SWELLPRO Splash Drone 4 User manual

SplashDrone 4
User Guide
Visit www.swellpro.com for the latest version of this manual and firmware updates for
your drone and accessories.
V1.0 –June 2021

2©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing the SplashDrone 4. We have designed and manufactured the
SplashDrone 4 to the highest quality standards.
Like any marine equipment, long-life and trouble-free operation rely on correct care and
maintenance. With proper care and maintenance, you should enjoy your drone for many
years. After flying in salt or contaminated water, always thoroughly rinse your
SplashDrone 4 in freshwater immediately after use or before salt and sediment can dry
inside moving parts.
It is important to familiarize yourself with the features of this unique drone by carefully
studying this manual and particularly the priority sections indicated in the Table of
Contents.
Visit www.SwellPro.com for the latest manuals, software, and tips. Refer to the Version
Information section at the end of this manual, which details additions and corrections
to this manual.
Using this Manual
This document is designed to be printed or viewed on a computer or mobile device. If
used electronically, you can search directly for terms like “Propeller” to find references.
Additionally, you can click on any topic in the Table of Contents to navigate directly to
that topic.
Video Tutorials
Visit and subscribe to the SwellPro YouTube channel for tutorial videos and product
information. Scan this QR code with your camera phone to go to our channel.
Social Media
Join our exclusive user groups on Facebook to meet other people who share their
adventures with SwellPro. www.facebook.com/SwellPro/

©2021 SwellPro Technology
Co., Limited 3
Register Product Warranty
Please register your product as soon as possible to ensure warranty coverage.
https://www.SwellPro.com/info/register.html
Download the SDFly App
Get the most from your SplashDrone 4 by flying with the SDFly app. This new, powerful
mobile app enhances and optimizes the operation of the SplashDrone 4. Connected
wirelessly to the SplashDrone 4 remote controller, the app allows logging, planning,
recording of missions as well as the control and parameter setting of cameras and
other modules in flight.
Running the SDFly app when you fly adds advanced functionality like mapping, routing,
and intelligent modes to the standard flight modes in the remote controller.
For Apple devices, the iOS version is available for download on the AppStore. The
Android version is available for download on the Google Play Store or directly from the
SwellPro website: www.swellpro.com

4©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Contents
Thank You....................................................................................................... 2
Using this Manual ........................................................................................... 2
Video Tutorials................................................................................................ 2
Social Media ................................................................................................... 2
Register Product Warranty.............................................................................. 3
Download the SDFly App................................................................................. 3
Contents.................................................................................4
Product Overview...................................................................6
Aircraft Diagram ............................................................................................. 7
Remote Controller Diagram ............................................................................ 8
Remote Controller Screen............................................................................... 9
Install the Aircraft......................................................................................... 10
Aircraft.................................................................................13
Aircraft Status Indicator................................................................................ 13
Propellers ..................................................................................................... 14
Intelligent Battery......................................................................................... 14
Low Battery Warnings................................................................................... 17
Aircraft Antenna ........................................................................................... 18
Strobe Light .................................................................................................. 19
Waterproof Barometric Membrane .............................................................. 19
Remote Controller................................................................21
Using the Remote Controller......................................................................... 21
Remote Controller Rear Ports ....................................................................... 24
Attach Mobile Devices .................................................................................. 24
Charging the Remote Controller.................................................................... 25
Pairing the Remote Controller....................................................................... 25
Flight....................................................................................27
Flight Safety and Environment ...................................................................... 27
Flight Restrictions ......................................................................................... 28
Pre-Flight Checklist ....................................................................................... 28
Compass Calibration ..................................................................................... 29
Gyroscope Calibration................................................................................... 30
IMU Calibration............................................................................................. 31
Basic Flight Steps .......................................................................................... 31
Starting/Stopping Motors (Arming the Drone).............................................. 32
Water Takeoff and Landing........................................................................... 33

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Boat Takeoff and Landing.............................................................................. 33
Power Flip..................................................................................................... 34
Flight Modes................................................................................................. 34
Intelligent Follow.......................................................................................... 37
Smooth+ ....................................................................................................... 37
Dynamic Return to Home (RTH) .................................................................... 38
SDFly APP.............................................................................40
Download SDFly............................................................................................ 40
Connect SDFly............................................................................................... 40
Camera Interface .......................................................................................... 42
Map Interface ............................................................................................... 43
Set the Wi-Fi Password ................................................................................. 44
Appendix..............................................................................45
Specifications................................................................................................ 45
Flying Guide.................................................................................................. 47
Joystick Calibration ....................................................................................... 48
Warranty Information................................................................................... 48
Battery Care and Maintenance...................................................................... 48
Maintenance................................................................................................. 50
Disclaimer and Warning................................................................................ 50
Version Information...................................................................................... 52

