Hobbico Archon Rise Instruction Manual
© 2018 RISE, a Hobbico company. RISE0300 v1.5
WARNING
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
Please read and understand this manual, the operation and all safety aspects
required for the safe operation of the product. Before use, if you feel that this
product is not for you, please return it to the place of purchase.
Manual Specications and Description Changes
The instruction manual, warranties, and other associated documentation are
subject to change without notice. Hobbico assumes no responsibility for
inadvertent errors to this manual.
™
explore-rise.com
WARNING! This product includes a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery.
Improper handling may result in FIRE! You are responsible for following all safety
precautions as outlined in this instruction manual.
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Archon. We want the time you spend with your new
R/C quadcopter to be fun and successful so please read the entire manual before
beginning setup. If for any reason you think this R/C model is not for you, return
it to the dealer immediately. Your dealer cannot accept returns on any model after
final assembly.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for the Archon please visit
the RISE web site at www.explore-rise.com. If there is any new technical information,
changes or important updates to this model, a “tech notice” box will appear on
the page. Click the “tech notice” box to learn more.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Failure to follow these safety precautions may
result in injury to yourself and others.
● Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from the rotating plane
of the propellers whenever the battery is connected. Keep loose clothing, shirt
sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects such as pencils or screwdrivers
that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets away from the propellers. The spinning
propellers of a model quadcopter can cause serious injury. When choosing a
flying site for your Archon, stay clear of obstacles, trees and power lines. AVOID
flying in or near crowded areas. DO NOT fly close to people or pets. Maintain
a safe distance from the quadcopter.
● Your Archon should not be considered a toy. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Archon, if not operated correctly, could cause injury to you or
spectators and damage to property.
● DO NOT alter or modify the model. Doing so may result in an unsafe or
unflyable model.
● When and if repairs are necessary you must correctly install all components
so that the model operates properly on the ground and in the air. Please check
the operation of the model before every flight to ensure that all equipment is
operating and that the model has remained structurally sound. Be sure to check
the propellers before each flight. Replace them if they show any signs of wear
or fatigue.
LITHIUM BATTERY WARNING!
This product includes a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery. Improper
handling could result in FIRE! A lithium battery fire has the potential
to ignite surrounding areas and may cause property damage or cause
personal injury.
For safe LiPo handling, follow all of these guidelines. If you are unable to follow
these guidelines, return this product to the place of purchase.
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● MOST IMPORTANT! NEVER leave the charger and LiPo battery unattended
while charging.
● Keep out of reach of children!
● NEVER charge a LiPo battery on a flammable surface or near combustible
materials.
● NEVER charge inside a vehicle or at a location that could be damaged in the
event of a LiPo fire.
● Do not charge or use a battery that is deformed, bent, crushed or has any type
of visible damage.
● Only use the included factory approved charger with this LiPo battery.
● ALWAYS keep a supply of sand accessible when charging. Dumping sand on
the battery will assist in extinguishing a LiPo chemical fire.
● It is normal for the charger to become warm to the touch. However, disconnect
the battery and unplug the charger immediately if either becomes hot, begins
to swell, or smoke!
● Disconnect the battery and unplug the charger if the charge time exceeds 3 hours.
● ALWAYS disconnect the battery and unplug the charger after the charge
is complete.
● ALWAYS disconnect and remove the battery from your model immediately
following operation.
● ALWAYS store/transport LiPo batteries in a fireproof container away from
combustible materials.
● NEVER put a LiPo battery in the pocket of any clothing.
● Keep LiPo batteries out of reach of animals. A punctured battery may cause a fire.
● Do not use the included charger for any other battery other than the one
included with this model.
● In the event of a crash, place the battery into a fireproof container immediately.
Examine the battery for damage before further use.
● Only operate and store batteries between 40-110° F (4-43° C).
● NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 140° F [60° C] during operation.
● NEVER disassemble or modify a battery, its wiring, or puncture cells, as this
may result in fire.
● Do not allow the battery to short circuit by touching exposed wires together.
● Stop the operation of your model immediately when the battery power
is low. A battery failure can occur when attempting to recharge an overdischarged battery.
● LiPo batteries must always be recycled or disposed of properly.
WARRANTY
RISE™ guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship
at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts
damaged by use or modification. In no case shall RISE’s liability exceed the original
cost of the purchased kit. Further, RISE reserves the right to change or modify this
warranty without notice. In that RISE has no control over the final assembly or
material used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any
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damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user assembled product. By
the act of using the user assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.
If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this
product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused
condition to the place of purchase.
