1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Sentera Manuals
  4. Toy
  5. PHX
  6. Pilot operating handbook

Sentera PHX Pilot Operating Handbook

Unmanned aircraft
Hide thumbs Also See for PHX:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Pilot's Operating Handbook
PHX
Unmanned Aircraft
Version 1.2
Sentera, LLC
6636 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55423, USA

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

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

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Sentera PHX

Summary of Contents for Sentera PHX

  • Page 1 Pilot’s Operating Handbook Unmanned Aircraft Version 1.2 Sentera, LLC 6636 Cedar Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55423, USA...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally blank...
  • Page 3 REVISION HISTORY Version Description Date DRAFT - Initial Release 14 July, 2017 DRAFT - Release 03 August, 2017 DRAFT - Release 12 September, 2017 DRAFT – Release 11 January, 2018 DRAFT – Release 18 January, 2018 DRAFT – Release 09 March, 2018 Official –...

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Aircraft autonomous behavior during lost link ..............3-2 Aircraft autonomous behavior during lost GPS: ..............3-2 SECTION 4: NORMAL PROCEDURES ..................4-1 FLIGHT PLANNING IN SENTERA GROUND CONTROL SOFTWARE ........4-1 PRE-FLIGHT ACTIVITIES ........................ 4-7 AIRSPEED CALIBRATION ......................4-8 MAGNETIC COMPASS CALIBRATION ..................4-9 CHECKLISTS ............................
  • Page 5 PHX MAINTENANCE FORM ...................... 8-10 SUPPLEMENTS ......................9-1 SECTION 9: CONNECTING TO THE COMMS BOX ................... 9-1 SENTERA DOUBLE 4K, AG AND MAPPING PAYLOAD ............9-1 OFFLINE MAPS ..........................9-3 SAFETY TIPS ......................10-1 SECTION 10: BATTERY USE - PRECAUTIONS ....................10-1 PROHIBITED MANEUVERS ......................

  • Page 6: General

    This Pilot’s Operating Handbook is for the PHX fixed wing unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The PHX UAS is a nominally 4 pound (2 kg), hand launched, electric powered, autopilot controlled aircraft that is remotely operated using a tablet or laptop computer with a digital wireless data-link. The PHX UAS can be fitted with a number of sensor payloads for precision agriculture, survey and mapping, and public safety applications.

  • Page 7: Acronyms, Abbreviations, Symbols, And Terminology

    Airspeed – Speed of the relative wind over the aircraft and conversely, the speed of the aircraft relative to the air mass. GPS Altitude – Altitude of an aircraft determined by readings from the GPS unit. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 8: User Interface Terms

    Loiter Waypoint – Waypoint in which aircraft will circle indefinitely at a predetermined altitude. Artificial Horizon – Shows aircraft yaw, pitch, roll, and telemetry. Failsafes – Time and altitude limits that an aircraft will adhere to in case of lost link, lost GPS, and low battery. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 9: Limitations

    SPEED LIMITS The autopilot in the PHX UAS automatically maintains airspeed based on the Pitot-static pressure measurements: Vstall: 22 mph (19 kts, 10 m/s), standard sea level conditions...
  • Page 10 Check battery level every 3 months when storing and recharge to 50% storage level as needed. Tip: Never go below 10% battery level during flight. Never go below 6% battery level during ground handling. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 11 The launch and recovery area must be free of obstructions within an area measuring 50 meters wide and 100 meters long, as shown below. This area should also be kept free of persons during launch and landing, other than the operator that is doing the launching. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 12: Emergency Procedures

    If lost link occurs attempt troubleshoot and re-establish communications with the aircraft: • Maintain visual contact with the aircraft. • Check antenna placement for RF line-of-sight. • Check that the ground radio is powered • Check cable or wireless connections between CommsBox and computer. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 13: Aircraft Autonomous Behavior During Lost Link

    • command the aircraft to glide to the ground at any time (if in communications with the aircraft) by disarming the motor and confirming “Emergency Stop” command. MEDICAL If there is a medical emergency with any involved personnel, flight operations should cease and emergency responders should be contacted. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 14 Any incidents pertaining to the performance of the aircraft or other parts of the system should be reported to the manufacturer. Telemetry logs files from the Ground station, payload, and aircraft may be required to send to the manufacturer. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 15: Normal Procedures

    NORMAL PROCEDURES FLIGHT PLANNING IN SENTERA GROUND CONTROL SOFTWARE Sentera Ground Control is the software used to plan missions and control the aircraft. The data links should automatically connect once both the aircraft and GCS are powered, the laptop is connected to the comms box (via cable or wirelessly), and the software is running.
  • Page 16 3. Create a Takeoff waypoint: Place the first waypoint by clicking on the Waypoint icon and clicking a location on the map. By default the first waypoint becomes your “Takeoff” waypoint which is where the aircraft will fly to after launch. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 17 (Warning: do not adjust the Pitch value, leave at the default which should be 15 degrees). 5. Place additional waypoints as needed. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 18 6. Create a Survey Pattern: to map an area with the camera payload click on Pattern and then Survey to create the default Survey pattern. Adjust the settings in the Survey edit box on the right. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 19 Tip: If possible try to plan the survey perpendicular to the wind direction with the aircraft starting downwind and working its way upwind. This method may allow you to reduce the turnaround distance and optimize flight performance. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 20 Loiter point. Adjust other landing values in the Landing Pattern edit box on the right. Tip: PHX recommended landing approach distance is 1300 ft. To shorten this approach you will need to reduce the loiter altitude in the Landing Pattern edit box.

  • Page 21: Pre-Flight Activities

    If all systems show correct you are ready to begin pre-flight activities which may involve compass and/or airspeed calibration and will involve the pre- flight checklist. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 22: Airspeed Calibration

    Only recalibrate if needed! To re-calibrate the airspeed sensor do the following while connected to the aircraft in Sentera Ground Control: 1. Click the Gears button at the top of the screen. 2. Click on Sensors 3.

  • Page 23: Magnetic Compass Calibration

    5-10 degrees from truth. Only recalibrate if needed! To re-calibrate the magnetic compass do the following while connected to the aircraft in Sentera Ground Control: 1. Click the Gears button at the top of the screen. 2. Click on Sensors 3.

  • Page 24: Checklists

    NOTE: Proper following and proper technique of ALL steps on the Pre- Flight checklist is CRITICAL to flight safety and avoiding potential damage to your aircraft and payload. Additional checklists and procedures for different payloads should be followed as appropriate. 4-10 Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 25: Example Pre-Flight Checklist

    EXAMPLE PRE-FLIGHT CHECKLIST Revision Date: 13 July 2018 4-11 Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 26: During Flight Aircraft Status Scan

    Take 1 step forward to gain momentum and then firmly push the aircraft straight forward without stopping. Push harder than the propeller is pulling. If the aircraft does not detect flight after 2 seconds the 4-12 Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...
  • Page 27 Be sure to keep hands and other body parts away from the propeller at all times. Do not pull the propeller back near your face or any other part of your body. PHX HAND LAUNCH SUMMARY: • Shake once to start motor • Step forward and push immediately after motor start •...

  • Page 28: Landing Technique

    To re-start the landing switch back to Mission mode or press RTL. Tip: landing on soft surfaces such as grass will prolong the life of your PHX UAV. When landing on hard surfaces such as asphalt or gravel use a few pieces of tape on the bottom contact points and well as the underside of the wing tips to protect the aircraft from excessive scratching.

  • Page 29: Performance

    (dependent on weather conditions) Motor RPM (MAX) 7000 (typical) Motor Power (MAX) 600 (watts) 10 G’s Maximum load factor Bank angle (autopilot limited) 37 (degrees) Pitch angle (autopilot limited) 50 (degrees) Best Glide Ratio 10 to 1 5-15 Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 30: Weight And Balance

    Weight (pounds) Maximum Weight Nominal Weight CENTER OF GRAVITY PHX is battery powered therefor C.G. does not change during the course of the flight. C.G. is measured from the front point of the fuselage where the motor mount attaches. Forward Limit...

  • Page 31: System Description

    SECTION 7: SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The PHX UAS is comprised of an unmanned aircraft, a ground control station, a data-link communications system, and maintenance and support equipment. The aircraft typically carries a camera payload. AIRCRAFT DESCRIPTION The PHX unmanned aircraft is a hand-launched electric aircraft constructed of rugged materials.

  • Page 32: Aircraft Sensors

    The airspeed sensor and compass are located in the right wing. LIST OF EQUIPMENT • CommsBox (Flight critical) • Tripod • Battery x2 (Flight critical) • FSK • Ethernet cable • Payload • CommsBox charger • PHX charger • USB thumb drive Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 33: Field Support Kit Description

    FIELD SUPPORT KIT DESCRIPTION The PHX comes with a field support kit that contains a few basic hand tools and spare parts for common wear items that require regular maintenance (e.g. propellers, wing spar, and pitot-static tube). Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 34: Handling, Service, And Maintenance

    HANDLING, SERVICE, AND MAINTENANCE BATTERY CHARGING The PHX aircraft is powered by a lithium polymer battery with a built-in smart battery fuel gauge. The battery level indicator lights can be displayed at any time by pressing the button on the battery.
  • Page 35 2. Connect a battery to the charge paddle. Charging should start automatically. 3. Verify the charge cycle starts indicated by a beep sound and Green - White alternating blink. 4. The charger will beep when complete. The charger LED will show solid Green. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 36: Assembly: Air Vehicle

    5. Verify the Pitot-static tube is straight and secure. 6. When ready to begin preflight, insert a fully charged battery into the fuselage under the top hatch. 7. Verify top hatch is secure. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 37: Assembly: Comms Box

    4. Connect the battery to the Comms box using the provided cable. 5. Verify that the fan is on. 6. Charging: remove the AC adapter from the transport case and plug into an outlet as shown Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 38: Disassembly And Packing: Air Vehicle

    40-60% charge capacity. Battery Disposal: At the end of their usable life the AV and GCS batteries should be disposed of properly in accordance with local regulations. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 39: Battery Transportation

    Battery transportation: Lithium batteries must be shipped in accordance with local regulations. The PHX batteries are lithium polymer and typically must be shipped via a ground carrier. SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE Most simple repairs of “wear” items or minor damage can be done in the field using tools and spare items included in the FSK.

  • Page 40: Minor Structural Repair

    MINOR STRUCTURAL REPAIR Minor structural damage can be repaired using JB Weld Plastic Bonder or “gaffer’s” tape. Be sure not to add too much weight or unbalance the aircraft when repairing. For a video tutorial visit our support site: https://sentera.freshdesk.com/support/home Item Description...

  • Page 41: Spinner Replacement

    Plug the new motor’s three bullet connectors into the propulsion wire harness. Match the colors used on the old motor. Install the motor screws and mount plate. Re-install the spinner and propeller. If the new motor spins backwards then swap any 2 of the bullet connectors. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 42: Propulsion Wire Harness Replacement

    The propulsion assembly may need to be replaced if it becomes damaged or if the air vehicle motor will not function properly. Remove the propulsion wire harness by removing carefully prying it off the Velcro fasteners, unplug the various cables, and replace. Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 43: Phx Maintenance Form

    PHX MAINTENANCE FORM Worker 1: ______________________________ Worker 2: ______________________________ Date: _________________________________ Maintenance Performed: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Notes: Signature:_____________________________________________________________________________ 8-10 Copyright Sentera LLC 2018...

  • Page 44: Supplements

    SECTION 9: SUPPLEMENTS CONNECTING TO THE COMMS BOX The PHX CommsBox is Wi-Fi and Ethernet cable compatible. The easiest way to connect to the comms box is to use an Ethernet cable like the one provided with the system. An alternate way to connect a laptop or tablet to the CommsBox is to connect to its local Wi-Fi network which should be visible in your device’s...
  • Page 45 Install the Sentera Double 4K payload by snapping it into the PHX plug- and-play payload bay. Ensure all 4 mounting posts are securely inserted. Remove any lens caps before flight. Check the lenses for dirt or contaminants and clean as needed before flight.

  • Page 46: Offline Maps

    OFFLINE MAPS Map streaming in Sentera Ground Control works best over a good internet connection. Where internet connections may be unreliable/unavailable, it is recommended to pre-load maps before heading out to the field using the "Offline Maps" screen. Downloading, saving, and deleting locally saved maps is done in the Offline Maps tab under the App Settings screen.
  • Page 47 BATTERY SWAP PROCEDURE To perform a battery swap with the PHX the following steps need to occur as stated. 1. The aircraft MUST land via Return mode (RTL). The flight mode can either be triggered by the low battery failsafe or commanded manually by the user.

  • Page 48: Safety Tips

    11. Do not attach the battery directly to any other power source. !! WARNING !! PROHIBITED MANEUVERS The PHX autopilot system will not allow users to perform any maneuvers outside of its flight envelope during normal operation. PROPELLER SAFETY - PRECAUTIONS WARNING: use caution around the propeller whenever the UAV is not “Disarmed”.
  • Page 49 This page intentionally blank. 10-2 Copyright Sentera LLC 2016...

Table of Contents