3DR Solo User Manual
Hide thumbs Also See for Solo:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

User Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Summary of Contents for 3DR Solo

  • Page 1 ™ User Manual...
  • Page 2 Tel. +1 (858) 225-1414 3dr.com Solo User Manual V7 © 2015 3D Robotics Inc. Solo is a trademark of 3D Robotics, Inc. GoPro, HERO, the GoPro logo, and the GoPro Be a HERO logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    System Overview Aircraft Overview Controller Overview Operating Parameters Autopilot Propulsion LED Meanings Setup In the Box - Solo with The Frame In the Box - Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal Battery Controller Propellers Camera Mobile App The Solo Gimbal In the Box...
  • Page 4 Alerts Preflight Errors In-Flight Errors Advanced Settings Advanced Flight Modes Enabling Advanced Flight Modes Accessing Advanced Flight Modes Home Position Safety Performance Adjustment Units Maximum Altitude Adjustment Map Tile Provider (Android only) Support Maintenance 10.1 Controller Battery Replacement 10.2 Calibrations 10.3 Pairing the Controller 10.4...
  • Page 5 Figure 1.3.10.1: Controller Overview Figure 1.4.1: Solo Operating Parameters Figure 1.6.1: Solo Motor Order Figure 2.1.1: Solo Parts Figure 2.2.1: Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal Parts Figure 2.3.1.1: Charing the Solo Smart Battery Figure 2.3.2.1: Powering Solo Figure 2.4.1.1: Controller Charging Figure 2.4.2.1: Power On Controller...
  • Page 6 Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior Figure 5.6.4: Controller Right Joystick Controls Figure 5.6.5: Pitch Joystick Controls Figure 5.6.6: Roll Joystick Controls Figure 6.1.1: Solo App Home Screen Figure 6.1.1.1: App - Main Interface Figure 6.1.1.2: Advanced telemetry data Figure 6.1.2.1: Initial Map Screen Figure 6.1.2.2: Map Screen During Caching...
  • Page 7 Figure 10.4.2.3: Attaching an Existing Antenna to a New Leg Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector on Mainboard Figure 10.4.3.2: Insert New Leg with Compass Figure 10.5.1.1: GPS Cover Removal Figure 10.5.2.1: Battery Tray Removal Figure 10.5.2.2: Battery Tray Detachment Figure 10.6.1: LED Cover Removal Figure 10.6.2: Motor Pod Removal Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection Figure 10.6.4: Motor Pod Connection...
  • Page 8: Introduction

    1.1.3 The Solo App outputs a live video stream from an onboard GoPro® camera to an Android or iOS device. The App allows you to view the live video with overlaid telemetry and access a simplified graphic interface for controlling Solo’s advanced functions.
  • Page 9: Aircraft Overview

    Motors and Propellers Solo’s arms are labeled 1 through 4 on the ends of the arms. Motors on arms #1 and #2 spin counterclockwise and use clockwise-tightening propellers with silver tops. Motors on arms #3 and #4 spin clockwise and use counterclockwise-tightening propellers with black tops.
  • Page 10: Controller Overview

    The controller’s long-range dipole antennas communicate with Solo during flight. See Section 4.12 for proper antenna configuration. 1.3.10 Gimbal Controls Use the paddle, buttons, and dial on the top of the controller are used to control the Solo Gimbal. You can also use them in some Smart Shots.
  • Page 11: Operating Parameters

    Listed flight time applies to elevations less than 2,000 ft above sea level. ** To adjust maximum altitude, see Section 8.7. *** Depending on environmental conditions **** This top speed corresponds to Solo when operating in Fly mode. Maximum speeds for advanced modes may vary; see Section 8.1 for more information.
  • Page 12: Autopilot

    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. This data is input into ArduPilot’s inertial navigation and position-estimation algorithms and combined with control inputs to send commands to Solo’s...
  • Page 13: Setup

    In the Box - Solo with The Frame The Solo package includes the Solo Vehicle with The Frame (for mounting a GoPro camera), the Solo Controller, propellers (four plus two spares), the Solo Smart Battery, the Solo Smart Battery charger, and a charger for the Solo Controller.
  • Page 14: Figure 2.3.1.1: Charing The Solo Smart Battery

    As a lithium polymer battery, the Solo Smart Battery requires specific handling practices to ensure safe operation and prevent accidents. For more information about battery safety, see Section 4.10, Flight Battery, on page 28.
  • Page 15: Controller

    1 Slide to connect Figure 2.3.2.1: Poweri ng Solo Controller The Solo Controller includes a pre-installed rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. 2.4.1 Charging Charge the controller using the designated controller charger only; using a different charger can damage the controller or cause a fire.
  • Page 16: Propellers

    To power on the controller, press and hold the controller power button until you see the startup screen. Figure 2.4.2.1: Power On Controller Propellers Solo uses two types of self-tightening propellers, indicated by the color of the circle at the center of the propeller. 2.5.1 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 17: Camera

    Camera The Solo package includes a fixed GoPro® The Frame™ mount for your GoPro® HERO 3, 3+ or 4. Note: If you have Solo with 3-Axis Gimbal or have installed the Gimbal separately, see Section 3.2.5, Camera Installation, on page 19.
  • Page 18: Mobile App

    Connect to Solo To connect the App to Solo’s 3DR Link Wi-Fi network, tap the Connect button on the home page of the App and follow the prompts. When in the Wi-Fi settings on the mobile device, connect to SoloLink_####. Enter the temporary password “sololink”.
  • Page 19: Figure 2.7.4.2: App - Wi-Fi Settings

    Controller will prompt you for the update with the preflight update alert. Ensure that both the controller and Solo are powered, the Controller has at least 50% battery remaining, and the app is connected to Solo Wi-Fi. The total ARTOO UPDATE SCREEN FEEDBACK V10C update process can take up to 10 minutes.
  • Page 20: Figure 2.7.5.4: App - Instructions List

    Figure 2.7.5.5: App - Download Update When the App detects an active connection with the controller, it prompt you to begin the update. (Solo and the controller must be powered on to connect to Solo Wi-Fi.) To start the update, select Begin.
  • Page 21: Figure 2.7.5.8: App - Update Disconnection Confirmation

    Controller update in progress screen Update will take about 5 minutes green checkmark on the controller, reconnect to Solo Wi-Fi in the app and press A on the controller to continue the Is displayed after user initiates update in app.
  • Page 22: Figure 2.7.6.1: App - Viewing Video

    View Video After the update is complete, to view video in the app, first make sure Solo, the controller, and the GoPro® are powered on, and that the App is connected to Solo via Wi-Fi. Then, on the App home screen, tap Fly Solo.
  • Page 23: The Solo Gimbal

    To install the Solo Gimbal and start utilizing its features, follow these Solo Gimbal installation instructions: Gimbal Installation Before installing the Solo Gimbal, make sure the firmware on Solo and your GoPro as well as the Solo App on your mobile device are up to date for the best performance.
  • Page 24: Figure 3.2.2.1: Connecting Cables

    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 25: Figure 3.2.3.1: Positioning The Gimbal Cable

    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.
  • Page 26: Figure 3.2.4.1: Mounting The Gimbal

    3. When the plate is inserted and resting flush with the Solo Shell, tighten each of the three captive screws. If the plate isn’t resting flush with the Solo Shell, the most likely cause is that the screws didn’t catch correctly. If the screws are misaligned, do not try to tighten them.
  • Page 27: Figure 3.2.5.2: Attach Gopro

    Add Balance Weights Out of the box, the Solo Gimbal is perfectly weighted for use with the GoPro HERO4 Black. If you are using the GoPro HERO4 Silver or the GoPro HERO3+, then you need to add balance weights to optimize these cameras for use with the Solo Gimbal.
  • Page 28: Figure 3.2.7.1: Adding The Sunshade

    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. You can update your GoPro in either of two ways: Update through an iOS or Android mobile device, or through your computer.
  • Page 29: Gimbal Operation

    Controlling the Solo Gimbal To manually adjust the tilt angle of the Solo Gimbal, use the tilt control paddle to move the gimbal up and down. You can also set up an automatic tilt control using the ‘1’ and ‘2’ button presets. These buttons are located above and below the tilt speed dial, as shown in Figure 3.3.1.1.
  • Page 30: 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 31 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 32: Safety

    Solo flies outside the safe flying area. Visual Line of Sight Always fly Solo within your visual line of sight. Don’t let Solo get so far away from you that you cannot see its orientation or so that any physical obstructions block your view of Solo.
  • Page 33: Flight School

    Solo before picking it up. Solo requires an active GPS signal for flight. After powering on, Solo can take up to five minutes to acquire a strong GPS lock. Always choose a flying location with a clear view of the sky to improve GPS signal strength. The following requirements define a GPS lock: •...
  • Page 34: Home Position

    Land To land Solo at its current position, press and hold the Fly button. To exit the landing procedure at any time, lift the throttle. If Solo does not have GPS lock, automatic positioning is not available as Solo descends, and drifting can...
  • Page 35: Flight Battery

    Motor Shutoff Hold In the event that Solo’s motors do not stop after landing or for an emergency in-flight kill switch, Solo includes to shut off motors an emergency motor shutoff procedure. To shut off the motors at any time, either in flight or on the ground, hold the A, B, and Pause buttons at the same time.
  • Page 36: 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 37: First Flight

    Activating Motors When Solo is ready to fly, the controller will prompt you to hold the Fly button to start Solo’s motors. Hold Fly until the propellers spin. Solo is now active, ready for takeoff, and needs to be treated with appropriate caution to avoid MOTOR START &...
  • Page 38: Landing

    LED becomes solid white when takeo 5.2.2 Initiating Takeoff begins. Hold Fly again to initiate takeoff. Solo will rise to 10 feet (3 m) and hover until it receives further control inputs. AUTO-LAND Cable Cam Orbit TAKEOFF PART 2...
  • Page 39: Return Home

    5.4.1 Smart Return Home Functionality When a call to Return Home is triggered, it is critical that Solo make a swift and safe journey back to the Home Position. Among the factors involved in balancing these priorities are: • The farther away Solo is, the greater the likelihood that it could encounter unforeseen obstacles (buildings, trees, etc.).
  • Page 40: Figure 5.4.2.1: Above Return Home

    Home behavior in each scenario. Case #1: Above the Return Home Altitude Figure 5.4.2.1: Above Return Home When a call to Return Home is triggered and Solo is flying above the Return Home Altitude (default: 25m), Solo: Climbs 10m Traverses to the Home Position...
  • Page 41: In-Flight Data

    The radius of the Cone Zone expands at a 1:3 ratio of lateral distance to altitude. This means that the Cone radius is directly related to the Return Home altitude. As Solo’s altitude increases, so does the radius of the cone. If Solo’s lateral distance from the Home Position exceeds this ratio, it is then outside the cone.
  • Page 42: 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.
  • Page 43: Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior

    Figure 5.6.3: Yaw Joystick Behavior Use the right stick to fly Solo forward, back, left, and right. These movements are relative to Solo’s current orientation, so always maintain awareness of Solo’s forward-facing direction before using right-stick controls. FORWARD...
  • Page 44: 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 45: Using The Solo App

    Figure 6.1.1: Solo App Home Screen The primary function here is to go to the main screen by tapping Fly Solo on the left side of the screen. Also, if you’re not connected to Solo and are using the Android version of the App, a Connect button appears in the top-left corner;...
  • Page 46 Main Interface This is the screen you’ll use most of the time when flying Solo. It’s available by tapping Fly Solo on the home screen. The main screen provides the live video feed from the GoPro camera, telemetry statistics, access to Smart Shots and the map view, and more.
  • Page 47: Figure 6.1.2.1: Initial Map Screen

    With a Wi-Fi only iOS device, you can cache map data automatically by connecting to the Internet, then opening the map in the Solo App and navigating to the area you want to map. Then, when you connect the device to Solo, the App automatically remembers the map.
  • Page 48: Figure 6.1.3.1: Camera Button States

    ...” message. 6. Proceed to the map area with your Solo, start flying, and access the map as usual. If the map is full-screen, and you have a live video feed, the video appears in the picture-in-picture (PiP) rectangle near the top-left corner of the screen.
  • Page 49: Figure 6.1.3.2: Tap For Camera Settings

    To access the camera settings, tap the sliders icon immediately below the record button: Figure 6.1.3.2: Tap for Camera Settings Tip: You can change camera settings while flying as long as you’re not recording. The two camera-settings areas, available from the buttons on the right side of the screen, are Camera Mode and Camera Settings: Figure 6.1.3.3: In-App Camera Settings •...
  • Page 50 • Save to Camera Roll: When on and recording video to the camera, the mobile device also records the video received by the app from Solo to its internal memory. The Camera Roll video is available via the same methods as video recorded directly with the mobile device.
  • Page 51: Smart Shots

    Solo app. Tip: When using Smart Shots without a Solo Gimbal, Solo cannot ensure that the subject is in the frame at all times. If this is the case, you can improve the chances of keeping the subject in the frame by adjusting the camera mount so the camera is fixed at an appropriate angle.
  • Page 52: Selfie

    Selfie shot, always ensure that there is a clear path 200 feet (61 m) behind and above Solo. Once you activate Selfie mode, Solo flies up and away from the subject to a point 164 feet (50 m) from the subject at 82 feet (25 m) altitude.
  • Page 53: Figure 6.3.2.1: App - Selfie Control

    Figure 6.3.2.1: 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. To exit to standard flight, press Fly.
  • Page 54: Cable Cam

    To start Cable Cam, press A on the controller, or select Cable Cam from the Shot List in the App. You’re then prompted to fly Solo to your first point and save it as the first Cable Cam point by pressing A. Then fly to your second point and save it by pressing B.
  • Page 55: Orbit

    Starting Orbit Select Orbit from the Shot List. The App switches to the map screen and shows the location Solo as well as the direction it’s facing on the map. This screen also shows the orbit center point as a small bullseye, as well as a line connecting the two points.
  • Page 56: Figure 6.5.2.1: App - Orbit Controls

    6.5.2 Orbit Operation To fly Solo along the Orbit path, tap the left and right arrows. The default cruise speed for Orbit is 2.2 mph (1 m/s). Figure 6.5.2.1: App - Orbit Controls 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.
  • Page 57: Follow

    To start Follow, select Follow from the Shot List in the app and navigate Solo to face the subject. When Follow starts, it’s in Look At Me mode, in which Solo remains stationary while turning to face the subject as they move. To activate Follow mode, in which Solo moves along with the subject, tap Follow at the bottom of the screen.
  • Page 58: Figure 6.6.1.2: Follow In Follow Mode

    On the controller, adjust the follow distance by moving the right stick vertically, and orbit the subject by moving the right stick horizontally. To adjust Solo’s altitude during Follow, move the left stick vertically. And to override the camera tracking and temporarily pan the camera, move the left stick horizontally. To stop Solo during Follow, press Pause on the controller;...
  • Page 59: Alerts

    Alert persists until: Alert persists until: If Solo is not placed on a level surface, you will receive the following alert to move Solo to a level surface for takeoff. User completes calibration using the app (sys then continues sensor check)
  • Page 60: In-Flight Errors

    Support or contact an authorized Solo Service Center to service Solo and clear the alert. A control stick error can Please wait IN-FLIGHT ALERTS: CONTROLLER RELATED occur either in flight or before takeoff. If the control stick error is received in flight, Solo will return home and land. Catch-All Controller Value out of Range...
  • Page 61: Figure 7.2.3.1: Controller - Controller Disconnected Alert

    GPS Signal Alerts HAPTIC: 40millisecond so user is aware that they can take control Controller signal lost If Solo loses GPS during flight, it switches into Fly:Manual. If this happens, we recommend that you land Solo and Signal recovered Emergency landing started wait to acquire GPS lock before taking off again.
  • Page 62: Figure 7.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts

    Figure 7.2.5.1: Controller - Low Battery Alerts Cable Cam Orbit If the battery reaches 5%, Solo initiates Return Home to prevent a crash. After landing, turn off Solo immediately; if GPS signal established (User took off without GPS, no home position, regardless of advanced modes) the battery level reaches 0% at any time, irreversible damage occurs and the battery should be recycled.
  • Page 63: Advanced 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. To access these modes, see sections 8.2 and 8.3, following.
  • Page 64: Enabling Advanced Flight Modes

    After you enable advanced flight modes, you can access them only by assigning them to the controller’s A and B buttons using the App. In the app, go to Settings > Solo and select Preset A or Preset B settings list. (The app must be connected to Solo to apply button assignments.) Once assigned, use the controller to activate advanced modes...
  • Page 65: Units

    If your device supports mobile data (typically a cell phone), you can view a map of your surroundings by swiping left on the main screen in the Solo App. This setting lets you choose whether the map data comes from Google or Map...
  • Page 66: 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 67: Maintenance

    Solo’s exterior components are designed to absorb impact from hard landings and protect the core electronics. If damage is sustained to Solo’s legs or motors, replace them with official 3DR parts from store.3dr.com or an authorized retailer. 3DR offers an extended controller battery upgrade with double the capacity so you can fly longer between charges.
  • Page 68: Pairing The Controller

    Solo and connect the app to Solo Wi-Fi. Go to Settings Solo and choose Level Calibration from the list, and follow the prompts to place Solo perfectly still on each side in turn. In each step, wait a few seconds after moving Solo to press Next.
  • Page 69: Legs

    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.
  • Page 70: Figure 10.4.1.1: Standard Leg Replacement Process

    10.4.1 Leg #3 To replace a standard leg, use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws, detach the old leg, and attach the new leg using the provided screws. Figure 10.4.1.1: Standard Leg Replacement Process 10.4.2 Legs #1 and #2 with Antennas To replace a leg with an antenna module where the existing antenna is physically intact, you’ll need to remove the antenna from the old leg before replacing it.
  • Page 71 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 72: Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector On Mainboard

    Figure 10.4.3.1: Compass Connector on Mainboard With the compass disconnected, remove the old leg and cable from Solo. Place the new leg into position and thread the new compass cable through the arm where it can connect to the board. Connect the compass connector in the same place as the old compass.
  • Page 73: Battery Tray

    Solo. Figure 10.5.2.1: Battery Tray Removal The battery tray is still connected to Solo via the GPS cable, so carefully lift out the tray just enough to access the board beneath. GPS connector Figure 10.5.2.2: Battery Tray...
  • Page 74: 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 75: Figure 10.6.3: Motor Pod Disconnection

    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. Finally, snap the LED cover back into place.
  • Page 76: Factory Reset

    As part of the reset procedure, Solo is un-paired from the Controller. Start by powering off Solo. Use a paper clip or similar tool to press and hold Solo’s Pair button while powering on Solo. (Make sure you feel the Pair button click down underneath the paper clip to verify you have properly activated the Pair button.) Continue holding the...
  • Page 77: Figure 10.7.4: Controller Update

    While rebooting, Solo emits its regular startup tones. The lights underneath Solo’s arms also light up green and change to white in the front and red in the back. If you do not hear and see these signals, then reboot Solo again.
  • Page 78: 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 79: Warranty

    11.2 Warranty 3D Robotics warrants to the original retail purchaser of Solo (the “Product”) that at the time of purchase that this product is free from material defect in materials and workmanship. Should this Product fail during normal consumer usage and conditions due to defective material or workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, or such longer period as is required by applicable law (“Warranty Period”), such defect(s) will be repaired or replaced at 3D...
  • Page 80 The body’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) for the Solo controller is 1.33 watts per kilogram (W/kg) in compliance with the FCC limit of 1.6 W/kg. To reduce exposure to RF energy, hold Solo at least 20 cm away from your body at all times during operation.

Table of Contents