Intel Falcon 8+ User Manual
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Intel Falcon 8+ User Manual

Unmanned aircraft system
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Intel
Unmanned Aircraft System
English
July 2017
User Manual
®
TM
Intel
Falcon
F8+
Falcon
®
TM
User Manual
8+
1

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Summary of Contents for Intel Falcon 8+

  • Page 1  Intel Falcon ® Unmanned Aircraft System English July 2017 User Manual ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 2 To the extent permitted by applicable law, Intel disclaims all liability for any damages, direct or indirect, arising from the use of the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) outside of its intended use, in breach of Intel Corporation’s Safety Guidelines, Safety Precautions or any other documentation for this product, in violation of any applicable laws or regulations, or in violation of any of the operating limitations of the aircraft, or from any error of the Operator.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Checking activated software feature packages ......44 Intel Falcon 8+ UAV Flight Logs............45 Operating the System ................49 Preparing the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV ........... 49 Preparing the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) ........50 The Touchscreen Tablet..............52 3.3.1 PATH projects ..............
  • Page 4 Launching in GPS-Mode ............71 3.8.2 Launching in Height-Mode ............72 3.8.3 Launching in Manual-Mode ...........72 The Flight ..................73 3.9.1 Controlling the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV from the CTR ....74 3.9.2 Mission planning ..............74 3.9.3 In-flight................74 3.9.4 General operating tips ............75 3.9.5 Battery warnings ..............76...
  • Page 5  List of Figures..................125 Index....................127 ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 6 Version 1 April 2017 Version 1.0.1 May 2017 Version 2 July 2017 Version 2.1 July 2017 Described Firmware Versions: • NAV/PER: 1.0 • Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR): 1.0 • Cockpit Control application (on tablet): 1.1.10 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 7: Intel ® Falcon Tm 8+ Uas

    UAV inspections and surveying operations. Small and portable with a maximum take-off weight of only 2.8 kg, but with a payload weight of 0.8 kg, the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV can carry professional cameras like the Sony Alpha 7R, offering the full quality of an airborne image studio.
  • Page 8 GPS stability and/or the magnetic field sensor, which ultimately also effects GPS stability. The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is designed to compensate these errors in most cases, but the function is not guaranteed in any scenario. Therefore a pilot must have the training and ability to fly the UAV in Height-Mode in any situation.
  • Page 9 • The pilot of an Intel UAV should always act accordingly to his or her best judgement, focusing on the safety of the people and the environment he or she is flying in.

  • Page 10: Uas And Safety Check

    (any loose part, strange noise from the motors, or any other unusual occurrence), please contact support through your reseller, if you purchased through a dealer, or support at Intel, if you purchased directly from Intel. Please include a detailed description of your observation and photos if applicable.

  • Page 11: Pre-Flight Check

    2. Make sure to have an empty and correctly formatted SD card inserted in the camera. □ 3. Are there two batteries fully inserted into the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, with the colored label facing upwards and secured by the retaining clips? ®...
  • Page 12 7. The end of the boot process is marked by a triple beep emitted by the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. During boot up the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV does not need to stand still. It can be moved - thus it can for example be started from a moving boat.

  • Page 13: Post-Flight Check

    Table 1-3. Post-flight check list □ 1. Before landing the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, adjust the camera to a horizontal position. □ 2. Land the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. Always keep the left control stick, which controls the height, in the fully downward position when the system is on the ground with running motors.
  • Page 14 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 15: Description Of The System

    • The Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) • Payloads/Cameras The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV The following section describes the single parts of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. Figure 2-1. The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV components The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV consists of several components: (1) Actively stabilized camera mount (gimbal) ...

  • Page 16: Central Unit

    Figure 2-1. The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV components The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV bottom view, Carbon Cross with center cross piece, antenna arrangement: The data link antennas (2.4 GHz) as well as the video Data link antennas (5.8 GHz) are integrated into the landing feet.

