User Manual

USER GUIDE
60
6.12.5 Setting Idle Throttle (Multirotor only)
When the multirotor is armed and the multirotor is level, the motors are commanded to spin at the idle
throttle setting. You can change this setting by invoking menu mode, navigating to the “New Airframe
Checklist” menu, and changing the “Idle Throttle (microseconds)” menu item.
The idle throttle should be adjusted so that the motors spin when armed, but not fast enough to lift the
multirotor. In addition, the idle throttle should be set high enough so that the propellers will not stall in flight.
If the idle throttle is set too low, the motors won’t spin when armed, and the multirotor could stall during
flight. If set too high, the multirotor could take off or flip over when armed!
Typically, a good idle throttle value will range from 1150 to 1200 microseconds. However, this can vary from
ESC to ESC, and may depend on your ESC endpoint settings. Consult your ESC manufacturer for
recommendations.
One way to adjust idle throttle (without propellers installed!) is to set the value low, arm the multirotor, and
observe the motors. If the motors aren’t spinning, increase the idle throttle until they do.
Your MicroVector has a feature we call “Parachute Mode”, which tries to keep the multirotor level
during descent, when you move your throttle all the way down. A good idle throttle adjustment is important
for this feature to work correctly.
6.12.6 Confirming Correct Motor Order and Direction (Multirotor only)
For correct operation, you must ensure that you have connected your ESCs to the correct
MicroVector outputs, and that the ESCs are turning the motors in the correct direction.
Remember that the numbers next to the motors in the airframe diagrams correspond with the
“M” numbers on the MicroVector outputs, and that the circular arrows indicate correct prop
rotation.
For tricopters, the motor rotation direction is aribitrary, but don’t forget to match the correct propeller
orienation with the motor rotation direction!
One way to test if your setup is correct is to use the motor tester built into the MicroVector. To do this, invoke
menu mode, select the “Multirotor Configuration” menu, and select “Motor
Tester”.
For safety, it is recommended that you remove propellers before
running the motor tester.
To test a particular motor, select the motor in the menu. It should briefly
spin.
Alternatively, if you select the “Activate Mode Switch Control!” item, you
can use the Mode switch to control which motor spins. Toggle the mode switch once for motor 1, twice for
motor 2, etc. Deselect the menu item when done.
If the wrong motor spins, you have made an error in your ESC connections. If the motor spins the wrong
direction, you need to reverse any two of the leads between the ESC and the motor.
The motor tester will be disabled if USB is connected.
If you have BLHeli
TM
ESCs, you should be able to change the motor direction using BLHeliSuite, via the
Vector’s USB cable. See section 6.12.7 – ‘Configuring BLHeliTM ESCs using BLHeliSuite’ of the manual for more
information.
Also, when you install propellers, make sure that you have selected a propeller of the correct orientation for
the direction the motor is spinning.