SWELLPRO Splash Drone 3 User manual

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SwellPro
User Manual
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©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved
02
Thank you for purchasing this SwellPro Splash Drone. We have designed and manufactured
the Splash Drone to the highest quality standards, to provide you a safe and reliable product
for many years. Please read the entire contents of this manual thoroughly, to
comprehensively familiarize yourself with the product before using it.
Please Note: This manual is correct at the time of release, and is subject to change without
notice. Please check on our website: www.swellpro.com for the latest release.
Icon Denitions
Prohibited Important Notice Operation Notice
Reading Note
Where to nd the tutorial videos
Recommended
Swellpro has prepared the following tutorial videos and instruction manuals:
1. Parts List
2. User Manual
3. Disclaimer Guide
4. Battery Usage Guide
Before flying the drone, we strongly advise you to watch the tutorial videos and read through
the above instruction manuals.
The tutorial videos can be found and downloaded at
www.swellpro.com.

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 03
Contents
02
02
02
02
05
06
07
08
08
09
Reading Note
Icon Definitions
Recommended
Where to find the tutorial videos
Product Overview
Brief Introduction
Highlighted Functions
Drone Assembly and Set up
Drone Illustrations
Remote Controller Illustrations
11
12
12
12
14
15
16
About the Drone
Drone Overview
Flight Modes
Drone Indication Lights
Auto Return-Home Function
The Quick attach Propellers
Battery
19
19
21
22
23
24
Remote Control
Remote Control Overview
Remote Control LED Indicators
Conversion of the remote control throttle position
Remote Controller Pairing (to the drone)
FPV Screen
25
26
28
28
29
Waterproof Camera & Gimbal
Camera
Gimbal Calibration
Gimbal Accelerometer Calibration
Gimbal Gyroscope Calibration

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30
31
31
31
32
32
33
36
37
Flight
Introducing you to Flying a Drone
Flying the Splash Drone
Flight Restrictions
Pre-Flight Inspection and checks
Accelerometer Calibration
Compass Calibration
Starting/Stopping Motors
Basic Flight Operation
38
39
41
Frequently Used Parts
Video Transmitter Channel Selection
Payload Release
42
43
44
45
46
APP Control
How to use the APP
Flight path setting
Follow Me
Point-to-Fly
47
48
49
Appendix
Specifications
Warranty Information

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 05
This section introduces the various
drone functions, how to assemble
the drone, the various part names of
the drone, and it’s remote control.
Product Overview

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved
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The Splash drone 3
On the water.......
In the Rain........
Above the Water.......
The Splash Drone is your solution.....
The Splash drone 3 is the most advanced waterproof drone ever released. It is the rst
fully integrated modular amphibious ying platform.
Thanks to the new flight control system, the Splash Drone 3 is more reliable than ever. Its
brand new propulsion system with the new custom designed 620KV motor system and quick
release carbon fiber propellers, provides you with the perfect balance between power and
efficiency. With the new quick release modular system you can enjoy maximum versatility by
quickly and easily switch between :
The 4KGC a waterproof 4K camera and 2 axis gimbal module
or
PL1 the original payload release module , for simple release.
or
PL2 the HD Fpv payload release module, for precise release with live video feed.
or
PL3 the most advanced payload release module, with 4k camera recording and one axis
gimbal, for the Ultimate precision live video feed and 4k recording capabilities.
or
many more modules to come...
Because great power and versatility requires great control, we developed a fully
ergonomically designed and integrated remote controller with redesigned controls to
maximize ease of use and efficiency and a built in 5”FPV screen, so you can see live video and
OSD data without any additional equipment.
The splash drone 3 allows you to operate in all weather conditions, in tough environments,
whether its over land or over the sea.With the advanced modular design it can quickly adapt
to all type of missions from aerial filming to search and rescue, ocean survey, fishing and
many more applications.

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1. A comprehensive waterproof design, which is conducive to all weather flight, on a sunny
day, a rainy day, or even if it is snowing. It can skim the water surface, whilst the camera films
below the surface of the water. It can land on the water, and take off again, and even
withstands salty water conditions.
2. The waterproof payload release system can be used to deliver up to 1kg payloads,
including but not limited to life-saving equipment, lines, or fishing bait.
3. Swellpro’s 3rd generation waterproof gimbal integrated with a 4k camera, is quickly and
easily mounted with the new quick release design.
4. Newly designed 5.8G video transmission system, ensuring you have the best FPV flying
experience.
5. Upgraded auto Return Home software, making sure you can safely retrieve your drone, in
the event of losing sight of it, or in an emergency situation.
6. Brand new, ergonomically designed remote controller, which comes with an integrated 5”
FPV screen, you can now see live video and OSD data on the screen.
7. New data link, together with a new APP version, which brings a stable and user-friendly
smart flight experience.
8. Smart cruise flight mode, making it easier for you to film moving objects, and frees up one
hand.
9. Brand new design quick release carbon fiber propellers, strong and durable, a perfect
match for the power system.
10. High quality smart balance charger supports charging the drone’s battery, and the
remote controller’s battery, it is designed to also protect your batteries, thereby creating a
longer useable life.
11. Compact design carry case, easy to carry, or to effectively protect and store your drone.
Highlighted and enhanced functions

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Note: When opening the top cover, be careful to not strain the GPS cable. When closing
the top cover, ensure that the hatch is oriented correctly with the arrow facing the front
of the drone.
Note: please align the
positional arrow on the
plug to the mark on the
socket, please don’t
twist the socket as the
waterproof seal can be
afected.
Once aligned, push the
plug into the socket and
tighten the locking nut.
Do not force the plug or
the nut.
Preparation of the drone
Drone Assembly and Set Up
Drone Illustrations
Mount the gimbal onto the bottom plate, and secure it
with the fixing screw.
Slack of and remove the mounting screw on the topside
of the gimbal, in the event of it being very tight, you can
use a coin to assist.
Gimbal Installation
Installation of the landing gear
Detailed Description
Installation Diagram
Insert the landing gear according to the red arrows.
Detailed DescriptionInstallation Diagram
Insert the gimbal
connecting plug into the
corresponding socket on
the underside of the
drone, and tighten the
waterproof cap on the
plug.
Attention: Install the camera gimbal after completing the accelerometer and compass
calibrations on the Splash Drone, to avoid unnecessary rotation & vibration. (Refer to the
accelerometer calibration and compass calibration on pg 29 & 30 for more details)

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Nose Direction
[01] Cover/hatch screw
[02] Quick release carbon fiber propeller
[03] Nose direction
[04] Flight Indication Lights(Front: 2 X Green, Stern
Lights: Normally Green, or Red/Yellow, indicating status)
[05] Gimbal damping ball
[06] Waterproof gimbal and camera
[07] Landing gear
[08] Gimbal quick release screw
[09] Waterproof cable plug/socket
[10] Rubber foot
[11] Waterproof brushless motor
[12] Propeller Attachment system
[13] GPS top cover/hatch
Power Button
Auto powers on the FPV screen,
but can be manually powered off.
Remote Controller Illustrations
[01]
[03]
[02]
[04]
[05]
[06]
[19]
[07]
[09]
[08]
[10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
Channel / Decrease (-)
Manual channel Selection /
Decrease value
Before closing the GPS Top cover, please ensure the watertight gasket and the sealing
surfaces on the drone fuselage are in good condition and are free of dirt, sand or any
other contamination. So as to avoid sand & other foreign materials which will
significantly and adversely influence the integrity of waterproof seal on the Splash
Drone.
Auto search/Menu Select
Use the auto search function to select
the most suitable channel / Switch
between the different menus
Band / Increase (+)
Manual band Selection / Increase
value
Menu / Menu Selection
Enter into the main menu/ Shift
between the various menus

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Before powering on the controller, please be sure to put all the toggle switches on the
controller (Airdrop Switch, Camera Switch, Mode Switch and Return Home Switch) in
the up position, failure to do so, will result in the controller continuously sending out a
warning tone.
Once the Splash Drone has successfully booted up, please switch the camera switch to
the Preview position.
[01] Remote Antenna
For drone operation signal
[02] Left pairing button
Bind the RC with drone
[03] Gimbal Horizontal Tilt
Thumbwheel
Adjusts the horizontal tilt
of the camera
[04] Camera switch
Used for taking Pictures,
videos or previewing.
[05] Airdrop switch
Controls the payload release
[06] Left Joystick
Control the drone’s ascend
(up), descend (down) and/or
to rotate the aircraft nose to
the left or right.
[07] Working Status lights
Remote control working status
[08] Left power button
Press the left and right power
buttons simultaneously to
power on the controller
[09] USB Port /Interface
For remote control firmware
upgrade use
[10] Hanger ring
For use during remote
controller firmware upgrades
and for simulated flight
purposes.
[11] Right power button
Press the left and right power
button simultaneously, to
power on the controller.
[12] Power status lights
Displaying the remote
controller’s battery status
[13] Right joystick
Controls the drone for forward,
backward, left and right flight
[14] Return-Home switch
Commands the drone to
return automatically
[15] Flight mode switch
GPS / Cruise Flight / ATTI
[16] Gimbal Vertical Tilt
Thumbwheel
adjusts the vertical tilt of
the camera
[17] Right pairing button
Bind the RC with drone
[18] Video antenna
Transmits FPV live video
[19] FPV screen
Displays FPV live video and
On screen data from the
drone.
[01]
[03]
[02]
[04]
[05]
[06]
[07]
[08]
[09] [10]
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
[17]
[18]
[19]

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 11
This section introduces the drone,
and its functions.
About the drone

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The drone mainly comprises of the following systems:
-Flight control system,
-Communication system,
-Positioning system,
-Power system including the battery, ESC, motors and propellers.
Drone Overview
The Splash Drone 3 utilizes a brand new flight control system, incorporating 3 of the best
flight modes.
This mode uses the GPS module to achieve accurate and stabilized hovering,
intelligent flight, intelligent return and other intelligent flight mode functions.
It enables a maximum flight speed of 10m/s, maximum ascend speed of
4m/s, and maximum descend speed of 3m/s.
Specially designed for smooth aerial filming. The turning function of left
joystick is disabled, and is mixed into the right joystick, thereby freeing up
your left hand, with the other hand to used control the drone’s direction, and
flight path.
This mode does not use the GPS positioning function, but still maintains
attitude stabilization.
Note: With a good GPS signal, intelligent return can be achieved. A maximum
flight attitude angle of 25 degrees, a maximum flight speed of 16m/s, a
maximum ascent rate of 4m/s, and the maximum descend rate of 3m/s.
Please Note: In ATTI mode, and the drone’s speed is faster. When flying in a calm
environment, the pilot should allow a minimum of 30 meters for braking distance to
ensure flight safety.
Select the preferred flight mode of the drone using the remote mode switch on the
controller.
Flight Modes
GPS mode:
Smart Cruise:
ATTI mode:
Both in the ATTI or GPS mode, it is recommended to take off after the GPS signal is up to
or more than 9 stars, so as to ensure that the drone accurately records the return point.
When the Auto-Return function is activated, the drone can accurately return to the
take-off point.

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 13
The fuselage of the drone includes a pair of nose LED indicator lights, and the drone status
indicator lights on the rear arms. Their positions are shown below:
The nose LED indicator lights are used to indicate the direction of the nose of the drone. The
rear aircraft status indicator lights indicate the status of the current flight control system.
Please refer to the following table for the different flash modes for the flight control system.
Drone Indication Lights
Drone status indicator
Flight Mode
x1 One Green Flash
Two Green Flashes
Three Green Flashes
Four Green Flashes
Green Fast Flashing
ATTI Mode
GPS Mode
Circling flight & Smart Cruise (Optional)
Cruise Flight
APP control/ Return Home
Nose indication Lights Drone Status Indicator Lights
x2
x3
x4
GPS Status
x3 Three Red Flashes
Two Red Flashes
One Red Flash
No Red Flash
No GPS connection, or no GPS signal
Poor GPS signal
Satisfactory GPS signal
Good GPS signal
x2
x1
Two-Sided compass calibration
Yellow ON
Green ON
Red ON
Alternating - Red, Green,
Yellow slow flashing
Horizontal Calibration
Vertical Calibration
Calibration Failure
Calibration Success
Low battery warning
x3 Three Yellow Flashes
Yellow Fast Flashing
First level low battery warning, for safety,
land as soon as possible.
Second level low battery warning, the
drone will start it’s auto landing sequence.

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved
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The Splash Drone 3 has an auto return home function. If the GPS successfully recorded the
return point before takeoff, and, if the remote controller and the aircraft loose
communication with each other, the drone will automatically return to the take off point,
and land. The Splash Drone 3 provides two auto return home modes, they are: one key return
and failsafe return.
Return Home
Warnings and Abnormal Status
Red - Fast Flashing
Yellow, Green alternate
slow flashing
Alternating Red & Green
- slow flashing
Alternating Red and
Yellow - slow flashing
Lost radio signal
Compass interference / Abnormality
Lost GPS signal, GPS abnormal
IMU vibration has exceeded
its limits, or is Abnormal
Accelerometer Calibration
Green ON Calibration Success
Six-Sided Compass Calibration
Alternating - Red, Green,
Yellow slow flashing
Return Normal Status
Busy with calibration process
Other
Red, Green, Yellow
alternate slow flashing
Red ON
Indicates initialization process
after powering on
Unlock Failure
GPS Description
Return Point
Alternating - Red, Green,
Yellow slow flashing
Busy with calibration process
Calibration Success
During take off, or during the flight process, the GPS signal
should be greater than 9 satellites, the drone will save the
current position as the return point. When taking off in GPS
mode, it is recommended that the GPS satellite count is
greater than 9 satellites.

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 15
Return Home
If the drone goes out of effective range, the Return Home function will be activated
automatically. When the remote control communication is recovered, the control of the
drone can be resumed after a single switching of the flight mode Switch, regardless of
whether the currently selected mode is ATTI or GPS.
One Key Return Home Function
Failsafe Return Home
Note: During the return process, only the right (steering) stick can be controlled. When
the drone returns to the point of departure, and commences its descent, the left joystick
will only control the direction (Heading) of the drone, the right joystick controls the
forward/back and sideways functions, in order to select and land at the chosen landing
point. If you need to take control of the drone, you need to switch the Return Home
switch to Normal position.
If the GPS signal is poor (Value is less than 5) or GPS doesn’t work, the Return Home
function will not be available.
Description
Remote Control
Flick the Return Home switch to Return Home position, the
drone will activate its return home mode. In this mode, the
drone will automatically return to the home point.
Vertical height > 20metres, horizontal distance > 15metres,
the drone will maintain its altitude and return to its home
point.
Vertical height < 20metres, horizontal distance > 15metres,
the drone will ascend up to 20metres, and then return to its
home point.
Vertical height < 10metres, horizontal distance < 15metres,
the drone will maintain its altitude, and return to it’s home
point.
Return Process
DescriptionFlare maneuver

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved
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Clockwise HubCounter Clockwise Hub
Attaching and Removing the propellers:
1. To prevent damaging the landing gear, always use one hand to properly support each
motor as you install its propeller. Use this hand to also stop the motor hub rotating while
installing the propellers.
2. Check that the propeller rotation (CW or CCW) matches the motor hub. This is the normal
direction the propellers spin during fight.
3. Rotate the propeller in the hub until it engages, then push the propeller downwards and
rotate it 1/8th of a turn opposite to its name to lock it.
4. Check the propeller is completely locked by checking that the dots on the propeller and
hub align or by holding to motor hub frmly and ensuring that the propeller cannot be
turned.
5. To remove propellers, support the motor with one hand and press the propeller down and
then rotate it 1/8th of a turn according to its name to unlock it from the hub.
Quick Attach Propellers
The blades are sharp, please be careful to avoid accidental cutting or scratches.
When installing or removing the propellers, place one hand under the motor to
support it when installing or removing propellers. Failure to provide this support could
result in bending or breaking the landing gear.
Prior to each fight, please check that the propellers are smooth all over and are
correctly installed and securely fastened.
Propeller CCW Propeller CW Propeller
Picture
Direction
Turn clockwise to lockInstallation Turn counter-clockwise to lock
CW Propeller SlotCCW Propeller Slot

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1. Connect the charger to an AC power supply (100-240V, 50/60Hz), and then connect the
charger to the drone battery, or the remote control battery, as applicable.
2. After powering on the balance charger, all the LEDs will flash for 1 second, connect the
battery to the balance charging port, now the battery can be charged.
3. Indication lights: One LED on indicates a charge level of 25% , two LEDs on indicate a
charge level of 50%, three LEDs on indicate a charge level of 75%, four LEDs indicate that the
battery is fully charged.
Before use, please fully charge the drone battery, and the remote battery.
Battery
Charging
When inserting the battery, please take note
and observe the following precautions:
-Please ensure the battery is “lying on it’s side”
with the cables exiting the battery towards the
rear of the drone,
-Please observe the label on the battery.
-Please observe the instructions and the arrow
on the label.
Battery Installation
If a propeller becomes damaged, or broken, please replace it, they can be purchased
separately.
Please do not get too close to the rotating propellers and motors, to avoid cuts or
injury.
Please use the propellers provided by Swellpro, they cannot can be mixed with
different types of propeller.
Before charging, please ensure that you are using the correct battery type.
If, during the charging process, the 4 indicator lights flash at the same time, this
indicates a charger or battery failure, please stop charging.
Please do not charge more than one battery at the same, so as not to damage the
charger.

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B14.8V P -0.1°
R 3.3°
V 0.0M/S
Y 26.8° 15
00:07:00
0.0
D 0M
H 0M
FS
ATT
The Factory default two low power alarm:
Level 1 alarm: when the drone battery drops to 14.6V, the LEDs on the rear arms will Flash
yellow 3 times, and, simultaneously, the FPV screen will display low power status prompt, and
also prompt you to return the drone and land. Please return as soon as possible.
Level 2 alarm: when the drone battery voltage drops to 14.4V, the LEDs on the rear arms will
fast Flash yellow continually, the prompt sign on the FPV screen will fash, and the drone will
then proceed to auto land at its current location.
Low Power Alarm Warnings
1. In low temperature environments (-10C degrees to 5C degrees) , the fight time will be
reduced. Before use, please fully charge the battery, and keep it warm.
2. In low temperature environments, it is recommended to stop fying if and when the low
battery alarm is on.
3. In low temperature environments, it is recommended to preheat the battery before.
Low temperature precautions
1. When taking off from choppy water, ascend quickly from the surface to prevent the drone
being afected by a passing wave.
2. When landing on water, descend vertically to the surface. If the drone lands with horizontal
speed, it is possible the drone can fip and be inverted. The fight controller will shut down the
motors if the drone becomes inverted.
Water take-o and landing precautions
While operating the drone, please monitor the battery voltage level, and keep the
voltage level in mind, when the level has dropped to 14.8V, please prepare to return the
drone to a safe landing place.
It is dangerous to continue fying the drone once with insufcient battery power. This
could result in damage to the battery.
Do not leave the drone floating inverted for more than a few minutes. Recover the
drone as soon as possible to avoid water entering the drone.
When the drone
battery voltage
drops to the level 1
warning voltage, the
FPV screen will
display the prompt
sign of low battery
voltage. Plan to
return and land.
When the drone
battery voltage drop
down to the level 2
alarm voltage, the
prompt on the on the
FPV screen will fash
continuously , and
the drone will land at
its current location.

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 19
The Splash Drone3 remote control operates using two frequency bands, 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz.
2.4GHz is for the drone control, and 5.8GHz is for the FPV video signal. The remote controller
is integrated with the camera and gimbal controls, which is convenient for the user to easily
maintain comprehensive control during flight, and can easily shoot wonderful videos or
pictures.
This section introduces the remote
control functions. Including the
drone operation, and the camera
operation.
Remote Control
Remote Control Overview

©2018 SwellPro All Rights Reserved
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OFF：Close Airdrop
Airdrop：Releases the payload
Video：Record Video
Preview：Preview
Photo：Take Picture
Photo
OFF
Airdrop
Video
Preview
Press down and slide open the battery cover to open it, install the remote control battery and
replace the cover.
Remote Control Battery Installation
Remote Control Operation
Power ON and Power OFF
The default remote control configuration is left hand as throttle. If you prefer to have
right hand throttle, please consult your local dealer.
Airdrop Switch
Description
Remote Control Operation
Camera Control
Description
Remote Control Operation
Flight Mode
Description
Remote Control Operation
Description
Remote Control Operation
1. Simultaneously press the two power switches for about 3
seconds, the remote control will power on, and the screen
will turn on.
2. To turn off the controller, simultaneously press the two
power switches for about 3 seconds again, the remote
control will power off, and the screen will turn off.
GPS：GPS mode
Smart Cruise：Smart Cruise Mode
ATTI：ATTI mode
GPS
Smart Cruise
ATTI