Inspired Flight IF1200A HereLink Blue Pilot Operating Handbook
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Inspired Flight IF1200A HereLink Blue Pilot Operating Handbook

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IF1200A Hexacopter
Pilot Operating Handbook
HereLink Blue | HereLink Black | Long Range Telemetry
IFT Rev. 2.0GB, 2023

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Summary of Contents for Inspired Flight IF1200A HereLink Blue

  • Page 1 IF1200A Hexacopter Pilot Operating Handbook HereLink Blue | HereLink Black | Long Range Telemetry IFT Rev. 2.0GB, 2023...
  • 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

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Table of Contents 1. Safety Information and Notes 2. FAA Registration and Critical Situations 3. IF1200A Overview 4. Hand Controller Descriptions 5. HereLink Hand Controller (Blue and Black) 6. Long Range Telemetry (LRT) Flight Mode Switch Settings on Jeti DS-12 7.
  • Page 4 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook 15. Arm and Disarm 16. Takeoff and Landing 17. Power Off the Aircraft 18. Disassemble and Store the Aircraft 19. Planning a Mission Planning a Mission in QGC QGroundControl User Interface Overview Example Mission 1.0 Example Mission 2.0 - Survey Setup Comm Link in QGC on PC Firmware IF1200A HereLink Preflight Checklist...

  • Page 5: Safety Information And Notes

    Inspired Flight Technologies Safety Information and Notes The IF1200A 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 alert symbols are used:...

  • Page 6: Faa Registration And Critical Situations

    Entire Loss of Aircraft ● : If a flyaway or battery depletion away from the home point occurs, follow the FAA guidelines on loss of aircraft, and notify Inspired Flight Technologies. Aircraft Crash : If the aircraft is flown into an obstruction or crashes for any reason, ●...

  • Page 7: If1200A Overview

    There are three models of the IF1200A, which differ according to which remote control they use: ● IF1200A HereLink Blue: uses the NW Blue HereLink Blue remote control ● IF1200A HereLink Black: uses the CubePilot HereLink hand controller ●...
  • Page 8 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 2 below is a top view of the IF1200A aircraft, and shows some features used to orient yourself to the aircraft. NOTE: The Handle incorporates a dual GPS, and also serves as a battery clamp for the aircraft. Figure 2.
  • Page 9 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Orientation: The six arms in Figure 2 are designated as follows: ● LF: Left Front (red LED) ● RF: Right Front (green LED) ● R: Right side of aircraft (white LED) ● RR: Right Rear (white LED) ●...

  • Page 10: Hand Controller Descriptions

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Hand Controller Descriptions The IF1200A 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. HereLink Blue (NW Blue) Uses QGroundControl HereLink Blue Hand Controller...

  • Page 11: Herelink Hand Controller (Blue And Black)

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook HereLink Hand Controller (Blue and Black) The configurations covered in this section are for the HereLink hand controllers. The User Guide for the Blue and Black versions of this hand controller can be found online at the links below. Blue: https://docs.nwblue.com/nw-blue/products/herelink-blue Black:...

  • Page 12: Long Range Telemetry (Lrt)

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Long Range Telemetry (LRT) The LRT system includes: ● IF1200A aircraft ● Jeti DS-12 hand controller ● RFD900x-US telemetry radio Customer-supplied: ● Laptop or tablet, with QGroundControl and/or Mission Planner installed. The RFD900x-US telemetry radio plugs into a USB port on this device. The RFD900x-US telemetry radio connects to a USB port on a device (laptop or tablet).

  • Page 13: Flight Mode Switch Settings On Jeti

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 6 below shows the Jeti DS-12 remote control. Figure 6. Jeti DS-12 Hand Control Flight Mode Switch Settings on Jeti DS-12 The Flight Mode Switch in the upper-right corner of the Jeti DS-12 (see Figure 6 above) is a three-position switch that selects between the following flight modes: Switch Position Flight Mode...

  • Page 14: Sony Rxo Fpv Camera

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Sony RXO FPV Camera This page provides instruction on how to operate the Sony RX0 with your Blue Herelink IF1200A Step Action Power on your Herelink hand controller and open QGround Control (if it doesn't come up automatically). Power on your IF1200A.
  • Page 15 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook You should see the RX0 video feed streaming to your Herelink controller RXO Video Feed from QGC IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 11...

  • Page 16: Battery Charging

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Battery Charging TA1200 The IF1200A kit includes a Tattu TA3000 battery charger 60A/3000W (Fig. 1) or a TA1200 for charging the flight batteries. The Tattu charger can charge two batteries simultaneously, looking at the top of the charger, you can see that both sides of the charger have Charging and Balance Ports (A and B).

  • Page 17: Charge The Flight Batteries

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Charge the Flight Batteries 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 IF1200A contain multiple cells. Differences in the voltages between cells can degrade the performance of the NOTE batteries, and shorten its life.
  • Page 18 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Rotate the Charge Mode dial (see below) to select the charge mode. There are three charging modes: ● Trickle: The slowest charging rate. Use Trickle mode when possible to extend the battery life. ● Standard: A compromise between Trickle and Fast ●...
  • Page 19 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Uncap the battery cable and plug it into the Power Interface port on the charger (see below). Note: The battery cable and Power Interface port on the charger are designed to prevent incorrect mating of the two. Locate the Balance Cable in the aircraft kit (see Figure 8, below).
  • Page 20 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Connect one end of the Balance Cable to the Balance Interface on the charger (see Figure 7), and the other end to the Balance port on the battery. Note: The white connector on the balance cable is not used during charging. Once connected, the battery goes through a precharge countdown for 10 seconds, then begins charging automatically.

  • Page 21: Ta3000

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook TA3000 Please read the Tattu TA3000 Product Manual thoroughly before using the charger regarding important safety information. DO NOT charge the battery above 4.2 volts per cell DO NOT exceed 1.5C charge rate The figures below represent the TA3000 orientation. NOTE: Balancing Cells The flight batteries used in the IF1200A contain multiple cells.
  • Page 22 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook BUTTON TYPE FUNCTION Storage/CH/Back Long Press Start Storage Mode Short Press Switch Channel, Return Stop/Enter/Settings Long Press Enter settings when in standby, stop current task when not in standby Short Press Confirm Up/Fast Long Press Start Fast Charging Short Press Down/Standard Long Press...
  • Page 23 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook ● Fast: Typically used in the field Note: Faster charging rates shorten the battery’s lifespan. Once connected, the battery enters a 10 second pre-charge countdown, then begins charging Figure below defines the TA3000 Split Screen Display The figure below defines Balance Cable Orientation IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 19...
  • Page 24 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Some helpful Notes: ● The white connector on the balance cable is not used during charging. ● Skip Pre-Charge Countdown Hold the ‘Charge’ button for 2 seconds, this will skip the 10 second countdown and automatically begin charging. ●...

  • Page 25: Storage Mode

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Storage Mode If a battery will be shipped or will not be used for long periods of time, it is highly recommended to put the battery into storage mode. Depending on the battery’s state of charge, putting the battery into storage mode will either charge or discharge the battery to a voltage that is most stable for shipping and sitting for long periods of time.
  • Page 26 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 22...

  • Page 27: Assemble The Aircraft

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Assemble the Aircraft This section describes how to assemble the mechanical components of the IF1200A aircraft. Landing Gear Step Action Locate the landing gear parts in the shipping container. There are two landing gear, each consisting of a horizontal tube, and a vertical tube (see figure below). Loosen the clamp on one of the horizontal tubes (with the rubber feet).
  • Page 28 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Note: There is a notch in the end of each vertical tube (see Figure 11 below). Insert the vertical tube so that the notch aligns with the inner features of the horizontal tube, so that the vertical tube is fully seated in the horizontal tube. Tighten the clamp on the horizontal piece to secure the vertical piece in place.
  • Page 29 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Repeat the previous steps to assemble the second landing gear. The next steps involve lifting the aircraft body out of the shipping container with one hand, and attaching the assembled landing gear to it with the other hand. Place the assembled landing gears close to the shipping container for easy access.
  • Page 30 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Refer to the figure below to locate the two landing gear sockets in the bottom of the aircraft. You insert the landing gear assemblies into these sockets in the next step. Figure 13. IF1200A Bottom View (arms excluded for clarity) IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 26...
  • Page 31 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Extend and lock the two arms that are above the landing gear sockets (see below). Locate the clamps on the landing gear sockets and loosen them (see the Figure on next page). Insert the landing gear into the two sockets in the bottom of the aircraft (see below). Ensure the landing gear are fully inserted in the sockets.
  • Page 32 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Tighten the clamps (see figure below), until snug, then tighten a quarter turn more. Extend the remaining arms fully, and lock them into position. Gently remove the foam propeller holders that secure the propellers to the arms.

  • Page 33: Safety Collar Landing Gear Installation

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Safety Collar Landing Gear Installation This section covers installing landing gear vertical tubes with attached safety collars. STEP ACTION Holding the arm near the shoulder joint, tilt the drone up and insert the landing gear vertical tube with the safety collar.

  • Page 34: Retention Pin Landing Gear

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Retention Pin Landing Gear This section covers the assembly of vertical and horizontal landing gear with retention pins and safety collars. STEP ACTION Retention pins are located on the upper insertion into the aircraft shoulder and the lower insertion into the horizontal leg.

  • Page 35: Propeller Installation

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook You must push in the retention pin button then insert the leg until it sits securely into the shoulder/horizontal landing leg. Twist until you hear the click in and see the pin secured in its slot. This is the same for disassembly.
  • Page 36 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 16. Propeller Orientation IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 32...

  • Page 37: Clockwise Undermounted Propeller Installation

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Clockwise Undermounted Propeller Installation Figure 17. CW Propellers Installation - Motors: 1, 3, 6 (Under-Mounted) STEP ACTION Install the small diameter side of the locating pin into the opening on the top of the hub of the CW propeller Place the large diameter side of the locating pin into the opening of the motor Align the propeller hub with the screw holes on motor #1, secure the propeller to the motor using (4) SHCS M3x6mm...

  • Page 38: Cw Propeller Alignment

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Repeat steps 1-3 for motor #3 and motor #6 Ensure propellers are installed in the correct orientation as shown below CW Propeller Alignment Figure 18. CW Correct Propeller Orientation and Alignment Counter Clockwise (CCW) Top-Mounted Propeller Installation STEP ACTION Install the small diameter side of the locating pin into the opening on the...

  • Page 39: Ccw Propeller Alignment

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Repeat steps 1-3 for motor #4 and motor #5 Ensure propellers are installed in the correct orientation as shown below CCW Propeller Alignment Figure 19: CCW Correct Propeller Orientation and Alignment with Adapter IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 35...

  • Page 40: Install The Flight Batteries

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Install the Flight Batteries Step Action Locate the battery platform on the top of the aircraft (see below). The handle (see graphic), has three functions: ● Carry/lifting handle for the aircraft ● GPS antenna: a dual GPS system is used, with an antenna on both ends of the handle.
  • Page 41 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Grasp the handle (see below), and pull it out and up, so that it’s above the batteries (see below). Continued next page IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 37...
  • Page 42 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action The batteries, and handle, are now in position as shown below. IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 38...
  • Page 43 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Locate the Latches on both sides of the base of the battery platform (see below). Lift them up, then secure them to the Latch Hooks on the base of the handle (see below). IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 39...
  • Page 44 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action When properly secured on the Hooks, the Latches will be positioned as shown below. IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 40...
  • Page 45 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Plug the battery cables into the battery connectors on the aircraft (see below). Note: The mating connectors are designed to prevent incorrect connection. Ensure the connectors are fully mated. Failure to do so could lead to in flight failure of the aircraft or arcing and damage to the connector.

  • Page 46: Using Herelink Hand Controllers

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Using HereLink Hand Controllers Both the HereLink Blue and HereLink Black hand controllers have QGroundControl (QGC) software installed at the factory. Full documentation for QGC is available at: https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/en/. Training videos describing all aspects of planning and uploading an autonomous mission are also available online.
  • Page 47 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Note: QGC can be accessed on the HereLink or on a laptop receiving a Wi-Fi signal from the HereLink. Step Action GPS satellite count and status: This is indicated in the toolbar at the top of the QGroundControl screen (see below).

  • Page 48: Set Up The Long Range Telemetry Radio

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Set Up the Long Range Telemetry Radio Note: IF1200A LRT Only Note: The IF1200A LRT can be flown in Loiter, Position Hold, 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 (laptop or tablet) with the RFD900x-US connected to it is required.
  • Page 49 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook 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” (see below). End of Procedure IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 45...
  • Page 50 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 46...

  • Page 51: Power On The Aircraft

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Power On the Aircraft Step Action Press and hold the power button (see graphic below) on the chassis until the button illuminates green. This takes about nine seconds. Navigation LEDs: There are navigation LEDs on the end of all six arms on the aircraft, just below each motor.

  • Page 52: Gps Led / Audio Behaviors And Meanings

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook End of Procedure GPS LED / Audio Behaviors and Meanings GPS LED / Audio Behavior Meanings Behavior Meaning Initializing gyroscopes. Hold the vehicle still and level while it Flashing red and blue initializes the sensors. Flashing blue Disarmed, no GPS lock found Solid blue Armed, no GPS lock...
  • Page 53 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Solid Red with SOS tone SD Card missing (or other SD error, i.e., bad format etc.) sequence Not lighting up No firmware detected or firmware corrupted IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 49...

  • Page 54: Flight Modes

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Flight Modes Flight Mode Descriptions Mode Description Loiter mode is optimized for precise movements and to hold station in latitude, longitude, altitude, and heading. Loiter If the aircraft is moving and you release the joystick the aircraft will stop and hold station at the location the aircraft was at when you centered the joystick.

  • Page 55: Selecting Flight Modes On The Hand Controllers

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Selecting Flight Modes on the Hand Controllers This section describes the location and function of the flight mode controls on the hand controllers. See Figures below for controller configuration Flight Mode Controls Control Flight Mode Location on Hand Controller HereLink: Button labeled “A”...
  • Page 56 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Jet DS-12: When the Mode Switch on the Jeti DS-12 is used to switch flight modes, the display on the ground control station updates to show the new flight mode. HereLink: The current flight mode is indicated in the top right corner of the QGC display (see the figure below).

  • Page 57: Arm And Disarm

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook 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). Arm the aircraft by bringing the left joystick stick down and towards the right (see below).

  • Page 58: Takeoff And Landing

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Autonomous Mode: The aircraft automatically disarms upon landing. Takeo and Landing Step Action Takeoff Verify each item on the Preflight Checklist (see the end of this User Manual). Arm the aircraft by bringing the left joystick stick down and towards the right. The motors start spinning in an idle state.
  • Page 59 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Disarm the aircraft by moving the left stick to the lower left corner. IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 55...

  • Page 60: Power Off The Aircraft

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Power O the Aircraft Step Action Power down any camera attached to the aircraft. Press the power button on the IF1200A (see below) to power off the aircraft Disconnect the battery power cables from the aircraft (pull on the connectors, not the wires).

  • Page 61: Disassemble And Store The Aircraft

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Disassemble and Store the Aircraft In general, disassembling the aircraft is the reverse of the assembly procedure. However, some details of disassembly need further explanation. Disassembled and folded, the aircraft looks as shown below. Instructions for disassembling and collapsing the aircraft start on the next page.. Note the following about the collapsed aircraft (see figure below).
  • Page 62 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Place the aircraft on a clean work surface. Locate the case the IF1200A was originally packed in, and place it close at hand. Remove the flight batteries. Note: If the aircraft will be stored for a long period, connect the batteries to the charger and set the charger to Storage mode.
  • Page 63 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Locate the Arm Lock for the Arm you are working on (see figure below). Grasp the Arm Locks on both sides of the joint, and push them in, towards the center of the aircraft. This loosens the arm. Fold the Arm down. Follow the previous steps to fold down all four Arms except the two that are directly above the Landing Gear.

  • Page 64: Planning A Mission

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Planning a Mission This section presents the basics of setting up an autonomous mission in QGC and then describes in detail how to create an example mission. Once you are comfortable flying the aircraft, learning how to plan an autonomous mission greatly expands the applications of the aircraft.

  • Page 65: Qgroundcontrol User Interface Overview

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook QGroundControl User Interface Overview The main elements of the User Interface (UI) for planning a mission are described below (see Figure 22 on the previous page) ● Map (main area of display): Displays the numbered indicators for the current mission, including the Planned Home.

  • Page 66: Example Mission 1.0

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Example Mission 1.0 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. 6.
  • Page 67 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook The Plan screen opens 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 68 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook 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 69 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 23. Selecting a Takeoff Point 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.
  • Page 70 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 24. Adding Waypoints 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 71 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 25. Add a Return Step Action The Basic Mission Command Editor (the left image in the figure below) offers Return and other options. Note: If you select the down arrow next to the Basic category (see the figure below), it opens a dropdown menu (right side of the figure), which offers more Mission Command Editors.
  • Page 72 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Figure 26. Basic Mission Command Editor 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 the figure below).
  • Page 73 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action Set up the camera, if necessary. The camera section (see screenshot below) allows you to specify a camera action to take, control the gimbal (if applicable), and put your camera into photo or video mode.
  • Page 74 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Step Action When you have completed planning the mission, an Upload Required icon in the upper-right corner of the screen flashes. Select it, and Done appears at the top of the screen if the upload was successful. Select the Fly icon at the top of the Tools panel (see Figure 29, below), then select Takeoff.

  • Page 75: Example Mission 2.0 - Survey

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Example Mission 2.0 - Survey Mission Layout Description Survey Basic Will create a 4 point border box with a series of white lines and an arrow showing the direction and path the vehicle will fly on its automated mission.
  • Page 76 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Mission Planning Polygon Features SURVEY TAB SUBSECTIONS Grid Allows the user to preview the survey area and simulate a mission before execution, providing the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments to the survey plan. (Manual Camera setting Grid Options) ●...
  • Page 77 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook ● Other Camera Presets Ability to add and save preset parameters for future missions. (Manual Camera NO Specs) Survey Tab Grid Subsection Setting Camera Specs Under the Camera subsection there is a selection dropdown (seen below) with some preset camera options to choose from.
  • Page 78 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Make sure you select the correct camera option based off of your payload Manual (Survey Tab > Camera > No Camera Specs) Selecting Manual Camera allows you to enter in the survey grid tab: Altitude, Photo Trigger Distance and Line Spacing manually in the Grid subsection (Fig.
  • Page 79 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Camera Custom Camera (Survey Tab > Camera > Custom Camera) Grid a. Photo Front Lap a. Photo overlap in the flight direction b. Side Lap b. Set Height Manually (or c. Altitude Checkbox QGC automated) d. Ground Resolution c.
  • Page 80 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook ● Lens Focal Length Known Camera (Survey Tab > Known Other Camera - Choose from preprogrammed list) Grid Camera Selecting one of the preset camera options from the dropdown will enter the Sensor and Image Width and Height and lens Focal Length automatically.
  • Page 81 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Presets Under the Presets Subsection, you can: ● Save your custom settings ● Apply/Delete existing Preset options depending on the selected camera type (e.g. below Phase One iXM100 has been selected as the presets) Note: As you enter different settings, the mission outline will change the vehicle flight path accordingly.
  • Page 82 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Transects selection options Run 90 Degree Cross Pattern (See Below) NOTE Have the vehicle run a 90 degree cross pattern and enable images in turnaround Cross Pattern Transect Settings Terrain Following (Mission > Survey > Grid > Terrain subsection) STEP ACTION Enable Terrain Following...
  • Page 83 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Clicking the checkbox enables Terrain Following Terrain Following once offline maps have been downloaded Mission Statistics Mission Statistics are displayed beneath the Terrain dropdown: ● Total Survey Area ● Estimated Photo Count ● Photo Interval ● Trigger Distance Photo Interval It is important to keep the photo interval above 1.0 seconds per photo to give the camera enough time to write all metadata to the image during...
  • Page 84 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Select the waypoint on the left side of the Here you can: screen and tap a location on the map between your Takeoff and first mission waypoint. 1. Set a New Altitude 2. Tell the vehicle to Hold its position for a duration 3.
  • Page 85 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Scroll down on the left and select the “Parameters” tab Scroll down again to the “WP” parameters WP_NAV_SPEED can be changed by selecting the value to the right of the parameter name, and changing the value. The units are in centimeters/second, so you will need to convert the speed you need for your mission.
  • Page 86 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook 2. Open an existing saved mission 3. Upload/Download a mission to the vehicle 4. Clear a mission from the vehicle if there is a need for resetting Note: If mission does not clean, restart QGC and the Mission Plan will refresh To upload your completed mission, use the Upload The default file type for...
  • Page 87 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Starting a Mission in QGC With a Mission uploaded, the vehicle will now show a slider to start or continue the mission. NOTE: For Safety Reasons We recommend that you conduct a manual pilot takeoff to establish a stable hover, then sliding to continue your mission to ensure safe operation.

