Rocket 400 GPS - Drone XciteRC - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL Rocket 400 GPS XciteRC

Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Quadrocopter Rocket 400 GPS from XciteRC. This manual contains important instructions for operating your new model. Therefore, please read all instructions in this manual tho- roughly before using the model, so that you can operate your model safely. All company and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Intended Usage The Rocket 400 GPS is an electrically driven ready to run quadrocopter including motor and speed controller. The control is wireless with the included 2.4 GHz remote control. The product is not a toy and not suitable for children under 14 years of age, by children under 14 years the maintenance and operation of the model must be supervised by an adult. Read and observe all warnings and safety instructions in this manual and on the packaging before operating! This manual is part of this product. It contains important information for handling this product. Keep the manual for future reference and also it must be strictly kept and passed on the subsequent sale of the model to the buyer. Failure to follow the operating instructions and the safety instructions may invalidate the warranty. Scope of delivery RTF Quadrocopter Rocket 400 GPS, partly assembled Transmitter LiPo battery Mains charger Blades Landing gear Manual with spare parts list Required accessories 4 AA batteries or rechargeable batteries for the transmitter Explanation of Symbols

WARNING: These instructions must be strictly observed by the operator! Failure to follow

these instructions may interfere with the safe function. These notes are also for your own safety and that of other people! ATTENTION: this information must be observed by the operator! Failure to follow these inst- ructions can damage whatsoever, warranties power loss, etc. have resulted. Information or advice, by which a smooth operation is ensured. Instructions for care and maintenance to ensure a long shelf life of the product. Warnings and safety notes The following safety instructions must be strictly observed. For property damage, personal injury or conse- quential damage caused by improper use or non-observance of the safety instructions the XciteRC Modell- bau GmbH & Co. KG accepts no liability. In these cases, the warranty becomes void. Move your model always with the maximum caution and responsibility, otherwise it may cause damage to18 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Safety notes other property or even physical injury. A third party liability insurance is obligatory. If you already have a lia- bility insurance policy, check before start-up the model, whether radio-controlled models are covered by a corresponding amount.

The product contains small parts that can cause injury if swallowed, and must therefore be kept away from children under 3 years.

• The product is not a toy and not suitable for children under 14 years.

• The operation of radio-controlled models requires practice. In the beginning operate your new model therefore with extra caution and familiarize yourself with the response to your commands.

WARNING: The safe operation requires concentration and quick reaction. Do not operate your

model if you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol – risk of accident and injury!

WARNING: The control of this model is done via radio signals, which can be influenced by the envi-

ronment. This may cause a suddenly loss of control of your model. The model may only be operated on a suitable and sufficiently large room without obstacles. An outdoor use is not recommended.

• Operate your model therefore only with sufficient light within line of sight, away from cars, traffic and peo- ple – risk of accident and injury!

• Do not operate your model during a thunder storm or near radio towers or power lines.

• Radio remote controlled models may not be operated at any public space by implication (streets, roads, squares or lakes). Before operation please ask where the operation is allowed. This also applies to private property, here the consent of the owner is required.

WARNING: Keep your fingers or loose clothing or hair away from the rotating parts or the propeller

/ rotor unit - risk of injury!

• Always switch on the transmitter first, then the model. NOTE: during the operation of the transmitter must remain switched on!

• Never operate your model with low transmitter batteries, because this reduces the range of your model dramatically.

• If the drive battery is empty, the model first slow down until it no longer reacts properly to your commands. Stop the operation and change the drive battery or charge it again.

• Pay attention to the instructions and warnings for this and any other equipment used by you (chargers, rechargeable battery packs, etc.).

WARNING: Keep packaging material, small parts, chemicals and electrical components away from

children – risk of accident and injury!

• The model and the transmitter may be neither get humid nor wet, especially the electronic components (receiver, speed controller, servo) and, if used, lithium batteries, are not waterproof! The model may not be used in the rain (or heavy fog), do not drive in wet grass or through puddles or snow.

Fire or explosion due to moisture in lithium batteries!

• Plastic parts (eg. fuselage or main blades) is less flexible and can break more easily at cold temperatures (below 10 ° C).

• The modification of the model is not permitted for safety and CE approval regulations, which applies in particular to the transmitter, receiver and speed controller. Maintenance or repairs using original replace- ment parts are excluded.

• After use, first turn off the model and then the transmitter.

WARNING: remove the drive battery from the model and transmitter after use. Store the model

never with built-in battery. Fire hazard!

• Store batteries separately on a non-combustible surface.

• The drive components (motor and speed controller) or the car battery may become hot during operation.

