FeiYu Tech FY-31AP User Manual

Guilin Feiyu Electronic Technology Co., Ltd

Feiyu Tech

FY-31AP Flight Stabilization System

Installation & Operation manual

Dear Customer:

Thank you for choosing FY-31AP as your autopilot system. Please read this manual carefully before using the system to ensure proper use and operation. The installation and use of this device require some skill and knowledge in flying remote controlled fixed wing aircraft.

 If you are a complete beginner and have never flown one before, we

do not recommend you install this device on your own.

 Please find assistance from an experience RC Pilot who may provide

you with the basic knowledge required to use this device successfully.

 If you are already an experienced flyer, you will find the FY31AP

installation to be easy and logical. Just follow this manual and you won’t go wrong.

If you need any technical support you can send mail directly to:

service@feiyu-tech.com

1. Attitude Flight Stabilization System (AFSS)

FY31AP is an inertial attitude measurement instrument used for automated stabilization of fixed wing model aircrafts and simple three axis camera gimbals. FY31AP has an integrated three-axis gyro and three-axis accelerometer which controls the aircraft movement in three - dimensional space.

2. Barometric Sensing and GPS

FY-31AP control module incorporates an accurate barometric pressure sensor. At start up, the take-off air pressure is measured, providing the autopilot with an accurate relative height data. While the GPS module enables the autopilot to calculate the flight course and exact location of the aircraft. If the FY31AP is not connected GPS module, the autonomous flight system cannot be engaged and it will function purely as a flight stabilizer. After connecting the GPS and booting up, the FY-31AP will search for GPS positioning signals, the first time the GPS positioning successfully and the satellites quantity at least 4, then the FY-31AP will remember this position as the home point

3. Function Of FY-31AP

By using your remote control, the FY-31AP can be turned on or off for the following functions:

 Level flight – When stabilization is activated, the FY31AP will

automatically control the aircraft for smooth easy flying. For beginners in RC aircraft flying, this is advantages as it makes flight easier and increases the student pilot self-confidence. The system can be activated throughout the entire flight duration, from take off to landing.

 Emergency Recovery - If you lose orientation release all control

sticks, maintain throttle and switch ON the FY31AP. The unit will automatically send the correct signals to balance of the aircraft and regain level flight, giving you time to get your orientation and fly the plane back to safety.

 Autonomous flight –with the GPS module the autonomous flight

system of the FY31AP will enable you to fly fully autonomous, with up to 8 waypoints(above firmware V2.1, waypoints add to 20. ) settings on the FY Ground Control Station software.

 Ground Control Station – the FY GCS software will enable you to fly

autonomously to up to 8 waypoints(above firmware V2.1, waypoints

add to 20. ), display in-flight telemetry data, and record that flight

for replay and analysis (this requires the optional Data Radio hardware).

 Automated circling - by activating this function, the aircraft will

automatically circle the selected area at a fixed altitude(FY-31AP has

50m altitude protection limited,if the switch point altitude below 50m,FY-31AP will automatic climb to 50m.) the centre of the circle is

the current point. You can set the circling radius, the default radius is 80 meters.

 Return to Home – You can set autonomous return to home via a 3

way switch or through your failsafe setting, enabling you plane returning to home should it lose your transmitter signal. Upon reaching the home point it will automatically engage auto circling, while it waits for your further instructions. (FY-31AP has 50m

altitude protection limited,if the switch point altitude below 50m,FY-31AP will automatic climb to 50m.)

 First Person View - for long-distance RC flight via video transmitter,

the FY31AP will maintain the balance of your aircraft. You only need to control the heading of your aircraft and enjoy the view.

 Firmware upgrade – The FY31AP firmware is upgradable by

connecting to your computer via a USB TTL cable. As Feiyu Tech continuously improves the FY31AP system, firmware upgrades will

be released periodically.

4. Optional Upgrade with FY-OSD and Data Radio

The FY-31AP provides an optional upgrade combining with the FY-OSD and the Data Radio. With this add-on, you will receive:

 First Person View (FPV): by connecting this interface to the FY-OSD,

telemetric data such as GPS, flight navigation, AHI can be displayed on your downlink video. On the other hand, it will be easier to operate FPV with the functions of automatic balance and automated return to home.

 Real time telemetry – real time by-directional telemetry is

monitored directly by your ground station computer. Changes to aircraft altitude and flight path can be controlled from your ground station computer.

 Record and monitor your flight - you can monitor and download

your flight path into your ground station computer.

For more information, please refer to the FY-OSD and FY Data Radio manual.

5. FY-31AP Package Content

• FY-31AP control module *1;

• GPS receiver * 1;

• RC receiver connecting wires * 1;

• Velcro double sided tape * 2;

• Some related wire.

• Instruction manual * 1;

6. Technical Specification and working requirement

 FY-31AP module:

Input voltage : 4.0 ~ 6.0 Volt; Current draw : 50mA (5V); Size : 47 x 27 x 20 mm; Weight (excluding wires) : 25g; Temperature range : -25 ° C ~ +70 ° C; Maximum rate of rotation : ≤ 2000 ° /s

 GPS module:

Input voltage : 3.0 ~ 3.3 Volt; Current draw : 60mA (3.3V); Size : 32 x32x 10 mm; Weight (excluding wires) : 22g; Temperature range : -25 ° C ~ +70 ° C;

7. Application

The FY-31AP can be installed in the following aircraft :

1) Normal / Traditional fixed-wing planes;

2) Delta-winged plane with rudder;

3) Delta-winged plane without rudder;

4) Plane without aileron;

5) V-tail plane with aileron;

6) V-tail plane without aileron;

7) Any other configuration , please e-mail us for enquiry:

service@feiyu-tech.com

8. Remote control system requirement

The FY-31AP has been tested to work with the following RC systems:

 Robbe-Futaba PPM / PCM 1024 / PCM G3 mode, 2.4 GHz systems；  Graupner/JR PPM 8, PPM 12, SPCM mode；  MPX PPM8, PPM 12 with UNI mode  Any remote control system using the standard of 1.5 ms neutral

position.

9. FY-31AP Flight Modes

The FY-31AP has three flight modes, you can activate any of the flight modes via a free Receiver channel and a 3-position switch (named as “SW1”) on your computer radio.

 Mode 1: Deactivated Mode. In this mode, all control of the aircraft

is by the pilot. The FY-31AP does not participate in flight control.

 Mode 2: Stabilized mode

In this mode and your transmitter control sticks at center, the FY31AP will continuously send out controlling signal (aileron, elevator, rudder) to ensure the aircraft maintains a stabilized, horizontal flight and constant flight direction. In this mode FY-31AP will not allow acrobatic flights.

 Mode 3: Navigation mode. In this channel you can select one of

the following mode to be activated. A: Path Navigation mode, In this mode, the waypoint will be set according to the flight path to automatic flight. B: Fixed altitude flight ,When this function is activated, the unit will maintain your aircraft altitude. You only need to input the right throttle level and point the plane in the direction you want to go. C:Heading lock flight: once this mode is activated, the autopilot will auto calculate out a rays as the path, the ray‘s starting point is the current point, and the angle is the current heading angle.

10. FY-31AP Autonomous Flight Modes

Three autopilot modes are incorporated into the FY-31AP, you can set it via a free receiver channel and a 3-position switch (named as “SW2”).

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Flight mode

Stabilized

Mode

Deactivated

Mode

Navigation

Mode

Return To

Launch

(RTL)

Auto Circling

(ACM)

Blue LED

light

indicator

Stay on

solid

continuous

flash

Single flash

Double

flash each

loop

Continuous

flashing 3

times each

loop

Status

Too much

vibration

No GPS or

GPS still not lock

Need to

initialize

Gyro or are

moving

GPS location

fixed

(4 satellites)

Red LED

light

indicator

Stay on

solid

Stay off solid

Continuous

flashing

Continuous

double flash

each loop

Green--Signal Red--- +3.3V

FY-31AP

 Autopilot mode 1:

Deactivated. The autopilot function is not

activated , the flight modes are determined by the “SW1”.

 Autopilot mode 2: Auto Return To Launch（RTL）. When activated

in this mode, the FY-31AP will automatically fly the plane back to the take-off point, while maintaining altitude. (FY-31AP has 50m altitude

protection limited,if the switch point altitude below 50m,FY-31AP will automatic climb to 50m.)Upon reaching the launch area, the unit

will automatically fly the plane in a circle at a default circling radius of 80 meters.

