Draganfly GCS User Manual

Handheld ground control system

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GCS USER MANUAL

Handheld Ground Control

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Open Mission

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00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number

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System Utilities

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Page 1 GCS USER MANUAL ---- Clear ---- ---- Clear ---- ---- Clear ---- ---- Clear ---- ---- Clear ---- Clear All Save Mission Open Mission Flight time: 00:00 AGL: 0m Heading: 0 Speed: 0m/s Distance: 0m Solo Aircraft GPS/SV PDOP Link...
Page 2 Operator Notice The responsibility to operate in a safe manner, prevent injury to persons or damage to property, and to take no unnecessary risks falls upon the owner and those whom the owner authorizes to pilot and operate the Draganﬂyer helicopter. Furthermore the onus is upon each owner/authorizer/pilot to comply with all regulations pertinent to the use of the Draganﬂyer helicopter and associated components at the location of operation with regards to the use of airspace as well as radio...
Page 3 Warning The Draganﬂyer 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. Special notice: Throughout this manual, look for and pay special attention to these information boxes for tips, tricks, safety information, or serious warnings and risks, associated with this product.
Page 4 GCS, and let your imagination soar with this incredible aerial tool.
Page 5: Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions As the pilot in command you are responsible for the safety of yourself and others whether it be in the immediate takeoff and landing area, or the general ﬂight path area. Please take safety very seriously. • Always wear protective eyewear. •...
Page 6 Over two years in the making and extra attention focused on the ergonomic layout of switches, controls, the feel, and overall balance, we believe you will be very happy with the new handheld Ground Control System (GCS) from Draganﬂy Innovations. The feel reinforces control of the aircraft; the spoken audio alarms keep you informed, and the direct sunlight viewable display provides aircraft telemetry, mapping, and crisp digital video downlink display from the aircraft payload.
Page 7 The ﬁrst time you power-on the GCS you quickly realize this is more than just a controller; this is a full blown, custom made computer. And no, we didn’t outsource the GCS and just stick our name on it. The GCS was designed from the ground-up by the engineering and software team at Draganﬂy Innovations.
Page 8 Backside controls of the GCS fall in-line with your natural grip. A more relaxed grip at the controls results in conﬁdent control of the aircraft allowing you to spend more time collecting data, shooting photos or searching an area. One of the primary design goals of the helicopter system and GCS was to equip and better enable the pilot in command with an effective tool to collect aerial data.
Page 9 Chapter 2: Battery Safety and Charging The GCS is powered by a Lithium Polymer battery so please take time to read this chapter. Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery technology has improved greatly over the years; but if not cared for properly, the batteries can be very dangerous.
Page 10 Chapter 1 Page 9...
Page 11: Table Of Contents
Chapter contents There is so much information discussed in this chapter we’re providing a chapter table of contents to help you quickly ﬁnd, or get back to, information that you’re interested in. Understanding the GCS P11- 15 Home Screen! ! P12- 15 - screen layout and deﬁnition...
Page 12: Understanding The Gcs
GCS. Yes, we’ll cover a lot of detailed information. A good way to cover the material is to ﬁrst satisfy your curiosity by getting a quick look at the GCS and then, we ask you to set it aside and charge the battery.
Page 13: Home Screen! ! ! ! ! ! P12
Following the vertical lines you’ll see the Draganﬂy logo followed by the presentation of the “Home Screen”. The software running on the GCS is called DraganView. DraganView ﬁrst started many years ago as the base station software designed and developed by Draganﬂy. Through the years DraganView has evolved to support digital video down-link, mapping, and most recently DraganView is at the heart of the GCS system.
Page 14 ﬁnd detailed information about the aircraft, GCS, network and GCS database in this set of screens. Whenever you want to get back to the “Home Screen”, simply toggle the “D-Pad” left.
Page 15 Aircraft and GCS telemetry data In the graphic above the GCS is not connected to an aircraft so the only display shown is GCS battery health and GPS position accuracy. If you’re indoors when you’re looking at the GCS it’s very unlikely that you will detect any GPS satellites to establish a position.
Page 16: System Utility Screens
When the GCS has established a connection with the aircraft video network, the video window control buttons and indicators are enabled to “play” the video stream, “pause” the video stream and “record” video to the GCS. The strength of the video network is displayed in the lower right corner of the video window.
Page 17 • power on the GCS • power on the helicopter With the GCS booted and the aircraft powered on you should be looking at the GCS home screen and the helicopter navigation LEDs should be blinking steadily sequence. Page 16...
Page 18 When it’s ﬁrst powered on the GCS is always looking for an aircraft to connect with. In this example just one aircraft is powered on so you will see only one aircraft listed. If multiple aircraft were powered on and not already connected to a GCS, they would be...
Page 19 • aircraft telemetry data will start streaming to the GCS Everything will come alive before your eyes and to see that it’s all working, simply pick- up the helicopter and rotate the aircraft to watch the aircraft heading indicator function.
Page 20 So let’s try out the scroll wheel. Right now we should have the home screen displayed on the GCS. Roll the scroll wheel clockwise one click and you will shift the video window Pushing straight down is a...
Page 21 Link vGPS cGPS cBatt AGL: 0.0m Flight time: 00:00 Heading: 0 Speed: 0.0m/s Distance: 0.0m Solo 15.9 16.6 43.0 Aircraft is unarmed holding altitude Status and message area Aircraft telemetry and GCS information Aircraft ﬂight information Page 20...
Page 22: Vehicle Screen! ! ! ! ! ! P21
Clicking the D-Pad left brings you directly to the home screen. Vehicle Screen At Draganﬂy we work extra hard to try and keep things simple. And keeping the GCS simple has been a big challenge because we need to provide good information but at the same time don’t want to over clutter the controller with tons of switches or crowd the...
Page 23 For example, when you ﬁrst enter the Utility Screen chapter of the GCS you’re presented with the Vehicle screen. By default the upper right window is blank but when you hover the mouse over “Identity” on the left, the mouse over exposes more detailed information about the aircraft in the upper right window.
Page 24 Triggered: Number of photos taken during the ﬂight Center left vehicle “General” setup window: Measurement: Sets the GCS units of measure between SI (meters) or Imperial (feet) LED brightness: Sets navigation LED illumination between 0 and 100% brightness Altitude limit: Sets a hard altitude ceiling for the aircraft.
Page 25 Center right vehicle “Payload” setup window: Upper limit: Sets the upper limit when tilting the camera payload Lower limit: Sets the lower limit when tilting the camera payload Rate control: When on, enables the tilt rate value to payload scale tilt speed Tilt rate: Sets the tilt rate speed Over the life of the system and your adventures together you’ll have different reasons to...
Page 26: Controller Screen! ! ! ! ! P25
The student learns the controls one-by-one until the student is in complete control of the aircraft. Because this is the most common use, we named the GCS control the “trainer switch” and often refer to this as the “trainer mode”.
Page 27 By default it’s assumed the GCS is a Primary controller operating in Solo mode, meaning that no secondary controller is involved with the network. Area is clear unless you mouse over an item to get more GCS status...
Page 28 The software revision level of the DraganView software Firmware: Current ﬁrmware revision level of the processor onboard the controller Data free: Free space for the software partition of the GCS Media free: Free space for the dedicated media storage such as photos and video within the GCS Center left controller “General”...
Page 29: Secondary Controller Setup
If you’re connected to the network the GCS will check with the Draganﬂy Servers to see if an upgrade is available. If there is, the GCS will indicate a new software version is ready for download. Select Upgrade again in the upper right window and the system will automatically download the required software installer, install the upgrade and reboot the GCS.
Page 30 “hold” the trainer button to enable the secondary camera controls. Connecting a secondary controller is straight forward, fast and simple. • power-on the primary controller (GCS) • power-on and connect to the aircraft • navigate to the “controller screen”...