WARNING: Risk of burns! Let these components cool down completely after the operation (and

also before each battery change)!19 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Safety notes Operation of the model is performed solely at the risk of the operator. Only a careful and deliberate operation protects against physical injury and damage to property. Handling precautions for batteries or rechargeable batteries:

• Keep batteries away from children! Never let batteries unattended, as they can be swallowed by children or pets!

• Use only the recommended or equivalent type of batteries / rechargeable batteries.

WARNING: Do not expose batteries / rechargeable batteries to heat or throw into fire – fire or

WARNING: Insert batteries / rechargeable batteries with the correct polarity, no short-circuiting –

fire or explosion hazard!

• If possible, always replace all batteries at the same time, never use new and used batteries and batteries with different charge levels simultaneously.

WARNING: Do not use defective or damaged batteries or rechargeable batteries – fire hazard!

Risk of chemical burns on contact with skin, use protective gloves!

• WARNING: Do not attempt to recharge non-rechargeable batteries in a charger – fire or explosion hazard!

• Remove the rechargeable batteries from the device before charging.

WARNING: Charging may take place only with a suitable charger for the type of battery on a fire-

proof surface and under constant adult supervision – fire hazard!

• Immediately remove used batteries from the devices.

NOTE: NiMH batteries must be checked at least every 3 months and, if necessary, recharged, other- wise because of the typic self-discharge they may get deep discharged and damaged! Therefore, better use so-called RTU batteries with a very low self-discharge.

NOTE: note the specified storage voltage for lithium batteries. Is a completely full or empty lithium battery time stored for a longer time, it can be damaged. The XciteRC Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG cannot monitor the proper use of the battery or batteries you use, therefore, the warranty is excluded due to incorrect charging or discharging.20 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Assembly · Bottom connectors Assembly of the landing skid

1. Place the landing skid on the designated positions and

lock with the accompanying screws.

WARNING: Mind the antenna, it has to be placed in

the notch (see red markings) of the Quadrocopter shell and the landing skid – do not pinch - danger of falling!

2. Fix the antenna with double-sided adhesive tape in the

landing skid (see figure). Assembly of the propeller

1. The arrow of the propeller has to point upwards. Mind that the running direction on the Quadrocopter

pipes, and the running direction of the propeller have to be identical (see figure)

2. Fasten the propeller with the appropriate nut, silver for clockwise motors, black for counter-clockwise

WARNING: Tighten the nut firmly – danger of falling!

• The terminals S1 and S2 are proportional outputs, which are cont- rolled via the rotary knob AUX1 and AUX2 on the transmitter. Here you may connect the camera # 15001119 an control the tilt.

• At the terminals G+ 12V suitable accessories (eg. gimbals) can be powered.

• The USB port is reserved for future special features.21 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Camera mount · The remote control system Camera mount Fit the mount using the supplied screws. Install the rubber isolated camera mount. Remove the thumbscrews to release the camera frame. Snap the frame closed around the camera. Re-fit the frame to the rubber isolated mount. Alternatively, mount an action camera in its own hardcase. The remote control system Here you get an overview of the remote control system of your XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS and its various fea- tures and settings. Before the first flight, you should absolutely have read and understood all these functions and settings.

• Do make sure that the transmitter is turned off - POWER-LED off.

• Now open the battery compartment cover on the backside of the transmitter, therefore slide the cover down (1). Insert four AA batteries into the battery compartment of the transmitter (2). Pay attention to the correct polarity! Battery compartment-cover4x 1.5 V AA batteries

• Close the battery compartment cover, then turn on transmitter – push ON / OFF switch.

• The red POWER LED must lit. Attention: if the POWER LED flashes or does not light at all, the model may not started – crash hazard! Change transmitter batteries immediately.

WARNING: check the POWER LED also during operation. If the POWER LED starts to blink, stop

operation, switch the model off and replace the transmitter batteries – crash hazard!

ATTENTION: The maximum range of the remote control system is about 600 meters. This model is equipped with an Coming Home function and comes automatically back to the starting point after exceeding the maximum range. This works only if a sufficient GPS signal was present at the start - read the section LEDs and their meaning.22 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Transmitter · Battery charging Transmitter

WARNING: Be sure to read all safety instructions regarding the use of rechargeable batteries. Charging

may take place only with the supplied charger on a fireproof surface and under constant adult supervision - fire or explosion hazard!

• Connect the power supply with the charger. The green LED lights up.

• Connect the batteries balancer wire with the charger.

WARNING: The balancer connector is polarized. Check the side channels. Do not use force - fire

or explosion hazard!

• The red LED lights to indicate charging. Charging time is about 5 hours. If the battery is fully charged, the red LED goes out.

• Unplug the battery from the charger and also the power supply from the jack. The flight time of the Quadrocopter is about 15 minutes.23 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

LED‘S and their meaning LED’s and their meaning In the tailpiece there are placed two LED’s to control the GPS-status (green), Magnetometer (yellow) and the calibration display (red). More of them are below the Quadrocopter pipes to display the flight attitude and the battery condition. green LED (rear) red LED (front) GPS signal (green LED) Indicator light for Binding, motor lock/ unlock (red LED) Magnetometer calibration (yellow) Tail-LED’s: red green yellow Function blinks slowly Calibration is performed/motors locked on Calibration is performed/motors unlocked blinks GPS-search or less than 6 satellites receivable on GPS: more than 6 satellites/GPS ok blinks blinks Calibration needed

WARNING: If the green LED blinks, all GPS-supported modes (Position-Hold, Altitude-Hold and Coming-

Home) mustn’t be used for the model receives no sufficient GPS-signal and is unable to determine its positi- on – danger of falling! Also without function is the Failsafe Coming-Home! Quadrocopter pipes-LED‘s: red = front green = tail on on Normal operation blinks blinks Battery warning Battery warning: If the LED’s do blink and simultaneously an acoustic warning signal is to be heard the model is to land instantly – danger of falling! Regard: If the battery voltage drops to 10.2 – 10.4 V, the LED’s will slowly start to blink. From this moment on24 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Transmitter modes · Calibration · Flight modes you have approximately 1 to 2 minutes left to fly back the model or land safely. With the battery lifetime short the blinking frequency becomes higher, meaning the LED’s will blink faster– instantly land! If the battery is empty, the motors cannot be unlocked, the model can’t start. Exchange battery or recharge. Transmitter modes Regard: To start, the switches have to be adjusted to position „normal“ Mode Switch SWB (left) Switch SWA (right) Transmitter-LED Normal 0 0 red Position Hold 0 1 blue Flight Direction Locked 1 1 Altitude Hold 1 2 Coming Home 0 2 green

WARNING: If the green LED blinks, all GPS-supported modes (Position-Hold, Altitude-Hold and Co-

ming-Home) mustn’t be used for the model receives no sufficient GPS-signal and is unable to determine its position – danger of falling! Also without function is the Failsafe Coming-Home! IMPORTANT: before the first flight of the integrated magnetometer needs to be calibrated. Proceed as follows:

• Place the Quadrocopter on a level surface and turn it on. The rear LED‘s flash alternately fast. NOTE: avoid objects with large metal surfaces, eg. halls with metal cladding, so that nothing interferes the correct calibration.

• Turn both switches SWA and SWB of the transmitter in position 0 and switch on the transmitter.

• Place the Quadrocopter on a flat surface and move the switch SWA from position 0 to 2 and back again, until the left LED will begin to flash yellow. The Quadrocopter is in calibration mode.

• Now rotate the Quadrocopter on the flat area about 3-5 times in a circle (A) and observe the left, yellow LED. Once it flashes slowly, rotate the model in the vertical with the face down and turn it again 3-5 times (B). Observe again the left LED, when it flashes red, turn the Quadrocopter again on a level surface and turn it off. The magnetometer is now calibrated ready.

NOTE: if the left LED’s flashing the next you switch alternately (red and yellow), the calibration has failed and must be repeated.

Flight modes Normal: Normal flight without GPS or altimeter control. If the mode is active the transmitter’s red LED is on. Position Hold: Fly to the favoured spot in a stable position and make sure the switches are adjusted cor-

Getting started rectly, then move the throttle lever to center position. The model remains in its position and automatically performs correcting maneuvers. Regard: Depending on wind speed the model may need more or less room for corrections. Only use this function if enough space is available – don’t fly too close to obstacles like trees or exterior walls – danger of collision! Regard: You can overcome this position by hand through strong throttle inputs. If the mode is active, the blue LED of the transmitter is on, furthermore an acoustic beep signal is to be heard. Coming Home: Adjust the model’s nose towards the starting point and the switches into correct position to activate the mode. If the model flies higher than 15 meters it will directly fly to the starting point at the current height. If it flies lower, it will ascend to a 15 m height first for reasons of security, then fly back. Arrived over the starting position (resp. the position in which the motors were unlocked) the model will pause at this height a few seconds and slowly begins to descend. Regard: Bring the model to a stable hovering and the nose in the direction of the starting position, before you activate the mode. Once landed the motors will be automatically locked (see paragraph Operation). To start again, set switch SWA to 0 and unlock motors.

