YUNEEC H520 User manual

YUNEEC
H520
OWNERS
GUIDE
V1.1.10

Owners Guide
UNBOXING THE H520
Thank you for purchasing the Yuneec H520 Commercial Series Unmanned Aerial Aircraft. The H520 has
advanced features to assist with commercial, cinematography and other aerial needs. The H520 has a
variety of camera systems ranging from UHD 4K, to 50mm equivalent, to Thermal/Low Light sensors with
more to come. This H520 comes equipped with the ST16S Ground Station, an intuitive remote controller
which features a 7-inch Android touchscreen multifunction display that shows live footage of in-flight
video, telemetry and aircraft location within a planned mission flight area.
This guide provides information on setting up, usage of, and safety parameters for the Yuneec H520. Please
be certain to download the Maintenance Guide from commercial.yuneec.com
UNFOLDING THE ARMS
Once the H520 has been removed from the storage/transport case, lock the arms in place. Gently lift the
arms until a click is heard. Test the locks by gently lifting up and pressing down on the arms several times.
To unlock the arms, press the PRESS button on the base of the arms. On new systems, it may be necessary
to release the arms while lifting up on the bottom of the motor with one hand and pressing the Press button
with the other. Doing so relieves some of the pressure on the locking system.
Note: Do not depress the PRESS button on the arms while unfolding and locking them into
place; doing so may cause the arms to not engage the locking system.
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SELECTING A CAMERA
CAMERA SELECTIONS
Yuneec has several different camera/payload devices for use on the H520.
E90
Yuneec’s E90 camera is a one-inch lens with seven CCDs to capture high quality images with 4k 10 bit in-
camera color processing. Images may be captured in 20MB formats of JPEG or 40MB DNG format, or
simultaneous capture of both formats. Video may be recorded in UHD, 2K, or HD resolutions at a variety
of framerates. See the DataPilot™ section of this manual for more information.
E50
The E50 camera is a 39MM equivalent camera capable of recording video in 4k. Using a 39MM equivalent
lens allows the H520 to operate farther away from the objective and still allowing object to be within optical
range.
CGOET/E10T
CGOET is an innovative combination of 3-axis gimbal, thermal imaging camera and low-light camera. While
the thermal imaging camera selectively measures the temperature in the image enabling it to display
relative temperature differences, the low-light RGB camera has a 20 times higher sensitivity than the
human eye and can still take excellent shots even in low light conditions. Both images are streamed live on
the remote control at the same time, and can be viewed separately as a picture-in-picture or as an overlay.
Highlights of the CGOET camera system:
Thermal imaging camera and 1080p low-light camera combinable and recordable (picture in-
picture or overlay)
Temperature measurement and display
Heat sources are well visualized thanks to the different color spectrums available
Sliding temperature detection scale allows users to focus on the relevant areas
Dual-stream recording allows for separate editing of thermal and RGB video or photo information
SD CARD SELECTION
Yuneec recommend using a SDXC Class 10 UHS-3 micro SD card for recording 4k video. Using the UHS-3
card allows the camera buffer to record to the micro SD card faster resulting in less buffer overrun.

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INSTALLING THE CAMERA GIMBAL
Select a camera (E50, E90 or CGOET), remove the protective cover, install a micro SD Card in the rear of
the camera, and mount the camera on the H-Mount. Using the arrow on top of the camera gimbal pointed
towards the H520, slide the camera gimbal (arrow towards the airframe) until the front latch clicks. Gently
pull the camera gimbal away from the aircraft to check proper installation, if the gimbal comes off the rail
or is not solid and secure, remove the gimbal and install the gimbal again.
C HANGING T HE C AMERA G IMBAL
Power down the H520 using the power button on the top of the airframe, press the camera latch on the
front of the camera mount and slide the camera gimbal of the mount. Select the preferred camera gimbal
for use. Using the arrows on top of the camera gimbal, slide the camera onto the mount until the camera
stops. Test the gimbal to ensure the camera is installed. Power on the H520 using the power button on top
of the airframe. Lubricating these slides with graphite occasionally will keep them sliding smoothly.
Note: Ensure both rails on the H-Mount are seated. Do not press the gimbal past the
stopping point, this will result in damage to the six connecting pins and mounting
system. If the installed camera gimbal does not appear to be powering up (flashing
led light on the front of the camera), remove the camera and check the pin connectors
on both the gimbal and H-Mount.
Important Note: When changing cameras, the new camera will require
re-linking through DataPilot™ using the below instructions.

