X8-M Operation Manual Thank you for purchasing an X8-M! This manual contains important information about your aerial mapping platform. Please read these instructions before your first flight. 1 Plan 1 2 Fly 19 3 Process 30 Appendix 34 Online information portal: 3DR.com/X8-M 3DR support: help@3DR.com Terms and conditions: 3DR.com/terms Pix4D instructions: support.Pix4D.com V.
1 Plan Parts 2 Flight Battery 3 Charging 3 Safety 3 Powering the X8 4 Mission Planning 8 Operating Parameters 8 Load Maps 9 Draw Polygon 10 Configure Survey 11 Save and Write Mission 18 Camera Setup 5 3DR EAI 5 Charging 5 Starting a Mission 5 Mounting 6 Ground Station Setup 7 Download Software 7 Connect to Radio 7 1
Parts ground station radio micro-USB cable X8 batteries (2) charger and accessories Android adapter cable battery guard bag Pixhawk micro-SD card adapter RC controller and accessories hex keys propeller wrench SF propellers SFP propellers registration card and Pix4D license key spare UV filter FPV/OSD System If you selected to receive a FPV/OSD system, those components will be included with the X8’s accessories. See page 27 for parts and instructions.
Flight Battery The X8 is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Charge the battery before your first flight. Charging Safety 1 Connect the charger to the power adapter cable and a wall outlet. Connect the red cable to the + port and the black cable to the - port. 2 Set the charger to LiPo and 3A. ! Flying with a low battery is a safety risk and can render the battery permanently unusable. Always fly with a fully charged battery.
Powering the X8 1 Turn on the controller. To avoid triggering the controller’s startup alarm, ensure that all switches are set back (away from you) and the throttle stick is set fully down. Switches 2 Attach the battery to the underside of the copter using the velcro straps, and join the yellow connectors. ! It is important to establish communication before powering on the X8. Always turn on the controller before connecting the battery.
Camera Setup The X8 includes a Canon PowerShot SX260 HS running the 3DR EAI script. 3DR EAI (Exposure-Aperture-ISO) Charging 3DR EAI runs on the Canon Hacker Development Kit (CHDK), a powerful opensource tool that expands the functionality of Canon point-and-shoot cameras. 3DR EAI optimizes image exposure and integrates with the Pixhawk autopilot to enable distance-based imaging. Charge the camera battery before your first flight. Once fully charged, insert the battery into the camera.
Mounting When the camera is ready to start the mission, open the latch, and insert the camera into the mount. Close the latch, and rotate the mount so the camera faces down. Connect the mini-USB cable to the camera. The camera mount includes a cap to protect the UV filter during travel. Before you fly, remove the cap, and check that the filter contains no dirt particles or scratches that could affect image quality.
Ground Station Setup Mission Planner allows you to turn a Windows laptop into a full-featured ground station for configuring and monitoring autonomous missions. You will need to take this laptop into the field when you fly the mission. As part of the mission procedure, you will use the Pix4D Rapid Check to verify the quality of the image set before leaving the field.
Mission Planning Operating Parameters The X8 is a complete solution for creating high-resolution visual-spectrum aerial maps. Canon SX260 Pixhawk autopilot system 3DR EAI Pix4Dmapper LT 3DR Edition To create a map, the X8 flies an autonomous mission over the survey site, using the integration between the Pixhawk autopilot and custom-programmed camera to capture images at a consistent distance interval. Pix4Dmapper then stitches these images together into a georeferenced, orthorectified mosaic.
Load Maps Mission Planner allows you to plan the mission away from the mapping location; however, it is important to assess the environmental conditions on site at the time of the mission and adjust the flight plan if necessary. Alternatively, you can plan the entire mission at the mapping location. To create or alter the mission, Mission Planner requires an Internet connection to access the maps.
Draw Polygon To begin planning the mapping mission, select the area you want to map using the Polygon tool. You’ll be able to adjust the size and shape of the polygon later in the mission configuration process. 1 Select Flight Plan, and zoom to your mapping location. 2 Right click on the map. Select Draw Polygon and Add Polygon Point. Click and drag to add points around the area you want to map. 3 Right click on the polygon. Select Auto WP and Survey (Grid) to open the Survey Tool.
Configure Survey: Set Default Parameters Mission Planner: Survey Tool Set Camera Canon SX260-SX280 Set Camera Orientation Check the option for Camera top facing forward. Mission Planner: Survey Tool Set Default Speed 5 m/s Apply Survey Speed Check the option for Use speed for this mission. If unchecked, the mission will use the X8’s default speed of 5 m/s regardless of the speed selected in the Survey Tool.
Configure Survey: Set Angle Mission Planner: Survey Tool Set Angle wind Wind Direction In environments with winds of less than 6 m/s, set the angle so that the X8 flies into the wind. In winds from 7-10 m/s, configure the flight path to travel perpendicular to the wind so the X8 flies cross-wind. No. of Strips Adjust the angle so that the X8 makes as few turns as possible to complete its course. The No. of Strips parameter shows how many passes the X8 will make as you adjust the angle.
Configure Survey: Set Altitude Mission Planner: Survey Tool Set Altitude Recommended altitude: 60 m Operating altitude: 50-100 m Increasing altitude decreases flight time, allowing you to cover more area per minute. Decreasing altitude improves ground resolution. Set the altitude to get the best ground resolution while keeping the flight time under 14 min and the altitude under 120 m. ! Keep altitude below 120 m, and ensure that the altitude is appropriate for your flying area and local regulations.
Configure Survey: Check Photo Interval Mission Planner: Survey Tool Check Photo Interval Photo Every must be longer than 2 seconds for the SX260 camera. Altitude Increasing altitude increases photo interval. ! Keep altitude below 120 m, and ensure that the altitude is appropriate for your flying area and local regulations. Speed Decreasing speed increases photo interval. ! Ensure that the Use speed for this mission option is checked.
Configure Survey: Set Takeoff and Landing Mission Planner: Survey Tool Takeoff and Land WP’s For automatic takeoff and landing (recommended) Check the Add Takeoff and Land WP’s option. Check the Use RTL option. After initiating the mission, the X8 will automatically take off, climb to the survey altitude, and begin the mission. At the end of the mission, the X8 will automatically return to the launch point and land. For manual takeoff and automatic landing Uncheck the Add Takeoff and Land WP’s option.
Configure Survey: Advanced Options Mission Planner: Survey Tool Check Advanced Options to view the Survey Tool’s advanced configuration options. Survey Tool: Grid Options (Advanced) Select Grid Options Adjust StartFrom During the mission, you will maintain contact with the X8 through the RC controller and ground station signals. If these signals are lost during flight, the X8 will respond with the assigned failsafe behaviors. See page 29.
Configure Survey: Accept Survey Before accepting the survey, check that the mission complies with the X8’s operating parameters. Once you accept the survey, you will not be able to edit it directly by re-opening the Survey Tool. If you need to adjust the survey, clear the mission (right click, select Clear Mission), and repeat the survey configuration process.
Save and Write Mission On the Flight Plan screen, save the waypoint file to your computer and write the mission to the X8. Select Save WP File to save the mission file to your computer. To repeat this mapping mission, load the saved WP file from your computer. Select Write WPs to save the mission to the X8.
2 Fly Safety 20 Aircraft Operation 21 Components 21 Assembly 22 Controls 23 Modes 24 Preflight Checks 25 LED Indicators and Tones 25 GPS Lock 25 Arming and Disarming 26 FPV System Operation 27 Flying Mapping Missions 28 Takeoff Checklist 28 Initiating 28 Monitoring 28 Failsafes 29 19
Safety To ensure safe and successful flying, familiarize yourself with the safety information on this page. Always fly in accordance with your location regulations and these best operating practices. Propeller Spinning propellers can cause serious injury. The safety button indicates the status of the motors to help you prevent hazardous contact with the X8’s high-speed propellers. Before you fly, determine the boundaries of your safe flying area.
Aircraft Operation Components rear arms Pixhawk autopilot front arms camera integration cable camera mount safety button status LED 21
Assembly The X8 arrives in travel configuration. Complete these steps to prepare the copter for flight. Arms Remove the bolt and nut outside each arm. Rotate the arm into position, insert the bolt through the plates and the arm, and secure the arm in place with the nut. secure with bolt slide each arm into position remove flight position travel position Propellers Remove the nuts and washers from the motors.
Controls yaw left Fly the X8 manually using the RC controller. throttle Rotate counterclockwise. pitch yaw right yaw roll Throttle: Move the left stick forward and backward to control altitude and acceleration. Yaw: Rotate clockwise. roll left Fly to the left. Move the left stick horizontally to rotate and control orientation. Navigate by orienting the X8 with the blue arms facing forward. Pitch: Move the right stick vertically to fly forward and backward.
Modes Auto - fly a mission Fly an autonomous mission. This is the mode that the X8 will use to create the map. To select a flight mode: First, set the GEAR/MIX switch to select a set of modes. Then use the FLAP/GYRO switch to 0, 1, or 2 to select a specific mode. Altitude hold - assisted manual control Altitude hold mode provides manual control of roll, pitch, and yaw, while allowing the autopilot to maintain the current altitude automatically.
Pre-flight Checks Visual Check Test Flight Before flying, examine the X8 to verify the following: Before flying the mission, fly a brief test flight to verify that the X8: »» All propellers are tightly attached in the correct order with the writing on each propeller facing the sky. »» Responds to controls correctly in stabilize mode. All propellers can spin without obstruction. »» Holds position in loiter mode. »» The antenna is oriented vertically.
Arming and Disarming Arming and disarming are important steps that must be completed before takeoff and after landing. There are two steps to arming the X8: the safety button and the throttle stick. Before arming, check the status LED. Before you fly, wait for the autopilot to acquire GPS lock. The LED will flash blue while the X8 acquires GPS; this can take a few minutes. Once you see the flashing green LED, the autopilot has acquired GPS lock.
FPV System Operation If you selected to receive an optional FPV/OSD system, the components are pre-installed into the X8 to transmit on-board video. 2 Wire and power receiver Parts Transmitter Camera AV receiver Attach an antenna to the receiver. Connect the AV output cable to either receiver AV OUT port. Connect the RC power cable to the receiver DC IN port, and attach a battery to the red connector.
Flying Mapping Missions Takeoff Checklist Initiating Before flying the mission, check the following: For automatic takeoff, arm the X8 in stabilize mode. Switch to auto mode, and raise the throttle to initiate the mission. »» Camera is on with mission script ready and is secured into the mount with the mini-USB cable connected and the cap removed. »» X8 is powered and connected to the ground station with all pre-flight checks passed.
l line ht 0 ft (30 m) Failsafes The X8 is programmed with a set of failsafe behaviors to prevent a crash in the event of a loss of one of the data or communication channels required for autonomous flight. Although certain failsafes have assigned LED indicators and tones, it is unlikely that you will be able to see these at a distance. Monitor the Flight Data screen for failsafe indications. If a failsafe is triggered, the assigned behavior will activate.
3 Process On-Site Quality Check 31 Spot Check 31 Download Images 31 Download Log File 32 Pix4D Rapid Check 33 Full Processing 33 30
On-Site Quality Check Before leaving the survey site, check the images using Pix4D to ensure sufficient quality for mapping by downloading the images from the SD card, downloading the log file from the X8, and completing Rapid Check Initial Processing in Pix4D. If you observe poor image quality or the quality report returns errors, see the Image Quality Troubleshooting section on page 38 and repeat the mission.
Download Log File Pix4D uses the GPS data from the X8’s log file to georeference the images. To download the X8’s dataflash log, power the X8 and connect to Mission Planner. The download process will be faster if you connect the micro-USB cable directly to Pixhawk’s micro-USB port instead of connecting using the ground station radio. (When connecting directly to the X8, set the rate to 115200.
Pix4Dmapper Rapid Check: Create Project 1 Open Pix4D Mapper, and create a new project. 2 Select Aerial Nadir as the project type. 3 After adding the images, select From File to add the geolocation data from the X8’s log file. In the pop-up window, select 3D Robotics Flight Log as the file format, and upload the dataflash log file downloaded from Mission Planner. Pix4Dmapper Rapid Check: Initial Processing After creating the project, select the Local Processing screen (Process menu).
Appendix Aerial Imaging Concepts 35 3DR EAI 36 Image Quality Troubleshooting 38 Operational Troubleshooting 39 34
Aerial Imaging Concepts Understanding key concepts in aerial images can help you understand the mission planning process and create better maps. Distance-Based Imaging By default, the X8 captures only the images required to create the map. The autopilot monitors the distance traveled by the X8 and sends a command to the camera to capture an image at the distance interval specified by the camera trigger distance parameter (CAM_TRIGG_DIST).
3DR EAI 3DR EAI is based on KAP UAV Exposure Control Script v3.1: a great opensource project for kite and UAV aerial photography. Start and Stop Script Ensure the camera is set to P (program) mode before powering the camera. Upon startup, 3DR EAI starts automatically and listens for commands from the autopilot, indicated by waiting for USB signal. To stop (and re-start) the script, press the shutter button. The script will display INTERRUPTED when stopped.
Updating the Script 3DR EAI is an open-source project and continuously improving. To download the latest script, visit 3DR.com/X8-M and select 3DR EAI Source. You will be redirected to the GitHubt repository where you can right-click on Raw and select Save Link to download the latest script labeled 3DR_EAI_SX260.lua. Memory Reset If the battery is left out of the camera for too long, the camera will reset its memory. To re-configure the camera in this case, visit 3DR.com/X8-M for instructions.
Image Quality Troubleshooting If you observe poor image quality during the spot check or if you receive error messages during processing, use the settings below to troubleshoot the image quality. Blurry Images To correct motion blur, adjust the shutter speed using the Target Tv parameter in the script menu. Target Tv (shutter speed) default: To correct moderate motion blur: To correct severe motion blur: 1/1250 Set to 1/1600. Set to 1/2000.
Operational Troubleshooting No Images Captured 1 If the camera did not capture any images during the mission, first perform a physical inspection on the X8. Is the mini-USB cable connected to the camera’s USB port? 2 Take a distance-triggered test image on the ground by manually setting the camera trigger distance parameter to 1 m. Power the X8 and connect to Mission Planner. Select Config/Tuning and Full Parameter List. Change the CAM_TRIGG_DIST parameter to 1, and select Write Params.