WARNING: If the battery warning is active (Quadrocopter pipes LED’s blink), try to land as quickly as

possible and don’t try to bring back the model via the Coming-Home function – danger of falling! If the mode is active, the green LED of the transmitter is on, furthermore an acoustic beep signal is to be heard. Flight Direction Lock: This mode saves the current „forward direction“. This means whatever direction the model’s nose is pointing to, after the activation the edge which showed forward during flight is front. For activation make sure the switches are in correct position. Regard: This mode is in need of getting used to for beginners, therefore more suited for experienced model pilots. The Coming Home mode also works with activated Flight Direction Lock. Altitude Hold: Let the model fly to the favoured height in a stable position and adjust the switches to the correct position. Then move the throttle lever to center position. This height is now automatically kept. The rest of the control functions remain as usual. Regard: Depending on wind speed the model may need more or less room for corrections. Only use this function if enough height is available – so don’t activate too close to the ground – danger of falling! Regard: You can overcome this position by hand through strong throttle inputs. If the mode is active, the green LED of the transmitter is on, furthermore an acoustic beep signal is to be heard. Failsafe Coming Home: If no transmitter signal can be received (z.B. model out of reach, obstacles or empty transmitter battery), the Failsafe Coming Home is automatically activated. The model returns to the starting position (resp. the position in which the motors were unlocked). If you want to cancel the Failsafe Coming Home (for example the model is within sight again and therefore controllable), bring the switches each to position: SWA on position 0: to 1 and back again. SWA on 1 or 2: to 0 and then 1 and again 0

WARNING: if the GPS supported modes (position hold, altitude hold and Coming Home resp. Failsafe

Coming Home) dis not react during the flight, the model does not receive a sufficient GPS signal and can not determine its position. Go in this case immediately switch to manual mode to recover the flight control – danger of falling! Getting started Before you begin please check:

WARNING: Only start with a sufficiently full transmitter batteries (rechargeable batteries) and fully

charged drive battery – crash hazard!26 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

• Check all parts for damage and dirt. Replace any damaged parts and clean the model, because dirt increases the weight and therefore can degrade the flying qualities.

1. Put battery into battery compartment and plug in. Place the Quadrocopter on an even surface and don’t

move it anymore until the start. The red and green tail-LED of the model will blink alternately fast.

2. As soon as the two LED’s slowly blink, you can close the battery compartment.

3. Now turn on the transmitter. Regard: Switch SWA and SWB in position 0, throttle lever to the lowest po-

sition = no throttle. The binding is finished as soon as the transmitter’s beep-sound stops. Note: Perform steps 1-3 also if you need to re-bind the Quadrocopter to the transmitter, for example, after a transmitter change.

4. GPS: Wait approximately 2 minutes, until the green LED on the model is permanently on.

WARNING: If the green LED blinks during start, all GPS-supported modes (Position-Hold, Altitude-

Hold and Coming-Home) mustn’t be used for the model receives no sufficient GPS-signal and is unable to determine its position – danger of falling! Also without function is the Failsafe Coming-Home!

5. Unlock motors: Move the throttle lever to the lowest right position

and wait until the red LED of the model stops blinking. You can now start your model.

6. Lock motors: Move the throttle lever to the lowest left position and

wait until the red LED blinks. If you now open the throttle the motors won’t start. For reasons of security always use this mode if you are not flying.

7. Calibration: In rare cases it can happen that the Quadrocopter flies unstable barely holding its position,

then it has to be re-calibrated. The procedure is as follows: a. Lock motors: Move the throttle lever to the lowest left position and wait until the red LED on the model blinks. b. Now move the throttle lever to the lowest right position and wait until the red LED won’t blink anymore, then start. Hold the model in the air for approximately 20 seconds and land again. Lock the motors (throttle lever lower left), the calibration is completed. Landing:

• Carefully push the left throttle lever rearward. Try to land „smooth“ without damaging the Quadrocopter.

• Switch of the Quadrocopter and then the transmitter.

WARNING: the motor of the XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS may get very hot during operation. Allow to cool

down minimum 20 minutes before the next start to avoid damage. Fire hazard! Transmitter calibration The transmitter of the Rocket 400 GPS is calibrated at the factory. However, should a recalibration be re- quired (eg. if the Quadrocopter rolls to one side more sensitive than to the other), this can be done anytime.

