Parallax ELEV-8 Y-6, 80100 Assembly Manual

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ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter Kit (#80100) Information and Assembly Guide

Features

 Six-rotor system with fixed-pitch blades  Propeller P8X32A microcontroller flight control board  Pre-programmed with flight-control softwa re  Custom plates protect motors and electronics  Designed to easily attach a camera mount  Great for FPV (First-Person-View) Camera Systems

Specifications



Weight, without battery: 2.7 lbs (1.23 kg) fully assembled

 Payload capacity, excluding batte ry: ~ 4 lbs (1.8 kg)  Average assembly time: 8 hours  Height (assembled): 9 in (23 cm)  Rotor-to-rotor width (centers): 22 in (55.9 cm)

Additional Items Required



RC radio controller and receiver, 5-channel minimum for flight

 2 LiPo Batteries, 3000 to 4400 mAh 3-c ell 30 C discharge rate  LiPo Battery Charger  PC running Windows to configure the control board firmware for

Y6 operation

Application Ideas



Hobby RC flying

 Aerial photography  Flying tele-presence platform

CAUTION: READ ALL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (PAGE 2) BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION!

READ THIS FIRST – IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!



READ ALL WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS ON THIS PAGE BEFORE ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION!

 WARNING: CUTTING HAZARD. Rotating ELEV-8 Y-6 blades can cut skin and

underlying tissue s. Stay away from a powered ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter and never become complacent during operation.

 WARNING: ENTANGLEMENT HAZARD. Secure long hair and loose clothing

or jewelry when building, testing, and operating your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter to avoid entangleme nt w ith motors.

 WARNING: EYE HAZARD. Always wear eye protection when assembling,

soldering, operating, or repairing your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter.

 Customer agrees to fly at Academy of Model Ae ronautics (AMA) approved

flying fields, maintaining insurance t hrough their AMA membership.

 Inform yourself of and follow all current federal, state, and local laws

regarding the use of hobby RC aircraft in the a rea where you plan to operate your ELEV-8 Multicopter craft. Review the FAA’s rules in entirety – you are responsible for following them.

 An ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter assembled and used as directed in this document

is an RC hobby aircraft and does not constitute the use of an autonomous UAV or drone. Modifying your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter to function as an autonomous UAV or drone is not supported, recommended, or endorsed by Parallax Inc. If you choose to modify your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter to function as an autonomous UAV or drone, you do so entirely at your own responsibility and risk.

 This kit is not for beginners. Advanced me ch anical skill is required for

building and flying an ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter. RC aircraft experience is highly recommended.

 Follow the instructions carefully; incorrect assembly of your ELEV-8 Y-6

Multicopter could cause risk of catastrophic equipment failure, personal injury to you or others, and property damage.

 Perform initial electronic speed controller (ESC) programming before

installing the propeller blades. Remove propeller blades before reprogramming the ESCs.

 Establish and test the radio link between the RC controller and RC receiver

before installing the propeller blades. Remove propeller blades before testing a differen t c ontroller.

 Always disconnect the battery when not in use.  Store your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter and its radio controller out of reach of

children, pets, and those who do not know how to use them safely.

 Only operate your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter in an area with no children,

unsecured pets, or livestock, which can be harmed by contact with rotating blades. For example, children and dogs may try to jump and catch a flying Y-6 Multicopter, or may run to investig ate one that has just landed.

 Only operate your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter outdoors and away from crowded

areas. All observers shoul d stand a safe distance

behind

the operator.

 Only operate your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter in an environment where you can

maintain unobstructed visual contact with it. Do not operate at ni ght, or where there is fog, smoke, or dust that could limit visibility.

 Keep your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter dry! Do not submerge your ELEV-8 Y-6

Multicopter or operate it in rainy or damp conditions. Beware of sprinklers and of landing in wet vegetation.

 Check the wind speed before flying your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter. Even a

light breeze can make flying difficult for be ginners. No one should fly in high winds.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY: PARALLAX INC. IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM AGE S AN D P ERS ON AL INJ URIES, INCLUDING THAT TO LIFE AND HEALTH, RESULTING FROM THE CU STOMER’S APPLICATION AND U SE OF AN Y PAR ALLAX INC. PRODUCTS. YOU, THE CUSTOMER, ASSUM E FULL AND UNLIMITED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL CUSTOMER ELEV-8 Y-6 MULTICOPTER APPLICATIONS AND USES.

Bill of Materia ls

This bill of materials is provid ed so you may invento ry each bag in your ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter Kit before b eginning construction. I f you are missing any parts, contact sales@parallax.com

directly for assistance. Note that some items are small sub-kits with additional components not

listed separately. Parts and quantities subject to change without notice. Some items are available online from www.parallax.com.

ELEV-8 Y-6 Kit Contents (#80100)

ELEV-8 Y-6 Hardware Kit (#80120)

ELEV-8 Y-6 Electronics Kit (#80110)

Part # Qty Description

Part # Qty Description Part # Qty Description

31500

Hoverfly OPEN Board

712-00007 4 Washer, #6, 3/8" OD, Zinc 750-90002 6 Brushless 1000kV

700-10003

Safety glasses

700-00085 3 Screw, #6-32x1/8", Set, SS 721-80001 3 GemFan 10x4.5-C Regular Carbon

80130 1 ELEV-8 Y-6 Airframe Kit

700-00036 4 Nut, #4-40, Nylon 721-80000 3 GemFan 10x4.5-C Pusher Carbon

80120

ELEV-8 Y-6 Hardware Kit

713-00019

Spacer, #4,x1/8", NY

750-90000

HW30A ESC

80110 1 ELEV-8 Y-6 Electronics Kit

713-00043 16 Standoff, nylon, 4-40, 5/8" threaded 750-00056 21 16 AWG silicone wire, stranded, red

85000 1 ESC Progra m mi ng Car d

710-00036 12 Scr ew, 4-40, 3/8", PH, SS 750-00058 1.25 12 AWG silicone wire, stranded, blk

710-00042

Screw, 4-40, 1 1/4", PH, SS

750-00059

1.25

12 AWG silicone wire, stranded, red

ELEV-8 Y-6 Airframe Kit Contents (#80130) 710-00006 8 Screw,#4-40x1/2",PH,SS 800-00021 2 16" Red Pluggable Jumper-Male

Part # Qty Description 700-00024 4 Locknut, 4-40, 1/4" 800-00022 2 16" Black Pluggable Jumper-Male

730-00060

ELEV-8 Boom (Black)

710-00039

Screw, 3 x 6 mm, 0.5 thread, black

350-00044

1.5

Red LED Tape

721-80010 1 ELEV-8 Control Board Top Plate 710-00100 6 Screw, 4-40, 1/4", PH, Black 350-00045 3 White LED Tape 721-80002 1 Control Board Mounting Plate 720-28001 1 Light Pipe 452-00088 1 Nylon housing EC3 Plug 10-pack 721-80012 1 Y-6 Chassis Plate Top 725-00067 1 1.5 mm Hex Key 450-00050 2 3.5mm Gold Bullet Conn 10-Pk 721-80013 1 Y-6 Chassis Plate Bottom 700-00106 1 Loctite 242 800-00036 13.5 Heat-shrink 3/4" dia. tubing, clear 721-80006 6 ELEV-8 Motor Mount Bottom 900-00021 2 Nylon Strap, Black 800-00023 36 Heat-shrink 3/16" dia. tubing, black 730-00062 3 Y-6 Landing Gear Mounts 700-00059 24 Washer, Lock, #4, Internal Zinc 800-00039 3 Heat-shrink 1/2" dia. tubing, black 721-80014 3 Y-6 Landing Gear(carbon fiber rods) 700-00093 12 Zip Tie, 4", Black 800-00080 5 3-wire extension, 22AWG, F/F, 8" 120-00006 0.5 5" Red/White Checkered Sticker 120-00007 1 5" Black/White Checkered Sticker

ELEV-8 Y-6 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

These instructions are for assembling the ELEV-8 Y-6 in its most standard configuration. Some steps are optional; we’ll explain those along the way. The ELEV-8 Y-6 Multicopter platform is designed for creative experimentation and adaptation; however, we recommend that you try the standard configuration first, and then experiment at your own educated risk.

These instructions are available online as a full-color PDF; go to www.parallax.com

and search “80100”.

Preparation

1. Read the entire assembly instructions be fore beginning. Assembly and testing takes about eight hours on average.

2. If you are missing any components, email support@parallax.com or call 888-512-1024 (inside continental US) or 916 -624-8333.

3. Gather all of the additional items and tools required.

4. Charge your LiPo b atteries with their charger.

Additional Items Required



RC radio controller and receiver, 5-channel minimum for flight

 2 LiPo Batteries, 3000 to 4400 mAh 3-c ell 30 C discharge rate  LiPo Battery Charger  PC running Windows to configure the contro l board firmware for

Y6 operation

Tools Required



Soldering iron, solder, and flux

 Component vise  #1 Phillips screwdriver  1/4 inch wrench, box-end or socket  11/32 inch wrench or nut driver  Wire strippers/cutters (12-16 AWG)  Scissors  Needle-nose pliers  Ruler or measuring tape  Heat gun or blow dryer (for heat-shrink tubing)

Step 1: Motor Set Screws

Start by applying Blue Loctite to the motor set screws, to prevent them from coming loose during flight and causing equipment failure.

1. Locate the Blue Loctite 242, the six motors, and the 1.5 mm Hex Key in the ELEV-8 Hardware Kit.

2. Refer to the drawing on the next page. Using the Hex Key, carefully remove the Motor Set Screws (item 2) from each motor (item 1). The screws may be very tight; be careful not to break your Hex Key.

