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DRAGANFLYER X8
USERS MANUAL

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Summary of Contents for Draganfly DRAGANFLYER X8

  • Page 1 DRAGANFLYER X8 USERS MANUAL...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS OPERATOR NOTICE ....................... WARNINGS ........................X8 OVERVIEW AND SPECIFICATIONS ......................................7 EATURES .................... 8 ECHNICAL PECIFICATIONS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ..................... MAINTENANCE ......................ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS ..................Side Arms ........................Landing Gear ......................Rotors .........................
  • Page 3 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Arming Procedure ...................... Takeoff ........................Landing ........................................ISARMING THE RAGANFLYER DRAGANFLYER X8 GPS SYSTEM ................GPS L ...................... 49 UALITY ................... 50 OSITION CCURACY ....................... 51 LIGHT ODES Altitude-Hold Flight Mode ..................GPS Position Hold Mode ...................
  • Page 4 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Lesson 6: Introduction to Forward Flight ..............Lesson 7: Advanced Forward Flight ................. FLIGHT TROUBLESHOOTING .................. MY DRAGANFLY SUPPORT CENTER ..............GLOSSARY OF TERMS ....................07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e...
  • Page 5: Operator Notice

    Draganflyer X8 helicopter, and each pilot operating the Draganflyer X8 helicopter, to comply with all regulations pertinent to the use of the Draganflyer X8 helicopter and associated components, at the location of operation with regards to the use of airspace as well as radio communications.
  • Page 6: Warnings

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Warnings The Draganflyer X8 helicopter is a precision machine that is vulnerable to misuse and can prove to be dangerous if not properly maintained or used in an inappropriate manor. Throughout this manual, look for this symbol, which will be used to remind you about safe operating procedures.
  • Page 7: X8 Overview And Specifications

    The Draganflyer X8 can be equipped with a variety of cameras allowing for video or still pictures to be taken with live feed to enable one-person operation.
  • Page 8: Technical Specifications

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Technical Specifications Helicopter Size Dimensions • Width: 87cm (34in) Length: 87cm (34in) Top Diameter: 106cm (42in) Height: 32cm (13in) Dimensions • (Without Rotors) Width: 54cm (21in) Length: 54cm (21in) Top Diameter: 70cm (28in) Height: 32cm (13in) Folded Dimensions •...
  • Page 9 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Frequency band: 2.4000 - 2.4835 GHz Certifications: CE, FCC, IC, ETSI Data Link Channel Selection: Automatic (13 Channels) 5.8GHz Video Link • Link Type: Helicopter to Ground (One-Way) Transmitter Antenna: Omni-Directional Receiver Antennas: Omni-Directional & Flat Patch...
  • Page 10: Rotors

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Turn Rate: 90°/second • Maximum Speed: 50km/h (30mph) • Minimum Speed: 0km/h (0mph) • Launch Type: VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) • Maximum Flight Time: approx 20 minutes (no payload) • Sound at 1m (3.28ft):72dB •...
  • Page 11 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Rechargeable Helicopter Battery Cell Chemistry: Lithium Polymer • Voltage: 14.8V nominal • Capacity: 5400mAh • Connectors: Integrated Balance and Power • Recharge Time: 1 hour (after typical flight) • Landing Gear Installed Height: 18cm (7in) •...
  • Page 12: Safety Precautions

    • Never leave the Draganflyer X8 unattended with the battery connected to it. Always disconnect the battery when not flying. Maintenance Maintaining the Draganflyer X8 is very easy since there are so few moving parts, however there are basic care steps that you should be aware of. •...
  • Page 13: Assembly Instructions

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Assembly Instructions Up/Down/Fore/Rear /Left /Right Conventions: • The helicopter’s back is identified by the snubbed end of the canopy and the two motor pods showing white lights • The deck and rounded canopy extending beyond center identify the helicopter’s front.
  • Page 14: Side Arms

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Assembly Steps Side Arms The Draganflyer X8’s frame features a unique ability to collapse and expand quickly and easily. Begin by swinging each of the front left and right arms forward and into their clamps.
  • Page 15: Rotors

    Disassembly is reverse of the above procedure. Rotors The Draganflyer X8 uses two types of rotors: 4 top - 16 inch long, and 4 bottom 15 inch long. Rotor tips are swept up when positioned properly. Looking at them from the top (convex side of the blades facing you), top blades spin clockwise and bottom blades counterclockwise.
  • Page 16 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual • Install a second o-ring on the rotor using the same procedure as the first, placing the second o-ring outside the first. • Install a third o-ring on the rotor using the same procedure as the second, placing the third o-ring outside the second.
  • Page 17: Canopy

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Ensure all o-rings are properly secured; failure to secure O-rings could result in loss of a rotor and subsequent crash of the helicopter. O-rings should be inspected prior to each flight and any worn cracked or nicked o-rings should be replaced.
  • Page 18: Battery

    (4 Cell 5400mAh). It has been designed and custom-made to ensure maximum helicopter performance. The Draganflyer X8 has been precisely tuned for this battery. Use of batteries other than the Draganflyer X8 4 Cell 5200mAh battery will void the Draganflyer X8 warranty Alternative batteries will severely degrade performance and will interfere with the operation of the magnetometer.
  • Page 19 170° ( 77 ° C) may result in fire. Operator Instructions Draganflyer X8 flight operations are easy to control, however the system needs to be prepared and operated in a safe manner. Like any aircraft preflight checks need to be performed.
  • Page 20: Wind

    10 kmh (6 mph). For Manual Flight winds should not exceed 16 kmh (10 mph). As you obtain experience flying the Draganflyer X8 you may want to fly in slightly increased winds, however even experienced operators should not fly in wind conditions more than a moderate breeze.
  • Page 21: Draganflyer X8 Helicopter/Controller Range Test

    Antenna orientation; for best reception it is best if the ends of antennas on the Draganflyer X8 transmitter are not pointed directly at the helicopter as you are flying it. The antennas are hinged to allow them to be adjusted off of a direct line.
  • Page 22: Preflight Preparation

    If your location has changed more than 320 kilometers (200 miles) since your last flight or if you are using your Draganflyer X8 for the first time, you will need to calibrate the Vertical Magnetic Field settings. Please refer to the Draganflyer X8 user manual section on Vertical Magnetic Field calibration.
  • Page 23: Control Systems Check

    Fully charge controller battery before each use. Ensure controller is communicating with the helicopter (indicated by three long beeps when Draganflyer X8 and controller are first turned on.  Camera /Video System Fully charge Base Station receiver battery before each use.
  • Page 24: Launch Helicopter

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual 4. Announce out loud “TAKE OFF”. Launch Helicopter 1. Point front of the helicopter so it is facing into the wind. 2. Arm the helicopter. 3. Engage the rotors with the “Rotor Engage Switch” by toggling it forward and release it back to neutral.
  • Page 25: Maintenance

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Draganflyer Helicopter Serial Number ________ Flight Log Draganflyer Helicopter Serial Number ________ Flight Log Draganflyer Helicopter Serial Number ________ Flight Log Draganflyer Helicopter Serial Number ________ Flight Log Draganflyer Helicopter Serial Number ________ Flight Log...
  • Page 26: Spotters

    Draganflyer X8.  Once the Interface program has established a communications link with the Draganflyer X8, it will display “Found” and your helicopters serial number in the bottom left corner of the screen.  You can now turn on telemetry streaming. Click on the Telemetry tab, and then click the Enable Telemetry button.
  • Page 27: Handheld Controller

    There are calibrations you need to perform when you first receive your helicopter. The Draganflyer X8 needs to know the strength of the magnetic field in the vertical direction at your location, and it needs to know your magnetic declination. In-depth instructions for Magnetic Declination and Vertical Magnetic Field (Magnetic Inclination) are listed in their respective sections in the Table of Contents.
  • Page 28: Battery

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual The Draganflyer X8 comes with a unique advanced handheld controller. The controller has been designed specifically for the Draganflyer X8 for ease of use. To begin using the handheld controller, turn it on by momentarily pressing the red Power Button.
  • Page 29: Control Sticks

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual The battery pack features a protection circuit to prevent damage and reduce the risk of a fire if misused. In this protection circuit there is overcharge prevention, when the battery is fully charged (12.6 Volts actual voltage) this circuit turns on and will prevent the battery from being charged again until it is depleted adequately.
  • Page 30: Trims

    Trim can disrupt the Hold Flight Modes, so if your Draganflyer X8 requires lots of trim, you should inspect it for problems and contact Draganfly Innovations.
  • Page 31: Dual Video Output Jacks

    Excel, or Draganview. Like any other file you may save these files to your computer and rename them if you wish. If you are experiencing issues with the Draganflyer X8 these data log files are valuable to help diagnose problems.
  • Page 32: Draganflyer X8 Touch Screen

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Draganflyer X8 Touch Screen To turn on the Draganflyer X8 Handheld Controller press the Red power button as located in the picture at the beginning of this section. Power up screen; Config button, used to access programming and operating screens.
  • Page 33 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Basic Screen Views button, gives access to Basic, Inertial and GPS Screens, the active screen is highlighted in green. By default, pressing the Views button will always bring you to the Basic Screen. Config button gives access to helicopter set up and calibration functions.
  • Page 34 GPS SVS indicates the number of satellites acquired green, yellow, and red scale green indicates strong, yellow indicates warning, red indicates inadequate. Refer to the section on Draganflyer X8 GPS System for further information. GPS PDOP indicates GPS constellation strength with a green, yellow, and red scale, green being strong, yellow for warning, red indicates inadequate.
  • Page 35 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Inertial Screen Views button: gives access to Basic, Inertial and GPS Screens, the active screen is highlighted in green. By default pressing the Views button will always bring you to the Basic Screen. Config button: pressing gives access to set up and configuration functions.
  • Page 36 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Heli Battery live color graph indicates helicopter battery strength, green, yellow, and red scale green strong, yellow warning, red inadequate. Link live color graph, indicates controller to helicopter link strength, green, yellow, and red scale green strong, yellow warning, red inadequate.
  • Page 37 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Longitude; angular measurement from the prime meridian value provided by GPS. Barometric Altitude, value provided by barometric pressure. GPS Accuracy, displays radius of accuracy within the horizontal and vertical values. GPS Quality, displays Satellites and PDOP (Positional of Dilution of Precision) values.
  • Page 38 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Basic Configuration Basic Configuration allows access to adjustments for Helicopter LED Brightness, Time Zone Set Up, Display Units, Transmitter Sound and Altitude Limit. 07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e...
  • Page 39 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Flight Timer – allows adjustment to give a warning when a flight time of a set duration is reached Find New Helicopter – gives the transmitter a command to pair with another available helicopter. Video Set Up – allows for the adjustment of channels, sound and power.
  • Page 40 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Power Settings – allows you to choose to have the diversity receivers in the transmitter always turned on, always turned off or in automatically detects if video glasses or a recording device is plugged into the transmitter.
  • Page 41 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Helicopter Calibration - Detailed instructions for Helicopter Calibration are found under the “Calibrations” section of the manual. Basic Configuration Screen This screen gives access to Helicopter LED brightness, Time Zone Set Up, Camera Tilt, Display Units, Transmitter Sounds and Altitude Limit.
  • Page 42 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Time Zone Set Up – allows for an adjustment of the time setting to reflect your local time based on the difference from Greenwich Mean Time. 07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e...
  • Page 43 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Camera Tilt Setup –The tilt mechanism on the Draganflyer X8 camera mount allows for adjustment from 0 to 90 degrees of range (zero being vertical and 90 being horizontal). The tilt set up allows you to set the maximum movement as you desire with the lower limit maximum being -511 and the upper limit being 511.
  • Page 44 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Transmitter Sounds – provides an opportunity to hear and learn the sounds made by the transmitter. Altitude Limit – allows you to set the maximum height above ground level the helicopter will fly while in Altitude Hold or GPS Position Hold modes. While in Position Hold modes the helicopter will not exceed this set altitude.
  • Page 45: Warnings And Confirmations

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Warnings and Confirmations Visual The following displays will appear on the Draganflyer X8 touch screen to draw your attention to critical operations of the helicopter. 07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e...
  • Page 46: Audible

    1. When you turn the handheld controller on, its 2.4GHz two-way radio system searches for a Draganflyer X8 to communicate with. 2. If it finds one (i.e. if your Draganflyer X8 is powered up), you will hear three long beeps.
  • Page 47: Activating The Draganflyer X8

    Your Draganflyer X8 is now on and will communicate with the handheld controller, the interface program, and will begin acquiring a GPS satellite lock if the GPS module is included in your configuration.
  • Page 48: Takeoff

    An armed Draganflyer X8 can be dangerous, so maintain control over the handheld controller. After arming the Draganflyer X8, with the throttle in its neutral position press the Rotor- Engage/Disengage switch up and release. The motors will begin spinning. Make sure all rotors are spinning equally before advancing to take off. Smoothly...
  • Page 49: Draganflyer X8 Gps System

    The Draganflyer X8 is equipped with state of the art GPS technology. This GPS technology allows the Draganflyer X8 to hold its position, for up to the run time of the battery, without pilot intervention. There are some conditions beyond the control of the Draganflyer X8 that affect GPS performance.
  • Page 50: Position Hold Accuracy

    GPS significantly. When this occurs the Draganflyer X8 may move a few meters to a new position, sometimes it will return to the old position, other times not. Multi-pathing effects as previously described above can also cause this behavior.
  • Page 51: Flight Modes

    You can fly the Draganflyer X8 around using the right stick. Forward on the right stick commands the helicopter to fly forward. The right stick controls the helicopter’s speed in the left-right, forward-backward directions.
  • Page 52: Magnetometer Heading

    If you notice the heading drifts by large amounts (15 degrees or more) or the Draganflyer X8 wants to spin in circles do not attempt a position hold. You can try a different location to eliminate possible local interference or try recalibrating the magnetometer.
  • Page 53: Calibrations

    Magnetic Declination and the Magnetic Inclination. Magnetic Declination The Draganflyer X8 uses a compass to know which direction it is facing. However, the Earth’s magnetic field rarely points straight north. Instead, it points slightly east or west, 07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e...
  • Page 54: Vertical Magnetic Field

    Vertical magnetic field or magnetic inclination. The angle at which the Draganfly X8 GPS system reads the earth’s magnetic field varies from location to location. The angle obtained by the Draganflyer X8 sensors is used to determine the correct calculations for stable flight.
  • Page 55: Transmitter Rf Power

    OK, you will then be returned to the Config Screen. Transmitter RF Power You can set the Draganflyer X8 Transmitter power to conform with your locations regulatory standards. For North America the Standard is +18dBm, for International areas it is +10dBm.
  • Page 56: Battery Charging System

    Your Draganflyer X8 comes equipped with a complete charging unit for the batteries used by the Draganflyer X8 system. It has been designed for ease of use, portability, safety and convenience so down time due to depleted batteries is minimal.
  • Page 57 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual 820CD OPERATING INFO DO NOT connect the battery to the charger when the charger is powered off. The charger should always be powered on before connecting the battery. Button Functions +/– buttons The +/– buttons allow you to scroll up/down through menus before and during charging/ discharging.
  • Page 58: Camera Systems