1. To do this, bring both switches SWA and SWB, as well as the AUX1 and AUX2 dial to the 0 position, the

trim lever must also be brought into neutral position. To do this, move the trim levers in the middle until you hear a long beep. This indicates that the neutral position is reached.

2. Set the switch SWB in position 1 (A) and the throttle stick to the middle position. Now press the horizontal

trim lever on the right side up and turn on the transmitter (B). All three Mode LED’s lights up. Move both sticks in circular motions to the full scale (C). Make about two complete circles, then move both sticks back to neutral position. After that move both AUX knobs twice from minimum to full scale, and finally back to position 0.

3. To complete the calibration switch SWB back in position 0 (D). The transmitter confirms the successful

calibration with a beep. Motor unlock Motor lock27 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Maintenance To have fun with your model over a long period, occasional service work is required to get your model in good condition and to minimize wear.

• Remove dirt or dust depending with compressed air or a soft brush after each use. For stubborn dirt, a harder brush or a toothbrush can be used.

• To clean the body/fuselage no chemical cleaners such as thinners may used, as this damage the plastic of the body/fuselage. Normally a piece of soft cloth is ok, stubborn dirt can be removed with washing-up liquid.

• Check the tightness of all screws and tighten if necessary.

• Also check all connections, cables and power battery / rechargeable battery for damage.

WARNING: Damaged batteries or rechargeable batteries must not be used again and must be

disposed of immediately – fire hazard! Please note the disposal notes at the end of this manual.

• Check the model for worn, broken or jammed parts and gears and repair if necessary.

WARNING: remove the batteries / rechargeable batteries of the transmitter and model when not in

use – fire hazard! Troubleshooting Problem Solution Model flies circles in Hold mode GPS signal poor, look for another place and try again GPS signal poor, fly. 3-5 minutes in normal mode and check the green GPS-LED. If it is still on check Position Hold once more Motors won’t start Switch SWA not in position 0 Battery voltage low, recharge or exchange battery Model doesn’t take off Check the assembly of the propellers – rotational direction Modell lands in Coming Home mode far away from the star- ting position GPS signal poor, look for another place and try again Model has no stable hover flight Re-calibrate model (see paragraph Operation, point 7)28 XciteRC Rocket 400 GPS

Repairs · Spare Parts Repairs, Spare Parts Normal wear and defective parts that result from an accident, are excluded from the guarantee. These in- clude in particular: For car models: bald tires, worn parts and drive gears, or bent / broken suspension, chassis or bodywork For ship models: damaged or broken propellers, torn superstructure For airplanes: damage due to improper transportation or crash I If you find a part that is defective in material or workmanship right after opening the package, return - before you used it – to your dealer or directly to us and we will send you a replacement. For the Rocket 400 GPS some parts are available as spares. If a part is defective or worn, you can identify it with the help of the exploded view. In case of problems or questions, please contact your dealer or: XciteRC Modellbau GmbH & Co. KG - Service, Autenbachstrasse 12, D-73035 Göppingen, Phone +49 7161

Environmental protection notes Cd Hg Pb Li-Po Environmental Protection Notes The symbol of the crossed out dust bin on the product or packaging indicates that this product must be disposed of separately from normal household waste. In order to avoid harmful effects on the environment and human health in the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment and the re-use or recycling are possible. You have the opportunity to submit electrical and electronic equipment free of charge at an appropriate collecting point in your area. Please check with your city or town across the available depot. You also have the option to return old electrical and electronic equipment which has been purchased from us. We will then perform a proper recycling or reuse. Possibly contained batteries must be removed from the product and disposed of at the appropriate collecting point. Notes on battery law: According to the German Battery Act (BattG) the one who sells batteries (and accumulators etc.) or devices containing batteries, we are obliged to draw your attention to the following: Batteries and rechargeable batteries should not be disposed of with household waste but you are legally obliged to return used batteries. Batteries can contain contaminants that could harm the environment or your health if improperly stored or disposed of. Batteries also contain important raw materials such as iron, zinc, manganese or nickel and can be recycled. You can send us back the batteries after use either sufficient postage: XciteRC Modellbau GmbH & Co.KG Autenbachstr. 12 D-73035 Göppingen returned free of charge or in close proximity (eg in trade or municipal collection). The levy is limited to points of sale to end-users for the disposal of such waste batteries and customary amounts, which the distributor as new batteries in his range or has done. Batteries containing pollutants are marked with a sign, a crossed-out rubbish bin, and the chemical symbol of the pollutant-heavy metal. This crossed-out bin means that you must not dispose of batteries with household waste. Among these characters, see also the following symbols have the following meanings: