SWELLPRO SplashDrone 4 User manual

SplashDrone 4
User Manual
Visit support.swellpro.com for the latest version of this manual and firmware updates
for your drone and accessories.
v2.3 –June 2022

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 2
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.
FAQ
The user manual is the best companion while using the product. For the
specific problem using the product, the FAQ can be another great
resource for you to look at. Go to the SwellPro website, look for
support >product support > the product > FAQ to find the FAQ page.
support.swellpro.com
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.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 3
SwellPro Community
Join our exclusive SwellPro Community to post feedbacks and share your experience
with SwellPro products to other users like you.
https://support.swellpro.com/hc/en-us/community/topics
Social Media
Join our Facebook page to meet other people who share their adventures with
SwellPro. www.facebook.com/SwellPro/
Register Product Warranty
Please register your product on SwellPro website as soon as possible to ensure
warranty coverage.
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: support.swellpro.com

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 4
Contents
Thank You 2
Using this Manual 2
FAQ 2
Video Tutorials 2
SwellPro Community 3
Social Media 3
Register Product Warranty 3
Download the SDFly App 3
Contents 4
Product Overview 8
Aircraft Diagram 9
Remote Controller Diagram 10
Remote Controller Screen 11
Install the Aircraft 12
Install Propellers 12
Install the Intelligent Battery 13
Install the Camera/Accessories 14
Aircraft 15
Aircraft Status Indicator 15
Intelligent Battery 16
️Battery Warning 18
Low Battery Warning 19
Aircraft Antenna 20
Antenna Position 20
Antenna Blind Spot 20
Strobe Light 22
Waterproof Barometric Membrane 22
Remote Controller 24
Using the Remote Controller 24

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 5
Power ON/OFF 24
Flight Mode Switch 24
Joystick Controls 24
Camera Control 25
Gimbal Control 25
Follow Me 26
Return to Home (RTH) 26
Smooth+ Controls 26
BOAT Button 27
Gimbal Button 27
Payload Button (Left) 28
Payload Button (Right) / Slow Mode 28
Remote Control Antenna 28
Optimal Signal Transmission 28
Patch Antenna 28
Attach Mobile Devices 30
Charging the Remote Controller 30
Pairing the Remote Controller 30
About Pairing 30
Identify SN Number 31
For SN number ending with V01 32
For SN number ending since V02 (V02, V03, V04 ... etc) 33
Remote Controller Rear Ports 34
Flight 35
Flight Safety and Environment 35
Flight Restrictions 36
Pre-Flight Checklist 36
Compass Calibration 37
Gyroscope Calibration 38
IMU Calibration 39
Basic Flight Steps 40
Starting/Stopping Motors (Arming the Drone) 41

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 6
Water Takeoff and Landing 42
Boat Takeoff and Landing 42
Power Flip 43
Flight Modes 43
Intelligent Follow 46
Smooth+ 47
Dynamic Return to Home (RTH) 47
Low Battery Auto Return to Home 48
Low Battery Auto Payload Release 49
SDFly App 50
Download SDFly 50
Connect SDFly 50
Use Mobile Data 50
Home Screen 51
Main Interface 52
Map Interface 53
Set the Wi-Fi Password 54
Set the Wi-Fi Password 54
Reset the Wi-Fi Password 54
Appendix 56
Specifications 56
Firmware Update 58
Flying Guide 58
Joystick Calibration 59
Warranty Information 60
Battery Care and Maintenance 60
Precautions for low-temperature use 61
Battery Charging 61
Battery Storage and Transportation 61
Battery Disposal 62
Maintenance 62

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 7
Disclaimer and Warning 62
Version Information 63

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 8
Product Overview
SplashDrone 4 is our 5th and the latest generation of waterproof drones, representing
SwellPro's 7 years of knowledge and understanding of drone waterproofing technology.
SplashDrone 4 is the all-new waterproof flight & float platform designed for
multipurpose operation in any harsh environment. With its modular payload system
design and our variety of payload choices, the SwellPro SD4 can quickly adapt to
different tasks in the field.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 9
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 Release 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

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 10
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
Slow Mode1
[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
1
For the SplashDrone 4 came out later in 2022, the Payload (Right) print changes to Slow Mode. Button
function stays the same. Check Remote Controller section for the button function.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 11
[25] Serial Port
[26] Charging Port
[27] Pairing Button
[28] Micro USB Port
[29] Ethernet Port
Remote Controller Screen
[01] Remote Controller Battery Level
[02] Remote Controller GPS Status 2
[03] Drone Signal Strength/Pairing Status
[04] Flight Mode
[05] Drone Battery Voltage (V)
[06] Aircraft GPS Location Accuracy 3
[07] Distance
[08] Height
[09] Drone Battery Level
[10] Horizontal Flight Speed
[11] Vertical Flight Speed
[12] Estimated Remaining Flight Time
2
The icon flashing indicates the remote controller does not receive the GPS signal. When it receive the
GPS signal, the icon will stop flashing.
3
Aircraft 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, 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.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 12
[13] Pitch Angle
[14] Flight Time
[15] Drone Latitude
[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
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.
4
If the signal to the drone is lost for any reason, the remote controller will display the last known location
of the drone.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 13
⚠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 propellers 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.
⚠Do not use broken propellers. Replace the propeller if there is any damage or wear to
the propeller.
⚠Spin each propeller by hand to check that the motors are free of sand or salt and spin
freely.
⚠The blades are sharp, please be careful to avoid injury.
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 firmly 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 familiarize yourself with all the
information.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 14
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.
3. Align 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.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 15
Aircraft
Aircraft Status Indicator
There are two types of aircraft status indicators:
1. Front status indicators (Red).
2. Rear status indicators (Green).
The red status 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.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 16
Intelligent Battery
Each slide-in SplashDrone 4 battery has its battery management system, teamed with
high-performance 18650 lithium cells to provide up to 30 minutes of flight time.
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.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 17
Battery Warning Signs
The battery LED might turn yellow when it reaches high current (during the flight or
take-off), which it’s normal.
Powering On/Off the Battery

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 18
Shortly press the power button once (battery will beep once), then long press the power
button for three seconds, battery will beep twice to indicate the battery is turned on.
Same for powering off the battery.
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:
Refer to the above figures to charge the flight battery.
The battery needs to be powered on for charging. (Short press the power button
once, then long press the power button for three seconds.)
Battery Warning

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•Keep battery slot AWAY FROM WATER. Store battery in a COOL, DRY place.
•Do not fly the drone with battery voltage below 12.0 volts.
•Long-term storage voltage: No less than 14.0 volts. Full power storage is the
best.
•For more battery care info, check Battery Care and Maintenance section on the
Appendix.
Failure to do so may result in battery catching fire. SwellPro is exempt from the user's
liabilities for damage(s) to person/s or property, or injuries incurred directly or indirectly
from the use of this product in this condition.
Low Battery Warning
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.
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 4
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 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.
During auto-landing, you can control the joystick to overwrite the auto-landing and
regain control of the drone. However, flying the drone below 12V is highly dangerous
since the battery will not be able to maintain the flight and will result in the aircraft
crashing.
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.

©2022 SwellPro All Rights Reserved 20
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 aircraft can be oriented either upwards or downwards to maximize
reception in different situations. The SplashDrone 4 has an effective range of 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.
Antenna Position
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.
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.
Antenna Blind Spot
Due to the nature of antenna radiation pattern, there is a blind spot about 40°under the
aircraft. When position under the blind spot area, the remote controller will experience
signal lost. If you encounter signal lost issue when you are near the aircraft, you might
be in the blind spot area.