Introduction System Overview Welcome to the Seafloor Systems HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ manual. This document provides an overview of the key features and functionalities of our cutting-edge Uncrewed Survey Vessel (USV) designed for hydrographic surveying and marine mapping applications. The HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™...
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Information Information banner is to notify useful information for operator. Caution Caution banner is provide important information that if disregarded may result in accidental misuse or damage to the system. Important Alert Important Alert is to provide important information that if disregarded may prove harmful to personnel or equipment.
25lbs (11.3kg). Seafloor assumes no responsibility for the loss of boats, instruments, damage to property, or any injury or fatality associated with the utilization of its products or any products that may be included or utilized in conjunction with Seafloor products.
To submit a support request, please fill out our support form on our website www.seafloorsystems.com via the big green button. You may also email us at support@seafloor.com. Please include as much information as possible: • Your Name and Company •...
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– Observe the battery from a safe distance for at least 30 minutes. – If after 30 minutes the pack appears stable, follow the battery disposal instructions below. – Under no circumstances should you return a battery to operation that has “ballooned” or been damaged in any way.
Battery Charging Safety Important Alert Failure to follow any of the instructions and safety warnings contained within this document may cause irreversible damage to the battery pack. Information Due to shipping regulations, batteries are not shipped fully charged. All battery packs should be fully charged prior to first use.
System Operation What’s Included Item Quantity Description Image* HyDrone™ Pontoons AutoNav Plus™ Frame with Pole Frame Mounts Fins Seafloor Fins M5x25mm BHSC, Frame Bolts Washer, and Lock Washer AutoNav Plus™ AutoNav Plus™ Module Paired to HyDrone™ Shoreside Antenna AutoNav Plus™ Antenna...
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To power the DC Power Cable system without the pontoons SMA 2.4GHz SMA Antennas for Antennas WiFi and Receiver N-Type 2.4GHz N-Type Antenna Antenna for Bridge Antenna N-Type Female to Female to be used 90° Coupler with 2.4GHz Antenna Remote Control Remote Control Unit for HyDrone™...
DB9 Adapter port Table 3: What’s Included *Please note that images provided are for illustrative purposes only and may not precisely represent the delivered product. Seafloor Systems reserves the right to modify any product at its discretion.
Assembling Your HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ 1. Open the HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ case. 2. The top section that houses the frame, fins, and other components can be removed and set aside. Figure 6: Opening HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ Case Figure 7: Removing Top Layer 3.
Figure 8: Port(Left) Pontoon 4. Space the pontoons roughly 1’ (30.4cm) apart. 5. Verify the port pontoon and starboard pontoon are on their correct sides. Figure 9: Left And Right Pontoons • Power switches and Hydrone Stickers should be facing outward •...
Figure 10: Pontoons Not Spaced Correctly 7. Loosely install all the supplied stainless steel frame hardware. Figure 11: Frame Hardware 8. Tighten them with the supplied 3mm Allen driver.
Figure 12: Frame Attached 9. Flip the Hydrone™upside down to gain access to the fin mount channel. 10. Slide the fin with the notch facing the bow into the fin mount channel. 11. Using the supplied 2.5mm Allen driver, tighten the set screw to hold the fin in place. Figure 13: Fin Installation 12.
Figure 14: AutoNav Plus™ Mounted 15. Screw in the 4x 2.4GHz Antennas into SMA bulkheads on the front of the AutoNav Plus™. 16. Screw in the N-Type right angle with the antenna. Figure 15: Antennas Installed 17. Unscrew the pontoon and AutoNav Plus™ bulkhead caps. Information Verify the Pontoon Power Data Cables have same gender cable ends.
Figure 16: Pontoon Power Data Cables and Hydrolite Plus Cable Figure 17: AutoNav Plus™ Installed 19. If using a software USB dongle, the USB cover can be installed now. Figure 18: USB Covers Installed...
Caution Excessive tightening of the shell can displace the O-ring, compromising its water resistance. USB Cover Software Dongle Installation: Figure 19: USB Cover Exploded View HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ Endurance Chart Figure 20: HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ Endurance Chart...
Remote Control Unit (RCU) The HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ is controlled by a Taranis Q-X7 Access Transmitter. Information Smart Port SD Card Slot Mini USB Port Dust Cover Figure 21: Bottom View To charge the battery: • Open bottom dust cover to reveal Mini USB port. •...
Earphone port Trainer Port Antenna Hook Stick Stick Page Menu Exit Digital Trim Power LCD Display Figure 22: RCU Front View Remote Control Unit Functions Power Press and hold Release when the fourth loading dot appears - to power on Release when the last loading dot shows - to power off J1/J2 Throttle (Up/Down...
Antenna Carrying Bar Module Bay Battery Cover Figure 23: RCU Back View Information To arm HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™: Move SA switch up and hold SH down for 5 seconds. A long alert tone (Beep——) will emit from the AutoNav Plus™, indicating system is armed. See Figure 22 To disarm HyDrone™...
Battery Charging 3.7.1 E4 Cube Charger Important Alert Never leave batteries unattended while charging. Batteries on charge MUST remain under constant observation so that you may react quickly should any problems arise. Caution Max voltage of a 4S battery is 16.8VDC. (4.2VDC/Cell) Caution Charging LiPo Battery: with E4 Cube Balance Charger 1.
• Fourth LED indicates 100% capacity • Four LEDS will always be on when the battery is fully charged 6. When the battery is fully charged, disconnect the AC power first. Then disconnect the LiPo battery. Technical Data Property Value AC Input 100-240VAC Rated Voltage...
3.7.2 Optional - Spektrum Charger Important Alert Never leave batteries unattended while charging. Batteries on charge MUST remain under constant observation so that you may react quickly should any problems arise. Caution Max voltage of a 4S battery is 16.8VDC. (4.2VDC/Cell) Caution Charging LiPo Battery: with Spektrum Charger...
6. Connect the female XT90 from the 4S LiPo into the male XT90 on the adapter cable. Then, connect the balance lead into the charger. 7. Press and release the menu/select button to display the charger settings list. Task Select Charge, Discharge, or Storage Battery (Type) Select LiPo Cells (Cell Count)
Information Charger error – If the charger displays an error, follow the on-screen prompts to remedy the error. If necessary, disconnect the battery from the output and balance ports, disconnect the power supply, and then restart the charger. Technical Data Input Voltage 100-240 VAC Charge Current...
3.7.3 Optional - Tattu Charger Important Alert Never leave batteries unattended while charging. Batteries on charge MUST remain under constant observation so that you may react quickly should any problems arise. Caution Max voltage of a 4S battery is 16.8VDC. (4.2VDC/Cell) Caution Charging LiPo Battery: with Tattu Charger...
ii. Press and hold the CH A or CH B button to start charge operation. Figure 29: Tattu Charger Operation 6. Press and hold the corresponding channel button to pause the charging operation. 7. During the charging process the main screen will provide the following information: (a) Charge time (b) Charge percentage (c) Status...
Technical Data Input Voltage 100-240 VAC Max Charge Current 25.0A Discharge Current 6.0A Max Charge Power 2x500W Max Discharge Power 2x70W Balance Cells 1-7s Operating Temperature 0°C - 60°C Storage Temperature -20°C - 60°C Table 11: Tattu Charger Technical Data Pre-Launch Check List •...
If not given enough time, the connection will attempt to initiate and fail. • It is not recommended to use an Ethernet to USB adapter. • If multiple Seafloor Systems vessels are operating in the same zone. Please contact Seafloor Systems to modify Bridge settings.
Hardware setup: 1. Connect the 10ft(3m) Ethernet cable into the Shoreside Bridge Antenna. 2. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable into the PoE adapter. 3. Connect the PoE Ethernet adapter into the shoreside laptop being used to remote into the Hy- Drone™...
4. Open More Network Adapter Options. Figure 33: Network Adapters 5. Right click on the Ethernet port with the description ”Unidentified Network” and select Properties. Figure 34: Ethernet Properties 6. Double click ”Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4). Figure 35: Internet Protocol...
7. Change the follow settings: Figure 36: Ethernet Settings • Use the following IP address: – IP address: 192.168.168.4 – Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0 • Leave Preferred DNS and Alternate DNS servers blank. To Login: 1. Search ”Remote Desktop” in the windows task bar and select it. Figure 37: Taskbar Search 2.
Mission Planner Information Seafloor Systems AutoNav Plus™ requires two NMEA input GPS strings. GPS/GNSS system not pro- vided by Seafloor, will need to be configured to output the required NMEA strings. • GGA and RMC at 5Hz with a GP Talker ID(Prefix) at 38400 baud rate. RS232 Protocol with DB9 connector.
1. Open Mission Planner. 2. Connect to the AutoNav Plus™. Figure 39: COM Port • Choose Mavlink COM port • 115200 baud rate 3. Click PLAN. 4. Find your survey area. 5. Click the circled polygon in the top left and select ’Draw a Polygon’. Figure 40: Polygon Select...
6. Click on the survey area to define the borders of the survey. Use mouse to drop red polygon points to outline survey area. • Give enough distance for tides. Can also manually drive the HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ to desired location and drop polygon points at each extent. 7.
Figure 42: SimpleGrid Settings 8. Delete the first command, speed change. Figure 43: Delete DO CHANGE SPEED • By deleting it will revert back to default survey speed. 9. Click ’Write’ on the right panel. Figure 44: Write Mission...
Hypack Information Seafloor Systems AutoNav Plus™ requires two NMEA input GPS strings. GPS/GNSS system not pro- vided by Seafloor, will need to be configured to output the required NMEA strings. • GGA and RMC at 5Hz with a GP Talker ID(Prefix) at 38400 baud rate. RS232 Protocol with DB9 connector.
5. Device Connection is Serial. Figure 47: Set COM Port 6. Set COM number. Can be verified in Device Manager. 7. Set Baud Rate to 115200. 8. Use the Comport Test to verify data is coming through the selected COM port. Figure 48: COM Test...
Line Planning: 1. Create the line plan using Hypack’s standard Line Plane Editor. Figure 49: Line Editor 2. Right click every other line and select Reverse Order. Figure 50: Reverse Every Other Line 3. Start Hypack Survey/Hysweep. 4. Mavlink Driver will say Armed or Unarmed. USV must be Armed to Start Mission.
Figure 51: Mavlink Driver Control • If the status flashes between Armed/Disarmed, it’s a bug. System is Armed. 5. Using the Mavlink Driver, you can toggle Auto mode by selecting Start Mission. Mavlink driver button functionality: • Start Mission – The HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ will navigate the current line file. –...
RCU range. • It is possible to program other fail safe parameters. By default these are all disabled as there is a potential to interrupt the survey plan. Please contact Seafloor Systems if you wish to enable. 3.15 Voltage Monitoring 3.15.1...
To view HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ battery voltage: 1. Power on the RCU. (Refer to 3.5) 2. Power on the AutoNav Plus™. 3. Hold down PAGE button to access the DISPLAY screen. Figure 53: Display Page • Left voltage(A2) is the starboard pontoon battery. •...
Figure 55: AutoNav Plus™ Voltage Monitor Voltage Monitor Functions: 1. Connect: To connect to the Voltage Monitor application. 2. Calibrate: To calibrate the Voltage Monitor values to match real world values. 3. Close: To close the application. 4. Port Battery: Voltage value of the port pontoon. 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) • Why does the prop not spin in reverse? – The ESC is not programmed to “Forward and Reverse” running mode. Refer to 6.6 for ESC Programming. • Why does the thruster motor not respond while the HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ is powered? Alert tone of beep-, beep- (1 second interval) is heard.
Troubleshooting Propeller Orientation And Rotation If the propellers on a HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ are rotating in the wrong direction, it will cause the boat to move in circles when attempting to go forward. Similarly, installing the wrong propeller will also lead to same issue.
Figure 59: W30 CW Prop AutoNav Errors Common Errors: If the Autonomous Operation is not behaving as expected, open and connect to Mission Planner. The HUD will show errors. • EKF3 waiting for GPS config data – No GPS input. Check GNSS output. Use a Null Modem if needed. •...
Configure Procedure RCU Receiver Binding Procedure Archer Plus R6 Binding: Registration is only required if the RCU or Receiver (RCVR) was replaced. Skip to step 7 to bind for either receivers. 1. Refer to 3.5 for button or switch location on RCU. 2.
Figure 63: Archer Plus R6 • It is suggested to disconnect the main cable to remove power and reconnect when power is needed. iii. On the RCU, ’Waiting...’ will be replaced with the model name. iv. Press Enter to confirm, registration complete. v.
3. Quick press ’Menu’ on the RCU. Figure 66: Model Select Screen 4. Quick press ’Page’ to switch to TELEMETRY Page 12/13. Figure 67: Telemetry Page 5. Scroll down and select ”Delete all sensors”. Figure 68: Delete All Sensors Figure 69: Delete All Sensors Pop-Up 6.
Figure 70: Discover New Sensors 7. A2 sensor will be active. 8. Select the A2 sensor. Figure 71: A2 Sensor Page 9. At the top of the screen is the pontoon voltage. 10. Scroll down to the Ratio. Modify the value to set the pontoon voltage. Use the supplied Voltage Checker to check the pontoon voltage.
1. HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ must be powered off. 2. Power on the RCU. (Refer to 3.5) Figure 73: Main Screen 3. Hold down ’Menu’ button. Figure 74: RCU Settings 4. Quick press ’Page’ to switch to HARDWARE to Page 6/7. Figure 75: Hardware Page 5.
RCU AutoNav Calibration 1. Power on the RCU. 2. Power on the AutoNav Plus™. 3. Connect to the AutoNav Plus™. (USB Cable is 115200 baud rate) 4. Vessel MUST be disarmed. 5. Select Setup tab. Figure 77: Setup Tab 6. Select Mandatory Hardware. 7.
Figure 78: Radio Calibration Steps 8. Select Calibrate Radio. (a) Power Warning (b) Radio Cal Instructions Figure 79: Pop Ups 9. Move all joystick to their min and max positions. 10. Move all switches to each position. Be sure to arm and disarm. 11.
Figure 80: Radio Calibration Verification 12. Select Click when Done. Figure 81: Click When Done 13. A page will popup indicating the new min and max values. Press OK. (Refer to Figure 80) ESC Calibration Procedure 1. Calibrate one ESC at a time. 2.
5. Two short Beep- Beep- tones will be heard, confirming the full throttle position. 6. Immediately release the Throttle Control to the neutral position. 7. A steady and long beep— can be heard, confirming the neutral position. “Beep- Beep-” “Beep--” Figure 82: Joystick Position 8.
Figure 83: ESC Programming Card Ports 2. Connect the ribbon cable to the ESC. Pay attention to the connector orientation. Figure 84: ESC Programming Card Connection 3. Power on the HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™. The Programming Card will power on. 4. Using the chart below, match the Items with the Values. 5.
2. Install DC Power Cable and a 4S LiPo battery. 3. Open Mission Planner. 4. Connect to the AutoNav Plus™ with 115200 baud rate. 5. AutoNav Plus™ must be disarmed. 6. Select Setup tab. Figure 85: Accel Calibration 7. Select Mandatory Hardware. 8.
Figure 86: Accel Calibration Steps 9. Set the AutoNav Plus™ on a level surface. 10. Select Calibrate Accel(3 axis). You will rotate and hold the AutoNav Plus™ on each axis. Instruc- tions will be present during the process. Bulkheads are always facing backwards(stern). Figure 87: Accel Calibration In Process (a) First is a level surface.
Figure 88: Accel Calibration Complete 12. Set the AutoNav Plus™ on a level surface again. 13. Select Calibration Level. (See Figure 85) AutoNav Plus™ Compass Calibration Procedure Information Compass calibration should be performed away from metal buildings and any electronic equipment. 1.
Figure 89: Compass Calibration Steps 11. Rotate the AutoNav Plus™ 360 degrees on the X, Y, and Z axis. Figure 90: Compass Calibration Progress 12. Mag 1 green progress bar will start increasing.
13. A ”Please reboot the autopilot” popup will indicate compass calibration is complete. Figure 91: Compass Calibration Complete 14. Select ’OK’. 15. Press CTRL and F keys to reboot the autopilot hardware separately from the entire AutoNav Plus™ system. 16. Select ’reboot pixhawk’.
Figure 92: CTRL-F Screen 17. The autopilot hardware will reboot. Mission Planner will disconnect and automatically reconnect. (If it does not, you can manually connect) Figure 93: Reboot Complete 18. Calibration complete.
Service And Maintenance Maintaining Your Investment Maintaining your HyDrone™ AutoNav Plus™ asset is essential for its reliable performance. Regular maintenance includes routine checks of propulsion system, sensor, and electronics to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Keeping the hull clean as well as verifying the integrity of communication links and power sources, is crucial.
Figure 95: Thruster Adapter Plate 6. Install new thruster motor wires through cable gland. 7. Install the cable gland seal and nut. • Ensure the seal sits in it’s notched location for proper sealing. 8. Install new thruster onto the pontoon mating plate. 9.
Figure 96: Thruster Removal 2. Remove the 4x M3x6 bolts with a 2mm Allen driver. Figure 97: Thruster Adapter Plate Removal 3. Remove the 5x screws with a #3 Philips driver.
Figure 98: Thruster Housing Removal 4. Remove the 2x screws with a #3 Philips driver. Figure 99: Prop Removal 5. Remove the prop. The prop may be suctioned to the motor housing. Use care when removing.
Figure 100: Prop Removed 6. Install the replacement W30 prop. 7. Follow the instructions in reverse order for reassembly. 7.3.3 Motor Cleaning Caution Use Vibra-tite with all hardware. Plastic may become damaged if Vibra-tite instructions are not properly followed. 1. Remove the 2x M5 nyloc with a 8mm wrench. Figure 101: Thruster Removal...
2. Remove the 4x M3x6 bolts with a 2mm Allen driver. Figure 102: Thruster Adapter Plate Removal 3. Remove the 5x screws with a #3 Philips driver. Figure 103: Thruster Housing Removal 4. Remove the 2x screws with a #3 Philips driver.
Figure 104: Prop Removal 5. Remove the prop. The prop may be suctioned to the motor housing. Use care when removing. Figure 105: Prop Removed 6. Remove the 2x M3 bolts with a 2.5mm Allen Driver Figure 106: Motor Housing Removal 7.
Figure 107: Rotor Removal 8. The motor rotor and stator are magnets. To remove, pull on the motor rotor to slide off. Figure 108: Stator And Rotor 9. Inspect the magnets and protective coverings. Clean with mild soap and water. 10.
Figure 110: RCU Additional Screw Locations 6. Remote the additional two Phillip screws. 7. Carefully split case of the RCU. Figure 111: RCU RTC Location 8. Locate the RTC battery(circled red in Figure 111) and remove it. 9. Replace it with a new CR1220 battery.
10. Carefully put the two case halves together. Verify the module bay pins (circled yellow in Figure 111) slide through the slot (Figure 23). 11. Screw in the four Philip screws. 12. Connect the battery. 13. Install battery spacing foam. 14.
Technical Diagrams Beaufort Sea State Chart Estimating Wind Speed and Sea State with Visual Clues Beaufort Wind Wave Wind Speed Visual Clues number Description Height Calm 0 knots 0 feet Sea is like a mirror. Smoke rises vertically. Ripples with the appearance of scales are formed, but without foam crests. Light Air 1-3 kts <...
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Revision History Revision Date Author(s) Description 3.27.2024 Created 6.17.2024 Revised Support section: Company URL and phone in- structions 7.29.2024 Revised Operating Hours, Added Tattu Charger...
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