Inspired Flight IF750 User Manual

Hide thumbs

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Links

Download this manual

IF750 Quadcopter

HereLink Blue

HereLink Black

LRT

User Manual

IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03

Table of Contents

Need help?

Do you have a question about the IF750 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Inspired Flight IF750

Page 1 IF750 Quadcopter HereLink Blue HereLink Black User Manual IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03...
Page 2 Inspired Flight Technologies. The information, technical data, designs and drawings disclosed in this document are proprietary information of Inspired Flight Technologies or third parties and shall not be used or disclosed to any third party without permission of Inspired Flight Technologies.
Page 3: Table Of Contents
IF750 User Manual Table of Contents Safety Information, Notes, and References IF750 Overview Hand Controllers HereLink Blue Hand Controller HereLink Black Hand Controller Long Range Telemetry (LRT) Battery Charging Install QGroundControl Assemble the Aircraft Using HereLink Hand Controllers Set Up the Long Range Telemetry Radio...
Page 4: Safety Information, Notes, And References
1. Safety Information and Notes 1. Safety Information, Notes, and References The IF750 is a high-performance system, engineered for safe use. Where appropriate, this manual alerts the user to specific actions necessary for safe operation of the aircraft. The following symbols are used:...
Page 5: If750 Overview
There are three models of the IF750, which differ according to which hand controller they use: ● IF750 HereLink Blue: uses the Union Robotics HereLink Blue hand controller ●...
Page 6: Hand Controllers
3. Hand Controllers 3. Hand Controllers The IF750 includes one of the hand controllers shown below. Click on the link to go to the page for that hand controller. NOTE: The HereLink Blue and HereLink Black both have QGroundControl software installed at the factory.
Page 7: Herelink Blue Hand Controller
IF750 User Manual 4. HereLink Blue Hand Controller 4. HereLink Blue Hand Controller Description This configuration uses the HereLink Blue hand controller, made by Union Robotics. The User Guide for this hand controller can be found online at: https://docs.union-robotics.com/manuals/blue-herelink-overview The HereLink Blue GCS has an internal battery which can be charged via a micro USB port on the bottom of the unit.
Page 8: Herelink Black Hand Controller
5. HereLink Black Hand Controller 5. HereLink Black Hand Controller Description This IF750 version uses the HereLink Black GCS, made by CubePilot. The HereLink Black GCS User Guide can be found online at: https://www.cubepilot.com/#/herelink/features Figure 3. HereLink Black Hand Controller IFT Doc Num.
Page 9: Long Range Telemetry (Lrt)
IF750 User Manual 6. Long Range Telemetry (LRT) 6. Long Range Telemetry (LRT) Description The LRT kit includes: ● IF750 aircraft ● Jeti DS-12 hand controller ● RFD900x-US telemetry radio Customer-supplied: ● Laptop or tablet, with QGroundControl installed. The RFD900x-US telemetry radio plugs into a USB port on this device.
Page 10 IF750 User Manual 6. Long Range Telemetry (LRT) Figure 5. Jeti DS-12 Hand Controller IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03 Page 7...
Page 11: Battery Charging
IF750 User Manual 7. Battery Charging 7. Battery Charging The IF750 kit includes a Venom ProDuo battery charger. The manual can be found online at the following link: https://www.vertigodrones.com/assets/images/0685%20ProDuo%20Charger%20Manual.pdf. Figure 6. Venom ProDuo Battery Charger IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03...
Page 12 IMPORTANT! Read the accompanying charger manual thoroughly before connecting power and batteries to the charger. It contains important safety information. Balancing cells: The flight batteries used in the IF750 contain multiple cells. Differences in the voltages between cells degrades the performance of the NOTE battery, and shortens its life.
Page 13 Locate the Balance Breakout Board (see below). Plug the loose end of the cable into Balance Port 1 on the charger. If using the batteries supplied by Inspired Flight Technologies, locate the Battery Balance Connector (see below). Insert the connector into the largest connector on the Balance Breakout Board (see Step 6).