3. For each motor, a pply a small amount of Blue Loctite to the Set Screw threads and carefully reinstall the screws. Seat each screw firmly but do not over-tighten. Allow the Blue Loctite to set for 10 minutes. It fully cures in 24 hours.

Step 2: Solder the Motor and ESC Speed Controller Connectors

In this step you will solder long leads to the motors. Then, you will solde r EC3 connectors to each lead and each Electroni c Speed Controller (ESC). The EC3 con nector s will give you the abilit y to switch around the wire connections when you chec k your motor direct ion la ter i n the build. Be sure to use all of the same “gender” for the leads, and all of the opposite “gender” for the speed controllers. Follow the instructions below.

1. Gather together your motors, the red 16 AWG wire, EC3 conne ctor s, wire cutters, wire stripper, ruler, and soldering supplies.

2. Using a ruler and wire cutters, measure and cut eighteen lengths of the red 16 AWG wire, each 14 inches (35.6 cm) long.

3. Use wire strippers to remove the insulation and expose about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) of metal at one end, and 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) at the other end.

4. Solder a wire (the 1/4-inch exposed end) to each lead on all six motors.

5. For this step, use all male or all female EC3 connectors (we used male EC3s here). To s older an EC3 co nnector to the opposite end of each lead, insert the 1/8-inch exposed tip of the wire into the cup end of the bullet connector, and fill the cup with solder.

6. If necessary, use wire strippers to expose 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) of metal on the end of each speed controllers’ blue wire leads.

7. Solder an opposite-gender EC3 connector to the end of each speed controllers’ blue lead s.

8. Connect the male EC3 connectors to the female EC3 connectors of your speed controller, to verify that they fit properly.

9. Disconnect them again for now.

Step 3: Apply Heat-shrink Tubing to Motor and ESC Leads

Heat-shrink tubing will protect the solder joints and prevent uninte nded electrical contact. In the top picture, the tub ing is fully shrunk over the motor-ESC lead solder joints. How ever, in the bottom p icture, the tubing is only partially shrunk over an ESC lead’s EC3 connector. This keeps the leads from accidentally making contact with eac h other, yet allows the co nnectors to be plugged and unplugged if needed when testing motor connections in a later step.

1. Locate the leng th of 3/16” bla ck tubing. Measure and cut eighteen pieces, each 3/4-inch (1.9 cm) long.

2. Slip a piece of tubing over each solder joint on each motor lead.

3. Apply heat with a hea t gun or blo w dr yer to shr ink the tubing over the solder joint, as shown (top).

4. Measure and cut eighteen more pieces of heat-shrink tubing, each 1 inch (2.5 cm) long.

5. Slide a piece of tubing over an ESC lead.

6. Plug in the opposite connector from the motor assembly. Position the tubing to cover both connectors and solder joints.

7. Disconnect the motor assembly lead but keep the tubing in place. Care fully apply heat to just the ver y end of the tubing where it covers the ESC lead and connector solder joint. Apply just enough heat to secure the tube to the wire behind the connector, a s shown in the picture (right). Do not let t he other end of the tubing shrink.

8. Test that you can still plug and unpl ug the motor lea d connector into the ESC connector.

9. Repeat with the other 11 ESC leads, and then disconnect the motors from the ESCs for now.

Step 4: Motor Mount Assembly

In this step, you will attach the Motor Mounts and Motors to the Booms. DO NOT ATTACH THE PROPELLERS TO THE MOTORS YET.

1. Gather the items listed in the diagram on the next page.

2. Attach each Motor (item 1) to a Motor Mount Bottom plate (item 4). Use four 3 mm x 6 mm screws (item 9) for each motor.

3. Use two 3/8” Panhead Screws (item 6) and two Inter nal Tooth L ock Washe rs (item 7) to attach two 5/8” Nylon Standoffs (item 8) to one of the Motor Mount bott om plate s. Use two more 3/8” Panhead Screws and Internal Tooth Lock W ashers t o atta ch the second Motor Assembly to the Nylon Standoffs (item 8).

4. One end of each Boom (item 3) has two holes spaced about one inch apart. Slide an assembled Motor Mount o n this end of each Boom so that the motor leads go through the Boom tube. Holes in the Motor Mount plates will line up with the holes in the Boom.

PRO TIP: Tape together the leads of one motor on the ends, and also put a piece of tape on the motor itself. The n, a fter yo u thr ead t he lead s of bot h mot ors t hroug h the Boom, you will know which leads go to which motor.

5. Secure the Motor Mount as sembly to its Boom with two 1” Pan Head Screws (item 2) and two Lock Nuts (item 5).

6. Repeat this process for the other two Boom Assemblies.

710-00039

+ 22 hidden pages

Parallax ELEV-8 Y-6, 80100 Assembly Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual