropriate adapter.
4. The blue LED on the front of the transmitter turns on during
charging and turns off when the battery is fully charged.
5. Disconnect the transmitter from the power supply once
charging is complete and disconnect the power supply
from the power outlet.
Never connect an external battery charger to your
DX9 transmitter. If you wish to charge the Li-Ion
battery using a Lipo/ Li-Ion charger, you must
remove the battery from the transmitter before
charging.
CAUTION

15
3.3 Charging the GoPro
Charge the battery by connecting the camera to a computer or
other USB charging adapter using the included USB cable. The
camera status light turns on during charging and turns off when
charging is complete. Use on 5V 1A charger.
3.4 Testing LiPo Battery Voltage
To determine the voltage of either the Flight Battery or the Ground
Station Battery connect the battery to the appropriately configured side
of the Wattmeter.
3.5 Ground Station In-line Connector
The Ground Station voltage input is limited to 12.6 volts. The Battery
leads on the Ground Station and Ground Station Battery have been
configured in such a way as to discourage connecting a 25 Volt flight
battery. A short in-line connector is provided with the battery charger In
order to charge the Ground Station Battery.
00.0A -> 25.32V
0W 00.0WH

16
3.6 Hyperion Charger Setup
1. Connect the balancer connector to the front of the charger.
2. Plug in the banana-clip-to-Anderson-Powerpole cable to
the Hyperion Charger.
3. Connect the Hyperion charger to a 24V Power Supply
Connect the battery to both the Anderson Powerpole
connector and the balance board.
Do not remove the banana-clip-to-Anderson-
Powerpole cable from the charger while connected
to the battery. The terminal ends can contact and
create a dangerous short condition.
WARNING
-OR-