Something for the new user to be aware of, even if using a quick start menu, is the critical need to calibrate the various systems. The process I use that is successful every time is as follows;
Calibrate the accelerometers by setting the H on a level surface that will not move during the calibration process. Level is not an absolute value but the more level the better. Once the calibration process has been initiated, do not touch the H until the process has fully completed.
Compass calibration works best when performed quickly. It should be completed in ~1 minute in order to be effective on the first attempt. The process will self "time out" if you are slow in performing it.
Calibrating the compass requires the H be in a location that is clear of metal objects. Do not calibrate close to a chain link fence, metal garage door, next to your car, or other potential magnetic influences. Turn off your cell phone or place it at a location a considerable distance away from where you will be performing the compass calibration.
Remove the gimbal and propellers from the H. DO NOT leave the gimbal attached to the H during compass calibration. The gimbal motors are not designed to function properly when the H is inverted, and there would be considerable centrifugal force applied to the gimbal during aircraft rotation.
Raise the motor arms and assure they have locked in position. With the front of the H pointing roughly north, initiate the calibration process. Wait for the system to fully enter the calibration state which can be confirmed by observing the lights under two opposing motor arm flashing rapidly. Hold the H by both of these arms and rotate (flip) the H around these arms several times (appx 3 rotations per pair of arms) until the flashing lights shift to a different pair of arms. Repeat this process until the H has been rotated around each set of arms with flashing lights. Should you fail to complete this process before completing all the arms, repeat the calibration process by exiting and re-entering the calibration menu. If you are slow you may have to repeat the process several times. To assist expediting the process you can invert the H and raise the landing gear using the gear switch, which provides more space between you and the H during the rotation process.
Once you have successfully completed compass calibration, re-attach the gimbal and camera to the , again place the H on a fixed level surface, and initiate the gimbal calibration process. Do not touch or move the H while the gimbal is calibrating.
System start up at the flying site;
- If the propellers are not installed when arriving at the flight location, install them prior to turning on the H.
- Point the front of the H into the wind for take off and landing.
- Place the H at the location you intend to launch from prior to turning on the H.
- Assure the motor booms have been raised and locked in place prior to turning on the H.
- Verify the flight battery is fully inserted and latched securely into the H.
- Turn on the ST-16 first, the H last.
- DO NOT move the H during the boot up process. This is critical to assuring stable flight in hover.
- After completing a flight and deactivating the motors, turn off the H first and the ST-16 last.
- Allow the system enough time to acquire at least 8 satellites for both the H and the ST-16 before initiating flight. Check the satellite status on the screen of the ST-16. Aircraft count is on the left, ST-16 is at the top right.
- If you choose to use Smart Mode, walk away from the H at least 30' and allow the system to fully complete the boot up process before touching any of the switches or control sticks.
- Review all the switch and slider positions prior to take off to assure the H is in the flight state you desire.
- Check the battery voltage displays on the ST-16 to assure batteries are charged to a level sufficient to conduct a safe flight prior to take off.
- If using Smart Mode, remember the H will not come closer than approximately 30' of you. The 30' distance is inclusive of the vertical and horizontal planes.
- When using Smart Mode the aircraft will not enter the "Safe Circle", a domed airspace area of roughly 30' over and around the operator. If the operator attempts to fly the H inside of the Smart Circle the H will not enter this space and may respond to control inputs differently than the operator intended. It is programmed to avoid the Safe Circle airspace radius and will react to control inputs commanding it to violate this space as it deems necessary to avoid the Safe Circle. If the operator attempts to walk closer to the aircraft when it is in Smart Mode the aircraft will move away from the operator in a direction that may be contrary to operator control inputs. It is up to the operator to maintain awareness of this area and programmed functionality when operating in Smart Mode.
- If using Angle Mode, recognize the H can be flown into the operator should the operator apply improper control inputs. There are no programmed safe separation distances to protect the operator from themselves in Angle Mode.
- In either flight mode, apply throttle smartly during take off, causing the H to ascend rapidly.
- If taking off in Smart Mode, command the H to fly away from you to assure it achieves and maintains distance separation from the Safe Circle.
- Use throttle in a manner that permits the aircraft to rise quickly to at least 8' to 10' of altitude, causing the aircraft to be clear of "ground effect" and propeller wash that is reflected from the ground. Ground effect will interfere with a stable hover if the hover is performed too close to the ground.
- Explore and learn one flight mode or function at a time before moving to a different one. Your ability to safely and effectively use the H is totally dependent upon your comprehension of all the system functions and features. Each requires time and repetitive practice to become proficient.