User Manual 2017.08 V1.
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Contents Using this manual Legends 2 Before Flight 2 Product Profile 4 Introduction 4 System Components 4 Installation 7 Overview 7 Preparation 8 Start the Installation 11 A3/A3 Pro Functions 19 Compass Calibration 19 Flight Functions 20 Protection Functions 23 Flight Limits and Flight Restriction Areas 25 Using with DJI GO app 29 Triple Modular Redundancy 32 SDK 33 Flight Control System Checklist 33 Hardware Che
Product Profile Introduction The DJI A3 series is a reliable and robust flight control system that is ideal for a wide range of multirotor aerial platforms. It uses advanced sensor fusion algorithms and redundancy design to maintain complete stability and integrity of the aerial system. The A3 series is fully compatible with the DJI Onboard and Mobile SDKs, allowing developers to optimize the system for specific applications.
A3/A3Pro User Manual A3 and A3 Pro Parts Flight Controller Feature Highlights 1. Independent CAN1 and CAN2 ports and API Serial port for the Onboard SDK. The CAN1 port is used to connect the GPS-Compass Pro and DJI devices (e.g. RTK GPS) while the CAN2 port is used to connect SDK devices. 2. Built-in inertial sensors for the measurement of aircraft attitude and built-in pressure sensor for the detection of aircraft altitude. 3. Support for multiple receiver types.
A3/A3Pro User Manual 13. F5-F8 Pins 15. S-Bus Port Multifunction PWM I / O ports. Communicates with a DJI DR16 or S-Bus 14. F1-F4 Pins receiver. Multifunction PWM output ports. GPS-Compass Pro Module The GPS-Compass Pro module has a built-in GPS and compass. The compass is used for geomagnetic field measurements. Compass calibration is required before use. DO NOT use or store the compass in environments with ferromagnetic materials.
A3/A3Pro User Manual 1. Flight Status Indicator Indicates the status of the flight control system. 2. Micro USB Port Used to configure and upgrade the A3 or A3 Pro via 1 2 DJI Assistant 2. IMU Pro Module Includes built-in inertial sensors for the measurement of aircraft attitude and a built-in pressure sensor for detecting aircraft altitude. The IMU Pro has been calibrated before delivery and should be used under the specified temperature range.
A3/A3Pro User Manual 5 Ensure the motor, remote controller channels and Failsafe settings are correct. 6 Ensure the devices connected to the flight controller are working normally and correctly set in DJI Assistant 2. The following diagram shows a completed installation for the S900 (with the PMU module on the bottom of the aircraft’s upper plate). Preparation Equipment Ensure you have a suitable airframe, remote controller system, ESCs and battery to use with the A3 series.
A3/A3Pro User Manual The arrow directions in the above diagram indicate the rotation direction of the motor/ propeller. Dark colored arm (s) indicate the direction of the aircraft’s nose. For coaxial propellers, dark colored propellers are at the top and gray colored propellers are at the bottom. Otherwise, all propellers are at the top. B. Remote Controller System The following remote controller systems are supported.
A3/A3Pro User Manual DJI S900 DJI Lightbridge 2 Preparing DJI Assistant 2 Download DJI Assistant 2 DJI Assistant 2 is used to configure the flight control system. http://www.dji.com/product/a3/download Supports Windows 7 (or later) or Mac OS X 10.9 (or later). Installing DJI Assistant 2 DJI Assistant 2 will guide you through setting the Flight Control System’s parameters. Carefully follow the on-screen prompts to configure the Flight Control System.