  • Page 17: Motor Rails Of The Uav

    (6) Landing foot, in the shown cutout (top view: landing foot front, left) there is the video link antenna integrated (see also figure The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV components on page 15). Each motor rail consists of four brushless motor controllers seated within the carbon tube.

  • Page 18: The Intel Cockpit Controller (Ctr)

    (4) Hole for the camera mount’s carbon rod The Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) The CTR is the main control hub for the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV and the attached payloads/ cameras. It is designed to be carried and operated by one person and displays all relevant flight information.
  • Page 19  Figure 2-7. Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) overview To avoid reflections there is a sun shield permanently attached to the touchscreen tablet. It folds away for storage and transport. The functional elements of the CTR remote control unit are: (1) START/STOP button (starts/stops the motors...

  • Page 20: The Status Display

    Figure 2-7. Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) overview Risk of permanent hearing loss from using earphones or headphones with this product at high volume. Before placing headphones or earphones near the ear, 1) Find a quiet environment, 2) Turn the volume down on this product to the minimum setting, 3) Connect the earphone or headphone to the product, 4) Place the earphone or headphone near or on the ear and 5) Slowly increase the volume on the product to a comfortable level.

  • Page 21: The Independent Camera Control (Icc)

    CTR via a USB port (USB 2 -4). The USB ports are located in the back of the CTR in the upper left corner (see Figure 2-7. Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) overview). Figure 2-10. Independent Camera Control (ICC) The following table presents an overview of the function assignment: Table 2-1.

  • Page 22: The 2Nd Operator Monitor

    ICC (see chapter 2.3 The Independent Camera Control (ICC)). There is no further (flight)information, like on the touch screen tablet of the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR), shown on this monitor. Additionally it can be used, e.g., for presentations for third parties.

  • Page 23: Payloads - Camera Options

    Payloads - Camera Options Because of the deep integration of cameras, it is possible to change settings like aperture, shutter speed or zoom (depending on the camera) directly from the Intel Cockpit , while the system is airborne. To ensure complete integration...

  • Page 24: Changing A Payload (Camera)

    Changing a payload (camera) Cameras are integrated to remain within their gimbal (camera mount) and the complete gimbal with camera is exchanged, for which no tools are required. The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV automatically identifies the attached camera, and the menus of the Status Display on the CTR are changed accordingly.

  • Page 25: Payload And Compass Calibration

    It is important to restart the system immediately after each calibration process. It is only after the restart that the new calibration parameters will become active. 8. Repeat the above steps once for every payload which shall be used with the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. ®...

  • Page 26: Compass Calibration

    The compass calibration needs to be done in flight while outdoors. 1. Attach the payload with which the compass calibration should be performed. 2. Take the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV out in the field to a spot with good GPS reception and no magnetic disturbances.

  • Page 27: Sony Alpha 7R Full Frame Camera

    • Always handle the gimbal with care. If you need to tilt the camera manually (when not connected or while the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is switched off), please only do so very cautiously. If too much force is applied, the gear wheels of the servo motors might break.

  • Page 28: Camera Options By The Status Display

    Default = On. When = Off the gimbal will no longer compensate roll Roll Comp. Roll Comp. On/Off movements of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. This can be useful when doing dynamic video flights. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 29: Camera Settings

    2.5.3.4 Camera settings The following section describes the most important functions of the camera when used with the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. Figure 2-17. Camera settings by camera Sony Alpha 7R The most important functions can be quickly accessed via the buttons:...

  • Page 30: Inspection Payload

    The battery slot can be accessed from the bottom of the payload. The SD card of the camera is inserted next to the battery. A separate charger for the Panasonic batteries is supplied with the payload. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 31: General Care

    • Always handle the gimbal with care. If you need to tilt the camera manually (when not connected or while the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is switched off), please only do so very cautiously. If too much force is applied, the gear wheels of the servo motors might break.

  • Page 32: Inspection Payload Control By The Ctr

    = OFF, the gimbal will no longer compensate roll Roll Comp. Roll Comp. ON/OFF movements of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV. This can be useful when doing dynamic video flights. Note: Shooting parameters need to be set directly on the camera before take-off.

  • Page 33: The Intel Powerpack Batteries

    Additional cameras may be available. Please check http://intel.com/Falconmanual an updated version of the manual. The Intel Powerpack Batteries The smart Intel Powerpack batteries power the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV and the Intel Cockpit and combine efficiency with ease of use. The battery features Controller (CTR) automatic balancing, storage mode and charging.

  • Page 34: Operating The Bms Menu

    80% - 100% Charging the Intel Powerpack batteries For charging the Intel Powerpack battery you only need the supplied power supply unit. Figure 2-21. Charging To charge the Intel Powerpack: Connect the Intel Powerpack Battery to the adapter of the power supply unit.
  • Page 35 = 15 X 10 ≙ 141 - 150 Menu option 4, overall capacity Menu option 4 shows the current possible amount of charge the battery may hold when fully loaded as percentage compared to the factory battery capacity. ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 36 (e. g. too hot during discharge). When a battery shows this behaviour, it will still be possible to discharge its remaining capacity, but it must not be used it anymore. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 37: Battery Information Safety Instructions And Warnings

    (no. 1 is the LED most left, no. 5 is the LED most right). Contact the support team at Intel and provide the information which LEDs are lit. In case this state became active during a flight, please also provide a log file of this flight.
  • Page 38 • Please check the battery voltage after charging. It is shown on the Main Screen of the Status display and by the LEDs of the battery. The voltage for a 4-cell battery should fall e.g. between 16.4 V – 16.8 V User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 39 Alternatively, send the battery for disposal back to Intel. Disposing of this product correctly will be help to save valuable resources, and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment, which could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste handling.

  • Page 40: Transport Cases & Intel Backpack

    Intel Falcon 8+ UAS with all its accessories. For easy one-man transportation, they have a retractable handles and wheels (only Intel Falcon 8+ UAV case). The Intel Backpack is not safe for air freighting, but very useful for missions in remote areas, since it is light and relatively compact.
  • Page 41  Figure 2-24. Packing instructions for the Intel Falcon 8+ UAS cases Toolkit and spare parts Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) case This case contains: (1) CTR with mounted sun shield For transporting the CTR in the case the sun shield has to be arranged like shown to provide extra protection of the touchscreen tablet against scratches during transportation.

  • Page 42: Software Feature Packages

    The images of the items above are just for illustration purpose and the actual item(s) packed with your Intel Falcon 8+ UAS may differ from the one(s) depicted here depending on, for example, which payload you ordered.

  • Page 43: Activating Software Feature Packages

    Inspection package WP+P With the Cockpit Control application you can create, load, modify and save PATH projects and any related waypoints on the touch screen tablet of the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR). Independent Camera Control (see 2.3 The Independent Camera Control (ICC).

  • Page 44: Checking Activated Software Feature Packages

    Perpetual software feature packages To check which perpetual software feature packages are activated on your system, turn ON the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, the touchscreen tablet and the CTR and confirm the Link Loss Procedure. 1. Push ENT to open the menu on the Status Display.

  • Page 45: Intel Falcon 8+ Uav Flight Logs

    The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is constantly logging all flight controller data onto two different storage devices: an SD card inserted in the back of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV (User SD card) and an internal SD card, which can only be accessed by opening the canopy of the central unit (Internal SD card).
  • Page 46 It might happen that the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV cannot access a logging storage device. Mostly, the reason is a mechanical connection issue or a corrupted file system on the storage device. If the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV cannot access a storage device, a respective warning will be displayed (see following).
  • Page 47 Note: The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is able to fly without any active logging device. It is the responsibility of the user to make sure that all flights can be properly logged if it is a legal requirement in the country where the system is used.
  • Page 48 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 49: Operating The System

     Operating the System In this chapter you find a description how to operate the Intel Falcon 8+ UAS. Preparing the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV The following section shows and describes how to prepare the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV for flight.

  • Page 50: Preparing The Intel Cockpit Controller (Ctr)

    After approximately 3 seconds the LEDs on both sides of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV will be lit and you will hear the internal fan running. The UAV is initialized when the camera mount (gimbal) starts to automatically correct movements of the UAV, which also can be heard.
  • Page 51  Figure 3-2. Preparing the CTR Slide the battery with the colored "Intel" label (see no. (1) in the picture) facing downwards into the battery compartment. Slide it all the way in until it is stopped and flush with the end of the slot....

  • Page 52: The Touchscreen Tablet

    Windows touchscreen tablet is directly mounted on the remote control unit of the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) and cannot be removed. It serves as video monitor, displays general flight information and telemetry data, and allows the user to activate automated functions. The battery of the CTR provides power to the touchscreen tablet as well.
  • Page 53 Distance toggle the view between the video preview and a map view (in case a map has been loaded from an AscTec Navigator project). Learn more about the AscTec Navigator at: http://intel.com/Falconmanual. In the top left corner (under ) the buttons for two different functions are found:...

  • Page 54: Path Projects

    USB stick, which is inserted into the CTR. A waypoint can later be recalled, and the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV will fly to this position and take an image with the stored heading and pitch angle. Camera settings such as shooting mode, or zoom, cannot be stored, and must be set manually before flight.
  • Page 55 : This button becomes active after creating a new, or modifying, a new or existing project.  Save project Tap on this button to save the actual PATH project to the inserted USB stick. : Tap here to close the actual PATH project. Close project ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 56 To save your new PATH project tap on the PATH button in the upper left corner. This opens the window again. PATH PROJECT Tap on the button. Save Project The actual state of your project will be saved on the inserted USB stick. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 57 Completed waypoints will be marked green in the preview of the touchscreen tablet. Caution: When flying a PATH project, the UAV flies a direct straight trajectory between the waypoints! Keep this in mind when teaching-in! ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 58 . If only one waypoint is selected, the values of the related properties of this waypoint are displayed below. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 59: Asctec Navigator Software Projects

    • A good GPS signal (> 75% = 4 bars) needs to be available in the complete area in which the UAV will fly in. • The space in which the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV will be flying, must be free of obstacles. • Always plan missions with sufficient distance from obstacles and people. There will always be positioning errors of your UAV due to GPS drift and external influences like wind.
  • Page 60 Tapping on the stop button stops the mission. The UAV stops and remains at the actual height and position. For further information on the AscTec Navigator Software, see the AscTec Navigator Software Manual which can be found here: http://wiki.asctec.de/ display/APL/AscTec+Navigator+Manual User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 61 Note: A green waypoint indicates that the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV successfully passed the waypoint, sent a trigger command to the camera, and a tag was created in the log. It does not necessarily mean that the camera successfully triggered, and stored the image.

  • Page 62: Automated Start-Up Checks

    3.4.1 Magnetic field warning In flight the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV uses algorithms to detect possible disturbances of the compass sensors. If there are discrepancies between the magnetometer output and the expected orientation, the UAV’s heading is estimated using the other available IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensors.

  • Page 63: Link Loss Procedure

    Usually disturbances on the ground come from underground lines and can quickly be resolved by switching off the Intel Falcon 8+ UAS. Chose a different starting position, switch the UAS on again and check if the magnetic field warning is not shown again. In many situations the disturbances are limited to small areas.
  • Page 64 New Home Position Push ENT. The new home position is set at the current location of the UAV at the moment the ENT button is pushed and you return to the Main Screen. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 65 (while not connected) and latitude and longitude of last known position will be displayed. Situations with varying GPS reception • If no GPS reception is available, when a data link connection is lost, the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV will use Direct Landing •...

  • Page 66: Flight Modes

    UAV in Height-Mode. We strongly recommend taking part in an Intel Falcon 8+ UAS operator's training, to learn the basics of flying under qualified supervision. If you have not yet attended one, contact your local dealer.

  • Page 67: Gps-Mode

    This indicates that the system will switch back to GPS-Mode automatically, when a valid GPS signal will be received.  If the system seems to be unstable or has difficulties to keep its current ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 68 CTR. Figure 3-11. GPS accuracy The GPS module of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV supports GPS and GLONASS. Under ideal conditions, the horizontal accuracy can reach around +/- 2 m. The short-term accuracy is usually higher, because of the data fusion with other available sensor output from the IMU.
  • Page 69 GPS signal, it is recommended to not use GPS-Mode but to activate Height-Mode on the CTR. When the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV detects a low GPS quality, it automatically activates Height-Mode and gives the respective warning (see also chapter 3.12.4 GPS...

  • Page 70: Height-Mode

    • Keep its orientation in the air (system will be leveled). For safety reasons and to make it impossible to flip the system: • Roll and pitch angles are limited to 50°. Warning: The Manual-Mode is for experts only. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 71: Starting And Stopping The Motors

    • Always keep a safe distance from people when starting! • While the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is on the ground with running motors, always keep the left control stick, which controls the height, in the fully downward position to avoid any unintentional take-off.

  • Page 72: Launching In Height-Mode

    (= ascend).  The UAV will lift off quickly. 5. Keep on ascending until a safe height is reached. Be aware that the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV may drift a little and correction might be required. 6. Once the safety height is reached, bring back the left control stick to the center. ...

  • Page 73: The Flight

    (depending on the attached payload). The Flight Figure 3-15. Basic flight principles For redundancy the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV has eight propellers. Four propellers turn clockwise, four turn counterclockwise as shown in the image. This eliminates the torque of the single propellers as much as possible.

  • Page 74: Controlling The Intel Falcon 8+ Uav From The Ctr

    Decide on a path and choose position and camera angle before taking-off. Be aware of the size of the area in which you plan to fly. Always ensure the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV has enough battery capacity to fly back to the home position – even if the wind unexpectedly increases.

  • Page 75: General Operating Tips

    Analyse each mission in regards to (but not limited to) the above mentioned factors. If you find that the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV does not react to control inputs as expected (e. g. inaccurate position control due to bad GPS reception), immediately activate Height- Mode.

  • Page 76: Battery Warnings

    In some cases malfunctions or electronic component failures can also lead to an abnormal behavior of the UAV. Situations, which may appear and how to react in these cases, are described in the following section. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 77 If stronger changes occur, there might be a malfunction of the barometric sensors, which needs to be analyzed. Because of the triple redundant flight control of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV there is a very low probability for this malfunction to occur.
  • Page 78 Gusts of wind above the drone In GPS-Mode the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is capable of flying in wind speeds limits / too much wind up to 12 m/s. If GPS-Mode is active and there are gusts exceeding 12 m/s you must: Switch to Height-Mode....
  • Page 79 You can limit the maximum distance and height from the take-off spot the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is started from by setting a specific distance and height which will not be exceeded by the UAV.

  • Page 80: Landing

    5. Right before touch-down – at a height of 0.2 - 0.3 m – move the left control stick down gradually until the UAV lands on the ground. While the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is on the ground with running motors, always keep the left control stick in the fully downward position to avoid any unintentional take-off.

  • Page 81: Landing In Manual-Mode

    5. Right before touch-down – at a height of 0.2 - 0.3 m – move the left control stick down gradually until the UAV lands on the ground. While the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is on the ground with running motors, always keep the left control stick in the fully downward position to avoid any unintentional take-off.

  • Page 82: Warnings

    3.12 Warnings The Intel Falcon 8+ UAS displays all warnings, which might occur, in the status line at the bottom of the Status Display and in the notification area at the top of the touchscreen tablet. When there is no warning to display, the status line shows .

  • Page 83: Magnetic Field Warning

    While starting the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, a magnetic field warning may occur. Usually disturbances on the ground come from underground lines and can quickly be resolved by switching off the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, moving it to a different spot and starting from there. ...

  • Page 84: Critical Battery Levels & Warnings Of The Uav And The Ctr

    The warning can be canceled by pushing ENT of the Status Display on the CTR. Caution: It is important to note that as long as the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV remains switched ON, the canceled magnetic field warning will not be presented again.

  • Page 85: Data Link Warnings

    Regarding Visual and or acoustic signal Explanation Diversity data Acoustic: Link weak The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV has two fully independent data link signal link connections. In case one link is disturbed, the Tactile: Vibration on CTR LINK message is shown. Nevertheless, the system can...

  • Page 86: Motor Failure Warning

    (e.g. because the user was pushing a joystick during turn-on or because something is actually broken), this warning will appear. Restart the CTR (take care not to exert pressure on any joystick) and see if the User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 87: Asctec Trinity Control Unit System Warnings

    Check, if something is blocking the fan's air stream and if the fan is working properly. Turn OFF the CTR to let it cool down and switch it ON again. If the problem persists, please get in touch with the Intel support. 3.12.7...
  • Page 88 Restart FAT Write to card defective working in this system or Sector 0??? flight contact support if it happens repeatedly. Navigation Waypoint transmission problem No waypoint Resend Waypoint navigation waypoints / sanity check mission failed User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 89 EEprom within alignment calibration. If payload found 15 seconds after start-up. Usually no success: happening with new Payloads / Check/ Payloads never calibrated on a Intel reformat the Falcon 8+ UAV. USB stick: Problems initialising the USB stick could make...
  • Page 90 Please supply Land now! the flight log of the flight where the issue occurred. Motor bus Communication loss from all motor Communication or Check Motor bus not communicat controllers complete connections working! Land hardware failure now! User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 91: Operational Limitations

    3.13 Operational Limitations The Intel Falcon 8+ UAS has the following operational limits: • Operating temperature range between -5 °C and 40 °C (23° F to 104° F). • Wind speeds up to 16 m/s in Height-Mode respective 12 m/s in GPS-Mode. Above these limits the UAV will not be able to hold its position.
  • Page 92 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 93: Status Display

    In this chapter you find a description of all messages and operating possibilities by using the Status Display. Status Display Overview The Status Display of the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) shows all relevant information for flying. Figure 4-1. Status Display Via the Status Display you can view the current settings and adjust specific functions of the UAV.
  • Page 94 3.5 Link the Main Screen. Loss Procedure. Pushing the arrow RIGHT/LEFT button in the Main Screen leads you to different screens. For more information about these screens see the following chapter 4.1.2 The main information screens User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 95 UAV After reaching the Goto Home keeps the current home position, the function. altitude and Intel Falcon 8+ returns to the UAV will wait at the home position current altitude. It (where the will not land propellers were automatically.

  • Page 96: Circle Of Interest

    Spherical highlighted of the Spherical function Panorama you find in chapter 5.2 Panorama. In this screen you opens the screen on can start the the right. function and modify the focus length. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...
  • Page 97 (again) screen. further details you the video find in chapter 2.8.2 connection Checking activated between the UAV software feature and the CTR. packages. Pushing ESC brings you back to the menu. ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 98 Selecting Enter FalconID Here you can connect to another and pushing ENT Intel Falcon 8+ UAV opens the following by entering the screen. serial number (ID) of the respective UAV (see above) and pushing ENT ( Pushing ESC brings you back to the Main Screen.

  • Page 99: The Main Information Screens

    V-shape of the UAV will turn respectively when the heading of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is changed. This can be of help when the orientation of the UAV is difficult to see like for example in low contrast situations when flying in front of dark trees.
  • Page 100 • dotted line = SNR on the right data link of the CTR Right graph • solid line = SNR on the left data link of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV • dotted line = SNR on the right data link of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV...
  • Page 101 = Charge state of the UAV in percent Charge: : = Number of batteries inserted in the UAV # of Bat. = Number of errors Error: = Status line. Same information as on the Main Screen. ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 102 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 103: Special Functions

    Special Functions This chapter offers a description of several functions to perform semi-automatic flights directly from the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR). Most of these functions can only be executed in GPS-Mode and require a good GPS reception. Circle of Interest (COI) This function is an optional part of the Inspection Package (see chapter 2.8 Software...

  • Page 104: Panorama

    The speed of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is set automatically to always have 2 seconds in between images. Any photo editing software with panorama stitching functionality, or specialized panorama software, may be used to do the image post processing.

  • Page 105: Cylindrical Panorama

    Cylindrical panorama To create images for a cylindrical panorama, the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV will keep its current position and do one 360° turn around the yaw axis, with one fixed tilt angle of the camera. Follow these steps to do a cylindrical panorama: Do all necessary camera adjustments, take off and fly the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV to the desired position.

  • Page 106: Spherical Panorama

    Spherical panorama To create images for a spherical panorama, the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV will keep its current position, and do multiple 360° turns around the yaw axis. The camera tilt angle is set to point downwards during the first turn.

  • Page 107: Quick Surveying Assistant

    CTR without any prior planning on a computer. To do so, the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is placed in one corner of the area to be mapped, and the key parameters are entered: attached camera / lens combination, desired ground sample distance, image overlaps, length of the lines and number of lines.

  • Page 108: Quick Surveying Assistant

    Pushing ESC brings you back to the previous screen. Use the arrow LEFT/RIGHT button to increase or decrease values. Define the direction in which the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV At the end of line: turns after completing the first line of images.

  • Page 109: Waypoint Navigation Using Asctec Navigator Software

    3.3.2 AscTec Navigator Software projects). At each waypoint an image is triggered, and the current GPS position is stored in the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV log. Images and GPS information can later be used in photogrammetry software to create orthomosaics, digital surface models or 3D models.
  • Page 110 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 111: Maintenance, Troubleshooting And Support

    This chapter provides you with answers for questions which might appear during your work with the Intel Falcon 8+ UAS. In the first section we inform you how to keep your Intel Falcon 8+ UAS up to date and give instructions to preserve the functionality. ...

  • Page 112: Updating The Intel Falcon 8+ Uav

    The end of the update process is indicated by a short melody from the UAV and the LED position lights will stop flashing. Push the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV power button to power OFF the UAV until a short beep from the UAV can be heard.

  • Page 113: Updating The Intel Cockpit Controller (Ctr)

    Falcon Info Status Display. Note: To save time, it is possible to do the firmware update of the CTR and the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV in parallel. 6.1.1.3 Updating the Cockpit Control application The Cockpit Control application is updated by a file called CockpitControlInstaller_vx.x.x.exe.

  • Page 114: Caring For The Uav

    Caution: When you use compressed air for cleaning the UAV, it is mandatory to hold/fix the propellers during the blowing out procedure. Otherwise, voltages can be generated, which can damage the whole system electronics. User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 115: Propeller Replacement

    Depending on the applied force, the propeller has to make several turns. 10. Check once more the orientation of the propeller, and compare the movement with the other propellers. For more information on any other replaceable part, please contact the Intel support. ® User Manual Intel...

  • Page 116: Troubleshooting

    The UAV and the CTR are pre-configured ex works. Nevertheless, when the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV and the CTR are powered up for the first time, the Status Display will show the Start Screen and it is necessary to set up the connection between UAV and GCS.

  • Page 117: No Preview Video On The Touchscreen Tablet Of The Ctr

    To check for this defect, please test the following if you have a second CTR / Intel Falcon 8+ UAV available: a. Take the CTR of the problematic Intel Falcon 8+ UAV, and connect it to a different Intel Falcon 8+ UAV and repeat the test....

  • Page 118: Flight Logs

    Note: The Intel Falcon 8+ UAV is able to fly without any active logging device. It is the responsibility of the user to make sure that all flights can be properly logged if it is a legal requirement in the country where the system is used.

  • Page 119: Support

    If the UAV performed a direct landing because of a lost data link connection and if you have difficulties in locating it, the last known position of the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV (which is stored in the Status Display of the CTR) might be helpful. Click the arrow RIGHT button of the Status Display once (while not connected) and latitude and longitude of the last known position will be displayed.
  • Page 120 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 121: Technical Specification

     Technical Specification Figure 7-1. Technical data Intel Falcon 8+ UAV ® User Manual Intel Falcon...
  • Page 122 -5 °C to 45 °C (23 °F to 113 °F) Storage temperature 5 °C to 25 °C (41 °F to 77 °F) Power supply 2 x Intel Powerpack 4000 (redundant setup) Navigation Sensors AscTec Trinity Control Unit Triple redundant Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU:...
  • Page 123 320 x 380 x 135 mm(12.60 x 14.96 x 5.31 in) Weight 2.7 kg (5.95 lbs) (w/o battery)  3.1 kg (6.83 lbs) (with battery) Power supply 1 x Intel Powerpack Battery Operating time* Operating temperature -5 °C to 45 °C (23 °F to 113 °F) Storage temperature 5 °C to 25 °C (41 °F to 77 °F)
  • Page 124 ** The pilot is responsible for knowing and complying with all laws and regulations applicable to the airspace in which the Intel Falcon 8+ System is operated. Jurisdictions have different safety rules such as: authorization for flying unmanned aircraft; flying near airports, manned aircraft, or people; operation within visual line of sight;...

  • Page 125: List Of Figures

    2-21Charging......................... 34 2-22Temperature depending LiPo battery capacity .............. 39 2-23Transport cases & backpack ..................40 2-24 Packing instructions for the Intel Falcon 8+ UAS cases ..........40 2-25Show activated perpetual licenses ................44 2-26Show activated annual licenses .................. 44 2-27 AscTec Navigator Software Flightbook................ 46 3-1 Preparing the UAV....................
  • Page 126 5-1 Circle of Interest ....................101 5-2 Cylindrical panorama ....................103 5-3 Spherical panorama ....................104 5-4 Quick Surveying Assistant ..................106 6-1 Changing the propellers of the UAV................113 6-2 Connecting the Intel Cockpit GCS to the UAV .............114 User Manual ® Intel Falcon...

  • Page 127: Index

    Compass error estimation ................... 69 Controlling the Intel Falcon 8+ UAV from the Intel Cockpit GCS ........74 Critical battery levels & warnings of the UAV and the Intel Cockpit GCS ......84 CTR warnings ......................86 Data link warnings ..................... 85 Description of the System ...................
  • Page 128 Home position ......................64 Independent Camera Control (ICC) ................21 In-flight ........................74 In-Flight Emergencies ....................76 Inspection Payload .....................30 Inspection Payload control by the Intel Cockpit GCS ............32 Inspection Payload control by the Status Display ............32 Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) ..................18 ® Intel Falcon 8+ UAS Firmware Updates ..............
  • Page 129  No preview video on the touchscreen tablet of the Intel Cockpit GCS ......117 Operating temperatures ..................... 39 Operating the BMS menu .................... 34 Operating the System ....................49 Operational Limitations ....................91 Packing instructions ....................40 Panorama ....................... 104 PATH projects ......................
  • Page 130 UAS and Safety Check ....................10 Unmanned Aircraft System ..................1, 7 Updating the Cockpit Control application ..............111 Updating the Intel Cockpit Controller (CTR) ..............113 Updating the Intel Falcon 8+ UAS ................112 Warnings ........................82 Waypoint Navigation using AscTec Navigator Software ..........109 User Manual ®...

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