To make a warranty claim, please contact our support team at http://www.explore-
rise.com/support.php
CONTENTS
● RISE Archon FPV Quadcopter
● 2.4 GHz 6– Channel Transmitter
● Extra Propellers
● Prop Guards
● FPV Monitor with Antenna
● 2200mAh 2S LiPo
● LiPo Charger w/ AC Charge Adapter
● 4 AA Batteries
● Screwdriver
● Instruction Manual
FEATURES
● Entry Level 370 mm GPS FPV Quad
● Ready to Fly, no building required
● 200 mW VTX
● GPS Stability and Return-To-Home
DIMENSIONS
Size: 370 mm (14.6 in)
diagonally motor to
motor
Width*: 300 mm (11.8 in)
Length*: 304 mm (12.0 in)
Height: 110 mm (4.3 in)
Prop: 203 mm (8.0 in)
Empty Weight: 430.9 g (15.2 oz.)
without battery
*without prop guards
MONITOR SPECIFICATIONS
Input power: 5 volts
Channels: 40
Frequencies: 5.725 – 5.945 GHz
Charge jack: micro USB
Dimensions 150 x 79 x 13 mm
with case: (5.91 x 3.11 x 0.51in)
Weight w/o
antenna: 145 g (5.11 oz.)
KNOW BEFORE YOU FLY
As a new owner of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), you are responsible for
the operation of this vehicle and the safety of those around you. Please contact
your local authorities to find out the latest rules and regulations.
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SETUP
Unboxing
Remove the contents of the
box and become familiar with
the included parts. To easily
remove the transmitter from the
packaging, push outward at the
location shown while lifting up on
the transmitter from the same side.
Battery Charging
Plug the AC wall adapter into a 120V outlet
and connect the balance charger to the wall
adapter. The power LED will illuminate solid
RED. Plug the white balance plug on the
battery to the 2S port on the charger. When
charging, the charge status LED will illuminate
solid RED. When charge is complete the LED
will change to solid GREEN. Typical charge
time of a depleted battery is approximately
2 hours.
NOTE: A blinking red charge status LED indicates a charging error.
● NEVER leave the battery unattended while charging.
● ALWAYS unplug the charger from the outlet and the battery when
charging is complete.
● NEVER charge a puffed or damaged battery.
NOTE: It is normal for the charger to get warm during the charging process.
See the battery precautions at the front of this manual.
Battery Installation
Insert the flight battery into the
battery tray on the underside
of the Archon. Be sure that the
battery is slid as far back into
the tray as allowed. A battery
not properly installed may fall out
during flight and may affect the
center of gravity of the Archon.
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Prop Guard Installation
NOTE: Prop guards are included to help protect the propellers from accidental
contact with obstacles. We recommend they be installed prior to your rst ight.
Fit the bottom prop guard retainer over the alignment pin on the motor cover.
Press the prop guard in place as shown with the pins in the alignment holes. It
should fit snugly over the screw bosses on the retainer. Secure the prop guard
and retainer using three screws included in the package. Repeat this procedure
for the other three prop guards.
RADIO SYSTEM
Remove the battery door screw and slide the door down to access the battery
compartment. Install the included AA batteries and replace the door.
Flight Mode Switch
Altitude Hold sets the Archon to just maintain its altitude
when the left stick is centered. In this mode, the drone
can drift with the wind. The right stick and the rotate
control may be needed to keep the Archon in position.
GPS Hold enables the GPS system to keep the Archon in
position when the sticks are centered. The drone must be
in an open area where it is receiving GPS signals for this function to work correctly.
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Home enables the Return-To-Home function (RTH). When the switch is moved to
Home, the Archon will climb to 8 meters if at or below that altitude, fly back to
the launch point, and then initiate auto-land. When it has completed the landing,
the Archon will stop the propellers.
D/R Switch
This switch controls the sensitivity of the controls. When
the switch is pushed toward the back of the transmitter,
the controls are in the high setting. This setting is
recommended for flying in moderate winds (5+ mph)
or higher.
Pull the switch forward to enter the low rate setting. This setting is best for calm
conditions or when beginning pilots are learning to fly the Archon.
Picture Button
Push this button to capture a still picture on a memory
card (*not included) that has been installed in the camera.
Video Button
Push this button to record a video on a memory card
(*not included) that has been installed in the camera.
Transmitter LED Indicators
There are LED indicators on
the transmitter and the Archon.
The behavior and color of
the LEDs will communicate to
you the current status of the
Archon. Read and understand
the different LED behaviors
before attempting to fly the
Archon. A quick reference chart
is also provided for future use.
GPS - This LED will flash slowly
when at least six satellites have
been detected for GPS mode. The LED will remain off if there are not enough
satellites to fly in GPS (Global Positioning System) mode.
*Memory card not included. Maximum storage 32GB. Class 10 or higher recommended.
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TX - This LED is illuminated solid when the transmitter is turned on and the transmitter
batteries have enough voltage to safely fly. This LED will flash and the transmitter
will beep when the transmitter battery voltage reaches 4.5V. If this occurs during
flight, land the Archon and replace the transmitter batteries.
LVC - When the Archon is powered on and the transmitter is on and properly
linked to the Archon, this LED will be solid as long as the Archon battery voltage
is above 7.5V. The LED will flash and the transmitter will continuously emit a series
of beeps when the Archon battery voltage falls below 7.5V. If flying in altitude
mode, the Archon will begin the auto-land feature in 3 seconds after LVC (Low
Voltage Cutoff) occurs. If flying in GPS mode the Archon will initiate the RTH
(Return-to-Home) function which will cause it to fly back to the home point at 8
meters in altitude and in a direct line of flight at which point the Archon will auto-
land. NOTE: To cancel the RTH function when initiated by a low voltage cutoff
condition, move the flight control switch to ALTITUDE HOLD. The Archon will stop
its flight back to the point and immediately descend straight down from its current
position for landing.
PREPARING FOR FLIGHT
NOTE: Do not try to fly at this time. You must calibrate the Archon before your
first flight.
Powering the Archon
1. Turn on the transmitter by
pressing the power button.
The TX and LVC LEDs will
illuminate and the
transmitter will emit a
continuous series of beeps
until the Archon is powered.
2. Connect a charged battery
to the Archon. The transmitter
will stop beeping when it
detects the radio connection
to the Archon. If the
transmitter continues to beep
then the Archon may not be
linked to the transmitter. See
LINKING THE TRANSMITTER.
3. Place the Archon in an
open area free of any
people or obstacles.
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Rear Archon LED
The rear Archon LED will relay the
following information to the pilot:
Pre-flight LED status
Fast Flash RED - Searching for GPS satellites.
Slow Flash RED - GPS acquired, home position not yet set.
Solid RED - GPS acquired and home position set.
Fast Flash GREEN - Begin compass calibration. See Compass Calibration
for complete description.
Slow Flash GREEN - Awaiting vertical rotation for compass calibration
procedure.
Compass Calibration
When the Archon is powered on, it will automatically take magnetic readings of
the surroundings and compare them to its current compass settings. If the Archon
determines that the compass needs to be calibrated, it will initiate the compass
calibration procedure indicated by the Archon rear LED flashing fast green.
Compass calibration should be done in an open area, free of any large metal
objects such as automobiles, fences, buildings, etc.
Fast Flash GREEN - The Archon
should be placed on a flat, level
surface. Rotate the Archon as
shown while keeping it level
until the LED changes to slow
flash green.
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Slow Flash GREEN - Pick the
Archon up and hold it vertically
with the nose pointing down.
Rotate the Archon as shown until
the LED no longer flashes green.
If at any time the Archon appears to be flying erratically
or is unable to maintain position during hover in GPS
mode, compass calibration can be manually initiated
when the Archon and transmitter are powered on and
propellers are un-armed (not rotating). Move both
transmitter sticks simultaneously to the bottom left
corners and hold until the Archon rear LED flashes fast
green. Release the sticks. Then, continue with the procedure described in this section.
Accelerometer Calibration
Accelerometer calibration can be performed whenever the Archon is placed on
a flat, level surface and the propellers are un-armed (not rotating). This calibration
should be performed regularly to help ensure that the sensors are operating
correctly during flight.
To perform accelerometer calibration, the Archon and
transmitter must be powered on and the propellers
must be un- armed (not rotating). Place the Archon on
a flat, level surface and move both transmitter sticks
to the bottom right corners and hold until the Archon
rear LED alternates quickly between red and green.
Motor Arming and Disarming
When you are ready for flight and the Archon is in
a safe, open area, arm the motors by moving both
transmitter sticks to the bottom inside corners and
hold until the propellers begin to rotate. WARNING:
The props will rotate at a moderately slow, idle
speed when armed. Moving the throttle stick above
the middle stick position after the motors are armed will cause the propellers to
accelerate for flight.
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To stop the propellers from rotating after they have
been armed, or at any time after landing if the
propellers fail to automatically stop, you can disarm
them by moving both transmitter sticks to the bottom
outside corners and hold until the propellers stop.
Emergency Stop -
The emergency stop
function can be used
any time during flight
to stop the motors
from rotating. We
recommend that the
emergency stop function only be used when
necessary to preserve the safety of surrounding things and people or to prevent
the imminent loss of your Archon due to pilot error or malfunction.
To activate the Emergency Stop, press and hold the PICTURE and VIDEO buttons
simultaneously for at least 2 seconds.
NOTE: The Archon motors will stop spinning when the emergency stop is activated.
This will cause the Archon to fall freely to the ground. Care should be taken to
ensure that causing the Archon to fall to the ground uncontrolled, likely damaging
both it (the Archon) and possibly what it lands on, is preferable to a controlled
descent and landing. Use the emergency stop only when necessary. The transmitter
LEDs will indicate that the emergency stop was activated by flashing repeatedly
in a consecutive order. This indication can be cancelled by arming the motors
again or cycling the power of the transmitter.
FLYING THE ARCHON
Flight Modes
The Archon can be flown with or without GPS assist.
The altitude hold function is always operational
regardless if GPS is assisting your flight.
Altitude Hold - Moving the flight mode switch to ALTITUDE HOLD disables GPS
assist. In this mode the Archon can be flown anywhere even if there is no GPS
signal present. The barometric sensor will still provide information to the Archon
about its altitude which will
allow it to automatically maintain
the current altitude when the
throttle stick (left stick) is released.
Because GPS is not assisting with
the flight, the Archon is free to
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