Skycat X68 User manual

SKYCAT DRONE PARACHUTE LAUNCHER
USER MANUAL v2 02/2015
Please read and follow these instructions carefully. In case you have any
feedback or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [e-mail]
or [email protected]
We update this manual based on user feedback and we are determined to
answer and offer solutions to all possible questions and problems. It’s quite
common that RC manufacturers do not offer enough data about their
products, but we’d like to change that. In the end you’ll see Skycat parachute
launcher is very easy and simple to use.
Fly safe – Keep flying!
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
1

How does Skycat parachute launcher work
The parachute is packed and slided into the launcher tube. A spring loaded
piston is used to push the parachute away from the aircraft. The loaded
spring is held in tension by a special Fuse. To eject the parachute, electric
current is conducted to the Fuse, which heats rapidly and looses it’s holding
strength, releasing the piston.
Careful installation and loading of the launcher and packing of the parachute
is essential in order to achieve best possible eject performance. We highly
recommend packing, loading and launching Skycat a few times as exercise
before mounting to your aircraft.
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
2

WARNINGS AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Please follow these directions to stay within warranty limits and ensure
proper functionality.
- Never launch Skycat towards people or animals!
- Do not use the launcher to eject anything other than a parachute.
- Do not launch when the tube is empty.
- Only use the original cloth around the parachute package.
- Always shoot towards free airspace.
- Do not use excessive force when arming the launcher or loading the
parachute package. Refer to manual and packing instruction video to
achieve successful loading.
- Do not mount the launcher in ways that tightly squeeze the launcher
tube, as this could jam the piston.
- Never swing the tube around once it’s packed, as g-forces might sling
the parachute out accidentally.
- Skycat is NOT suitable for aerobatic flying! Only use it to protect stable
flying radio controlled aircraft.
- Do not expose Skycat to rain!
- Use only dry parachute!
- Only use with reliable, digital RC control systems. A glitch could result in
an unwanted eject!
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
3

Trigger SPECS
- Receiver voltage range is 4.9 - 6.1 V.
- Power the trigger using a high quality 3 - 4 cell LiPo battery (1000mAh
or bigger). Make sure the battery is capable of providing continuous 30A
current in all conditions and working temperatures. Do not exceed 4S.
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
4

STEP 1 CREATING A FUSE
Use only genuine Skycat Fuse® wire. Wrong wire strength and electrical properties
might cause malfunction.
1) X68: Measure and cut 125 mm long Fuse wire.
2) X55-CF: Measure and cut 135 mm long Fuse wire.
3) Loop both ends of the wire and join the wires using four fuse locks.
IMPORTANT!
- Leave a 3mm gap between wire ends!
- Use high leverage straight pliers.
- Use enough force so that the Fuse locks are fully crimped.
-It is recommended to use four locks when flying with Skycat. Using two
will be enough, but it’s only recommended for training purposes on the
ground.
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
5

www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
6

STEP 2 ARMING THE X68 LAUNCHER
- First, please watch this arming demonstration video:
www.tinyurl.com/skycat-x68-arming
- The spring is very strong! Be careful and hold the launcher firmly when
arming.
- We recommend facial cover for safety.
1) Insert a Fuse through the center hole in the piston.
2) Slide piston pin through the Fuse loop.
3) Press piston down with an appropriate tool, for example long pliers. Do
not use a sharp tool to avoid damaging the piston!
4) Slide a screwdriver or other suitable shaft through the side holes to
hold the piston down.
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
7

5) Use a hook to pull the Fuse through the base center hole.
6) Push bottom pin through the Fuse loop. Make sure that the pin is
pushed all the way into the base, so that the Fuse cannot slip out!
7) Press down on the piston slightly and pull out the screwdriver. Slowly
release pressure on the piston to shift tension onto the Fuse. Do not
release the piston suddenly as it could damage the Fuse.
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
8

8) Check that the piston is level after arming. Adjust if necessary by sliding
the Fuse on the piston pin or base pin. Pressing down on the piston
makes this easier.
IMPORTANT!
- Make sure the piston fully covers both side holes! If too low, parachute
lines might get through and jam the piston!
- Check both pins carefully! Fuse must contact the brass surface in order
to have good conductivity!
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
9

STEP 2 ARMING THE X55-CF LAUNCHER
- First, please watch this arming demonstration video:
www.tinyurl.com/skycat-x55-arming
- Spring is strong! Be careful and grasp launcher very firmly!
- Face safety cover is recommended.
1) Insert a Fuse through the center hole in the piston.
2) Slide piston pin through the Fuse loop.
3) Press piston down against chair or any proper height level surface with
tool supplied with the launcher. Smaller notch to the end of pin and
larger notch to heatshrink end.
4) Hold piston down and use a hook to pull the Fuse through the base
center hole. This requires some force and is easier with two persons. Be
careful; spring is strong and you need to hold the launcher firmly.
5) Use hook for temporary aid for keeping Fuse in hole
6) Push a pin through the loop of the Fuse
www.skycat.pro
All Rights Reserved
10