Page 14 IF750 User Manual 7. Battery Charging Step Action In the following steps, the charging cables and balance connector from Channel 1 on the charger MUST be connected to the same battery. This applies to Channel 2 as well. Failure to do so could damage the batteries and may start a fire.
Page 15 IF750 User Manual 7. Battery Charging Step Action Start the charging process by pressing the Start button on the charger for 3 seconds. This opens the battery check screen (see below), which confirms that you have the right battery connected (a 6S battery pack).
Page 16 IF750 User Manual 7. Battery Charging If Incorrect Charging Current / Cell Count is Displayed Step Action If Incorrect Charging Current/Cell Count is displayed, follow the steps below. From the main LiPo Balance screen, click the enter button. This will start the current blinking.
Page 17: Install Qgroundcontrol
IF750 User Manual 8. Install QGroundControl 8. Install QGroundControl QGroundControl (QGC) is an open-source mission planning and configuration software for aircraft using the MAVLink Communication Protocol. QGC is extremely well documented and we encourage all first-time users to review the available user guide at: https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/en/.
Page 18: Assemble The Aircraft
Note: If there are o-rings on the vertical tube, insert the tube so that the o-rings are on the lower half of the assembly. Continued next page Figure 7. IF750 Landing Gear IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03 Page 15...
Page 19 IF750 User Manual 9. Assemble the Aircraft Step Action Ensure the vertical tube is fully seated before tightening the ratcheting clamp. The ratcheting arm can be pulled away from the screw to move the arm to a more convenient location when tightening. Tighten the clamp.
Page 20 IF750 User Manual 9. Assemble the Aircraft Step Action Ensure the vertical tubes are fully seated before tightening the thumb screws. The thumb screws can be pulled away from the hip and adjusted so the thumb screw points in a convenient direction.
Page 21 IF750 User Manual 9. Assemble the Aircraft Step Action Lift the GPS mast into place and latch the retaining clips on both sides (see below). End of Procedure IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03 Page 18...
Page 22 IF750 User Manual 9. Assemble the Aircraft Install the Propellers Step Action DO NOT power up the aircraft prior to performing the following procedure. Accidental energizing of the propellers while performing this procedure can cause severe personal injury. Locate the correct propeller for each motor. Two of the aircraft’s motors spin clockwise, and two spin counterclockwise.
Page 23 IF750 User Manual 9. Assemble the Aircraft Step Action Place each propeller on its corresponding motor, ensuring the captive screws in the propeller align with the corresponding screw holes on the motor. Verify each propeller is fully seated on the motor. Refer to the photograph below.
Page 24 9. Assemble the Aircraft Install the Batteries in the Aircraft Step Action Ensure both batteries are fully charged before installing in the IF750. If the voltage difference between the batteries is greater than 0.3V, top off the two batteries on the charger. Step Action Slide the batteries into the battery compartments on both sides of the aircraft.
Page 25: Using Herelink Hand Controllers
IF750 User Manual 10. Using HereLink Hand Controllers 10. Using HereLink Hand Controllers Both the HereLink Blue and HereLink Black hand controllers have QGroundControl (QGC) software installed at the factory. QGC is extremely well documented and new users are encouraged to review the user guide at: https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/en/. Training videos describing all aspects of planning and uploading an autonomous mission are available online.
Page 26 IF750 User Manual 10. Using HereLink Hand Controllers Step Action GPS satellite count and status: This is indicated in the toolbar at the top of the QGroundControl screen (see below). The top number is the satellite count, the bottom number is the HDOP (horizontal dilution of precision).
Page 27: Set Up The Long Range Telemetry Radio
11. Set up the Long Range Telemetry Radio 11. Set Up the Long Range Telemetry Radio Note: The IF750 LRT can be flown in Position or Return to Launch modes using only the Jeti DS-12 transmitter. For Altitude mode and autonomous missions that require location information (GNSS) and aircraft information, a ground station with the RFD900x-US radio connected to it and QGC installed is required.
Page 28 IF750 User Manual 11. Set up the Long Range Telemetry Radio Step Action Turn on the Jeti DS-12 by pressing the Power button for two seconds (see below). When the screen activates, it prompts you with, “Start Transmitter?” Press the button “Yes”...
Page 29: Power On The Aircraft
IF750 User Manual 12. Power On the Aircraft 12. Power On the Aircraft Step Action Plug in both batteries’ XT90 connectors into the corresponding female ports near the rear shoulders (see below). Note: Ensure the battery connectors are fully seated in the ports to avoid loose connections.
Page 30: Flight Modes
Position mode to regain control. Moving a joystick during an autonomous mission reverts control back to the pilot. The IF750 automatically returns to the launch site as a failsafe when the battery voltage gets too low to continue flight; visually monitor the battery level in QGC and replace the batteries conservatively to mitigate risk.
Page 31 IF750 User Manual 13. Flight Modes Flight Mode Switches Flight Mode Controls Control Flight Mode Location on Hand Controller HereLink: Button at the bottom of the front panel. Position Jeti DS-12: Top and mid-position of three-way switch on upper-right of front panel.
Page 32 IF750 User Manual 13. Flight Modes Selecting a Flight Mode on the LRT Jeti DS-12 On the Jeti DS-12, there is a three-position switch on the upper-right corner of the front (see Figure 9 below) for selecting one of two flight modes: ●...
Page 33 IF750 User Manual 13. Flight Modes Selecting the flight mode on the HereLink Figure 10 below shows the locations of the flight mode buttons on the HereLink hand controller. Note: A HereLink Blue is shown. The flight mode buttons are in the same locations on the HereLink Black.
Page 34: Arm And Disarm
IF750 User Manual 14. Arm and Disarm 14. Arm and Disarm ● Arm means to start the propellers spinning. ● Disarm means to stop the propellers from spinning. Step Action Arming Verify each item on the Preflight Checklist (see the end of this User Manual).
Page 35: Takeoff And Landing
IF750 User Manual 15. Takeoff and Landing 15. Takeoff and Landing Step Action Takeoff Verify each item on the Preflight Checklist (see the end of this User Manual). Takeoff by slowly raising the throttle (left joystick). The throttle must be raised above the midpoint.
Page 36: Power Off The Aircraft
IF750 User Manual 16. Power Off the Aircraft 16. Power Off the Aircraft Step Action Power down any Sony camera attached to the aircraft. Disconnect the batteries by pulling on the connector, not the wires. Power down the hand controller by holding the Power button in, then follow the on-screen prompts.
Page 37: Planning A Mission
IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission 17. Planning a Mission This section presents the basics of setting up an autonomous mission in QGC and then describes in detail how to create a mission. Once you are comfortable flying the aircraft, learning how to plan an autonomous mission greatly expands the applications of the aircraft.
Page 38 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission QGroundControl User Interface Overview The main elements of the User Interface (UI) for planning a mission are described below (see Figure 11 on the previous page) ● Map (main area of display): Displays the numbered indicators for the current mission, including the Planned Home.
Page 39 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Example Mission The basic steps for planning and executing a mission are: 1. In QGroundControl, change to Plan view. 2. Set Home position 3. Add waypoints 4. Set landing point 5. Upload the mission to the aircraft.
Page 40 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action On the left side of the screen, locate the Create Plan overlay. Select (mouse click or tap screen) Blank. Note: Other Plan types are available. The Blank plan is chosen for illustration purposes for this example.
Page 41 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action On the Plan Tools panel on the left side of the screen, select the Takeoff button (#1 below). The Takeoff icon appears (# 2 in the screenshot below). Note: A Takeoff panel appears in the Mission Command List on the right side of the screen when the Takeoff icon is selected.
Page 42 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action Place the first Waypoint: 1. In the Plan Tools, select Waypoint (#1 below). 2. Place the cursor on the map for the desired Waypoint location (#2 below), then select it 3. Notice that the Waypoint panel appears on the right side of the screen when Waypoint was selected in the Plan Tools panel.
Page 43 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action After you’ve added the desired Waypoints, complete the mission plan by creating a Return to Launch point. In the Plan Tools panel, select the Return icon (#1 below). When you select Return, the default is Return to Launch (RTL), as shown in the Mission Command List.
Page 44 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action The Basic Mission Command Editor (the left image in Figure 15) offers Return and other options. Note: If you select the down arrow next to the Basic category (see Figure 15), it opens a dropdown menu (right side of Figure 15), that offers more Mission Command Editors.
Page 45 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action After you have finished planning a mission, you can see details of the mission in the Mission Command List, on the right side of the screen. To see details about individual events in the mission, select an event, such as a Waypoint, and details about that event appear below it (see Figure 16 below).
Page 46 IF750 User Manual 17. Planning a Mission Step Action Select the Fly icon at the top of the Tools panel (see below), then select Takeoff. End of Procedure Figure 17. Fly and Takeoff IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03 Page 43...
Page 47: Preflight Checklist
IF750 User Manual Preflight Checklist Preflight Checklist All four arms are lifted and secured into place. The GPS mast is lifted and latched on both sides. The propellers are mounted in the proper locations and are secured tightly (be sure screwheads are flush).
Page 48: Appendix
IF750 User Manual Appendix Appendix This Appendix addresses the topics listed below. Click on a topic to go to that page. Security Risks and Mitigation Registering a Vehicle with the FAA Critical Situations Upgrading the Aircraft Firmware Calibrate the Compass...
Page 49: Security Risks And Mitigations
IF750 User Manual Appendix Security Risks and Mitigations This section describes steps that can be taken to protect sensitive information in the IF750 aircraft. Each security issue listed below is followed by one or more remedies. Issue: Physical Access to the Aircraft ●...
Page 50: Registering An Aircraft With The Faa
IF750 User Manual Appendix Registering an Aircraft with the FAA U.S. law requires that all unmanned aerial vehicles must be registered with the FAA prior to flight. Go to this link to register the aircraft: https://faadronezone.faa.gov/ We recommend that you print the FAA registration number and affix it to the aircraft, on the top carbon plate where the battery is mounted.
Page 51: Critical Situations
Entire Loss of Aircraft ● : If a flyaway or battery depletion away from the home point occurs, follow the FAA guidelines on aircraft loss, and contact Inspired Flight for further instruction. Aircraft Crash ●...
Page 52: Upgrading The Aircraft Firmware
IF750 User Manual Appendix Upgrading the Aircraft Firmware Note: Firmware upgrades are only necessary if advised by Inspired Flight. The aircraft comes with firmware installed at the factory. Step Action Completely power off the aircraft. Open QGroundControl on a PC.
Page 53 IF750 User Manual Appendix Step Action On the right side of the PC’s screen, a ‘Firmware Setup’ window will appear. Select the ‘Advanced Settings’ checkbox (see below). Under the dropdown menu, select ‘Custom firmware file’ (see below). Select ‘OK.’ Continued next page IFT Doc Num.
Page 54 IF750 User Manual Appendix Step Action Navigate to the correct firmware file, and select ‘Open’. Wait about one minute for the firmware to upgrade. The beeping will stop when the upgrade is complete. Below is a screenshot of the firmware upload progress.
Page 55: Calibrate The Compass
IF750 User Manual Appendix Calibrate the Compass This section describes how to calibrate the internal compass in the aircraft. The aircraft’s compass is calibrated at the factory and typically does not need to be re-calibrated. Compass calibration may be necessary if significant hardware changes NOTE have been made or if metal has been added to or removed from the aircraft.
Page 56 IF750 User Manual Appendix Step Action In QGC, select the Gear icon (aircraft Setup) in the top toolbar, and then Sensors in the left sidebar (see below). Click the Compass button. Click OK to start the calibration. Continued page IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03...
Page 57 IF750 User Manual Appendix Step Action The steps that follow are excerpted from the PX4 User Guide, and show a fixed-wing NOTE aircraft. The orientations apply to a rotary wing aircraft as well. The display shown below appears. Orientations shown in red are “incomplete,” and must be calibrated.
Page 58: Calibrate The Accelerometers
Appendix Calibrate the Accelerometers This section describes how to calibrate the accelerometers on the aircraft. Accelerometer calibration is not normally required unless instructed by Inspired Flight Customer Support. For more information about this procedure, click the following link: https://docs.px4.io/v1.9.0/en/config/accelerometer.html Step Action Start QGroundControl and connect it to the aircraft.
Page 59 IF750 User Manual Appendix Step Action Click OK to start the calibration. Position the aircraft as shown by the images on the screen (see Figure 19 below). An orientation image’s border will turn yellow, prompting you to hold the aircraft still in the orientation shown.
Page 60: Wirelessly Connect A Herelink Hand Controller To A Ground Control Station
IF750 User Manual Appendix Wirelessly Connect a HereLink Hand Controller to a Ground Control Station There are situations where you need to wirelessly connect a hand controller, (in this case, a HereLink Blue or Black), to a Ground Control Station (GCS). The GCS is typically a laptop or tablet that has QGroundControl flight software installed.
Page 61 IF750 User Manual Appendix Using the Wireless Hotspot in the HereLink Hand Control Using the Wireless Hotspot in the HereLink Hand Control Step Action On the Herelink, go to Settings->More->Tethering & portable hotspot (see below). Continued next page IFT Doc Num. 102089, Rev. 3.03...
Page 62 IF750 User Manual Appendix Using the Wireless Hotspot in the HereLink Hand Control Step Action Enable Portable WiFi hotspot (the button on the right side of the screen). A Set up Wi-Fi hotspot dialog window appears (see below). Note the Network name and Security information in the dialog window (see above).
Page 63 IF750 User Manual Appendix Connect HereLink and GCS Through a WiFi Network The following procedure describes how to wirelessly connect the GCS to a HereLink through a local WiFi network. Note 1: The HereLink uses an Android operating system. The instructions below reflect this.
Page 64 IF750 User Manual Appendix Connect HereLink and GCS through a WiFi Network Step Action In the Select Tool menu (see below), click on Application Settings. A selection menu opens in the upper-left corner of the screen (see below). Select Comm Links.
Page 65 IF750 User Manual Appendix Connect HereLink and GCS through a WiFi Network Step Action A selection menu appears at the bottom of the window (see below). Select Add. A dialog box, Create New Link Configuration, appears (see below). Continued next page IFT Doc Num.
Page 66 IF750 User Manual Appendix HereLink and GCS through a WiFi Network Step Action Enter a name for the Comm Link (see below). In this example, the name we created is “IF750_WiFi.” Select Automatically Connect on Start. In the Type field, select UDP.
Page 67 IF750 User Manual Appendix HereLink and GCS through a WiFi Network Step Action The Create New Link Configuration dialog box closes, and the new Comm Link name that you created (IF750_WiFi) appears at the top of the screen. To connect the GCS to the HereLink, select the new Comm Link to the HereLink (IF750_WiFi), at the top of the screen, then click on Connect at the bottom of the screen.
Page 68 IF750 User Manual Appendix IF750 Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Intervals (Every X Flights) Recommended Every 1 Maintenance Activities Flight Flights Flights Flights Flights Flights Flights Flights Inspect all moving components for wear/damage. Check propellers for damage. Dust all lenses Inspect all visible screws &...
Page 69: Revisions
● Added section to Appendix: Security Risks and Mitigation 3.02 ● Replaced graphic on p. 49 with correct one (original graphic showed IF1200; replaced with graphic of IF750) ● Section, Power On the Aircraft, Step 2: corrected GPS LED meanings ●...