6©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Product Overview
The SwellPro SplashDrone 4 (SplashDrone 4) is the latest evolution of the waterproof
drone.
This all-new drone represents over seven years of design improvements and experience
- resulting in the most powerful all-digital floating & flying platform SwellPro has ever
built. A new benchmark for waterproof drones. Simply put, there is no drone in the world
like it.
With its modular multi-functional payload system, open interface design, and surface
navigation mode, the SwellPro SplashDrone 4 can quickly adapt to different tasks in the
field. The SplashDrone 4 is the 5th generation of waterproof drone from SwellPro –the
pioneer and innovator of waterproof drones worldwide.

©2021 SwellPro Technology
Co., Limited 7
Aircraft Diagram
[01] Strobe Light
[02] CW (clockwise) Propeller
[03] Waterproof Motor
[04] Rear Arm Light
[05] CCW (Counter-clockwise) Propeller
[06] Landing Gear
[07] Antennas
[08] Battery Status Indicator
[09] Gimbal Camera Port
[10] Payload Accessory Port
[11] SDK Port
[12] USB Port and Pairing Button
[13] Power Button
[14] Battery Hatch
[15] Battery Hatch Lock
[16] Front Arm Light
[17] Compass Sensor
[18] GPS Cover

8©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Remote Controller Diagram
[01] Automatic Landing Gear Toggle (Not
applicable)
[02] Video Button
[03] Gimbal Pan/Tilt Roller
[04] Left Joystick (Throttle/Yaw)
[05] Follow Me Button
[06] Smooth+ Yaw Switch Button
[07] Smooth+ Yaw Knob
[08] Boat Mode Switch Button
[09] Left Payload Release Button
[10] Display Screen
[11] Charging Indicator
[12] Right Payload Release Button
[13] Gimbal Mode Switch Button
[14] Smooth+ Roll Knob
[15] Smooth+ Roll Switch Button
[16] RTH Return Home Button
[17] Power Button
[18] Right Joystick (Pitch/Roll)
[19] Flight Mode Toggle
[20] Photo Button
[21] Gimbal Pitch Roller
[22] Antennas
[23] Phone/Tablet Mount Adjustment Knob
[24] Phone/Tablet Mount
[25] Seiral Port
[26] Charging Port
[27] Reset Button
[28] Micro USB Port
[29] Ethernet Port

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Co., Limited 9
Remote Controller Screen
[01] Remote controller Battery Level
[02] Remote controller GPS Signal *1
[03] Drone Signal Strength/Pairing Status
[04] Flight Mode
[05] Drone Battery Voltage (V)
[06] Drone GPS Location Accuracy *3
[07] Drone Height from Take-off Point
[08] Drone Distance from Take-off
Point
[09] Drone Battery Level
[10] Horizontal Flight Speed
[11] Vertical Flight Speed
[12] Estimated Remaining Flight Time
[13] Pitch Angle
[14] Total Flight Time
[15] Drone Latitude *4
[16] Drone Longitude *4
[17] Roll Angle
[18] Yaw Angle
[19] Remote controller Serial Number & Firmware
Version
[20] Flight Controller Serial Number
[21] Flight Controller Firmware Version
[22] Total Flight Time
[23] Joystick and Control Input
Notes.
1. A flashing GPS Location Fix icon [02] indicates that the remote controller does not
have a current location fix. This does not relate to the drone’s GPS accuracy.
2. Flight Modes: G: GPS mode, A: ATTI mode, S: Sport mode, O: Orbit mode, H:
Headless mode, C: Cruise mode, M: Manual+ mode
3. Drone GPS Location Accuracy ranges from 1-10 with 10 being the highest accuracy.
A rating of 10 indicates a drone location accuracy <1m. 9=1.1 meters; 8=1.2 meters,

10 ©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
7=1.3 meters, 6=1.4 meters, 5=1.5 meters. In GPS mode, it is recommended to take
off with at least 5.
4. If the signal to the drone is lost for any reason, the remote controller will display the
last known location of the drone.
Install the Aircraft
Install Propellers
The SplashDrone 4 has two pairs of propellers - two clockwise propellers and two
counter-clockwise propellers. The hub of each motor shows the type of propeller used
for that motor. Propellers should not be attached to the wrong motors.
To install or remove propellers:
1. Check the propeller’s marking (CW/CCW) to see if it
matches the motor. CCW propellers to CCW motors,
same for CW.
2. Place the propeller on the motor, rotate the propeller in
the hub for 1/8th of a turn until it engages.
3. Hold the arm of the aircraft tight with one of you hand.
4. Rotate the propellers in the direction indicated by the
lock signs with your other hand.
5. To remove the propeller, repeat steps 3&4.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Always 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.
󱛻󱛼󱛽The blades are sharp, please be careful to avoid injury.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Before each flight, please check that the propellers are smooth all over and are
correctly installed and securely fastened.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Spin each propeller by hand to check that the motors are free of sand or salt and
spin freely.

