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QuadPod 2 Brushless Quadcopter
Thank you for purchasing the Snelflight QuadPod 2, a compact but powerful brushless-motor
Quadcopter. The model can be built up in about an hour, thanks to its delightfully simple
construction and plain English instructions. Everything is included, no gluing or soldering is
required, and the propellers are pre-balanced for exceptionally smooth performance right from the
outset.
Once assembled the QuadPod 2 is extremely stable, thanks to its state-of-the-art Naza-M Lite flight
controller. Self-levelling and barometric height control are included as standard, and GPS control can
be added to provide fully automatic hovering and return-home failsafe features. The QuadPod 2 is
small enough to fly about indoors, but is also powerful and may be flown outside with confidence,
with flight times of up to 20 minutes. Owing to its straightforward construction it is easy to modify
the QuadPod 2 to add a camera or other payload.
Please read through this manual fully, to acquaint yourself with all the features and functions of your
QuadPod 2. It should be followed carefully during the assembly process.
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Summary of Contents for Snelflight QuadPod 2
- Page 1 Once assembled the QuadPod 2 is extremely stable, thanks to its state-of-the-art Naza-M Lite flight controller. Self-levelling and barometric height control are included as standard, and GPS control can be added to provide fully automatic hovering and return-home failsafe features.
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Page 2: Important Safety Notice
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE The QuadPod 2 is not a toy. It is a powerful machine which is capable of causing serious injury if it is not operated safely. This manual should be read carefully before the kit is assembled and flown. - Page 3 19) 4 x thick black foam feet. 20) 1 x Allen key (hex key) to fit propeller mounting grub screws. 21) 1 x lithium polymer battery 22) 1 x Snelflight 2.4GHz Spektrum-compatible park flyer receiver. You will Need Medium-sized straight screwdriver.
- Page 4 Next, screw the 4 motors onto the ends of the carbon arms, using the M2 nylon screws. Orient each motor on the frame so that its wires are directed inward at a diagonal angle (Photo 2), and insert the screws from above.
- Page 5 It is very important to connect the wires correctly in order that the motors run in the right directions. For clockwise rotation, connect red, black – black and – yellow. To get anticlockwise – yellow rotation, swap any two wires. Figure 1 below details which motors must run clockwise, and which anticlockwise.
- Page 6 Next, the carbon bracer parts can be added to the airframe. These connect between the inner and outer spacer posts along each arm, to form an “upper deck”. Please note that each bracer has two holes at one end. The other end has a single hole, and this end should be screwed to the outer spacer post. Do not screw down the other end yet (Photo 8).
- Page 7 Now it is time to install the Naza Lite onto the upper platform. Begin by applying two of the white double-sided foam pads to the underside, placing one towards each end. Now attach the device to the central platform. It is very important to get the orientation right. It should be positioned as follows: The text on top should be the right way up when viewed from the right-hand side of the aircraft.
- Page 8 Unfortunately this requirement rules out the majority of low cost 5-channel transmitters such as the Spektrum DX5e and the Snelflight RC system. The Spektrum DX6i can be used, as can most "computer" radios. Alternatively, Snelflight offers our "Ghost" 6-channel radio system designed especially for Naza-based multirotors.
- Page 9 Brand Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 Channel 5 JR/Spektrum Throttle Aileron Elevator Rudder Mode Switch Snelflight "Ghost" System Aileron Elevator Throttle Rudder Mode Switch Futaba Aileron Elevator Throttle Rudder Mode Switch Hitec Aileron Elevator Throttle Rudder Mode Switch Table 1 - Receiver Channel Functions 12) Next, the QuadPod should be turned upside down so that its adhesive foam feet can be installed.
- Page 10 Initial Transmitter Setup 17) Now is the time to set up your transmitter to work with the QuadPod 2. In general it is easier to use Aeroplane mode if your transmitter has a choice, since it is simpler to set up than Helicopter mode.
- Page 11 5 switch must be set to properly select the flight modes of the Naza Lite. If you are using the Snelflight "Ghost" RC system, only the first of these has to be done. To carry out the necessary procedures, the Naza Lite needs to be connected to a computer. Prior to connection, special software must be installed on the computer.
- Page 12 Checking the RC Channel Functions and Directions When the transmitter is switched on, the Channel Monitor pointers should move with the joysticks. They provide a way to determine the right setup for any brand of RC system. Firstly they show to which control function each joystick is connected, so it is a simple matter to swap the receiver plugs around until they are all correct.
- Page 13 To position the pointer correctly, the switch endpoints need to be adjusted in the transmitter. On most radios this can be done in real time whilst transmitting, so it is easy enough to move the pointer around until it hits each mark. Try to position it in the centre of the small workable range so that minor shifts won't cause failure.
- Page 14 Make sure all the wiring is neat and secure. It is important to locate receiver antenna(s) properly. The Snelflight Spektrum-compatible receiver has two short antennas. We pointed the left hand one upwards and the right hand one out sideways. This perpendicular arrangement is recommended for all 2.4GHz systems with dual antennas (Photo 13).
- Page 15 Propellers 22) Now, propellers! Notice that these have black adhesive tape attached to some blades. The purpose of this tape is to balance the propellers. It is very important that the propellers are well balanced, as out- of-balance propellers will vibrate and cause unsteady flight. In extreme cases the motors or their mountings may be damaged.
- Page 16 Test Flying Congratulations! Your QuadPod 2 is now ready for its first flight. We recommend test-flying the aircraft before installing the dome cover for easy access to the innards in case something has to be adjusted. Test flights are best performed indoors if possible. Choose the largest space available; a clear area 8 feet square should be considered the minimum.
- Page 17 Depending upon the receiver used and the antenna arrangements required, it may be necessary to make some small holes in the dome for the wires to exit. In our build using the Snelflight receiver we made a hole in the right hand side of the dome for one antenna to pass through. We let the other antenna lie within the dome, pointing upwards.
- Page 18 After an emergency landing the motors will remain running, so that the aircraft is ready to fly if the radio signal comes back. If it is not possible to restore the radio link then it will be necessary to disconnect the battery to power down the aircraft.
- Page 19 Weight: 280g including supplied battery Flight time: About 9 minutes with recommended battery Battery: Snelflight 850mAh 3S 25C Lithium Polymer Power consumption: Around 60W at hover (280g weight) Payload: Up to 100g in addition to recommended battery Maximum flight weight:...
- Page 20 Snelflight Ltd, Unit 11C Oakway Court, Meadowfield Industrial Estate, Durham, DH7 8XA, United Kingdom. V 1.0 Revised 27-05-2015 Web: www.snelflight.co.uk Email: support@snelflight.co.uk...
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