Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Table of Contents Drone Build ............................3 Software Guide ..........................17 DEVO 7 Transmitter Setup and Binding Tutorial ................35 Battery Charging ..........................50 Federal Aviation Administration Registration Guide: Hobby ............56 Federal Aviation Administration Registration Guide: Non-Hobby Purpose ........62 Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Certification ..............
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Software Guide Written by: Conor Swezey, Khai Chang Introduction Use this guide to program and calibrate the DJI F450 quad copter.
Page 18
3. Turn on the quadcopter. 4. Connect the quadcopter to the computer with Micro-USB cable. 5. Open the DJI WIN Driver Installation Software and complete the installation. 6. Open the NAZA-M LITE Assistant Installation Software and complete the installation. *Note: The installer EXE format only supports Windows XP, 7 and 8. For users with Mac OS X 10.9 or higher,...
Page 19
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 2 - Navigating the GUI User Information • This software guide will discuss each section of the NAZA-M LITE Software Assistant in greater detail. • The “View” section of the NAZA-M LITE Software Assistant gives an overview of the quadcopter settings, as shown in Figure 2.
Page 20
These options describe the arm configuration and motor orientation of different multi-rotor models. • Figure 3 indicates the highlighted quadcopter option used for the DJI F450 quadcopter. o The two red arms indicate the front of the aircraft. o Motor 1 and Motor 3 spin counter-clockwise, while Motor 2 and Motor 4 spin clockwise.
Page 21
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page (continued) Figure 4: Diagram of motor orientation of the DJI F450 quadcopter. Build Directions WARNING -- Do not attach the propellers for this step! 1. Check if the directions of the motors are correct: a.
Page 22
• The Center of Gravity of an object is the point at which an object is balanced. For this guide, it is assumed that the center of the DJI F450 frame is its Center of Gravity. • To center the CG, place the battery, flight controller and GPS module so that the weight is balanced at the center of the quadcopter.
Page 23
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page, Mounting Directions Figure 6: Measuring the X component. Build Directions 1. Measuring the X axis: a. Figure 6 displays an example of the quadcopter seen from a top-down view. The Positive X Direction is marked in and moves toward the front of the quadcopter (the two red arms).
Page 24
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page, Mounting Directions (continued) Figure 7: Measuring the Y component. Build Directions 1. Measuring the Y axis: a. Figure 7 displays an example of the quadcopter seen from a top-down view. The Positive Y Direction is marked in and moves toward the right of the quadcopter.
Page 25
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page, Mounting Directions (continued) Figure 8: Measuring the Z component. Build Directions 1. Measuring the Z axis: a. Figure 8 displays an example of the quadcopter seen facing the front of the drone. The Positive Z Direction is marked in and moves toward the bottom of the quadcopter.
Page 26
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page, RC Subsection User Information • The “RC” settings determine the type of receiver, stick responsiveness, and control mode (see Figure 9). • The Command Sticks Calibration menu allows testing, configuration, calibration of the transmitter’s control sticks and switches.
Page 27
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page, RC Subsection (continued) Figure 9: “RC” page. Build Directions 1. Select the “RC” tab. 2. In the Receiver Type box, select Tradition. 3. Next to each command stick slider, ensure that the button to the right reads NORM. 4.
Page 28
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Basic Settings Page, Gain Subsection User Information • The Basic Gain subsection determines how much the quadcopter will automatically try to correct changes in position and angle (see Figure 10). The information gathered by the IMU is compared to the information gathered by the GPS module.
Page 29
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 4 - Advanced Settings Page, Motor Subsection User Information • The Motor Idle Speed option allows configuration of the motor’s idle speed and cutoff. The recommended speed is preferred for most situations, but the setting can be modified for better flight characteristics (see Figure 11).
Page 30
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 4 - Advanced Settings Page, F/S Subsection User Information • Enhanced Failsafe Methods helps to reduce chances of crashing (see Figure 12). • This failsafe is triggered by one of the following conditions: If the signal is lost between the transmitter and the receiver for any reason.
Page 31
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 4 - Advanced Settings Page, IOC Subsection User Information • “Intelligent Orientation Control” is a function that allows the user to lock the quadcopter into a particular flight mode (see Figure 13). •...
Page 32
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 4 - Advanced Settings Page, Voltage Subsection User Information • The “Low-Voltage Alert” manually sets two voltage warnings that will activate when the quadcopter’s battery reaches a certain voltage threshold (see Figure 14). •...
Page 33
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 5 - Tools Setting Page 8. In Second Level Protection, set the No Load voltage to 9.60 V and Loss to 0.00 V. User Information • The “Tools” subsection details the information that is being received from the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) packaged in the NAZA-M LITE kit (see Figure 15).