©2021 SwellPro Technology
Co., Limited 11
Install the Intelligent Battery
The Intelligent battery is quick and easy to change. Ensure the battery is OFF before
inserting or removing it from the drone.
1. Unlock and open the
waterproof hatch
2. Slide in the fully charged
intelligent battery and
push it into the battery
slot.
3. Close the battery hatch.
Fasten the catch and then
lock the hatch.
󱛺Always check to ensure that the waterproof seal on the hatch door is clean and
lightly lubricated.
󱛺The drone is no longer waterproof when the battery hatch is open. Do not allow
water or sand to enter the drone while the battery hatch is open.
󱛺The Appendix of this manual contains additional warnings and precautions
regarding the batteries, safety, charging, and maintenance. Please ensure you
familiarize yourself with all this information to get the most from your purchase.
Install the Camera/Accessories
1. Unscrew and take off the gimbal port cover plate
using a hex screwdriver. (Equipped with SplashDrone
4)
2. Plug the gimbal connector into the drone’s gimbal
port and screw it in place with a screwdriver.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Make sure the rubber ring is attached to the gimbal
connector before you screw the connector.

12 ©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
3. Aline the holes on the base of the gimbal to the
bottom of the drone, screw in to mount the gimbal.
Make sure the camera is pointing to the front of the
drone.
Other accessories can be replaced or installed in the same way.

©2021 SwellPro Technology
Co., Limited 13
Aircraft
Aircraft Status Indicator
There are two types of aircraft status indicators:
1. Aircraft status indicators (red), which are on the front arms.
2. GPS signal status indicators (green), which are on the rear arms.
The red LED indicators are used to identify the head of the drone.
All aircraft status indicators can be turned on or off on the APP setting.
All the status indicator messages are going to prompt on the remote controller
screen or SDFly App.

14 ©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Propellers
The SplashDrone 4 has two pairs of propellers - two clockwise propellers and two
counter-clockwise propellers. The hub of each motor shows the type of propeller used
for that motor. Propellers should not be attached to the wrong motors.
To install or remove propellers:
1. Check the propeller’s marking (CW/CCW) to see if it
matches the motor. CCW propellers to CCW motors,
same for CW.
2. Place the propeller on the motor, rotate the propeller in
the hub for 1/8th of a turn until it engages.
3. Hold the arm of the aircraft tight with one of you hand.
4. Rotate the propellers in the direction indicated by the
lock signs with your other hand.
5. To remove the propeller, repeat steps 3&4.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Always 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.
󱛻󱛼󱛽The blades are sharp, please be careful to avoid injury.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Before each flight, please check that the propellers are smooth all over and are
correctly installed and securely fastened.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Spin each propeller by hand to check that the motors are free of sand or salt and
spin freely.
Intelligent Battery
Each slide-in SplashDrone 4 battery has its battery management system, teamed with
6600mAh of high-performance 18650 lithium cells to provide up to 30 minutes of flight
time.

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Co., Limited 15
The SplashDrone 4 intelligent battery provides:
•Real-time power monitoring and alerting
•Integrated balance charging to ensure battery health, safety, and long life by
constantly monitoring battery health, state-of-charge, and temperature.
•Fast, slide-in battery replacement. Integrated connectors allow for wire-free
installation and replacement.
•Battery charging and usage data logging to allow for better battery management
and event recording.
Battery Level
The battery level LEDs on the battery pack allow you to check the state of charge of the
battery quickly and accurately.
With the Battery turned OFF, short press the power button –the battery LEDs will
indicate the state of charge.
Battery Warning Signs

16 ©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Powering On/Off the Battery
Short press the power button once, then press and hold the power button for three
seconds to turn the battery on or off.
Charging the Batteries
Your SplashDrone 4 is shipped with partially charged batteries. Ensure the drone battery
and the remote controller battery are fully charged before use.
The drone and remote controller batteries can be charged simultaneously using the in-
the-box charger.
How to charge:

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Co., Limited 17
Refer to the above figures to connect the intelligent battery and charger. Press the
power button to turn on the intelligent battery, and the battery will enter the charging
state.
󱛻󱛼󱛽The battery needs to turn on for charging.
Installing the Intelligent Battery
The Intelligent battery is quick and easy to change. Ensure the battery is OFF before
inserting or removing it from the drone.
3. Unlock and open the
waterproof hatch
4. Slide in the fully charged
intelligent battery and
push it into the battery
slot.
3. Close the battery hatch.
Fasten the catch and then
lock the hatch.
󱛺Always check to ensure that the waterproof seal on the hatch door is clean and
lightly lubricated.
󱛺The drone is no longer waterproof when the battery hatch is open. Do not allow
water or sand to enter the drone while the battery hatch is open.
󱛺The Appendix of this manual contains additional warnings and precautions
regarding the batteries, safety, charging, and maintenance. Please ensure you
familiarize yourself with all this information to get the most from your purchase.
Low Battery Warnings
The SplashDrone 4 has two low battery warnings to help the pilot manage the drone’s
battery life. Each time a battery level alarm is activated, the remote controller will beep
and vibrate to alert the pilot.

18 ©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
Level 1 alarm: The drone battery level
has reached 13.0 V. The remote
controller screen will prompt “LOW
BATTERY; Return Aircraft and Land”. The
front drone status indicators will flash a
pattern of 3 red lights. If low battery auto
Return-to-Home is turned on, the drone is
going to auto RTH after this low battery
warning.
Level 2 alarm: The drone battery level has
reached 12.0 V. The battery icon on the
remote controller screen will flash. The
battery level is now below 10% and you
should plan to land the drone safely. The
remote controller screen will prompt
“AIRCRAFT BATTERY LEVEL CRITICAL;
Land Aircraft NOW”.
After 10 seconds, the drone will initiate
an in-place auto-landing to protect the
drone and battery. The front aircraft
status indicators are going to flash red
constantly.
To overwrite the Auto-Landing, switch the drone to ATTI mode to regain control of the
drone. If the pilot continues to fly the drone below 12 V there is a risk that the battery
will not be able to maintain flight and the drone will crash.
󱛺During the flight, it is important to constantly monitor the battery level as flying in
the conditions like strong wind and rapid movements and heavy load can deplete the
battery more rapidly.
󱛺It is dangerous to continue flying the drone below 12 V. This could result in damage
to the battery and the risk of the drone crashing.
Aircraft Antenna
The antennas of the drone can be oriented either upwards or downwards to maximize
reception in different situations. The SplashDrone 4 has an effective range of over 5
km. Due to the way radio frequency travel, when flying 0.5m above the water, the
transmission range reduces to 2.8 km. For the drone floating on the water surface, the
transmission range reduces to 500m.
Generally, upward-pointing antennas improve reception when the drone is floating or
flying close to the water surface. Orienting the antennas downwards maximizes range
for higher altitude flights. Adjust the antennas’ orientation to maximize range for your
flight plan.

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Co., Limited 19
Antenna oriented upward: Improves
reception when the drone is floating (boat
mode) or flying close to the water
surface.
Antenna oriented downwards: Improves
reception when the drone is flying further
away or fly at a high altitude.
To adjust the antenna position: loosen the antenna nut, adjust the antenna position, and
retighten the nut.
Strobe Light
The top of the aircraft is equipped with high-intensity strobe light,
which helps identify the drone’s position to the pilot and other air
traffic. This meets the requirements of night flight regulations in
some countries and helps ensure flight safety at night. The
strobe can be activated and deactivated in the app (STB).
Waterproof Barometric Membrane
The waterproof barometric membrane is SwellPro’s featured technology. It allows air to
come through the internal body of the aircraft to keep the barometer function properly
yet keeps the water from getting in to ensure the SplashDrone 4’s all waterproof design.
The waterproof barometric membrane is delicate yet an extremely important part for
proper flying and waterproofing. Therefore, you should pay special attention to the
proper use of waterproof barometric membrane during your operation.
•Always check the waterproof barometric membrane to ensure no damage being
observed before flying.
•Rinse the waterproof barometric membrane thoroughly with freshwater after flying.
•If you constantly fly your drone in the saltwater environment (sea), it is
recommended to change the waterproof barometric membrane once every 2
months, since the salt particles can clog the tiny holes on the membrane.

20 ©2021 SwellPro Technology Co., Limited
If the waterproof barometric membrane is damaged or shows signs of wear and tear,
replacement of the waterproof barometric membrane is required. To replace the
waterproof barometric membrane:
1. Take out the top cover.
2. Peel off the old waterproof barometric membrane. Clean the surface barometric
vent and make sure there is no residue on the surface.
3. Remove the 3M paper from the waterproof barometric membrane and press it
firmly on the barometric vent to ensure a tight seal.
4. Put the top cover back.
󱛻󱛼󱛽Make sure there is a tight seal around the waterproof barometric membrane when
applying.