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ST16S OVERVIEW
01 Start/Emergency Stop Motors Button
02 Gimbal Pan Mode
(Follow Mode/Follow Pan Controllable
Mode/Global Mode) (Switch 2)
03 Gimbal Tilt Mode
(Angle Mode/ Velocity Mode) (Switch 1)
04 Gimbal Pan Control
05 Rudder/Yaw Control
(Mode 2 and Mode 1)
06 Throttle/Altitude Control (Mode 2)
Elevator/pitch control (Mode 1)
07 Take Still Photo Button
08 Landing Gear Switch
09 Sonar Obstacle Avoidance Switch (Switch 3)
10 Flight Mode Selection Switch
(Manual, Angle and Return to Launch (RTL)
Flight Modes)(Switch 4)
11 Aileron/Roll Control (Mode 2 and Mode 1)
12 Elevator/Pitch Control (Mode 2)
13 Start/Stop Video Recording Button
14 Power Switch
15 Mushroom/Patch Antenna (5.8 GHz)
16 Antenna (2.4 GHz)
17 Proportional Control Rate Slider (Turtle and Rabbit Mode)
18 Gimbal Tilt Control Slider
19 Battery
Note: Switches on the front of the ST16S are
labeled with S1, S2, S3, and S4.

CHARGING
Power the desktop charger from a 100-240V AC outlet using the AC adapter/power supply, or from a 12V-
16.8V DC accessory socket/cigarette lighter receptacle in an automobile using the included adapter. Plug
the aircraft battery into the charger port as illustrated.
A green blinking LED indicates the charger is powered on and ready to charge, and a red blinking LED
indicates the battery is charging. It will take approximately 2.5 hours to charge a fully discharged (not over-
discharged) battery. A solid green LED indicates the battery is fully charged. Alternating red and green led
lights indicate balanced charging (this ensures the individual cells inside the battery are charged to similar
amounts).
Be certain to never completely drain an H520 battery. Batteries should be stored at 30-50% charge, and
never stored at full charge.
**Ask your dealer about the DY5 multi-charger for the H520 battery; with two charging docks, charging batteries is more than twice as fast,
and the DY5 is capable of discharging batteries, preparing them for storage.
WARNING
All instructions and warnings must be followed exactly to prevent property
damage and/or serious injury as the mishandling of Li-ion/LiPo batteries can
result in a fire.
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ST16S GROUND STATION: Charge the ST16S battery by using supplied USB cable and inserting it into
the USB port on the charger. It will take approximately five hours to charge a fully discharged battery.
POWERING ON THE ST16S CONTROLLER
Power on the ST16S Controller by sliding the switch at the bottom of the ST16S to the left. A blue light will
illuminate next to the switch and a “YUNEEC” splash screen will appear. DataPilot™ will automatically
start, and the DataPilot™ Home screen will display.
WARNING
Do not leave the battery in the charger after the battery is fully charged.

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Selecting the Update soft button will open up the Yuneec UpdatePilot application and users will be asked
to if they’d like to register the H520 system. We highly recommend registering to best remain informed
about Yuneec updates, opportunities, and product announcements. Registration data is securely stored
on local servers. Yuneec will never share registration data with any third party.
Note: ALWAYS turn on the ST16S Ground Station and allow it to boot up BEFORE turning
the H520 on.
After flights - ALWAYS turn the H520 off BEFORE turning off the ST16S Ground
Station).

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POWERING ON THE H520
After registering, power on the H520 first by inserting a battery with the YUNEEC logo on the rear facing
up, gently push the battery into the rear of the H520 while lifting the rear lever on the back of the battery
pack. Push the battery all the way in and release the lever, give one final push on the rear of the battery to
ensure the battery is fully seated, a click will be heard as the lock engages. Ensure the battery is fully
seated and latched before proceeding. Press the power button on the top of the airframe near the nose.
Wait for the rising tone and arm lights to turn on, release the button. During start up the camera will
rotate to the front of the airframe and several tones will announce the aircraft’s readiness.
CONNECTING THE ST16S AND H520
After the H520 has fully powered on, tap on the WiFi logo on the right side of the screen. Tap Link
Management, available cameras will appear in the window. Tap on the desired camera to connect the
ST16S and camera.
Note: Do not install the propellers until a Compass and Accelerometer Calibration have been
completed. During these two calibrations, the airframe will be moved around and set
on the ground. Having the propellers installed may cause damage to the props,
motors, or arms, or may cause minor physical injury to the user.

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CALIBRATING THE COMPASS AND ACCELEROMETER
COMPASS
In the Settings Menu, tap Sensors | Compass. Follow the onscreen display and instructions. During
Compass calibration, the H520 will need to rotate Counter-clockwise until a tone is heard and the display
turns green. Repeat this procedure for all six positions. If Compass calibration fails, ensure there are no
electronic devices or metal objects within ten feet of the H520. A yellow box with a green arrow
indicates the current calibration. A green box indicates a completed position.
Note: If a camera does not appear, tap the arrow symbol or tap the ‘Reset Link’ button.
Note: If the Aircraft requires a password and the password has not been changed use:
1234567890.
Note: Once the aircraft connects to DataPilot™ the Sensors, Safety and Gimbal menus will
appear.

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A CCELEROMETER
In the Settings Menu, select Sensors | Accelerometer. Follow the onscreen display and instructions. During
Accelerometer calibration, aircraft must be set on level ground as instructed.
When placing the aircraft on level ground, the aircraft does not need to be at a 90-degree angle and may be
rested against the arms and/or landing gear. Place the aircraft in the position as shown on the display. Do
not move the aircraft until instructed by the ST16S.
These positions can be conducted out of order. Each box will turn yellow to indicate which position has
been detected. A green box indicates the position has been calibrated. Once all six positions have been
calibrated place aircraft upright.
Note: Removing the propellers prior to calibration will assist in preventing damage to the
propellers, motors and the pilot’s arms.
Note: If all six led lights flash Red rapidly, the Compass calibration has failed. Restart the
procedure. If the issue persists, move the H520 to a different location.
Note: After calibration press the icon to return to the map/camera menu.

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INSTALLING THE PROPELLERS
Each arm of the H520 has a letter A or letter B labeled on it. “A” arms have black center buttons; “B” arms
have white center buttons.
Each propeller has an A or B label etched into the blade. “A” propellers cannot be attached to “B” motors,
nor can “B” motors be mounted to an “A” motor.
Match the A propellers with the A arms (black center button) and the B propellers with the B arms (white
center button). Place the prop on the motor, lightly press down and while holding the motor and turn the
prop a quarter turn. A click will be heard and the center button will slightly pop up. Hold the motor and test
propeller security to assure a locked propeller.
A
B
B
A
Important Note: Always check the props for damage and rough edges.
Damaged props may cause in flight vibrations causing
unwanted flight characteristics. Propellers should be
replaced every 200 hours (see Maintenance Guide)

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MOTOR START AND LAUNCH
Prior to motor start, position the H520 with the nose pointing away and the battery latch facing rearward
(toward Pilot). It is highly recommended to start operating the H520 in Angle Flight Mode (to enable Angle
Flight Mode move the far-right switch [the Flight Mode Selector {Switch 4 on the right side of the
controller}] to the center position), also it is advised to keep the Proportional Control Rate Slider (under the
right side of the ST16S) in the downward (turtle/slow) position. Best industry practices suggest the nose of
the aircraft face into the relative wind.
To start the motors, ensure the launch area is clear of personnel and equipment. Press and hold for two
seconds, the red button on top of the ST16S on the left corner near the antennas. The propellers will start
to spin. Visually check for any irregularities in prop speeds, noise or vibrations.
Once the visual and auditory check have been performed, move the left control stick forward (away from
the Pilot). Do not hesitate to add maximum throttle input (in turtle mode). The H520 will lift off the ground.
When the H520 is approximately 15-20 feet in altitude, release the left throttle stick, the stick will center
itself and the aircraft will hold its altitude.
This is a good time to check the flight control systems, Yuneec recommends checking pitch, yaw, roll and
altitude before each flight.
To check pitch, push the right stick away from the pilot, the H520 will move away, pull the right stick
towards and the H520 will move towards the Pilot.
Check the roll axis by moving the right stick right, the H520 will slide to the right, moving the right stick to
the left will cause the H520 to slide left.
To check the yaw axis, move the left stick to the left, the H520 will rotate in a counter-clockwise spin. Move
the left stick to the right and the H520 will rotate in a clockwise spin. (Mode 2)
Important Note: Yuneec recommends the use of a launch/landing pad to
prevent Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to the motors, and
reduces dust and debris from striking the camera lens and
gimbal system. This is of particular importance when flying
in dirt or dusty environments.

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Once the surface controls have been checked, the H520 is ready for flight. Position the gear switch on the
top right of the ST16S to UP and the gear will retract, moving the gear switch to the DOWN position will
lower/extend the landing gear.
ANGLE, MANUAL AND HOME FLIGHT MODES
A NGLE F LIGHT M ODE
When the Flight Mode Selector (Switch 4 on the right side of the controller) is in the middle position the
H520 is in Angle Flight Mode. In Angle (Pilot) Mode, the H520 will move in the direction the control stick
is pushed relative to the front/nose of the aircraft (and the ‘angle’ of movement is determined by how far
the stick is pushed away from the center position). In Angle Flight mode, the rear LED lights will be Purple.
M ANUAL F LIGHT M ODE
When the Flight Mode Selector (Switch 4 on the right side of the controller) is in the full forward position,
the H520 is in Manual Flight Mode. In Manual Mode, the H520 is not connect to the GPS system, the H520
will maintain altitude. Manual Mode is recommended for high Electro-Magnet interference (EMI) areas. In
Manual flight modes, use caution as the aircraft will drift without GPS positioning. It is recommended to fly
in slow/turtle modes when in Manual flight modes. In Manual Flight mode, the rear LED lights will be Blue.
R ETURN TO H OME M ODE
When the Flight Mode Selector (Switch 4 on the right side of the controller) is in the full down position the
H520 is in Return to Home Mode. Activate Return to Home Mode to automatically fly/return the H520 to
the home point and land. In Return to Home mode, the rear LED lights will be Yellow.
CAUTION! The aircraft will drift without GPS positioning in Manual Flight Mode
Important Note: When the H520 is not nose away from the Pilot/ST16S (in
Angle Flight Mode), the control inputs will be in opposition to
forward flight. It is imperative to know which way the
H520 is facing before making any control inputs. New
pilots should learn to control the aircraft as it faces them.

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L ANDING AND M OTOR S HUTDOWN
M ANUAL L ANDING
When ready to land, fly the H520 towards the launch/landing area. At an altitude of 12 ft/3.5M or higher,
lower the landing gear using the switch on the top right of the ST16S, placing the switch in the DOWN
position. Use the left altitude stick to slowly bring the H520 down towards the landing point (turning the
H520 nose away from the Pilot makes landing more intuitive on the right stick controls). After the H520
touches down, continue to hold the throttle stick down, until motors stop.
R ETURN TO H OME L ANDING
If at any time the H520 has been lost from Line Of Sight (VLOS), move the Flight Mode Selector (Switch 4
on the right side of the controller) to the full down position (HOME). This will activate RETURN TO HOME
Mode and the H520 will start an automatic return to the Launch point. Once visual contact is regained, the
aircraft may be placed back to Angle mode. This feature is particularly useful if the H520 is visually lost in
bright sunlight.
During RETURN TO HOME Mode the pilot may maneuver the H520 to assist in automatic landings. As the
H520 nears the ground the pilot should refrain from adjusting the controls as the H520 may tip over when
being maneuvered as the legs touch down. Return to Home Mode will cause an automatic landing; the pilot
should be prepared to use the throttle stick to shut down the motors, although the aircraft is expected to
disarm/shut down motors on its own.
Power off the H520 before powering of the ST16S.
Note: It is recommended to disable Obstacle sonar prior to landing. Move the OBS Avoid
(Switch 3) to the center position to deactivate OBS Avoid.
Important Note: Using the landing gear switch, lower the gear prior to
attempting to land, landing gear will not automatically
deploy when manually landing the aircraft
Note: Use the General/Safty Settings Menu to set the Return to Home altitude, ensure the
flight area is checked for hazards during prior to activating Return to Home Mode.

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DataPilot ™
D ATA P ILOT ™ I NITIAL S TARTUP
Power on the ST16S using the slider switch on the lower right of the ST16S case. Tap the WiFi icon button
on the top right corner of the DataPilot™ screen. Tap the Link Management button under the WiFi
icon. Select the camera attached to the H520 (e.g. E90_123456). If required, the default password is
1234567890.
UPDATING SOFTWARE AND SETTING PASSWORDS
The first time the ST16S is turned on and DataPilot™ is launched, the ST16S will ask the user to set a system
password, choose a color scheme (indoor/outdoor) and to choose Units of measurement (Metric/Imperial).
Either set a password of choice, or use a default of 1234567890 (default camera password). This may be
changed at any time in the Settings menu.

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DataPilot™ will then ask about updating the software. The DataPilot™ may be updated without the
aircraft being connected to the ST16S. However, the Autopilot, camera, and gimbal firmware require a
connection to the ST16S. These components may be updated at any time after the H520 is connected to
the ST16S by using the Yuneec Update Pilot application found on the home menu screen of the ST16S
ground station controller.
Once the H520 is connected the ST16S will announce “Auto-Position Flight Mode” (ensure the ST16S
volume is turned up via the – and + buttons on the bottom of the ST16S).
After the H520 fully connects to the ST16S, the application will announce “Auto-Position Flight Mode” and
the top title bar will display “Angle” or “Manual” in the flight mode menu, depending on the current position
of switch S4 (top right switch on ST16S).
Note: The first launch of the application will require a software update prior to the first flight.

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H OME S CREEN S OFT K EYS
The icon on the top left of the DataPilot™ screen will always return to the DataPilot™ Home
Screen. Tap the Y once from any menu to return to the Home Screen. The Waypoint soft key navigates to
the Waypoint planning screen (for more information on Waypoint planning refer to the Waypoint section
of this manual).
The three-vertical line icon is the Main Menu button. The Main Menu contains settings for the ST16S,
H520, and cameras (for more information on the Main Menu controls, refer to the Main Menu section of
this manual).
The Bell icon or red Triangle icon displays messages between the H520 and ST16S. The blue bell indicates
no errors have been transmitted and contains Start/Stop, Flight Log, and other telemetry data and
messages. A red Triangle icon indicates an error has occurred. Tap the blue Bell/red Triangle button to
view available messages.
The Flight Mode soft key enables the Pilot to change flight modes of the H520 between ANGLE and
MANUAL flight modes (for more information on Flight Modes refer to the Flight Mode section of this
manual).
The Controller icon enables the pilot to see the status of the ST16S including signal strength, ST16S battery,
and ST16S GPS status.
The horizontal battery icon indicates the battery level of the ST16S.
The GPS Satellite soft key enables the Pilot to view the GPS status of the H520. A red Satellite icon
indicates poor GPS signal. A yellow GPS Satellite icon indicates moderate GPS signal. A green GPS icon
indicates a good GPS signal. Tapping the GPS soft key displays the aircraft’s GPS Satellite count, GPS Lock
status, HDOP status, VDOP status, and Course Over Ground status.
The vertical battery soft key with the paper airplane overlay is the current H520 battery status. Tapping
the battery icon displays the H520 battery status in Volts and current Accumulated Consumption.

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The WiFi soft key displays the current signal status between the ST16S and the H520.
Tapping the WiFi soft key will display the current camera connected to the ST16S and the RSSI
status in Db.
Tapping the Link Management soft key will display other connectable cameras within WiFi range.
Tapping the ‘Reset All Links’ will disconnect and reset all camera connections.
Tapping the two arrow icon at the top of the Link Management window will cause the ST16S to
search for cameras within range.
Note: The ST16S may only be connected to one camera at a time.

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F LY M ENU
To initiate an auto takeoff for the H520, ensure the takeoff area is clear of
obstacles, personnel, and equipment. Tap the Takeoff soft key located to the
left of DataPilot™ screen and the H520 will fly to the preset altitude.
To auto land the H520, tap the RTL soft key -- the H520 will return to the takeoff
location and land.
The Pause soft key will pause an active mission in Mission Mode (for more
information on Mission Mode refer to the Mission Mode section of this manual).
The Action soft key will resume mission mode after the Pause soft key has been
tapped.
F LIGHT T ELEMETRY D ISPLAY
Tapping the black dial will cause the white extension display drawer to collapse
or expand. Tap the black dial again to extend the white display. This provides the ability to have greater
viewing area on-screen, or to hide information that is unimportant to the mission.
Note: Due to dynamic frequency selection (DFS) regulation in Europe,
the camera may take up to 60 seconds to appear.
PRIOR TO LAUNCHING THE H520, it is required that all
calibrations be performed. This is for safety and proper
operation of the aircraft. See Calibration section for more
information.