Skookum SK-GPS Instruction Manual

Hide thumbs

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Links

Download this manual

SK-GPS

Instruction Manual

Rev. 1.10 – August 1, 2014

Table of Contents

Need help?

Do you have a question about the SK-GPS and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Skookum SK-GPS

Page 1 SK-GPS Instruction Manual Rev. 1.10 – August 1, 2014...
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Swash Bump at Init ....................................3 Mounting the SK-GPS....................................4 Connecting the SK-GPS ....................................7 Connecting the Superbright EX-LED................................8 Configuring the SK-GPS Using the PC Interface ............................9 GPS Responses (Functions) ................................... 11 Calibrating (Swinging) the Compass ................................. 17 Using the SK-GPS....................................... 19 Warranty and Technical Support ................................
Page 3: Safety
Basic safety practice is to kill the engine on a nitro RC helicopter or disconnect the motor or main battery on an electric RC helicopter whenever the heli is behind the flight line or is being adjusted in any way. ©2014 Skookum Robotics Ltd.
Page 4: Box Contents
• The SK-GPS unit • Anti-vibration kit for the SK-720 • Tri-color super-bright External LED • Two 4-pin connecting cables • Mounting tape for the SK-GPS Figure 1 - The SK-GPS Module, LED and connecting cables ©2014 Skookum Robotics Ltd.
Page 5: Getting Started
Swash Bump at Init Normally, when the SK-720 finishes initializing it will “bump” the swashplate up and down to show it’s ready to fly. If the SK-GPS is connected, the swash bump will not happen until the SK-GPS also has a satellite lock.
Page 6: Mounting The Sk-Gps
Mounting the SK-GPS The SK-GPS can be mounting in four different configurations. In all configurations the module’s antenna (the black dome) must point upwards in order to receive a good signal. It should also have a clear view of as much of the sky as possible, without carbon fibre or metal covering it or directly beside it.
Page 8 The 3-axis magnetic compass built into the SK-GPS is sensitive to some of the magnetic components on helicopters. Specifically, the SK-GPS should be mounted at least: • 10cm (4”) from ESCs • 15cm (6”) from motors • 5cm (2”) from servos The cable for the GPS should also be at least 3cm (1”) from motor or battery wires, and should be at least 1cm (0.5”) from servo...
Page 9: Connecting The Sk-Gps
Connecting the SK-GPS The SK-GPS module connects to the SK-720s GPS port using the included 4-pin cable. The second port on the SK-GPS module is used for future Skookum accessories. Figure 5 - Connecting the SK-GPS to the SK-720 ©2014 Skookum Robotics Ltd.
Page 10: Connecting The Superbright Ex-Led
Connecting the Superbright EX-LED The SK-GPS comes with a super-bright tricolor version of the SK-EX LED (Red / Green / Blue). It has one 3-wire jumper that connects to the SK-720’s EX-LED port, and a standard power cable that can be connected to any 5 to 8 volt source.
Page 11: Configuring The Sk-Gps Using The Pc Interface
The lower half of the interface sets the orientation and functions of the GPs module. 1. GPS Orientation The direction the GPS unit’s label faces. Details regarding mounting the SK-GPS can be found on page 4.
Page 12 6. Altitude Floor The altitude floor sets the level where the SK-GPS will bail the heli out. The lowest setting for the altitude floor is 8m (25 ft), however we recommend setting it to at least 10m (30ft).
Page 13: Gps Responses (Functions)
GPS Responses (Functions) The SK-GPS has nine available flight modes. Any two of the modes can be set to a three position switch on the transmitter. One position on the switch will always set the GPS to “manual” control to give full control back to the pilot. We strongly suggest that your first flight test with the GPS system should be with Position or Altitude hold modes.
Page 14 SK-GPS bails the heli out. Once the heli is stopped level and above the altitude floor it will go back in position hold mode until you reset by going back to manual mode. The tail-in direction is set when the SK-GPS first gets its satellite lock.
Page 15 So for example if you first throttled up with the nose pointed away from you, then left cyclic moves the helicopter to your left, regardless of which way the nose is pointing. ©2014 Skookum Robotics Ltd.
Page 16 Similar to the “Lock grid” mode, the helicopter slews the same direction, no matter which way the nose is pointed. ©2014 Skookum Robotics Ltd.
Page 17 This mode differs from normal position hold mode in that left/right cyclic commands slew the helicopter’s position in a circle about the home position and fore/aft cyclic slews the helicopter’s away or towards the home position. While in this mode, the SK720 controls the helicopter’s heading so that it always points nose-in towards the home position ©2014 Skookum Robotics Ltd.
Page 18 ‘fail-safe’ altitude. It will then orient the heli tail-in and hover above the home position. Due to safety concerns, the SK-GPS will not land a heli automatically. The home location must be set before Return Home mode will work. The home position is set when the throttle is first increased after the GPS external LED turns solid blue.
Page 19: Calibrating (Swinging) The Compass
4. Hold the heli in a level attitude and start rotating slowly as shown in the top image at left. The SK-GPS’ LED will give short single blinks to show that it is in compass swing mode. You can rotate left or right, and the rotations should take about 10 seconds each. Turn around until the SK-GPS’...
Page 20 SK-GPS’ LED blink pattern changes to slow blinking or a steady blue. Normally it takes only 1-2 rotations. 6. Place the heli back on the ground, and wait 10 seconds. You can check the status of your compass swing by connecting the helicopter to a computer to view the “Setup GPS”...
Page 21: Using The Sk-Gps
Control Switch The SK-GPS is controlled by any 2 or 3-position switch on your transmitter. One extreme of the switch positions is manual flying mode. Whether “manual” is the upper or lower switch position is determined by the direction of the channel set in the transmitter.
Page 22 Flight When you first try SK-GPS features, we suggest you first try Altitude hold, then position hold, and only then test the other modes. Be sure the heli is at a safe altitude and a safe distance from any people, including yourself.
Page 23: Warranty And Technical Support
Warranty and Repair: Skookum Robotics Ltd warrants this product against any defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 90 days from the purchase date. This warranty is limited to the original purchaser. In the event of a malfunction, Skookum Robotics will repair or replace the product to meet its standard operating condition.