Page 34
Figure 16 contains a list of LED signal patterns. These signal patterns indicate flight modes and information regarding the quadcopter during flight. • The LED signal sequences are visible from the NAZA-M LITE LED mounted on the underside of the DJI F450 quadcopter. •...
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno DEVO 7 Transmitter Setup and Binding Tutorial Written by: Conor Swezey Introduction Use this guide to configure and bind the DEVO 7 transmitter to the RX701 receiver for the DJI F450 quadcopter.
Page 36
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Transmitter Layout Figure 1: The DEVO 7 transmitter with buttons labeled. Build Directions There are six functional keys on the DEVO 7 control panel. 1. EXT: The exit key. Press EXT to return to the previous menu. 2.
Page 37
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 1 - Model Menu, TYPE Settings User Information ● This section discusses which settings to select in the “MODEL” menu. ● The “MODEL” menu is used to change the transmitter settings to work with different models of unmanned aircraft.
Page 38
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 2 - Model Menu, INPUT Settings User Information ● The “INPUT” menu allows for the customization of the various function switches on the DEVO 7 transmitter. ● This menu allows the user to modify the settings for flight mode, throttle hold, and stunt trim mode. Figure 3: Transmitter settings for “FM SW”, “FMTRM”, and “HLDSW”.
Page 39
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 - Model Menu (continued) User Information ● The “OUTPUT” menu allows the user to customize the output switches and levers. ● The switches can be activated, modified, or have their functionality changed according to the user’s requirements.
Page 40
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Build Directions WARNING -- For this section, each setting has TWO options. There is no visual indicator for these options. For example, the first “GEAR” option will simply appear on the transmitter’s screen as “GEAR”. Pressing the DN key once will bring you to the second “GEAR”...
Page 41
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 4 - Model Menu, AMPLI Setting User Information ● The “AMPLI” setting allows the user to adjust the radio transmission output power of the DEVO 7 transmitter. ● The setting is divided into six levels. A lower transmitter output power corresponds to a shorter transmitter radio range and a longer battery life.
Page 42
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 5 - Function Menu, REVSW Setting User Information ● The “FUNCTION” menu allows the user to customize the flight and control settings for each model profile on the DEVO 7 transmitter. ● The “REVSW” setting in particular allows the user to modify the Reverse Switch properties on the transmitter, which corresponds to the appropriate control stick on the transmitter.
Page 43
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 6 - Function Menu, TRVAD Setting User Information ● The “TRVAD” setting determines the Travel Adjust level for the transmitter. ● This setting sets the maximum and minimum servo travel percentages for all of the control channels. Figure 7: Transmitter settings for “TRVAD”.
Page 44
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 7 - Function Menu, SUBTR Setting User Information ● The “SUBTR” setting allows the user to modify the servo neutral position. ● In order to avoid potentially damaging the servo, it is important to set the servo arm/bell crank to be as close to the neutral point as possible.
Page 45
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 8 - Function Menu, GEAR Setting User Information ● The “GEAR” setting allows the user to modify the sensitivity and operating mode of the two control sticks on the DEVO 7 transmitter. Figure 9: Transmitter settings for GEAR.
Page 46
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 9 - Transmitter/Receiver Binding Guide User Information ● This guide will demonstrate how to bind the DEVO 7 transmitter to the RX701 receiver connected to the quadcopter. ● It might be necessary to bind one transmitter to one receiver at a time. This allows the binding process to be completed without radio interference from other transmitters.
Page 47
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 10 - Transmitter/Receiver Binding Guide (Continued) User Information ● This section will use the battery bind plug to wipe any previous connections that the receiver has made. ● This is useful if you need to redo the binding process or bind the receiver to another transmitter. ●...
Page 48
The transmitter will need to be turned on to initiate a FIXED ID search and then turned off. ● The 11.1V battery will be connected to the quadcopter. The DJI LED indicator and the receiver will begin flashing while the receiver looks for a compatible signal.
Page 49
Press EXT to return to the main menu. Your transmitter should now be bound to the receiver on the drone. You can now configure the DJI NAZA-M LITE flight controller using the NAZA-M LITE Software Assistant detailed in the following guide.
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Battery Charging Written by: Marc Hernandez Introduction This guide will discuss how to use the iMax B6AC charger and how to charge the LiPo 3S 11.1V batteries.
Page 51
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 1 – Safety and Connecting the Battery Figure 1: Charger and Battery. Safety • Discontinue use of a LiPo battery if it begins to smoke or becomes puffy. • Never leave your LiPo batteries charging unattended. •...
Page 52
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 2 – Check Connections Figure 2: Side view of charger. Checking • Make sure the polarity on the banana plugs are correct and the balance lead (white connector), coming off of the battery pack, is connected to the port on the side of the charger. •...