A3/A3Pro User Manual DJI Assistant 2 works exactly the same way on Mac OS X and Windows. The DJI Assistant 2 screenshots that appear in this manual are taken from t For safety reasons, do not use the power battery for power supply or remove the propellers from the motors before connecting to the Assistant Software.he Windows version. Start the Installation Important: Strictly follow the provided guidelines. Failure to do so may lead to unexpected flight behavior or serious accidents.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Mounting the GPS-Compass Pro Module Follow the procedures below to mount the GPS bracket and the GPS-Compass Pro module. The GPS-Compass Pro module included in the Upgrade kits is the same as the one in the A3 package. 1. Use the M2.0×4 screws to assemble the GPS bracket with the Ball End Hex Key assistant. The longest one is recommended. 2. With the M2.5×7 screws and M2.5×3.4 nuts, mount the bracket on the aircraft. 3.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Mounting the PUM Module Mount the PMU module to an unobstructed position on the bottom of the aircraft’s upper plate for heat dissipation. PMU Mounting the IMU Pro Module Mount the IMU Pro module with the Orientation Arrow pointing forward, backward, to the left or to the right. Make sure the module is parallel to the aircraft and then fix it onto the aircraft with doublefaced adhesive tape.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Flight Controller System Connection Follow the below diagram to connect the flight control system, and use the cable ties to tidy the cables. The flight control system’s shell is connected to the whole system’s ground. Connecting to the Airframe and its Equipment Ensure you have a suitable airframe, remote controller system, ESCs and battery to use with the A3 series. Strictly follow the provided guidelines.
A3/A3Pro User Manual DR16 Receiver Connect the DR16 receiver DBUS port to the Flight Controller S-Bus Port with a servo cable. S-BUS Receiver Connect the S-BUS receiver to the Flight Controller S-Bus Port with a servo cable. S- Bus Receiver Connecting to the ESCs S900 Connection Diagram Connect the M1-M6 ports on the bottom board of the S900 to the M1-M6 ports on the Flight Controller in order. Other Airframe Type Connection Diagram Connect the ESC ports to the ESC ports on the Flight Controller.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Connecting to a Battery Connect the PMU to the Flight Controller PMU port, and then connect the battery to the PMU. 3S-12S Connect to Other DJI Devices The A3 and A3 Pro are compatible with almost all DJI devices. Connect these optional devices to the flight controller to achieve more functions. Intelligent Landing Gear The A3 series supports the DJI Intelligent Landing Gear, which can be configured in DJI Assistant 2.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Usage When enabled, the Intelligent Landing Gear is lowered to the ground by default or in emergency situations (e.g. motor failure tolerance, auto landing). You can use a switch to raise or lower the Intelligent Landing Gear when the aircraft’s flying altitude is above 5m. Important for DJI Assistant Settings 1. Be sure to enable and configure the Intelligent Landing Gear function in DJI Assistant first, and then connect the gear to the F1 port. 2.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Pitch CAN1 Usage If used with the DJI Lightbridge 2, you can control the gimbal using the gimbal dial on the remote controller. If you are not using a DJI remote controller, you will not be able to use the gimbal dial to control the gimbal. Parameter Configuration Watch the video tutorial for a brief introduction on how to configure the parameters. Then launch DJI Assistant 2 and follow the prompts to complete configuration.
A3/A3 Pro Functions Compass Calibration Ensure the compass is calibrated before every flight. Failure to calibrate may lead to poor flight performance or a crash. 1. DO NOT attempt to calibrate your compass where there is a chance of strong magnetic interference. This includes areas where there are massive metal objects, parking structures, steel reinforcements underground, or under bridges. 2. DO NOT carry ferromagnetic materials with you during calibration, such as keys or mobile phones. 3.
A3/A3Pro User Manual When to Recalibrate 1. When compass data is abnormal, and the Aircraft Status Indicator is blinking red and yellow. 2. When flying in a new location, or a location that is different from your last flight. 3. When the mechanical structure of the A3/A3 Pro has changed, i.e. the mounting position of the compass has changed. 4. When severe drifting occurs in flight, i.e. the A3/A3 Pro does not fly in a straight line. Flight Functions Flight Modes Below flight modes are available.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Aircraft Status Indicator Description Normal Green Flashes Slowly ×2 Green Flashes Twice Yellow Flashes Slowly Safe to Fly (P-mode with GPS and Vision Positioning) Safe to Fly (P-mode with Vision Positioning but without GPS) Safe to Fly (A mode but No GPS and Vision Positioning) Flight Control Manual Take-off Start the motors by pulling both control sticks to the bottom inside (or outside) corners. Release the sticks once the motors start.
A3/A3Pro User Manual You can use the below method to stop the motors in the event of an emergency. When the aircraft has landed, push the throttle down, then perform the CSC (Control Stick Combination). The motors will stop immediately. Release both sticks once the motors have stopped. OR Intelligent Flight Modes (using the Remote Controller) Intelligent Flight Modes make it easier to operate the aircraft.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Lightbridge 2 not only allows you use the DJI GO app to operate the aircraft, but also use Intelligent Flight Modes, such as Course Lock, Home Lock, Point of Interest (POI) and Waypoints, to capture professional shots during flight. Protection Functions Return to Home Return to Home (RTH) brings the aircraft back to the last recorded Home Point. There are three cases that will trigger the RTH procedure; they are Failsafe RTH, Smart RTH and Low Voltage RTH with a LiPo battery.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Smart RTH Use the RTH button on the remote controller when GPS is available to enable Smart RTH. During the Smart RTH procedure, the aircraft returns to the last recorded Home Point but you may control the aircraft's orientation to avoid collisions. Press the Smart RTH button once to start the process. Press the Smart RTH button again to exit Smart RTH and regain the control. If using the DJI Lightbridge 2, no additional settings are required for the RTH button.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Flight Limits and Flight Restriction Areas Flight limits on height and distance can be set. The details of these flight limits are described in the following section. All unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operators should abide by all regulations from such organizations as the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization), FAA and their own national airspace regulations.
A3/A3Pro User Manual GPS Signal Weak Maximum Flight Altitude Max Slowly Blinking Yellow Flight Limits DJI GO app Height is restricted to 400 Warning: Height limit feet. (120m) and under. reached. Aircraft Status Indicator None. No limits Radius If the aircraft flies out of the limit, you can still control the aircraft, but you cannot fly it any farther. If the aircraft flies out of the max radius it will fly back within range automatically when GPS signal is strong.
A3/A3Pro User Manual 1640 feet 66 feet 1 mile R1 R2 320 feet 1640 feet 66 feet 1 mile 320 feet R1 R2 Restricted Area (1) Restricted Areas does not have flight altitude restrictions. (2) R miles around the designated restriction area is a Take-off Restricted area. Aircraft cannot take off within this zone. The value of R varies based on the definition of the restricted areas. (3) A “warning zone” has been set around the Restricted Area. When the aircraft approaches within 0.
A3/A3Pro User Manual GPS Signal Strong Zone Blinking Green Restriction DJI GO app Prompt Aircraft Status Indicator Wa r n i n g : Yo u a re i n a Motors will not start. N o - f l y z o n e . Ta k e o f f prohibited. No-fly Zone If the aircraft enters the restricted area in A-mode, but is switched to P-mode, the aircraft will automatically descend, land, and stop its Warning: You are in a nofly zone. Automatic landing has begun. motors. R1: Warning: You are in a restricted zone.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Using with DJI GO app Intelligent Flight Modes are available in the DJI GO app* when using the DJI Lightbridge 2. Download the DJI GO App Search “DJI GO” on the App Store or Google Play and download the app to your mobile device. For the best user experience, please use mobile devices with iOS 8.0 (or higher) and Android 4.1.2 (or higher).
A3/A3Pro User Manual Return to Home Smart RTH, Low Voltage RTH and Failsafe RTH are also available in the DJI GO app. Smart RTH Press the Return-To-Home button to bring the aircraft back to the Home Point. Tap again to stop the procedure. Low Voltage RTH The low Voltage failsafe is triggered when the LiPo Battery is depleted to a point that may affect the safe return of the aircraft. Users are advised to return home or land the aircraft immediately when these warnings are shown.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Home Lock Pull the pitch stick backward to move the aircraft toward its recorded Home Point. Conditions of Use: Home point recorded; in the P-GPS mode; distance between the aircraft and home point is larger than 5 meters. How to operate: Tap the Home Lock icon to start. How to reset the parameter: None. How to stop or exit the flight mode: Click the “Exit” button during flight.
A3/A3Pro User Manual If the detected voltage is too low, the aircraft will not enter the Waypoints flight mode. IOSD DJI Lightbridge 2 MUST be connected to for the built-in iOSD to work. Most flight information is displayed on-screen in the DJI GO app. Information displayed includes voltage, flight velocity, height, distance from the home point, horizontal attitude, GPS satellite number, etc.
A3/A3Pro User Manual SDK An independent CAN2 port, API Serial port and USB OTG port are provided for SDK support. The CAN2 port lets you connect SDK devices and support for open protocols enables greater customization. Refer to the DJI official website https://developer.dji.com/ for more SDK details. Flight Control System Checklist Hardware Checklist Mounting and components checklist 1. Ensure all parts are mounted correctly and firmly. 2. Ensure the ESCs and receiver are connected correctly and firmly.
Flight Safety It is important to understand basic flight guidelines for the safety of both you and those around you. Refer to the Disclaimer and Safety Guidelines for more information. Appendix LED Indicators Flight Status LED Indicator LED Description Alternatively ×4 Blinking Red, Green and Yellow Blinking Yellow Four Times The system is warming up.
A3/A3Pro User Manual GPS-Compass Pro/IMU Pro/Flight Controller LED Indicator LED Indicator Green Red Blue Status The module is functioning normally and working as a part of the system When the LED is blinking green. The module is functioning abnormally When the LED is blinking red. The module is functioning normally but not working as a part of the system When the LED is blinking blue. Troubleshooting 1. LED Status checklist Ensure the mode switch corresponds to the flight status LED.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Specifications Built-in Functions P-mode (Positioning) Flight Modes Atti mode / A-mode (Attitude) F-mode (Function) Manual mode Smart RTH Return-to-Home Modes Low voltage RTH Failsafe RTH Failsafe mode Low battery voltage warning Custom flight altitude and radius limits Safety Features No Fly Zones Motor redundancy (for 6 and 8 rotor platforms) Motor overload detection Triple modular redundancy (for A3 Pro) Beginner mode Auto takeoff and landing Wireless flight controller configur
A3/A3Pro User Manual Peripheral 4-rotor: I4, X4 Supported Airframes 6-rotor: I6, V6, Y6, IY6 8-rotor: X8, I8, V8 Supported ESC output 400 Hz refresh frequency DJI Lightbridge 2 Supported Receivers DJI DR16 S-Bus Recommended Batteries Required Operation System SDK Onboard SDK Ports Expansion Ports 3S-12S LiPo battery Windows 7, 8 or 10 (32 or 64 bit) Mac OS X 10.9 or later Mobile SDK Onboard SDK API, CAN2* F1-F4 ports for output F5-F8 ports for I/O* *Coming soon.
A3/A3Pro User Manual Flight Controller: 64 mm × 42 mm × 19.5 mm GPS-Compass Pro: 61 mm (diameter) × 13 mm Dimensions LED Module: 27 mm × 27 mm × 8 mm IMU Pro: 34 mm × 26.5 mm × 20 mm PMU: 51 mm × 34 mm × 13.5 mm Optimized Flight Performance (subject to airframe type and payload) Hovering Accuracy (In P-Mode) Vertical: ± 0.5 m Horizontal: ± 1.5 m Max Wind Resistance 10 m/s Max Yaw Angular Velocity 150°/s Max Pitch Angle 35° Max Ascent Velocity 5 m/s Max Descent Velocity 4 m/s 38 © 2016 DJI.
DJI Support http://www.dji.com/support This content is subject to change. Download the latest version from http://www.dji.com/product/a3 If you have any questions about this document, please contact DJI by sending a message to DocSupport@dji.com. © 2016 DJI. All Rights Reserved.