  • Page 88: Setup Comm Link In Qgc On Pc

    Continue from a Specified Waypoint Setup Comm Link in QGC on PC This brief series of instructions details how to set up QGC on your PC to load missions to your Inspired Flight drone IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 84...
  • Page 89 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook STEP ACTION NOTE With a PC connected to your drone and the drone powered on, open QGround Control on the PC. Go to QGC settings by clicking the "Q" icon in the upper right corner. Go to Application Settings Select the Comm Links option from the menu Click on the "Add"...

  • Page 90: Firmware

    PC. Firmware Updating Aircraft Firmware Note: Firmware upgrades are only necessary if advised by Inspired Flight. The aircraft comes with firmware installed at the factory. STEP ACTION...
  • Page 91 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Connect a USB-C to USB-A cable between the aircraft’s USB port (see below), and the device with QGC. On the right side of the PC’s screen, a ‘Firmware Setup’ window will appear. Select the ‘Advanced Settings’ checkbox (Fig. 2 below) Under the dropdown menu, select ‘Custom firmware file’...

  • Page 92: If1200A Herelink Preflight Checklist

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Preflight Checklist IF1200A HereLink Preflight Checklist Powered Down Checks Launch area Landing Pad unfurled and site secure Check engagement window. Ensure 4 thumb Landing gear screws are tight. Batteries Installed In position over batteries and securely Battery Latch/GPS antennae latched Battery cables...

  • Page 93: If1200A Lrt Preflight Checklist

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Preflight Checklist Propellers All Propellers balanced and spinning IF1200A LRT Preflight Checklist Powered Down Checks Launch area Landing Pad unfurled and site secure Check engagement window. Ensure 4 thumb Landing gear screws are tight. Batteries Installed In position over batteries and securely Battery Latch/GPS antennae latched...
  • Page 94 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Preflight Checklist Arming Checks Launch area / Personnel CLEAR TO ARM! Propellers All Propellers balanced and spinning Figure 31. Personnel Briefing & Crew Resource Management IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 90...
  • Page 95 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Preflight Checklist 225 Suburban Rd Pilot Operating Customer Support San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Handbook Center +1 (805) 776-3640 IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 91...

  • Page 96: Appendix

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook 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 Calibration Orientations Calibrate the Compass Calibrate the Accelerometers Wirelessly Connect a Hand Controller to a Ground Control Station...

  • Page 97: Issue: Physical Access To The Aircraft

    ● Missions can also be deleted during flight, while the aircraft is connected to the ground station. Issue: Data Encryption ● Enable AES Encryption and change the Encryption keys often. Refer to the following document, available from Inspired Flight Technologies: ● Long Range Telemetry Modem Configuration Supplement: Go to this link: https://inspiredflight.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/67000705237 IFT Rev 2.0GB...

  • Page 98: Upgrade The Aircraft Firmware

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Upgrade 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 Power on the aircraft. Open QGroundControl on a PC.
  • Page 99 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Upgrade the Aircraft Firmware Step Action On the right side of the PC’s screen, a ‘Firmware Setup’ window will appear. Select the ‘Advanced Settings’ checkbox (see below). IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 95...
  • Page 100 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Under the dropdown menu, select ‘Custom firmware file’ (see below). Select ‘OK.’ Upgrade the Aircraft Firmware 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.

  • Page 101: Calibration Orientations

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Calibration Orientations The following sections describe how to perform Compass and Accelerometer calibrations. In both cases, the IF1200A aircraft must be lifted and moved into various orientations. The IF1200A aircraft weighs 35.9 lbs. The procedures in the following sections require that the aircraft be lifted and moved into various orientations.
  • Page 102 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Figure 32. IF1200A Front View (Level) Orientation ● Front View (and Level): See Figure 32. This graphic shows the front view, and shows the right and left sides of the aircraft. If you imagine the ground being at the bottom of this graphic, this is the be the “Level”...

  • Page 103: Compass Calibration

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration 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 have been made or if metal has been added to or removed from the aircraft.

  • Page 104: Compass Calibration: Qgroundcontrol

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration: QGroundControl The steps that follow are excerpted from the QGroundControl (Ardupilot) User Guide, and show a fixed-wing aircraft. The orientations apply to a copter vehicle as well. NOTE For a full discussion of QGroundControl Compass Calibration, go the following link: https://docs.qgroundcontrol.com/master/en/SetupView/sensors_ardupilot.html Compass Calibration: QGroundControl (Ardupilot) Step...
  • Page 105 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration: QGroundControl (Ardupilot) Step Action On the right side of the window, click on OK (see below) to start compass calibration. Place the vehicle in any of the orientations shown in red (incomplete) and hold it still. Once prompted (the orientation-image turns yellow) rotate the vehicle around the specified axis in either/both directions.
  • Page 106 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration: QGroundControl (Ardupilot) Step Action Repeat the calibration for all aircraft orientations until all orientations have a green border. Once you've calibrated the vehicle in all the positions, QGroundControl will display Calibration complete (all orientation images will be displayed in green and the progress bar will fill completely).

  • Page 107: Compass Calibration: Mission Planner

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration: Mission Planner This section describes how to calibrate the aircraft’s internal compass in Mission Planner. For a full discussion of all aspects of this topic, please follow this link: https://ardupilot.org/copter/docs/common-compass-calibration-in-mission-planner.html Compass Calibration: Mission Planner Step Action IMPORTANT: Before performing this procedure, click on the following link and read...
  • Page 108 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration: Mission Planner Step Action In the next steps, you must lift the vehicle and turn it in various orientations. The IF1200A, with batteries installed, weighs 35.9 lbs. If lifting the vehicle is not possible, perform the Large Vehicle MagCal (see Figure 34 below) instead.
  • Page 109 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Compass Calibration: Mission Planner Step Action Successful calibration is indicated when the aircraft emits three rising tones, and a “Please reboot the autopilot” window appears on the Mission Planner screen. NOTE: You must reboot the aircraft before you can arm the vehicle. Failed calibration is indicated when the aircraft emits a failure tone.

  • Page 110: Calibrate The Accelerometers

    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. Accelerometer calibration corrects the autopilot bias offsets in all three axes, as well as any off-axis variations.

  • Page 111: Accelerometer Calibration: Mission Planner

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Accelerometer Calibration: Mission Planner For a full discussion of this topic, please follow this link: https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/common-accelerometer-calibration.html Accelerometer Calibration: Mission Planner Step Action Power on the aircraft Connect the aircraft to the ground station. Power on the ground station that has Mission Planner installed. Open Mission Planner, and click on SETUP >...
  • Page 112 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Accelerometer Calibration: Mission Planner Step Action In the following steps, Mission Planner instructs you to place the aircraft in various orientations. THE AIRCRAFT MUST BE AS MOTIONLESS AS POSSIBLE when placed in the orientations. This is more important than placing the aircraft in an NOTE exact orientation.

  • Page 113: Accelerometer Calibration: Qgroundcontrol

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Accelerometer Calibration: Mission Planner Step Action Mission Planner will prompt you to place the vehicle on each axis during the calibration. Press any key to indicate that the vehicle is in position and then proceed to the next orientation. IMPORTANT: The vehicle must be kept still immediately after pressing the key for each step Proceed through the required positions, using the Click when Done button once...
  • Page 114 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Accelerometer Calibration: QGroundControl Step Action Power up the vehicle. Power on the ground station (with QGroundControl), and open QGroundControl. Connect the ground station to the vehicle. In QGC, select the gear icon (Vehicle Setup) in the top toolbar, and then Sensors in the left sidebar (see below).

  • Page 115: Wirelessly Connect A Hand Controller To A Ground Control Station

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Position the vehicle based on text instructions in the center display. Click the Next button to capture each position. QGC will display Done when the accelerometer has been successfully completed. End of Procedure Wirelessly Connect a Hand Controller to a Ground Control Station IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 111...
  • Page 116 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix This section describes how 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 one of the following ground station software applications installed: Ground Station Software ●...
  • Page 117 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Enable 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 Rev 2.0GB Page 113...
  • Page 118 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Use 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). Record the Network name and Security information that appears in the dialog window (see above).
  • Page 119 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect Mission Planner to the HereLink Hotspot Step Action Open Mission Planner. In the upper-right corner of Mission Planner, click on the down arrow to open the communication protocol dropdown menu, and select UDP (see graphic below). In the upper right corner of Mission Planner, click on Connect.

  • Page 120: Connect Herelink To Mission Planner Through A Wifi Network

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink to Mission Planner Through a WiFi Network This section describes how to connect a HereLink Blue or Black hand control to Mission Planner through a WiFi network.. Connect HereLink to Mission Planner Through a WiFi Network Step Action Connect the GCS to an available WiFi network.
  • Page 121 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink to Mission Planner Through a WiFi Network Step Action The Remote Port window opens (see below). Enter 14552 in the field, then click OK. Mission Planner will then connect to the HereLink. Note: The Herelink hotspot port is 14450. The WiFi port is 14552. End of procedure IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 117...

  • Page 122: Connect Herelink And Qgroundcontrol Through A Wifi Network

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink and QGroundControl Through a WiFi Network This section describes how to wirelessly connect a HereLink to QGroundControl through a local WiFi network. Note 1: The HereLink uses an Android operating system. The instructions below reflect this. Note 2: Before performing the following procedure, connect the device on which QGC is installed (tablet or laptop), to the WiFi network that the HereLink will be connected to.
  • Page 123 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink and QGroundControl 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 124 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink and QGroundControl 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 Rev 2.0GB Page 120...
  • Page 125 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink and QGroundControl through a WiFi Network Step Action Enter a name for the Comm Link (see below). In this example, the name we created is “IF1200A.” Select Automatically Connect on Start. In the Type field, select UDP. In the Port field, verify it is set to 14550.
  • Page 126 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Appendix Connect HereLink and QGroundControl through a WiFi Network Step Action The Create New Link Configuration dialog box closes, and the new Comm Link name that you created (IF1200A) appears at the top of the screen. To connect the GCS to the HereLink, select the new Comm Link to the HereLink (IF1200A), at the top of the screen, then click on Connect at the bottom of the screen.

  • Page 127: Maintenance Schedule

    Failure to follow the above maintenance schedule will result in the customer assuming full liability and the aircraft warranty becoming null and void. If uncertain about performing the inspections or services, please visit the Inspired Flight Customer Support Center or call (805) 776-3640...
  • Page 128 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Advanced Inspection The Advanced Inspection includes: sending the aircraft to Inspired Flight for motor replacement and overall inspection. Maintenance Guidelines 1. A flight is defined as a takeoff and a landing. 2. Follow recommended manufacturing guidelines for battery charging, balancing, and discharging.

  • Page 129: Interfaces And Specs Sheet

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Interfaces and Specs Sheet You can utilize the specs sheet below in determining the IF1200A flight time for potential payloads: (adding gimbal weight + camera/sensor weight to determine the payload weight and reference the graph below to determine flight time) IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 125...
  • Page 130 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 126...

  • Page 131: Revisions

    IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Revisions Revisions Revision Changes Number Initial release 1.02 Updated the Pre Flight Checklist GitBook Most Updated Version Landing Gear, Mission Planner, 2.0GB Specs, Battery Safety and Charging IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 127...
  • Page 132 IF1200A Pilot Operating Handbook Revisions IFT Rev 2.0GB Page 128...

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