dji S-900/Zenmuse Pilot Operating Handbook

PILOT OPERATING HANDBOOK

DJIS‐900/Zenmuse

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Author:GenePaysonRevised:9/02/2014

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http://www.troybuiltmodels.com

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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PILOT OPERATION HANDBOOK

DJI S-900/Zenmuse

This book is offered in a format so that pilots can customize the checklists to their exact needs. Please print
out this handbook, make notes while watching the video regarding the checklist, then change the wording
and order to suit your needs. Then print out the revised form and laminate it in plastic. Use it every time you
operate your aircraft. Keep the log books regarding the following:

1) Pilot flight time

2) Aircraft flight time

3) Aircraft maintenance and updates

4) Battery usage, date put into service, voltage, mah vs time

Print out and make readily available the error message legend of various flashing lights. Know what to do
without hesitation should you observe warnings.

Insurance is a must! Not only will it be expensive to repair your aircraft in the event of an incident, if you
injure bystanders or damage other people’s property you are liable for damages which could run into the
millions of dollars. One insurance company which currently writes policies on sUAS is

www.Transportrisk.com

Errors & Omissions should be sent to [e-mail]. We will promptly update the
POH for everyone to have the latest updates available.

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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DJI S900 KEY PARAMETERS

Max Takeoff Weight: 18 lbs.
Approved Cameras: Sony Nex5/7, Panasonic GH3/4, Blackmagic Cinema

--- No Gimbal

13.5lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 21000

12.3lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 15000

--- Nex-7 Gimbal

17.2lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 21000
16lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 15000

--- GH3/GH4 Gimbal

17.68lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 21000

16.48lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 15000

--- BMPCC Gimbal

17.3lbs = S900 and TBM 21000

16.1lbs = S900 and TBM 15000

--- 5D Gimbal

22.5lbs = S900 and TBM 21000 - OVERWEIGHT!

21.3lbs = S900 and TBM 15000- OVERWEIGHT!

Flight Times using 90% of battery:
15,000 mah battery with gimbal and camera: 15+ min
21,000 mah battery with gimbal and camera: 20+ min

These times are averages in our tests. Individual flight times may differ based on weight and flying style.

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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DJI S-900/Zenmuse

CHECKLISTS

 DJI S-900 BENCH SET UP & TESTS

o All screws/bolts are tight
o Timer alarm for flight time to not exceed 80% battery capacity set properly
o Batteries are secure
o Antennas are secure
o Props balanced
o Props aligned
o Props not chipped

o Check blades, arms, etc. for cracks/damage

o Wiring Tight
o No excessive flexing of motors or booms
o Booms/motors will not twist
o Center of gravity is correct
o Warning lights set for low battery if used
o Batteries charged. Replace any battery which cycles below 80% of rated capacity

 Laptop Battery
 Flight Battery
 Handheld Rx Battery
 RC Tx Battery
 Video Rx Battery
 Spare Laptop Battery

 DJI S-900 INVENTORY CHECKLIST

o Load Flight plan
o Aircraft
o Camera with SD card
o Spare parts/tools
o Spare batteries
o Two RC transmitters
o Laptop
o Battery Charger
o Flight Controller Cable
o Video monitor, stand, battery, antennas
o Goggles
o Datalink & cable
o Battery Y-harness

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 DJI S-900 PREFLIGHT CHECKLIST

o Position: GCS, S900
o Emergency LZ
o Wind
o Area secure
o Antennas
o GCS
o Lens cap
o Camera On
o SD card
o Flight battery: voltage – install - CG
o C2 Tx: Switches – On - Model Selection - 5.4V+
o Photo Tx – Switches – On - Model Selection - 5.4V+
o Copter On
o Calibrate? - Cycle
o Copter Voltage on GCS
o GPS Mode – Double Purple/Single Purple
o Course Lock Mode - Green
o Camera/Gimbal tests
o Upload mission

o Zero altitude

 TAKEOFF CHECKLIST

o Timer
o GPS mode (Course lock?)
o Motor startup/checks
o Takeoff
o Landing Gear

 LANDING CHECKLIST

o LZ clear
o Landing Gear
o Land
o Flight Time
o Copter/Camera Power down
o Adjust Params
o Power Down ____ batteries
o Motor Temps
o Logbooks

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 ERROR MESSAGES

o White flashes

 IMU malfunction. Land and determine cause. Possibilities:

 GPS/Compass not pointing forward
 IMU not pointing forward
 Set up of X, Y, Z for location of IMU and Compass is incorrect

o Excessive rocking/instability possible causes:

 Weak motor
 Structure flexing from fatigue or cracks

 Motor mount
 Main frame
 Booms

 Loose Bolts causing flexing or misalignment

 Props
 Mounts

 Props out of balance
 Props misaligned
 Excessive wind speeds or gusts
 Excessive Gains
 Excessive motor power. Max motor power must a little more than typical ascent

power.

o Red Flashes (1, 2 or 3 flashes with pauses) – GPS loss (3 is more serious). Land if loss lasts

for more than 30 seconds. Possible causes:

 Clouds
 Structures
 GPS mal-function
 GPS too close to electrical components
 GPS vibration

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 Section 1: General
 Section 2: Limitations
 Section 3: Emergency Procedures
 Section 4: Normal Procedures
 Section 5: Performance
 Section 6: Weight and Balance/Equipment List
 Section 7: Air Vehicle and Systems Description
 Section 8: Handling, Service and Maintenance
 Section 9: Supplements

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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SECTION 1

GENERAL

NOTE: In an effort to minimize costs and maximize spare parts availability, many COTS (commercial off
the shelf) components have been utilized. Some may have slight modifications to better suit this application.
Most COTS products have separate data sheets, assembly manuals and instruction manuals. They are
reference in this document, with key factors being emphasized.

As with all high technology products utilizing constantly evolving software, it is important to periodically
check for online upgrades to the COTS components, including hardware, firmware and software.

WARNING: Great care must be taken with the batteries. Much of this manual and supplemental information
is devoted to the use and care of the batteries, especially the flight batteries. They are less volatile than
gasoline, though they should be treated with the same respect. Become very familiar with proper techniques
of their use.

 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

o Primarily for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance)
o Economical due to extensive use of COTS products
o Low Visual Signature
o Low Aural Signature
o Quick Launch and Recovery
o Short Training Period
o Simple Operation
o Waypoint Navigation
o Backpackable
o VTOL
o Quick Repairs
o Redundant Flight Systems
o Safety Return to Home during lost link or low battery
o High Degree of Mission Success
o GPS navigation aid
o Various sensors
o 18 lb max takeoff weight
o Operating Temp Range: -5°C to +60°C
o Flight Modes: Manual and GPS aided waypoint navigation
o Maximum Operating Altitude: 1000 meters
o Maximum Operation Wind Conditions: 10 m/s
o Propulsion System: LiPoly batteries
o Takeoff: Manual or Automatic
o Landing: Manual or Automatic
o Takeoff/Recovery Area: 5m square

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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 IMPORTANT DIMENSIONS

o Distance rotor to rotor across the center: 35”
o Height with GPS/Compass folded down: 21”
o Height with GPS/Compass up: 25”
o Length of landing gear skids: 17”
o Distance between landing gear skids: 18”
o Collapsed size: 22” x 19”

 IMPORTANT WEIGHTS

o --- No Gimbal
o 13.5lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 21000
o 12.3lbs = S900 NO Gimbal and TBM 15000
o --- Nex-7 Gimbal
o 17.2lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 21000
o 16lbs = S900 with Nex-7 and TBM 15000
o --- GH3/GH4 Gimbal
o 17.68lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 21000
o 16.48lbs = S900 with GH3/GH4 and TBM 15000
o --- BMPCC Gimbal
o 17.3lbs = S900 and TBM 21000
o 16.1lbs = S900 and TBM 15000
o --- 5D Gimbal
o 22.5lbs = S900 and TBM 21000 - OVERWEIGHT!
o 21.3lbs = S900 and TBM 15000- OVERWEIGHT!

 MOTORS

o Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations
o Number of motors: 8
o Motor type: 41mm x 14mm
o Motor Model Number: 4114-11
o Motor KV/RPM: 400
o Motor max @ 25.2V: 10,000 rpm
o Motor Max Power: 500 Watts
o Power rating: 3000 Watts maximum power consumption for all 6 motors
o Current Max: 100 amps
o Amp Draw Typical Average: 55 amps

 PROPELLERS

o Manufacturer: DJI-Innovations
o Material: Composite
o Number of propellers: 6
o Propeller model number: DJI 15 x 5.2
o Number of blades: 2 - folding
o Propeller Diameter: 15”
o Propeller Pitch (fixed): 5.2”
o Max rpm: 10,000 rpm

© 2014 Troy Built Models, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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