WATTS INNOVATIONS PRISM R.P.A.S., Flight Manual

Page 1: ...1 FLIGHT MANUAL R P A S All rights reserved No part of this manual may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without written permission of Watts Innovations LLC...

Page 2: ...e Airworthiness Requirements Serial Number Registration Doc No Date of Issue This manual must be carried with the RPAS at all times Scope and revision status can be found in the Record of Revisions Th...

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Page 4: ...NTS CHAPTER GENERAL 1 OPERATING LIMITATIONS 2 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES 3 NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES 4 PERFORMANCE 5 WEIGHT AND BALANCE 6 RPAS DESCRIPTION 7 BATTERIES AND CHARGING 8 RPAS HANDLING AND SETU...

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Page 6: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 6 RECORD OF REVISIONS REVISION No 1 PAGES 16 113 2 5 21 EFFECTIVE DATE REVISION...

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Page 8: ...w 55lbs MTOW NOTE Draws the attention to any special item not directly related to safety but is important or unusual CAUTION Disregarding the following instructions leads to serious or long term deter...

Page 9: ...n fiber plates with side mounted data and power ports to allow sensor and battery payload integration on the top or bottom of the airframe using the integrated 12mm rail system according to the user s...

Page 10: ...AL 10 1 3 2 RPA DRAWINGS Figure 1 PRISM Top View This figure depicts PRISM in the Coaxial X8 configuration For three axis views of PRISM in Quadcopter configuration please see Supplement 1 at the end...

Page 11: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 11 Figure 2a 3a PRISM Coaxail X8 Front View Side View Figure 2b 3b PRISM Quad Front View Side View Figure 2c 3c PRISM Folded Front View Top View...

Page 12: ...the event that one is damaged Watts Innovations intends to offer various propulsion systems for PRISM The current offered propulsion systems are as follows TMotor U8ii in a Quadcopter Configuration w...

Page 13: ...equired communications over a single bi directional radio signal The system comprises an air module and ground control station and operates on the 2 4 GHz spectrum The EchoSky Mobile system incorporat...

Page 14: ...lt in the battery payload becoming unstable or detaching and causing damage to the batteries payload airframe propellers and or persons on the ground 1 4 REMOTE PILOT STATION 1 3 7 SERIAL NUMBERS Powe...

Page 15: ...other sections of this manual The RPS incorporates a touch screen Android device acting as an interface between the remote pilot and the RPA The built in display provides a real time video feed from t...

Page 16: ...stock autopilot configuration NOTE All Parameters are given for operations at Sea Level and ISA The pilot should expect a degradation of performance as operating altitude and air temperature increase...

Page 17: ...between payload weight and hovering time using a pack of four x 10 000 mAh batteries weighing 13 75 lbs at sea level and 75 F 24 C ambient temperature for both the Quadcopter and Coaxial X8 configura...

Page 18: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 18 Figures 5 6 PRISM PAYLOAD AND FLIGHT TIME CALCULATIONS...

Page 19: ...able 2 shows the recommended usage levels per type of 6S battery in use Table 2 RETURN TO HOME AND LANDING LEVELS FOR VARIOUS 6S BATTERY SETS Battery capacity mAh 8 000 5 600 6 400 10 000 Minimum Temp...

Page 20: ...y have to utilize a smaller lighter battery system in order to gain performance at high altitudes Safe operations require a minimum of 5m radius around the RPA to be clear during take off and landing...

Page 21: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 21 Figure 7 RPA ORIENTATION DURING TAKEOFF LANDING...

Page 22: ...exercise extreme caution The operator should determine the Minimum Obstacle Clearing Altitude MOCA of the operating area and ensure that maneuvers taking place below this altitude are conducted with d...

Page 23: ...erating in windy environments RPA must not be positioned directly upwind of any persons not involved in flight operations This becomes more relevant as the flight altitude is increased 2 9 5 OPERATION...

Page 24: ...to around 46 V under load During the course of the flight the voltage will continue to drop at a shallow gradient as the charge is depleted The rate of voltage drop will remain constant until the cell...

Page 25: ...they can short circuit Do not store or transport or store batteries where they can come into contact with sharp or metallic objects Do not store your LiPo pack in extreme temperatures below 0C or abov...

Page 26: ...between the battery terminals and the battery will end up with zero voltage This method protects against any combustion as the battery is under water Once the Battery is completely discharged it can b...

Page 27: ...frame for structural anomalies Inspect the airframe for potential loose parts or missing fasteners Inspect FPV camera to verify it is secure and the lens is clear Inspect the length of each boom for a...

Page 28: ...Inspect motor bell for any dents or scratches indicating prior impact Inspect each propeller blade to ensure it is correctly fastened to propeller hub Inspect for pitch play between propeller and hub...

Page 29: ...the supplied Velcro strap to ensure it does not make contact with the rear propellers Verify the gear are securely fastened to airframe or payload if operating with a configuration where the payload r...

Page 30: ...anti drop clip is in place if used Quick release system locked if applicable Payload correctly oriented Check payload data and power connections Verify antennas are in good condition and correctly ori...

Page 31: ...agnetic interference GPS signal strength IMU health and video downlink integrity 6 Verify the RTL failsafe altitude and ensure that the aircraft will clear any obstacles in the operating area during a...

Page 32: ...gical changes during the flight 5 Be aware of any manned unmanned aircraft entering the operations area 6 Ensure sufficient battery capacity remaining to return safely to base 1 Ensure landing area is...

Page 33: ...LIGHT 4 9 AFTER ALL FLIGHT OPERATIONS COMPLETED Inspect all arms are securely latched to the center frame with each spring loaded mechanism is locked in place Verify play movement between boom and fol...

Page 34: ...t for rough or constricted rotation Inspect motor bell for any dents or scratches indicating impact Ensure the gear is still securely fastened to either airframe or payload Ensure no damage to carbon...

Page 35: ...during any particular flight The effect will only need to be taken into account when flying from different geographical locations at different elevations above sea level When operating at significant...

Page 36: ...hile charging Increased air temperatures affect the density of the air in which the RPA operates Similar to an increase in altitude above sea level higher temperatures create a lower air density Opera...

Page 37: ...ted by high temperature operations As current is passed through the motor coils they generate the electromagnetic force that drives the propeller This current also heats the coils and increases their...

Page 38: ...draw an equal load during hover leading to the most efficient and safe flight This RPA however can operate with a range of generic payloads that may not be balanced about their respective attachment...

Page 39: ...d to both the top and bottom of the aircraft This 12mm rail system may be used for mounting battery tray s payloads and other accessories The Flight Battery Tray attaches to the top or bottom of the a...

Page 40: ...d multiple Failsafe modes The pilot can change flight modes with the three position FLIGHT MODE switch on the remote control unit and the mode of each position may be defined in the WattsQGC app When...

Page 41: ...to the autopilot system The pilot will only have manual control of the RPA heading while the mission is being carried out The autonomous mission can be paused at any time by toggling the flight mode s...

Page 42: ...is described in detail in the Emergency Procedures section The RTL altitude and behaviour can be set via the GCS prior to flight This Autopilot system makes provision for a number of failsafe conditi...

Page 43: ...nter low battery Failsafe mode This is indicated by a Yellow Flashing Status LED and on the GCS monitor The RPA will enter RTL mode and begin to return back home The pilot is to terminate the flight a...

Page 44: ...o the T motor U8ii motors a pancake style electronic brushless designed for efficiency and intelligence Each motor weighs 200 grams 7 1 ounces and has a KV of 85 RPM per volt The Watts Innovations PRI...

Page 45: ...of blue thread locker on the threads of the two shouldered bolts Install arm into socket from the side Partially tighten each bolt Close the arm and engage the latch pin Tighten both bolts Remove the...

Page 46: ...by the main power plugs to a central power distribution board This PDB is rated to 400 amps continuous power input Each arm socket is rated to 100A continuous current each but the maximum amount of am...

Page 47: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 47 Figure 8 PRISM POWER CIRCUIT DIAGRAM...

Page 48: ...PRISM RPA ships with the EchoSky Mobile RPS Figure 11 a handheld control station with an integrated Android 7 1 device running the WattsQGC proprietary app The EchoSky Mobile allows the pilot to comm...

Page 49: ...ay be safely operated in temperatures from 4 degrees Fahrenheit 20 degrees Celcius to 131 degrees F 55 degrees C Figure 9 12 ECHOSKY MOBILE RPS TM The Echosky Mobile is a re branded Etlas Mobile Manuf...

Page 50: ...t press then press and hold to power on off 19 Gimbal yaw heading wheel 7 RTL button long press to initiate short press to cancel 20 28 Gimbal zoom adjustment 8 Strap Hook 21 Flight mode switch 10 RPS...

Page 51: ...may enter full screen mode and clear the heads up display HUD on the main screen by tapping twice at the center of the screen The user brings back the HUD by tapping twice on the screen again 6 Press...

Page 52: ...y Mobile handset is only capable of connecting to 5 8gHz WiFi networks which means that tethering from some mobile devices such as Apple iPhones may be unavailable Please keep this in mind when consid...

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Page 54: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 54...

Page 55: ...e WattsQGC application will constantly be under development This means that there will be regular updates to improve functionality provide more features and overall improve the user experience The scr...

Page 56: ...ral Settings In this menu the user can adjust the application s appearance language default measurement units UI scaling and other settings which affect the user s interaction with the flight planning...

Page 57: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 57 Figure 14 20 WATTSQGC APPLICATION SETTINGS GENERAL...

Page 58: ...w Set defining maximum and minimum zoom levels in the following screen and downloading the maps to the device The user may also import or export existing map sets This feature is useful for mission pl...

Page 59: ...shows status indicators for each equipped motor Since the propulsion system components are hard coded to operate at specific mounting locations this screen will indicate if any propulsion systems hav...

Page 60: ...rd into the Network Access fields in PRISM menu of the Vehicle Settings and tapping Connect The SSID and the word Connected in green will display upon successful connection FIRMWARE UPDATES Watts Inno...

Page 61: ...ion from the drop down menu and tap on Update then slide the slider to confirm This will now begin the updating process 8 The update will take approximately 5 minutes to install and initiate the new f...

Page 62: ...ode for the stick inputs on the EchoSky Mobile By default the EchoSky Mobile is set to operate in Mode 2 Users may use this screen to check channel inputs from the buttons switches and dials on the Ec...

Page 63: ...ch on the RPS is connected to Flight Modes 1 4 and 6 and by default these inputs are set to Altitude Hold Altitude Hold and Position Hold Channel Option 7 is the RTL button on the RPS and should alway...

Page 64: ...ndomly along the major axes until the progress bar fills up which may take about two minutes ACCELEROMETER CALIBRATION PRISM s accelerometers are calibrated from the factory and should not require an...

Page 65: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 65 Figure 28 SENSORS STATUS AND CALIBRATION SCREEN Figure 29 30 ACCELEROMETER IMU CALIBRATION SCREENS...

Page 66: ...cess This may take up to a few minutes to complete so please be patient During the compass calibration a status bar will be displayed Once the calibration is complete a readout will be shown to show t...

Page 67: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 67 Figure 31 COMPASS CALIBRATION SCREEN...

Page 68: ...elect their battery payload from this screen by choosing from the compatible configurations in the drop down list This is a key step in ensuring the battery telemetry on the main flight screen is accu...

Page 69: ...purposes once the buttons are enabled This is a great tool for ensuring that the motor and propeller direction are correct This may be useful after a propeller change WARNING During this Motor Test se...

Page 70: ...ally hover at a low voltage In addition if a heavy payload is installed on the aircraft the voltage will naturally be lower in a hover than if it did not have a payload For these reasons battery volta...

Page 71: ...following these steps it will ensure that the vehicle is configured in such a way that it can safely land in an event that the battery gets too low during flight The factory set values will initiate a...

Page 72: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 72 xi CAMERA This screen will be used to configure a payload gimbal and channels for mounted camera payloads...

Page 73: ...behavior Once the mission parameters are defined the user may tap Upload Required in the upper right of the UI and the progress of the mission upload to the aircraft will be indicated by a green stat...

Page 74: ...e 37 40 PRISM AUTOMATED FLIGHT SETUP SCREENS Users can select from the available plan templates or open pre planned operations transferred to the EchoSky Mobile via USB drive Define aircraft and camer...

Page 75: ...ress Upload Required After successful upload the HUD displays Done on the black bar at the top Return to the main Fly screen and slide to confirm the start of the mission after launching the aircraft...

Page 76: ...arnings produced by the MAVLink protocol during system startup and runtime 7 12 4 FLIGHT AND TELEMETRY DATA Figure 41 MAVLINK NOTIFICATIONS ii GPS SATELLITE STATUS Tapping this icon 6 displays the num...

Page 77: ...ping on the icon will show the strength of the connection as a percentage of overall connection health A low RSSI value will indicate that The aircraft is flying too far away from the pilot Radio Line...

Page 78: ...C2 RSSI INFORMATION iv BATTERY mAh REMAINING The two battery icons 8 show the remaining mAh for each battery as a percentage Tapping on either icon shows the voltage and detailed mAh consumption infor...

Page 79: ...Figure 44 BATTERY STATUS iv FLIGHT MODE This displays the active flight mode Tapping on the flight mode 9 produces a drop down list of the available flight modes and allows the user to change modes fr...

Page 80: ...of the HUD 11 displays a number of user customizable values By default the values displayed are the Altitude above the launch point ground speed total flight time distance to the home point in feet s...

Page 81: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 81 Figure 46 47 USER SELECTABLE TELEMETRY VALUES FOR HUD...

Page 82: ...48 NO AUX VIDEO SOURCE TBy default the WattsQGC displays the FPV video feed on the main Fly screen with a mapping inset in the lower left corner Number 13 in Figure 12 Users may minimize the main feed...

Page 83: ...er to verify that the propellers are mounted and secure the payload is securely in place the battery latches are fully engaged the power connectors are flush and that the GPS antennas are extended and...

Page 84: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 84 Figure 50 51 WATTSQGC PRE FLIGHT CHECKLIST...

Page 85: ...right and hold it in position until the system arms Once the system arms the RPS will audibly say ARMED In addition the word ARMED will be displayed on the WattsQGC Application At this point the moto...

Page 86: ...to land sequence wherein the aircraft executes the RTL failsafe 7 12 7 SYSTEM WARNING TEXT 7 12 8 ADVANCED USER MODE Outstanding system warnings which prevent the safe operation of PRISM RPA will disp...

Page 87: ...4 in Figure 12 above FIVE times Once parameters have been adjusted the user may return to the standard WattsQGC interface by tapping the same icon five times again The main difference between Basic an...

Page 88: ...optimal performance and the best user experience possible Updating the WattsQGC app will not cause any information such as cached maps automated missions or telemetry data to be erased Upon opening th...

Page 89: ...ing list is recommended by the manufacturer as a minimum equipment list to be used prior to or during flight operations FIRST AID KIT FIRE EXTINGUISHER RPAS FLIGHT MANUAL ANEMOMETER BATTERY TESTER POR...

Page 90: ...nvironmental factors In the event of a loss of C2 link the flight controller will engage the pre programmed failsafe response to either hold its current position or execute an RTL The RPA will hold it...

Page 91: ...ude it will first remain in its current position while ascending to the predetermined altitude This altitude should be set to be well above the highest obstacle in the flight operation area See 2 9 4...

Page 92: ...e manual it will be more difficult for the pilot to direct the RPA 8 3 LOSS OF PROPULSION Abort flight operations and establish manual control of the aircraft Move towards the emergency landing area w...

Page 93: ...situation and make any people in the area aware of the movements of the RPA as it descends towards the emergency area Use the Fire Extinguisher to put out any fire on RPA and surroundings Unplug and i...

Page 94: ...aid kit and fire extinguisher Clear the area beneath the RPA and around the emergency landing area Move towards the emergency landing area with fire extinguisher If the pilot indicates that the RPA i...

Page 95: ...gin an uncontrolled movement while still in POS HOLD MODE 8 7 1 IMU FAILURE 8 7 2 GPS FAILURE Confirm control of the RPA s attitude Maintain visual contact with the RPA and assist the pilot with orien...

Page 96: ...her if necessary Confirm PIC control of the RPA s attitude Make use of the onboard pilot camera to determine RPA attitude and orientation Fly back to the landing area avoiding overflying populated are...

Page 97: ...ncy landing area with the first aid kit and fire extinguisher Be ready to unplug the RPA and use the fire extinguisher if necessary Confirm PIC control of the RPA s attitude Make use of the onboard pi...

Page 98: ...oning Keep visual contact with the RPA and Update the pilot with information via 2 way communication system Be ready to unplug the RPA and use the fire extinguisher if necessary Gain altitude as requi...

Page 99: ...advantage of the lower wind speeds closer to the ground N A Exercise caution when flying downwind of large objects that can create turbulent air or low level wind shear Be aware of any change in wind...

Page 100: ...UDDEN CHANGE IN WIND CONDITIONS Abort flight operations and attempt to establish manual control of the aircraft Toggle the flight mode switch between flight modes Reset the C2 link by power cycling th...

Page 101: ...ds battery installation canopy removal and accessing the main frame for custom integrations Every PRISM aircraft is shipped with one removable payload receptacle and one PRISM Removable Battery Tray A...

Page 102: ...he removable battery tray and pull tight For larger batteries there may be limited space between both batteries which may require the user to have the metal loops on the outsides of the packs the left...

Page 103: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 103 Assembled battery pack Smaller battery assembly Assembled battery pack...

Page 104: ...included velcro strap This must be performed on batteries with longer power wires Long wires may become entangled in rear propellers if they are not properly secured 2x 12s 16 000mAh packs installed o...

Page 105: ...nce between these payload rails is 165mm when measured from the center of each payload rail PRISM ships with the removable payload receptacle factory installed onto the top of the aircraft This remova...

Page 106: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 106 Battery Packs Top Mounted Battery Packs Bottom Mounted...

Page 107: ...lts on both the payload rail mount and on the payload receptacle Perform this for both sides Once these rails are loose simply remove the payload rails 9 2 3 INSTALLING REMOVING PAYLOADS ON THE PAYLOA...

Page 108: ...are protected from both moisture and dust with a removable cover known as the canopy Therefore there are two canopies one to cover the top of the frame and the other to cover the bottom of the frame T...

Page 109: ...red inside the payload mounting rail so there is no need to fully remove them from the payload mounting rails 2 Rotate each of the canopy posts 90 degrees Once all four canopy posts have been rotated...

Page 110: ...me This wire provides power to the fans This wire connector must be removed before removing the top and bottom canopy Failure to remove this connector and pulling hard on the canopy may result in dama...

Page 111: ...TTOM FRAME Regulated power voltage is available to easily power peripheral devices on the bottom frame 5V Power is available through multiple JST GH_3 pins 12V Power is available through one XT 60 con...

Page 112: ...ined when powering peripheral electronics 12V 8A available to the entire system Do not exceed a maximum of 8A combined when powering peripheral electronics 24V 6A available to the entire system Do not...

Page 113: ...nel which offers auxiliary power data and video SPECIAL NOTE The Telem2 and GPS2 ports are shared by both the external connector as well as the Cube carrier board This means that only one instance may...

Page 114: ...tions It is imperative that these sections are followed carefully to ensure safe flights 1 Remove the main aircraft body from its transport container and place it on a flat level surface 9 3 POWERING...

Page 115: ...rn the cam lock until it is in the locked position 3 Depress the release pin on each of the collapsible GPS masts and tug gently on the GPS disk to extend the masts until they lock in their extended p...

Page 116: ...ill not become dirty or lost 5 Release the arm locking pins by lifting the knob to the left of each corner of the airframe Swing each arm outward into the extended flight position one at a time until...

Page 117: ...signed to be a tight fit so some force may be required 6 Ensure the data uplink downlink antennas on the left and right sides of the aircraft are positioned outward and up at about a 45 degree angle 7...

Page 118: ...ise a quarter turn so that the springs push the bolts through the holes in the battery tray This will ensure the battery tray is properly secured Test the battery tray by pulling forcefully on the bat...

Page 119: ...ve the payload 2 Before folding the arms of PRISM the propellers should be folded and secured and the motors covered with their dust covers Fold the arms by pulling up on the round release knob on the...

Page 120: ...the airframe free Set the airframe on a flat and level surface 4 When not in use the aircraft should be stored inside its case in a climate controlled environment at room temperature The covers shoul...

Page 121: ...the two opposite arms at either side of the airframe at their base nearest the center of the aircraft 3 If it is necessary to move PRISM manually in the field it is recommended to fold and bag the pr...

Page 122: ...cklists are to be used in conjunction with the information pertaining to each individual component found in the section referenced alongside each component 10 1 INTRODUCTION 10 2 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE...

Page 123: ...below should be completed and documented before the RPA is deemed fit for service In the event of a hard landing without the propellers making contact with the ground a number of inspections must be...

Page 124: ...sion systems The propellers are carbon fiber T motor 28x9 2 FA folding propellers A set of folding propellers weighs 328 grams 11 6 ounces The folding propeller hub assembly is made up from top and bo...

Page 125: ...or more it is recommended to remove them from the motor hubs and seal them in a plastic bag in a dry neutral environment Avoid prolonged exposure of the propellers to water sulfur dioxide nitrogen di...

Page 126: ...ii MOTOR BEARINGS Motor bearings cannot be visually inspected as that would require the disassembly of the motor If any part of the motor is damaged or deemed unserviceable the entire motor must be r...

Page 127: ...mp the Motor mount to the boom are fully tightened and there is no play between the motor mount and the boom Test for play between the motor base and the motor mount ii MOTOR ORIENTATION The motors an...

Page 128: ...operation of the RPA 10 4 4 12MM RAIL SYSTEM 10 4 5 AIRFRAME i INSPECT INTEGRITY OF EACH BOOM Inspect each boom and note any cracks scratches stress marks delamination or abnormal shape Pay close att...

Page 129: ...onally downwards orientation Inspect each antenna and mount for damage or wear Insect the wire connecting to each antenna is not damaged and securely routed Inspect the Carbon tubes for signs of damag...

Page 130: ...that change flight modes and can control other RPA features The ground control station is powered by a built in battery pack This unit requires little maintenance beyond keeping it clean and free of...

Page 131: ...off and hover RPA just out of ground effect Confirm that RPA is able to maintain position altitude and heading without PIC input RPA is not excessively drifting bobbing or rotating Enter Position Hold...

Page 132: ...ttery pack back up to 100 capacity For the Purposes of the battery logbook the assumption is made that this value is the amount used during the last flight This value along with the accumulated number...

Page 133: ...rall pack voltage Charge the pack at a low c rate 0 2 C to minimize any damage caused by the over discharge Once the charge has completed log the individual cell voltages individual cell internal resi...

Page 134: ...ropulsion systems Re calibrating aircraft compass magnetometer Re calibrating aircraft IMU Repositioning GPS compass antennas for correct orientation Replacing Landing Gear components Re calibrating g...

Page 135: ...ts Innovations or specified as customizations during original build Alterations which significantly change aircraft characteristics and center of gravity e g adding an accessory deck to the airframe m...

Page 136: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 136 SUPPLEMENT 1...

Page 137: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 137 SUPPLEMENT 2A...

Page 138: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 138 SUPPLEMENT 2B...

Page 139: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 139 SUPPLEMENT 3...

Page 140: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 140 SUPPLEMENT 4A...

Page 141: ...PRISM FLIGHT MANUAL 141 SUPPLEMENT 4B...