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3DR Solo S110A User Manual

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  • Page 1 ™ User Manual...
  • Page 2 3DR Support Contact 3DR Support for questions and technical help. online: 3dr.com/support email: support@3dr.com call: +1 (858) 225-1414 (direct) +1 (855) 982-2898 (toll free in the US and Canada) Support line hours: Mon-Fri 8 am to 5 pm PST 3D Robotics (3DR)

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction System Overview Aircraft Overview Controller Overview Operating Parameters Autopilot Propulsion LED Meanings Setup In the Box Battery Controller Propellers Camera Mobile App The Solo Gimbal In the Box Gimbal Installation Gimbal Operation Safety Location Environmental Awareness Visual Line of Sight Flight School Propellers Home Position...
  • Page 4 Accessing Advanced Flight Modes Home Position Safety Performance Adjustment Units Maximum Altitude Adjustment Support Maintenance 10.1 Controller Battery Replacement 10.2 Calibrations 10.3 Pairing the Controller 10.4 Legs 10.5 Battery Tray 10.6 Motor Mods 10.7 Factory Reset Appendix 11.1 Specifications 11.2 Warranty 11.3 Regulatory Compliance...
  • Page 5 Figures Figure 5.7.2.1: App - Shot List Figure 6.1.1: Selfie Path and Settings Figure 6.1.1.1: App - Selfie Activation : Solo System Context Diagram Figure 1.1.3.1 Figure 6.1.2.1: App - Selfie Control Figure 1.2.4.1: Solo Overview Figure 6.1.2.2: Controller - Selfie Control Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview Figure 6.1.3.1: App - Selfie Settings Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters...

  • Page 6: Introduction

    The controller provides control mechanisms and displays in-flight data on a full-color screen. Using twin long- range antennas, the controller acts as the central hub for all communication on the 3DR Link network, receiving all communications from Solo and the app, forwarding telemetry outputs to the app, and managing the transmission of all control inputs to Solo.

  • Page 7: Aircraft Overview

    Aircraft Overview 1.2.1 Smart Battery The battery connects to Solo’s battery bay. Solo’s power button is located on the battery; Solo can be powered only when the battery is connected. 1.2.2 Motors and Propellers Solo’s arms are labeled one through four on the ends of the arms. Motors on arms #1 and #2 spin counterclockwise and use clockwise-tightening propellers with silver tops.

  • Page 8: Controller Overview

    Controller Overview 1.3.1 Mobile-Device Holder Mount an Android or iOS device to run the Solo App and effortlessly integrate the App into the controller’s operational flow. A user-supplied smartphone or tablet is required to initialize Solo and use Smart Shots. 1.3.2 Joysticks The controller’s left and right joysticks provide direct manual control of Solo and physical control mechanisms for...

  • Page 9: Operating Parameters

    Antennas Mobile-device holder Gimbal controls Joysticks Screen Pause Return home Power Options Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview Operating Parameters The following operating parameters apply to Solo. Always operate Solo within these parameters. Solo’s performance and behaviors may vary significantly if flying in that conditions violate the parameters listed below. Estimated flight time up to 25 minutes* Default maximum altitude...

  • Page 10: Autopilot

    Autopilot Solo uses a Pixhawk 2 autopilot running ArduPilot Copter software. ArduPilot is open-source flight control based on the MAVlink communication protocol. Pixhawk 2 runs an ARM Cortex-M4 STM32F427 processor with 2 MB of flash memory and 256 KB of RAM. Combined with an array of CAN, I2C, SPI, PWM, and UART interfaces, Pixhawk 2 uses a suite of onboard sensors to calculate Solo’s orientation and motion in flight.

  • Page 11: Setup

    Setup This section covers everything you need to set up Solo out of the box. In the Box Solo includes the Solo Vehicle, the Solo Controller, propellers (four plus two spares), the Solo Smart Battery, the Solo Smart Battery charger, and a charger for the Solo Controller. Three silver-top props Solo &...

  • Page 12: Figure 2.2.1.1: Charing The Solo Smart Battery

    Press and hold the battery power button to turn on Solo. When Solo powers on, the battery displays an LED animation and you hear the startup tone. Power Solo only with the designated 3DR Solo Smart Battery; using a different battery can permanently damage Solo.

  • Page 13: Controller

    Controller The Solo Controller includes a pre-installed rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. 2.3.1 Charging Charge the controller using the designated controller charger only; using a different charger can damage the controller or cause a fire. To charge the controller, connect the controller charger to the barrel jack on the side of the controller and to a wall outlet.

  • Page 14: Propellers

    Propellers Solo uses two types of self-tightening propellers, indicated by the color of the circle at the center of the propeller. 2.4.1 Attaching Attach the propellers with silver tops to the motors with a silver dot on the top of the motor shaft, and attach the black-top propellers to the motors with black dots.

  • Page 15: Figure 2.5.1.1: Attach Camera

    GoPro The Frame ® ™ Your GoPro ® Mount your GoPro Connect the HDMI ® HERO 3, 3+ or 4 upside down. cable. Figure 2.5.1.1: Attach Camera 2.5.2 Settings SETUP ORIENTATION ORIENTATION EXIT For best results, adjust the camera settings for inverted orientation and medium field of view. (Setting the field of :AUTO view to medium ensures that you won’t see the propellers in the frame.) :VIDEO...

  • Page 16: Mobile App

    Visit 3dr.com/soloapp or download “3DR Solo” from the App Store or Google Play Store. 3DR Solo works with iOS 8.0 or later and Android 4.3 or later. For Android, you must also install the “3DR Services” app to your device.

  • Page 17: Figure 2.6.3.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings

    Update Requirement Screen preflight update Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update Controller update in progress screen Figure 2.6.4.1: Controller Preflight Update Prompt Is displayed after user initiates update in app. Persists until controller update is successful.

  • Page 18: Figure 2.6.4.4: App - Instructions List

    Required before first flight! While the update is in progress, the controller shows the controller updating display. The controller completes a full Use 3DR Solo App to update restart as part of the update process, which can take up to five minutes.

  • Page 19: Figure 2.6.4.9: Controller Update Complete Displays

    Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update Update Requirement Screen Controller update in progress screen Is displayed after user initiates update in app. Persists until controller update is successful. preflight update Required before first flight! Use 3DR Solo App to update The controller restarts and displays a green checkmark to indicate that the controller was updated successfully.

  • Page 20: The Solo Gimbal

    The Solo Gimbal The optional Solo Gimbal holds your GoPro® camera and lets you control it remotely. It taps Solo’s intelligence to get perfectly automated shots, plus rock-solid footage, GoPro® control and charging, and long-range HD video feed. With the 3-Axis Solo Gimbal, you get: •...

  • Page 21: Figure 3.2.1.1: The Frame Removal

    3.2.1 Remove The Frame 1. Flip Solo over to access the bottom of the vehicle. 2. The Frame is secured to Solo by three captive screws (permanently attached to the mount to prevent losing them). Since these screws don’t come out all the way, loosen each screw until they can’t be backed out any further.

  • Page 22: Figure 3.2.3.1: Positioning The Gimbal Cable

    3.2.3 Position Cables With both cables now connected to the Solo Gimbal, it is important to position each cable out of the way of other internal components. When configuring the HDMI and gimbal cables, the HDMI cable should rest on top of the gimbal cable.

  • Page 23: Figure 3.2.4.1: Mounting The Gimbal

    3.2.4 Mount the Gimbal 1. Position the gimbal plate over the opening in the Solo Shell, making sure that the three screw positions are aligned (two in the back and one in front). 2. Slide the back of the plate in first, and then pinch the two front prongs in and down to insert the plate. Have extended feet? (Optional) Install for added clearance.

  • Page 24: Figure 3.2.5.2: Attach Gopro

    2. Slide your GoPro into place from the front and gently press it in until it is flush with the back of the camera housing. Figure 3.2.5.2: Attach GoPro 3. Take the rubber HDMI plug and insert into the exposed side of your GoPro. This simultaneously fastens the GoPro into place and secures the HDMI connection.

  • Page 25: Figure 3.2.7.1: Adding The Sunshade

    3.2.7 Add Sunshade Flying on a sunny day? Use the sunshade to protect your video from glare. Simply press-fit the sunshade onto the GoPro lens to install. Figure 3.2.7.1: Adding the Sunshade 3.2.8 Update Your GoPro The GoPro HERO4 Silver and HERO4 Black are fully optimized to work with the Solo Gimbal. To use functions like Start Recording and Stop Recording, your GoPro HERO4 must be fully up to date.

  • Page 26: Gimbal Operation

    Follow the instructions to register and update your GoPro. 3.2.9 Recommended GoPro Settings For superior results, adjust your camera settings to these recommended values. Resolution 1080P or 2.7K Field of View Medium Low Light Spot Meter Protune On (if available) White blance Auto Color...

  • Page 27: Figure 3.3.2.1: Led Gimbal Signal

    3.3.2 LED Signals On the back of the Solo Gimbal is an LED that signals different status modes of the gimbal. Figure 3.3.2.1: LED Gimbal Signal The Gimbal LED displays several different signals: • Breathing green: the gimbal is functioning properly and ready for use. •...
  • Page 28 Resolution: Check the LED on the gimbal (behind the GoPro) and refer to the color guide in Section 3.3.2. If the LED is off, make sure the gimbal connector is plugged in and seated properly. If none of the preceding steps resolved your gimbal issue, please contact customer support at 3dr.com/support.

  • Page 29: Safety

    Safety The following best practices will help ensure safe, successful flights and help reduce the risk of accident and serious injury: • Always fly under adult supervision and with your full attention at all times. • Do not fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol or when your ability to operate Solo safely is impaired. •...

  • Page 30: Flight School

    Flight School If you’re new to flying, review the video tutorials in the Flight School area of the app before your first flight. Flight School provides useful tips for learning to operate Solo safely and correctly. 400 ft 400 ft Figure 4.4.1: App Flight School Propellers Spinning propellers can cause serious injury.

  • Page 31: Altitude Limit

    Altitude Limit Always fly at appropriate altitudes for your flying location and local regulations. Solo cannot avoid obstacles on its own, so always select altitudes that avoid any obstacles, such as trees, buildings, and power lines. Solo includes a safety fence enabled by default at 150 ft. (46 m). If Solo reaches the altitude limit, it stops ascending and limits throttle input to stay below the altitude limit.

  • Page 32: 4.10 Flight Battery

    You need to replace or upgrade the controller battery. Upgraded controller batteries with double the capacity are available from store.3dr.com or an authorized retailer. In the case where you need to store the extra controller battery, store it in a location where it will not come into contact with metal objects or other batteries.

  • Page 33: 4.12 Antenna Configuration

    4.12 Antenna Configuration For the strongest connection to Solo, position the antennas down and away from the controller so they are approximately perpendicular to Solo in flight, and tilt each antenna out and away from one another at a 20° angle. 20°...

  • Page 34: First Flight

    First Flight This section covers basic Solo flight procedures, including takeoff, landing, and manual control. Preflight Checklist Before flying, check the following conditions: 5.1.1 Location » Your current location and environmental conditions are suitable for flight. (Section 4.1) » Solo is on a level surface at a clear launch point a sufficient distance from yourself and others. (Section 4.1) 5.1.2 Components »...

  • Page 35: Landing

    TAKEOFF PART 2 Auto-takeo Green bar returns to zero progress position on transition. User holds “Fly” to initiate auto-takeo . “Fly” button LED blinks on Artoo when motors 5.2.2 Initiating Takeoff to take off Hold are on. LED becomes solid white when takeo begins.

  • Page 36: Return Home

    Return Home The Return Home button allows you to bring your flight to an end by recalling Solo to its launch location and landing. Keep in mind that Return Home requires enough battery to get back to the launch point. If you need to end your flight immediately, land manually or hold the Fly button.

  • Page 37: In-Flight Data

    In-Flight Data Use the controller’s main data display to monitor Solo’s status in flight. Figure 5.5.1: Controller - In-Flight Data Flight battery percentage remaining GPS signal strength and number of active satellites Active mode or Smart Shot (“Fly” indicates standard flight.) Controller battery level Solo Wi-Fi signal strength Horizontal distance from the home position (launch point)

  • Page 38: Joystick Control

    Joystick Control The controller’s two joysticks allow you to navigate Solo in flight. The left stick controls Solo’s altitude and rotation. ROTATE ROTATE Left Stick LEFT RIGHT DOWN Figure 5.6.1: Controller Left Joystick To control Solo’s altitude and acceleration, move the left stick vertically. Left Stick To take off and to gain altitude, move the left stick slightly past...

  • Page 39: Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior

    Lower just slightly Hover + Land Left Stick to hover Left Lower just slightly to hover Left To rotate Solo and control orientation, move the left stick horizontally. Left Yaw Left Yaw Right Move the stick to the left to Right rotate counterclockwise.

  • Page 40: Figure 5.6.5: Pitch Joystick Controls

    Figure 5.6.6: Roll Joystick Controls Right Yaw If you’re new to drones, take some time to learn the basics before your first flight. Visit 3dr.com/solo/info or check out Flight School in the Solo Deactivate app to learn about flight controls and best practices.

  • Page 41: App Interface Overview

    App Interface Overview The Solo app provides a simplified interface for viewing Solo’s video feed and managing Smart Shots. Figure 5.7.1: App - Main Interface Live video feed Main menu Horizontal distance from home Altitude Shot List Flight battery percentage remaining Controller signal strength Hide telemetry bar Map view...

  • Page 42: Smart Shots

    Smart Shots Solo’s Smart Shots automate video capturing to make it easy to get stunning aerial video. By default, Cable Cam and Orbit are assigned to the controller’s A and B buttons. Use the app to access Selfie or Follow. Smart Shots are available only with the Solo app.

  • Page 43: Figure 6.1.2.1: App - Selfie Control

    6.1.2 Selfie Operation To move Solo along the Selfie path, tap the forward and back arrows in the App. The default cruise speed when using Selfie is 9 mph (4 m/s). Figure 6.1.2.1: App - Selfie Control To control Selfie using the controller, use the right stick to move Solo forward and back along the Selfie path. To stop Solo at any time, press Pause.

  • Page 44: Cable Cam

    Cable Cam Cable Cam creates a smooth shot by flying Solo along an imaginary cable between any two points that you specify initially. 6.2.1 Starting Cable Cam To start Cable Cam, press A on the controller, or select Cable Cam from the Shot List on the App. Both devices will prompt you to fly Solo to your first point and save it as the first Cable Cam point by pressing A.

  • Page 45: Orbit

    6.2.3 Cable Cam Settings To adjust Cable Cam’s options, select the settings menu in the bottom-right corner. Automatic view lock prevents left-stick camera control during Cable Cam. Choose Fly Counterclockwise and Fly Clockwise to customize the direction Solo rotates between your A and B points. Select Cable Cam How-To for instructions and tips. Figure 6.2.3.1: App - Cable Cam Settings Orbit Use Orbit to fly Solo along a preset circle while fixing the camera on a central target.

  • Page 46: Follow

    To control Orbit using the controller, move the right stick left and right to fly Solo along the Orbit path. You can move Solo toward and away from the subject by pushing the right stick up and down, respectively. To temporarily override the camera’s lock on the subject and look left and right, move the left stick.To adjust Solo’s altitude, move the left stick up and down.

  • Page 47: Figure 6.4.1.1: App - Follow Setup

    6.4.1 Follow Setup To start Follow, select Follow from the Shot List in the app and navigate Solo to face the subject. Tap the instructional bar to begin following. Figure 6.4.1.1: App - Follow Setup 6.4.2 Follow Operation Once activated, Solo automatically follows the mobile device wherever the subject carries it. In the app, the subject can orbit Solo around them by pressing the left and right arrows.

  • Page 48: Alerts

    Compass error Level error Level error Catch-All Use 3DR Solo app to log a trouble User asked to use Solo app to calibrate. User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate User is asked to use Solo app to calibrate...

  • Page 49: In-Flight Errors

    Contact 3DR customer support Note: Artoo will not assume the same error is present on The following alerts indicate a system error that requires service. Use the app to submit a trouble ticket with 3DR Move Solo to a level surface restart, and will run a fresh check when connected to Solo.

  • Page 50: Figure 7.2.2.1: Controller - App Connection Alerts

    Disconnected from Solo Solo will return home Solo will return home ALTITUDE Control stick error Contact 3DR Support after landing IN-FLIGHT ALERTS: CONTROLLER RELATED Controller connection poor (Banner) Disconnected Appears once connection strength is below average performance Disconnected from Solo for X time.

  • Page 51: Figure 7.2.4.1: Controller - Gps Signal Alerts

    Crash Detected Fullscreen message User can use app to log a support ticket Times out after 5000 milliseconds Alert persists until: User presses A HAPTIC: Quad buzz: 40-40-40-40 Crash detected Solo SFX: Start lost call ping if more than 10 m away lost If Solo recovers GPS during flight, Solo switches from Fly:Manual to standard flight (Fly), and GPS positioning Switching to manual control...

  • Page 52: Advanced Settings

    Advanced Settings This section provides instructions for accessing and using Solo’s advanced features and settings. Advanced Flight Modes Are you a quadcopter pro? We designed Solo to be simple and reliable, but also really fun to fly. Solo includes five advanced flight modes: Fly:Manual, stabilize, acro, sport, and drift.

  • Page 53: Enabling Advanced Flight Modes

    8.1.5 Sport Sport mode in a modified version of Acro that includes altitude assistance and earth-frame orientation. With altitude assistance, the throttle stick behaves the same in Sport mode as it does in standard flight (Fly mode). Earth-frame orientation differs from copter-frame orientation in that the direction of yaw rotation is in relation to the earth instead of in relation to the copter itself.

  • Page 54: Performance Adjustment

    Performance Adjustment The Solo app includes options to adjust Solo’s performance to suit your flying style. To access the performance sliders, select Performance from the Solo menu. The Flight slider controls how fast Solo flies and its responsiveness to controls. The Camera Pan slider regulates the speed that Solo rotates. Move the slider towards the turtle for slower, more cushioned movement, or move the slider towards the rabbit for faster, more responsive movement.

  • Page 55: Support

    Support 3DR Support is here to help you get the most out of Solo. If you have any questions, send an email to support@3dr. com or give us a call at 1 (855) 982-2898 (toll free in the US and Canada) or direct at +1 (858) 225-1414. To submit a support request through our website, visit 3dr.com/support.

  • Page 56: 10.2 Calibrations

    10.2 Calibrations Use the Solo app to perform compass and level calibrations when prompted by the controller. Remove Solo’s propellers before performing calibrations. 10.2.1 Compass Calibration To calibrate Solo’s compass, connect the app to Solo Wi-Fi and select Compass Calibration from the Solo menu. Ensure that Solo and the controller are powered on with the propellers removed.

  • Page 57: 10.3 Pairing The Controller

    10.3 Pairing the Controller 1 Turn off the Solo and the controller that you want to pair, along with any other Solos and controllers nearby. 2 Power on the Solo and controller that you want to pair. 3 Wait 30 seconds for Solo and the controller to fully boot up. 4 Identify the Pair button underneath Solo.

  • Page 58: 10.4 Legs

    Solo uses three unique types of legs: two legs with an antenna module (#1 and #2), a leg with no electronic components (leg #3), and a leg with a compass module (leg #4). You can purchase replacements for all types of leg from store.3dr.com or an authorized retailer. Antenna...

  • Page 59: Figure 10.4.2.1: Detaching The Antenna From The Leg

    Figure 10.4.2.1: Detaching the Antenna from the Leg Attach the new leg by threading the antenna cable through the notch in the top of the leg (1) and securing the leg using the provide screws (2). Figure 10.4.2.2: Attaching a New Leg with an Existing Antenna To secure the antenna to the new leg, use the provided Velcro to attach only the yellow-backed Velcro strip to the Velcro on the antenna.

  • Page 60: Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector On Mainboard

    10.4.3 Leg #4 with Compass Solo’s right-rear leg (#4) contains the compass module. Start by detaching the leg from the arm as you would a standard leg, but the leg will not be removable until you disconnect the compass from Solo. To access the compass connector, you’ll need to remove the battery tray from Solo.

  • Page 61: 10.5 Battery Tray

    10.5 Battery Tray The battery tray holds the battery and GPS in place, and allows you to access the main electronics bay. This section covers how to remove to tray to access the interior of Solo. 10.5.1 GPS Cover The GPS cover is the flat, black end cap in front of the battery tray. To remove it, use a small, flat prying tool to loosen the four clips along the back edge of the cover.

  • Page 62: 10.6 Motor Mods

    10.6 Motor Mods Replacement motors are available as clockwise and counterclockwise Motor Pods. Use a counterclockwise Motor Pod to replace motors #1 and #2, and use a clockwise Motor Pod to replace motors #3 and #4. Replace motor pods after every 150 hours of flight or when they can no longer turn smoothly. To replace a Motor Pod, first use a small, flat prying tool to remove the LED cover form the underside of the arm.

  • Page 63: Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection

    Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection Connect the three cables from the arm to the new motor pod. Tuck the cables inside the arm and set the new pod into place. Figure 10.6.4: Motor Pod Connection Turn over Solo and secure the new motor pod into place using the four provided screws. Do not reuse the screws from the old Motor Pod.

  • Page 64: 10.7 Factory Reset

    10.7 Factory Reset Performing a factory reset restores Solo and the controller to their state prior to the first flight update. Use a factory reset if you forget your Solo Wi-Fi password or need to restore Solo’s factory settings. Contact customer support before performing a Factory Reset. This procedure can cause irreparable damage to Solo.

  • Page 65: Figure 10.7.3: Controller Reset

    Step 2: Reset the Controller Start with the controller powered off. Hold the Power and Fly buttons simultaneously until you see the controller- updating display. The controller then restarts, taking up to five minutes, and then the screen turns off for one minute. Figure 10.7.3: Controller Reset When the Controller reset is complete, you will see one of these two completion screens: Figure 10.7.4: Controller Update...
  • Page 66 Step 4: Pair Solo and the Controller For instructions how to pair Solo and the Controller, see section 10.3. Step 5: Update your system For instructions how to update your system, see section 2.6.4. The Factory Reset procedure is now complete.

  • Page 67: 11 Appendix

    11 Appendix 11.1 Specifications Solo is a quad-rotor aerial vehicle powered by the 3DR Pixhawk 2 autopilot system and APM:Copter flight control software. Solo communicates with the controller and Solo app over the 3DR Link secure Wi-Fi connection. Autopilot: 3DR Pixhawk 2...

  • Page 68: 11.2 Warranty

    Robotics’ option, without charge for parts or labor directly related to the defect(s). The complete terms of the limited warranty applicable to Solo can be found at 3dr.com/terms. This Warranty extends only to consumers who purchase the product from a 3D Robotics authorized reseller and is not transferable or assignable.
  • Page 69 Canada - Industry Canada 3DR Solo IC: 12768A-S114A Model number: S110A 3DR Solo Controller IC: 12768A-AT14A Model number: AT10A This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

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