User Manual

Quick Start Guide

Troubleshooting

Problem: The aircraft fails to maintain level flight during operation.

Solution: Check the payload weight. The battery location must be adjusted in accordance with the payload. Refer to the markings on the battery mount for the correct mounting locations. Make sure all motors and control surfaces are responding to transmitter. Check for any disconnected wires within the fuselage.

Problem: The aircraft is receiving a poor GPS signal resulting in inadequate maneuvering.

Solution: Make sure the aircraft is being flown in a clear, unobstructed area. Check that the GPS module is connected to the Pixhawk flight controller and is mounted away from the battery.

Problem: Speed controllers or other wires are very warm after flight.

Solution: Check the electronics for loose connections, exposed wires, or components that may have been disconnected from their mounting locations. All connections should be secure. Any exposed wire should be immediately covered with electrical tape or shrink wrap, and disconnected components should be mounted back to their designated locations

Problem: The UAV is too sensitive to adjustments to controls on the transmitter.

Solution: While the flight control parameters will be set to an optimal setting, they may need to be readjusted within QGroundControl. Refer to http://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-parameters.html for a guide to setting parameter values for a quad plane within QGroundControl.

If your problem is not on this list, please contact the UAV 1 Design Team at the University of Maine. They will be happy to assist you in getting your UAV flying smoothly as soon as possible.

Safety Protocols

• Prevent battery wires from contacting metal surfaces or the heat could ignite the wood
• Stand clear of propellers when turning on motors and make sure there are no loose wires in the path of the propellers
• Do not spin front propeller without landing gear attached or a propeller ground strike will occur
• Under the FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Regulations (Part 107), it is prohibited to fly the aircraft above anyone not directly participating in the operation, under a covered structure, or inside a covered stationary vehicle.
• Under the FAA Small UAS Part 107, anyone flying this vehicle must have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating or be under supervision of someone with this certificate.

Operational Limitations