Page 53
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 3 – Set Battery Type Figure 3: Set program select to LiPo Battery. Program Select • Press the Batt. Type/Stop button the select the battery type. • Use the arrow buttons to till the LiPo BATT option appears. •...
Page 54
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 4 – Charging, Discharging and Storage Options Figure 4: Charging and discharging options. Charging, Discharging and Storage After selecting the battery type, next use the arrows to select the type of charging or discharging to be performed.
Page 55
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Step 5 – Begin Charging Figure 5: LiPo Charge menu. Settings • Press the Start/Enter button to change the charge settings. The 1.0A value, pictured above, sets charge current and 11.1V(S3) sets how big the battery is. The Second input should be set according to the values on the battery pack.
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Federal Aviation Administration Registration Guide: Hobby Written by: Khai Chang Introduction Use this guide to register a hobby aircraft with the FAA.
Page 57
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 1. Go to https://registermyuas.faa.gov/ to register Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). 2. On the main page, click “REGISTER”. 3. Complete the “EMAIL” and “PASSWORD” sections to create a FAA account. 4. Password must be 8 characters in length and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number, and one special character (!, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *).
Page 58
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 7. After clicking on the link in the email, it will prompt a Registration Site System Use Notice. This notice explains user access to the U.S. government information system which includes the small UAS registration site, and the computers and networks connected to that site. Use of system constitutes consent to monitoring or interception.
Page 59
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 10. Select account type based on UAS usage. It is recommended to select Model Aircraft if flying for recreational use only. Model Aircraft: Fly UAS solely for recreation, and not for commercial or other non-hobby purposes.
Page 60
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 12. Click “Proceed to Checkout” at the bottom to submit information. 13. Check the box at the bottom after reading over the safety guidance of operating UAS. 14. Click “Next” to proceed to payment. 15.
Page 61
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 16. Click “Next” to review payment before confirming. 17. If order is correct, check the box at the bottom to accept terms. 18. Click “Pay” to make $5 payment. 19. After payment, check email address to receive UAS registration receipt. 20.
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Federal Aviation Administration Registration Guide: Non-Hobby Purpose Written by: Khai Chang Introduction Use this guide to register a non-recreational model aircraft.
Page 63
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Registration Guide: Non-Model Aircraft 1. Go to https://registermyuas.faa.gov/ to register Small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). 2. On the main page, click “REGISTER”. 3. Complete the “EMAIL” and “PASSWORD” sections to create a FAA account. 4.
Page 64
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 7. After clicking on the link in the email, it will prompt a Registration Site System Use Notice. This notice explains user access to the U.S. government information system which includes the small UAS registration site, and the computers and networks connected to that site. Use of system constitutes consent to monitoring or interception.
Page 65
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 10. Select account type based on UAS usage. It is recommended to select Non-Model Aircraft if flying for research, commercial, government, or other non-hobby purposes. Model Aircraft: Fly UAS solely for recreation, and not for commercial or other non-hobby purposes.
Page 66
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 12. Click “Proceed to Checkout” at the bottom to submit information. 13. In the Inventory section, click “Add UAS” to identify UAS being used for the organization. 14. Complete the UAS information in the form and click “Add” include UAS to Shopping Cart. Note: There is a $5 fee for every UAS added to shopping...
Page 67
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 15. Click “Checkout” to proceed. 16. Check the box at the bottom after reading over the safety guidance of operating UAS. 17. Click “Next” to proceed to payment. 18. Complete Credit Card Info and Billing Address section to complete $5 payment. 19.
Page 68
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno 20. If order is correct, check the box at the bottom to accept terms. 21. Click “Pay” to make $5 payment. 22. After payment, check email address to receive UAS registration receipt. 23. The assigned UAS Certificate Number should now be available on FAA account. 24.
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 Certification Written by: Khai Chang Introduction Use this guide to learn more about FAA Part 107 rule and flying for commercial or government. If current objective is to fly for recreation or as a hobby, refer to the Registration Guide for Hobby.
Page 70
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno FAA PART 107 REGULATIONS The FAA stands for the Federal Aviation Administration. They are a federal agency and part of the division of the Department of Transportation. The FAA is responsible for the regulations and oversight of civil aviation.
Page 71
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno OVERVIEW FAA Part 107 rules specifies that if pilot is operating small Unmanned Aerial System for commercial or government use, pilot must be licensed under FAA Part 107. Similar to obtaining a driver’s license, pilot must take a remote pilot certificate exam at a certified FAA testing location.
Page 72
Rising Data Guides California State University Fresno LEARN MORE ABOUT PART 107 To learn more about FAA Part 107 regulations and how to prepare for its test, visit the hyperlinks below. However, resources are not limited to the hyperlink and more can be found online.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the F450 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers