Skycat XS User Manual

Parachute launcher

Hide thumbs

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Links

Download this manual

SKYCAT XS PARACHUTE LAUNCHER

USER MANUAL

v1.2 - 6/2016

Thank you for choosing Skycat!

We want to offer

uncompromised customer service to all of our old and new

customers. Our team members have years of experience in various fields of the

UAV industry and based on this experience and feedback from our clients, we

recognize the importance of customer oriented approach. Our first goal is to

stand out from the crowd, in a positive way.

Please read and follow the instructions carefully. This manual is updated

regularly. In case you have any questions, ideas or feedback, please don't

hesitate to contact us at

www.skycat.pro/contact

Fly safe!

Skycat team

www.skycat.pro

Table of Contents

Need help?

Do you have a question about the XS and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Skycat XS

Page 1 SKYCAT XS PARACHUTE LAUNCHER USER MANUAL v1.2 - 6/2016 Thank you for choosing Skycat! We want to offer uncompromised customer service to all of our old and new customers. Our team members have years of experience in various fields of the UAV industry and based on this experience and feedback from our clients, we recognize the importance of customer oriented approach.
Page 2: How Does Skycat Xs Parachute System Work
HOW DOES SKYCAT XS PARACHUTE SYSTEM WORK? Parachute is folded into a compact package and loaded into the Skycat XS launcher. Patent pending servo release mechanism holds the catapult in standby, minimizing stress to the servo. Servo can be controlled by an RC receiver, autopilot or other device. When launch is requested, servo releases the cover and the spring loaded catapult ejects the parachute away from the propellers.
Page 3: Operating Specifications
- Only launch Skycat towards free airspace. Never point or launch towards people or animals. - Do not expose Skycat system to rain or use near flammable materials. - Don’t try to repair damaged components. Contact Skycat for repair and spare part services.
Page 5: Power Supply And Specs
If needed, use a regulator to convert power supply voltage to 4,9 – 6,1 volts. A dedicated battery is required, if XS launcher operates separated from aircraft electronics (as required with Phantom 3). Any small Li-Po battery may be used, for example 2s 300mAh.
Page 6: Electrical Installation
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION Use zip ties and velcro straps to fasten components to the back plate. Following components are required to operate XS separated from the aircraft electronics (as required with Phantom 3): - Radio transmitter (one free channel). - Small and light receiver.
Page 7: Radio Setup
1) Decide which transmitter switch or button and channel you want to use to launch the parachute. 2) Connect Skycat XS servo lead to your receiver. 3) Configure your transmitter so that when you flip the switch, parachute is released.
Page 8: Servo Travel
Servo travel range and loop position is OK when servo does not bind (emit high pitch noise). Binding will reduce battery life and may damage the servo over time. Standby position. Release position. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 9: Fail-Safe Setup
Turn off your transmitter. Launcher should enter chosen fail-safe mode. Other models This applies, if XS is connected to your aircraft’s receiver. Please refer to Phantom 3 instructions above, if a dedicated transmitter is used. Decide what you want to happen if transmitter signal is lost. In most cases, recommended setting is “autopilot failsafe”.
Page 10: Shock Cord
- Reduces oscillations and swinging, especially in windy conditions. Instructions 80 cm (31.5 in) shock cord is recommended for Skycat XS launcher. To achieve this, cut 100 cm (39.4 in) portion of parachute line. 1. Fold 8cm (3.1 in) segment of parachute line.
Page 11 2. Make a figure-of-eight knot according to the image below. 3. Make a figure-of-eight knot to the other end. Shock cord is completed. Shock cord is connected to the parachute by joining the loops together. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 12: Parachute Folding And Loading
- Always pack and load on a clean and dry surface! - Connect shock cord before folding. - Opale parachutes come with a red bag attached. The bag is not needed with Skycat XS and should be removed. - If launcher stays loaded over two months without launching, it is recommended to open and refold the parachute.
Page 15 Length it OK, when the loop reaches the the center of the frame while the knot is at the side. Route the free end of the line under the gimbal wires. Be careful. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 18 Add the small quick lock as shown in the picture. Make sure all lines go through the quick lock. Snap the parachute in place and close the quick lock. Use tape to secure the harness in place. Make sure that harness lines cannot get to the propellers. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 19 Finished installation. When flying without the XS, route the base line though the quick lock as shown in the picture. Make sure lines are tight and cannot get to the propellers. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 20: Harness Lines - Other Models
60 cm segments for 40 cm target length. 1. Fold a 8cm (3.1 in) segment at the end of the line. 2. Make a figure-of-eight knot according to the image above and pull it tight. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 21 Tip: Add some tape to hold the loop while making the knot. Connecting harness lines to the airframe Loop the harness line around the boom or other durable location of your airframe and pull the line through the loop. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 22 If a shock cord is not used, harness lines and parachute are joined with a quick lock. Shock cord loop and parachute loop are connected without a quick lock. Harness lines and shock cord are joined with a quick lock. www.skycat.pro All Rights Reserved...
Page 23: Basic Maintenance
- Wires are securely fastened and undamaged. - Spring is connected to the catapult. - Servo functions properly. Do not use or try to repair damaged parts! Skycat offers extensive repair and spare part services, don’t hesitate to contact us. www.skycat.pro...
Page 24: How And When To Use Skycat Parachute System
HOW AND WHEN TO USE SKYCAT PARACHUTE SYSTEM Only use Skycat parachute system in the case of emergency or testing, not for regular landings. Skycat is designed to reduce the impact energy of your aircraft. It does not remove the possibility of damage to people, surroundings or to your aircraft.
Page 25 Skycat does not assume any liability, whether direct or indirect from the use of Skycat products. In no event shall Skycat be liable for personal injury up to and including death.