Page 31: Network Screen! ! ! ! ! P29
GCS DraganView software updates from Draganﬂy; but before we get into that lets take a quick tour of the screen.
Page 32 DFLY. You also see a WiFi network called “Animator” in the list but keep in mind the GCS can only be connected to one wireless network at-a-time. If we want to get connected with Animator to update map tiles or GCS software, we’ll need to “Forget”...
Page 33 Special notice: Please note: It can often take a good 30 seconds to one minute for the GCS to handshake and establish a streaming video connection with the aircraft. If it doesn’t immediately appear - be patient - it will connect.
Page 34 • select the play button to begin streaming live video • with the video playing, now hit the D-Pad “up” switching into full screen video • pick up and move the helicopter or tilt the camera to see you have live video •...
Page 35: Database Screen! ! ! ! ! P33
• photos • video And it’s not just enough to store this data, the GCS does an excellent job displaying the information, organizing the information and exporting data to be used in other applications or archived on other computer systems. In its simplest form the database captures, displays, and exports data.
Page 36 Upper left database “Mission Log” window: Flight data log ﬁles are recorded to the GCS and listed in this window in ascending order, so the latest ﬂight is listed at the top. Page 35...
Page 37 ﬂown from the same GCS. From this mission list you basically have three different actions that can be carried out. Hovering the GCS mouse over a mission will expose the details about the ﬂight in the right hand window. Selecting a mission or multiple missions allows you to either copy or delete the...
Page 38 To copy off a mission insert a memory stick into the USB connector on the bottom of the GCS. Select the mission log ﬁle to be copied and select “copy” dragan y from the button in the lower right window. The...
Page 39 Being able to review these images on the GCS is a huge time saver and helps assist getting all the photos you need. There is so much to the functionality we’ll describe things a piece at-a-time. Above you see the photo gallery screen and by simply hovering your mouse over each photo you quickly see the ﬂight data and exact location where the photo was taken and at what...
Page 40 If you haven’t taken any photos yet not to worry, we were pretty busy during the ﬂight testing of your aircraft before shipping and as a result, you have test log ﬁles and photos already on the GCS Page 39...
Page 41 At the time of this writing when you select REC from the video playback screen you are recording video to the GCS. When you see a video ﬁle in the photo gallery the thumbnail has a “play” arrow over the clip to indicate it’s a video. The purpose of the thumbnail is to simply acknowledge the video was recorded to a ﬁle in the GCS database.
Page 42 GCS database. Take some extra time to review the screens, understand their value, what settings you’ll use most often and explore the power of the database.
Page 43 After the ﬂying is completed, ﬁll in the written ﬂight log book information referenced to the RMS case number consistent with your agency RMS system After the ﬂying is completed, go to the GCS database and “name the log ﬁles” with the corresponding “case number”.
Page 44 After the ﬂying is completed, ﬁll in the written ﬂight log book information referenced to the project number After the ﬂying is completed, go to the GCS database and “name the log ﬁles” with the corresponding “project number”. Off-load the mission log ﬁles to a USB memory stick Back at the ofﬁce create a folder on your desktop computer with the project...
Page 45 Chapter 2 LiPo Charge[sel] LiPo Charge[sel] 4sPACK 4sPACK C=3.00A C=3.00A ENT/ ENT/ MODE MODE STOP STOP Page 44...
Page 46 Battery Charging System Please fully read and understand the Lithium battery safety instructions and warnings section at the end of this chapter before using or charging your batteries. The operator assumes full responsibility for all risks associated with the use of this product.
Page 47 Your Draganﬂyer system comes equipped with a complete charging kit for the helicopter and controller batteries used with the system. The charging system has been designed for ease of use, portability, safety, and convenience, to keep your systems charged and ﬂying.
Page 48 Included with your system is the handheld Ground Control System (GCS) and a standard handheld controller. The GCS is powered by a smaller capacity 4 Cell LiPo battery and the standard handheld controller (HHC) is powered by a 3 Cell LiPo battery.
Page 49 4 to 3, and reduce your charge current. Charging the GCS The GCS is a 4 cell battery and compared to a helicopter ﬂight pack, charges at a lower current LiPo Charge[sel] setting of 1.70Amps.
Page 50 STOP Connect the balance port connector and the main battery charge cable to the GCS. The charge connectors are located on the backside of the HHC. With the cables connected and the charger powered on, brieﬂy press the ENT button to step through the display until you select the cell PACK setting.
Page 51 One cable is a cell balancer cable, and the other is the main charge cable. When charging the GCS you need a lower charge current setting and with the standard HHC, both the cell count and the charge current must be adjusted.
Page 52 Things you need to know Special notice: You might think that we’re exaggerating the issue but no, LiPo battery safety is something to be taken seriously. If you want to see examples of what can go wrong just search YouTube for LiPo ﬁre examples. It’s common to think “this will never happen to me”...
Page 53 Lithium Battery Safety Instructions and Warnings Please read and fully understand all of the instructions and warnings below before using Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are or charging your lithium polymer batteries. volatile; improper use or failure to follow these instructions and warnings may result in ﬁre, personal injury and/or damaged property.
Page 54 • Always connect the balance cable permanent damage and premature between the controller and charger deterioration to the battery in the while charging or discharging. controller. • Only use a good quality charger • Do not expose controllers to rated for LiPo batteries, such as temperatures in excess of 76 the charger including in your degrees C (170 F).
Page 55 Disposal: If you believe there is a problem with the battery in the GCS or HHC controllers contact Draganﬂy to get more information. Do not attempt to disassemble the controller to remove the battery. Special notice: Never disassemble the handheld controllers to remove the battery, inspect battery or dispose of the battery.
Page 56 Chapter 3 Page 55...
Page 57 In the helicopter manual we describe ﬂying a photo shoot and focus more on the ﬂying than the actual mechanics of using the GCS to launch and control the aircraft. In this manual we will cover GCS speciﬁc information to: Get in the air: •...
Page 58 00:00:00 DraganView Software Version Number Lower-left corner Lower-right corner disarms motors arms motors Aircraft name: Available Aircraft name: Available Primary: GCS name Primary: GCS name System Utilities System Utilities Decrease altitude Scanning ... Scanning ... Scanning ... Scanning ... Disconnect 15.9...
Page 59 For this exercise make sure the props have been removed from the aircraft, install a battery and power-up the aircraft. Power-up the GCS and after booting, the GCS will locate the aircraft and “list” the aircraft as being available in the lower left hand window. Once connected the GCS will announce the connection has been established and we’re ready to arm and engage the...
Page 60 Engage the motors: When you engage the motors it just gets them spinning at a moderate speed. The thrust is low enough where you don’t have to worry about the aircraft taking off but it is very important at this step of the process to make sure that all four motors are running.
Page 61 Disarm motors: When the motors have stopped, return the throttle to the center position. Then move the throttle to the lower left position and hold it there until the GCS conﬁrms the ---- Clear ---- motors have been disarmed. When disarmed the...
Page 62 The “Get in the air” info provided in this manual is geared more towards the unique aspects of the GCS and how you get the most out of the GCS system. To get a good understanding of ﬂying the system we recommend that you read and use both manuals.
Page 63 GCS before powering up the system and getting up in the air. You want to look over the GCS for any physical damage, check the battery voltage, make sure the joy sticks are operating smoothly, double check all the settings, set the antennas to the proper position, and make sure switches are in the right place before lift-off.
Page 64 GCS preﬂight backside The backside is often overlooked but keep in mind it’s just as important as the frontside controls. Look over the backside for any damage and as indicated below check to make sure the switches and controls are operating smoothly.
Page 65 Helicopter preﬂight Just like a real aircraft it is very important to pre-ﬂight the Draganﬂy helicopter to make sure it’s airworthy. We recommend a static on-the-ground pre-ﬂight as illustrated below, and once you have taken off, we suggest a second ﬂight check in a hover to make sure the aircraft and system are behaving properly.
Page 66 In the ﬂight scenario described in the helicopter manual we were focused on explaining information about the aircraft itself versus the GCS during a typical photo shoot but in this scenario, we’re more focused on the GCS while ﬂying a mission at a train derailment.
Page 67 Pre-planning: Safety is always a priority so before ﬂying, the ﬂight team designates a primary takeoff and landing area along with two safety zones. The safety zones are designated areas to be kept clear of personnel and equipment in the event the aircraft needs to come down quickly.
Page 68 ﬂight to document the scene and the work of response personnel. With both the GCS preﬂight and aircraft preﬂight completed we’re ready to get into the air. The helicopter system is brought over the the designated takeoff and landing area and we then: •...
Page 69 “park” the helicopter in a GPS position hold to get the photos needed. When you switch into GPS position hold using the mode switch on the rear of the GCS, it’s always a good idea to slow the aircraft to a hover, then initiate the GPS position hold.
Page 70 Release the GPS position hold and ﬂy to the next location to shoot more photos. As you approach the next GPS position hold spot, slow the aircraft into a steady hover and engage the GPS position hold. Always remember that you’re the pilot in command of the ﬂight. If the winds get too gusty, you see some rain moving into the area or you’re not comfortable with the conditions you can either abort the ﬂight or not even execute the...
Page 71 • power off the camera • power off helicopter • assuming you’re done for a while - power down the GCS Post ﬂight data: Lets assume that you ﬂew four missions over the crash site and in addition to providing the oversight needed for the response team, you were able to help identify leaking tank cars, read tank labels and now it’s time to quickly review the data and put everything...
Page 72 ﬁeld or at your desktop back at the ofﬁce. In addition to the ﬂight log ﬁle, GCS captured photos and video, the GCS also exports a GoogleEarth KMZ ﬁle with embedded photos. The KMZ ﬁle allows you to review the aircraft ﬂight path and precisely examine where each photo was taken.
Page 73 As you archive data or export into your agency RMS database make sure to also merge and include the high resolution photos and video from the camera memory card as we discussed on page 42 of this manual. Summary: In this chapter we covered quite a bit of information ranging from the basics of arming and engaging the aircraft motors, running though a mission scenario and combined with ﬂight information in the helicopter manual you should have a good grasp on the basics of ﬂying and operating the aircraft.
Page 74 Chapter 4 ---- ---- Clear Clear ---- ---- ---- ---- Clear Clear ---- ---- ---- ---- Clear Clear ---- ---- Clear Clear ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- Clear Clear ---- ---- Open Mission Open Mission Clear All Clear All Save Mission Save Mission Flight time: 00:00...
Page 75: Troubleshooting
Check to make certain the payload interface cable is plugged into the aircraft. After the aircraft is powered-on, the GCS is powered-on, the camera is powered on, and lens cap removed, please connect to the aircraft and navigate to the system utilities network screen.
Page 76 Technical Speciﬁcations Handheld GCS: • Width: 29cm (11.4”) • Height: 15cm (6”) • Depth: 7.5cm (3”) • Weight: 1.44kg (3.17 lbs) Data Link RF Communications: • Link Type: 2.4GHz two way • Helicopter Antenna: Wired Whip Antenna • Controller Antenna: Omni Directional Whip •...
Page 77 Storage capacity: • Solid state storage • 16Gb mission storage space External interfaces: • Ethernet 10/100/1G • USB 3.0 • Micro USB 3.0 • Audio out • Audio in • External power input 17.5 - 24vdc Page 76...
Page 78 Contact Information Draganﬂy Innovations Inc. Product support: Phone: 1-800-979-9794 International: 1-306-955-9907 e-mail: support@draganﬂy.com Sales information: Phone: 1-800-979-9794 International: 1-306-955-9907 Online: www.draganﬂy.com e-mail: sales@draganﬂy.com Mailing address: https://www.draganﬂy.com Draganﬂy Innovations Inc. 2108 St. George Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7M0K7 Canada This product and manual are copyrighted by Draganﬂy Innovations Inc. with all rights reserved.