 Autopilot mode 3: Auto Circling Mode (ACM). When activated this

mode, the plane will immediately fly in a circle.

circle is the point of activation

. The default circle radius is 80 meters.

The centre of the

The aircraft altitude will be automatically maintained throughout the ACM. (FY-31AP has 50m altitude protection limited,if the switch

point altitude below 50m,FY-31AP will automatic climb to 50m.)

Autopilot stall warning

a. The FY-31AP has some control over the throttle channel. Therefore,

when flying in Autopilot Modes, please ensure you have enough forward movement to prevent stalling.

b. FY-31AP may have a control over the throttle channel, but the

throttle control signal is base on the stick control signal and will auto adjust according the altitude and speed then output the combined signal. If your forward movement cannot compensate for the autopilot’s active altitude hold, your aircraft will stall.

c. This is especially important if RTL is part of your RC failsafe. In the

event of RC Link lost, you can set RTL into your Receiver failsafe. However, please DO NOT forget to also set your throttle failsafe to between 25 % to 50% to ensure the plane does not stall.

d. Never set your throttle failsafe to zero. If you do so, your aircraft will

RTL in a continuous stalled flight which will result in a crash.

Attention: FY-31AP can work in automatic flight mode, though without

OSD module. Whether you have been connected the OSD or not, FY-31AP can work normally. But if the FY-31AP is not connected GPS module, it will function as purely as a flight stabilizer. The autonomous flight modes cannot be engaged.

11. Red LED Flashing & Gyroscope Re-set:

If the following conditions occur, the FY-31AP initialization is recommended:

(1) The device has not been used for a long time. (2) There is a change in environmental temperature of over 30 degrees

since last flight.

(3) The Red LED flashes continuously even when the FY-31AP remains

stationary about 20s, and you never activate the motor.

(4) If the Red LED is on solid all the time even when the FY-31AP is

stationary, it means the gyroscope is faulty, and the unit need to be sent back for repair.

12. Gyroscope Re-set procedures：

(1) Carry out this re-setting procedure only if the above occur. We do

not recommend regular re-setting. It is not necessary and not recommended.

(2) The stabilizer unit does not need to be in a horizontal position

during initialization. However, you must ensure there is no vibration during this process. If you suspect shaking occurred, just restart the initialization / resetting process.

Initialization / Reset Process

(1) Install the jumper as shown in this

picture:

(2) Power-ON the FY-31AP and keep it

stationary for at least 20 seconds. You will notice the red light blink with two different rates.

(3) After 20 seconds, the re-setting / initialization is complete. (4) Disconnect the power, unplug the jumper & remove it (keep safe for

future use).

Note: Navigation Mode: means one of the three modes. Path Navigation mode, Fixed altitude flight mode and Heading lock flight mode. You can select via the GCS Software. The default mode is Path navigation mode.

14. GPS status & vibration level indicator

You can check the GPS lock status and vibration level by observing the Red LED.

Red light:

15. GPS Receiver

a. If GPS cannot fix the aircraft location (minimum 4 satellites), only

Mode 1 (Deactivated) and Mode 2 (Stabilized Mode) will function. Mode 3 and Autopilot will not be functional.

b. Install the GPS Module with the antenna face up (see following

picture). DO NOT install next to metal or carbon fiber and other shielding material, which may block satellite signal.

c. Install the GPS Module away from electromagnetic sources such as

ESC’s, power wires, servo wires and video transmitters.

GPS – Satellite Signal Lost During Autonomous Flight

 GPS provides the aircraft geographic positioning, altitude, speed and

flight direction.

 Only if the GPS Data is available will the FY31AP perform its

Autopilot Modes.

 In case GPS signal is lost during flight , the autopilot will keep its

height and course （not lock）in automatic navigation mode ,but its course may gradually drift. After GPS signal is regained the plane will resume the Autopilot Mode.

16. FY-31AP INTERFACE

13. Flight mode Indicator (Red or Blue light)

By observing the flight indicator, you can easily re-confirm your Flight Mode switch settings of your radio.

Blue light:

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Guilin Feiyu Electronic Technology Co., Ltd

8 7 6 5 4 3 2

NO.

GND

Power

GND

3.3V

TX0

RX0

Ⅰ

RUD

THR

ELE

AIL

GND

Power

TX1

RX1

Ⅱ

Power

Switch 1

Rudder

Throttle

Elevator

Ⅲ

GND

Power

Aileron

Switch 2

Ⅳ

Switch

number

1 2 3

For Factory

use only

Flight Mode

Selection

Flight Mode

Selection

Adjust flight

patterns

OFF

Always OFF

position

Flight Mode

Selection

Flight Mode

Selection

Normal

mode

Wire color

Receive channel

White

(bundled with red

& black)

aileron

Channel 1

orange

elevator

Channel 2

green

throttle

Channel 3

yellow

rudder

Channel 4

brown

SW 1

Any free channel controlled by

Channel 5

POINT ARROW FORWARD

(TOWARDS FLIGHT DIRECTION)

2 3 4

5 6 7

Function DIP

Jumper installed

during gyro initialization. Do not insert jumper during normal use.

Red LED: the GPS status & vibration level indicator

Rudder sensitivity

Aileron sensitivity knob

Elevator sensitivity knob

Blue LED: Flight mode indicator.

Interface pin

panel

Ⅳ

Ⅲ

Ⅱ

Ⅰ

You need a 4p Y cable, the Hornet - OSD(above firmware V1.6).

data cable and GPS module connected to the FY-31AP(above firmware

V2.1)’s GPS interface. Connection diagram is as follows:

 Pin interface to sort the list

NOTE: The pin”I-1,2,3,4”is for the GPS module, “I-3”pin output

+3.3V, so please don’t supply to this pin, or will burn the FY-31AP.

 DIP Switch Function:

Note:

 In this manual, the direction for all the DIP switches is shown by

white color .

 the position for the DIP switch 1 is OFF, if it was put in ON, then the

FY-31AP cannot work normally.

 UART Interface

The UART pin interfaces consist of: GND, power, TX1, RX1. The characteristics are as follow:

 Baud Rate: 19200  Data bits: 8  Stop Bits: 1  Parity: None  Interface features: TTL

The pin interfaces output telemetry data. This interface connects to the data radio, PC computer serial port or OSD module. You can set the flight route, navigation and control parameters of FY31AP by this interface. The port is also used to upgrade FY31AP firmware. Please read the procedure for the firmware upgrading.

 FY-31AP Electrical Connection and Diagram a) Power supply

 The FY-31AP operates between 4 to 6 volts input.  FY-31AP is powered via the Receiver connection.  If your plane is Electric powered, the Receiver power supply is

normally from the ESC built-in Battery Elimination Circuit (BEC). However, we highly recommend that a separate BEC with a 3A output.

 For Gas or Nitro powered planes, you will require a battery to power

the Receiver and FY-31AP.

b) Connections The FY31AP is

connected to your RC Receiver via a 6 wire cable. You need a minimum 6 Channel RC Receiver.

 FY-31AP requires a minimum

of 6-channel RC receiver.

 4 Receiver channels are used for aileron (channel 1), elevator

(channel 2) ，throttle (channel 3) and rudder (channel 4) signal output. Connect these 4 receiver output signals to the FY-31AP with the supplied wires (pay attention to the color of each channel ).

 2 free Receiver channels are required to control the FY-31AP Flight

Modes (3-position switch or dial knob, ”SW1”) and Autopilot Mode (3-position switch or dial knob, ”SW2”).

 GPS features

The FY31AP GPS pin interface consist of: GND, 3.3V voltage, TX0, RX0. The characteristics are:

 Baud Rate : 38400  Interface Features: TTL level  Data bits: 8  Stop Bits: 1  Parity: None

Connect the above to the GPS Receiver. The GPS data protocol is a standard NEMA0183 and the statement must be $ GPRMC, $ GPGGA.

NOTE: The pin”I-1,2,3,4”is for the GPS module, “I-3”pin output

+3.3V, so please don’t supply to this pin, or will burn the

FY-31AP.

TXO pin interface is used to output FY-31AP(above firmware V2.1) data, and connect Hornet-OSD(above firmware V1.6).

Horner-OSD can be connected to the FY-31AP high-speed data outlet.

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c) Note that the wire is arranged according to color :

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