    Thermal Infra-red video are the choices however all of these systems are compatible with your Draganflyer X8. Any camera system that you did not select can be purchased as an accessory and is easily interchangeable for use as the mounting systems are identical.
  • Page 59 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Use of payloads/cameras or mounts other than those approved by Draganfly Innovations Inc. will void the Draganflyer X8 warranty Alternative payloads and mounts will severely degrade performance and will interfere with the operation of the helicopter.
  • Page 60: Quick Release Camera Mount Installation

    Repeat for all four stud positions. Connect camera mount wiring to matching helicopter frame wiring sockets. Camera Configurations – Please note that at time of printing all Cameras compatible with the Draganflyer X8 are not listed. 07/13/11 Ver 11-01 e...
  • Page 61: Still Digital Camera

    Setup - connect the camera to the mount using the single mounting bolt. Connect the white wiring harness connectors from camera to the white corresponding connector on underside of Draganflyer X8 camera controls. Connect the camera controls connector from the camera to the wiring harness.
  • Page 62: High Definition Video

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Camera Receiver o Setup – plug the video glasses or other recording device into the handheld controller video output jacks, located on the bottom of the hand held controller. o Operation - power up your video glasses or other recording device. Live feed from the camera allows for viewing what the camera is seeing.
  • Page 63: Low Light Black And White Video

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Low Light Black and White Video NOTE : • The remote control of shutter and zoom is not available with the Low Light Camera. • The camera tilt control is reversed, when mounted to the Low Light Camera.
  • Page 64: Thermal Infra-Red Video

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Thermal Infra-Red Video NOTE : • Remote control of shutter and zoom is not available with the Thermal Infra-Red Camera. • The helicopter will provide 9.3 volts to the camera through the power connector on the camera mount.
  • Page 65: Ground Control Base Station

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual GROUND CONTROL BASE STATION The Draganflyer X8 Ground Control Base Stations is an advanced tool for flight operations that connects to your computer to view real time flight telemetry and live video from the Draganflyer X8.
  • Page 66 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Video Card: • Intel 945G >= 128MB VRAM, or NVidia Geforce 6xxx >= 128MB VRAM, or ATI Radeon 9550 >= 128MB VRAM Video Capture Device: • Included with Wireless Video Base Station DirectX Version: •...
  • Page 67 Unfold the arms on the dual flat patch antenna, and point the face with the bump on it directly at the area in which the Draganflyer X8 helicopter will be flying. If the area is large, use one patch antenna to cover half of it, and the second patch antenna to cover the second half.
  • Page 68: Videography

    VIDEOGRAPHY Creating great video with the Draganflyer X8 is much like creating great video with any other tool. Every type of shot, be it a boom shot or dolly shot, requires skill and practice.
  • Page 69: Pre-Training For Draganflyer X8

    • perspectives. Once you are confident in your ability to make the Draganflyer X8 go where you want it to go the sky is no longer the limit. Be safe, have fun and create awesome video. PRE-TRAINING FOR DRAGANFLYER X8...
  • Page 70: Indoor Electric Coaxial Helicopter Training

    In this section, you will learn how to fly a helicopter with similar control concepts as the Draganflyer X8. As most customers of the Draganflyer X8 UAV are new to RC flying, we have sent you a training helicopter, an indoor electric coaxial helicopter. This is a standard, hobby grade RC helicopter whose basic flight characteristics closely match those of the X8.
  • Page 71 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Flight Exercises Exercise #1-Hoover: The first exercise is relatively simple. Get your training helicopter ready for flight by following the instructions that came with it. Set the helicopter on the floor in the center of the markers that you set up earlier, and slowly increase the throttle to around 50%.
  • Page 72: Flight Training

    X8 trainer setup allows an instructor to give and limit the amount and type of control to the student. In order to set up the Draganflyer X8 for this method there are a number of steps that need to be followed so unexpected responses do not occur. The system is setup by programming the Master/Instructor Controller first then programming the Slave/ Student Controller.
  • Page 73: Master Controller Setup

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual Warning Ensure you have two handheld controllers and only one Draganflyer X8 helicopter prepared. Prior to the Buddy System being implemented the instructor should fly the Draganflyer X8 using each of the handheld controllers separately to ensure the controllers and the Draganfly X8 are working properly.
  • Page 74: Slave Controller Setup

    Master Controller is depressed and held. Slave Controller Setup Ensure no other Draganflyer X8 helicopter is turned on. 1. Turn on Slave Controller 2. Using Touch Screen tap “Config” once 3. Select “Trainer Setup by tapping “Trainer Setup” once 4.
  • Page 75: Flight Lessons

    Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual The student can now obtain control of the Draganflyer X8 for the options which the instructor has allowed when the instructor depresses and holds the trainer button down. It is generally a good idea for the instructor to start the flight by lifting off and placing the helicopter in a stable hover before turning over control.
  • Page 76: Lesson 2: Basic Hovering

    Lesson 2: Basic Hovering In this lesson, we will lift the Draganflyer X8 off of the ground a small distance and practice hovering in one spot. For this lesson it is best to fly over a flat, smooth surface again.
  • Page 77: Lesson 3: Movements

    Lesson 3: Movements This time, we will learn to move the Draganflyer X8 around in a hover. This will teach you how to transition from a hover to moving flight and back again. Prepare the Draganflyer using the same checklist and trimming technique we have used in previous lessons.
  • Page 78: Lesson 4: Orientation

    Start by using the yaw control to slowly rotate the Draganflyer X8 from left to right and back again (do not rotate further than 10-15 degrees initially). Once you are comfortable spinning the Draganflyer X8, start rotating further until you have spun it 90 degrees from the starting position and maintain a hover with this orientation.
  • Page 79: Lesson 6: Introduction To Forward Flight

    Try to maintain a constant altitude and to keep the front of the Draganflyer X8 continuously pointed in the direction of motion. Once you can fly circles around yourself, try reversing direction as you complete each circle and climbing/descending as you fly.
  • Page 80: Flight Troubleshooting

    POSSIBLE SOLUTION CAUSES Draganflyer X8 Draganflyer X8 Draganflyer X8 Handheld Turn on Draganflyer X8, and then turn on won’t start the won’t start the won’t start the controller not controller. The controller should emit a triple- motors at all motors at all...
  • Page 81 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual If the problem hasn’t been spotted, contact Draganfly Innovations. You may need to send in the Draganflyer X8 circuit board for repair Draganflyer X8 spins Draganflyer X8 spins Draganflyer X8 spins Out of calibration Conduct the Calibration Test, and set Magnetic...
  • Page 82: My Draganfly Support Center

    How do I obtain a log in and password? Are you an owner of a Draganfly Innovations industrial product? (example Draganflyer X4 or Draganflyer X8) If you are you should have received a "Welcome to the Draganflyer Support Center" e-mail which will include your password and instructions...
  • Page 83 Draganflyer X8 – Users Manual for logging in. If you have not received this "Welcome e-mail" please e-mail support@draganfly.com. How do I contact Draganfly Innovations? Mailing Address: Technical Support: For Draganflyer Aircraft owners please Draganfly Innovations Inc. log into our SupportBase 2108 St.
  • Page 84: Glossary Of Terms

    • Attitude – Attitude is a term for the angle the aircraft is tilted in reference to the horizon. • Barometric Pressure Sensor – A barometer senses atmospheric pressure. The Draganflyer X8 comes equipped with a small electric barometer, which is used to sense and hold altitude. • Bearing – The direction that the helicopter is moving.
  • Page 85 The Earths magnetic field does not align with the north pole, so the Draganflyer X8 has to be calibrated to correct for this difference. See page 49 of the manual for more information.
  • Page 86 Some of the terms used in the transmitter menus and displays might not be familiar to new operators. The following is a list of all the non obvious menu entries and display terms found in the Draganflyer X8 transmitter. • Barometric Altitude – This is the altitude above ground level as determined by the onboard barometer.

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